Madison Living - January

Elaine Oakes • Major Wooten • Chamber Connections • Bailey Erickson

MADISON Living January 2020 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

2019 Weddings All things white, bright & beautiful

Passion and Pearls Best friends use bond to make brides’ visions reality

Say yes to the dress Tips on finding your dream gown

PREMIUM FOOD IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. RELAX. UNWIND. WE'LL TAKE CARE OF THE DISHES.

Enjoy food prepared using only the finest ingredients, from 100% Certified Angus Beef® to seafood that is flown in fresh.

Delicious, handcrafted cocktails and craft beer are always on the menu, with weekly drink specials to inspire your adventurous side.

LO C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

M A D I S O N’S N E W P R E M I U M C A S UA L R E S TAU R A N T & LO U N G E

256.715.1283 | 8141 HWY 72 W, in Madison, next to Target | TomBrownsRestaurant.com

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WEDDINGS 40

Rebecca & Andrew Hinson

42

Brittany & Kyle Swearengen

44

Holly & Sean Andino

46

Joanna & Jonah Clem

48

Samantha & Tyler Catlett

50

Jezell & Chris Toney

52

Mallory & Jake Griffin

54

Cheyenne & Calvin Sandlin

4 Madison Living

40

46 FOOD & DRINK

11 Smokin’ Good at the Ricky Shack

SCHOOL & SPORTS 17 Changing the culture

Madison couple enjoy unusual sport and share their passion with others

IN EVERY ISSUE: 7 The Guide 58 Out & About 62 Chamber Connections

FEATURES

23 Passion and pearls

Best friends make brides’ visions become reality

33 103 Years of history

Madison veterans takes every opportunity to share his story

Madison Living 5

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From the editor

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Don’t you just love weddings? If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and browse through this issue of Madison Living for a while.

Our annual bridal edition is one our staff looks forward to every year. As the headline says, this issue is full of all things white, bright and beautiful!

We feature newlyweds from Madison beginning on page 38. Thanks to all our brides and grooms who were willing to share their big days with us. We also visit with Anna and Hilary – the women and best friends behind Passion & Pearls. Check out their story on page 23.

ElainE OakEs • MajOr WOOtEn • ChaMbEr COnnECtiOns • bailEy EriCksOn

MADISON LIvINg January 2020 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

2019 Weddings all things WhitE, bright & bEautiful

Passion and Pearls

In this issue, we also feature Madison resident Elaine Oakes who, with her husband Lynn, participates in the area’s first curling team. The Rocket City Curling Club now has 100 participants in north Alabama after being founded in 2018. Oakes said she found the sport by watching the 2006 Olympics and, when the club came to Huntsville, she jumped at the chance to learn.

Writer Erin Coggins also sat down with Major Wooten, one of the area’s last surviving veterans of World War II. Wooten turned 103 in December and shares his life story with our readers in this issue of Madison Living.

Whatever your reason for picking up this issue, we thank you for reading and wish you all a Happy New Year!

bEst friEnds usE bOnd tO MakE bridEs’ visiOns rEality

say yes to the dress tips On finding yOur drEaM gOWn

ON THE COVER Mallory and Jake Griffin were married May 18, 2019. Turn to page 52 for their love story and photos of their big day.

Photo by Valerie Callan

6 Madison Living

rebekah.martin@madisonlivingmagazine.com

the guide

January 31 State of the City Address Connect 2020 is Madison’s premier gala event of the year. Mayor Paul Finley will deliver his State of the City address under the Saturn V Rocket for an evening of connections, featuring a year in review and his vision for our future. Dress for this event is cocktail attire, black tie optional. Connect 2020 takes place in the Davidson Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m., with dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m. More information is available at madisonalchamber.com.

Madison Living 7

The Guide is sponsored by

the guide

JAN. 1-31

A New Year of Health & Wellness The Hogan Family YMCA welcomes all to pursue greater health and wellness in 2020. Visit the YMCA’s website for more details.

NOW THROUGH JAN. 12

Skating in the Park 8 Madison Living

The holidays might be over, but people can still enjoy Skating in the Park. Families and friends will love gliding on the ice in the middle of Big Spring Park in Huntsville. For those who are vertically challenged on ice, there are even ice gliders available to rent. Special DJ Nights and Skating with the Havoc will be happening at the rink in January.

Get more details on hsvmuseum.org.

the guide

JAN. 17-18

Folk School at Burritt on the Mountain Learn new skills in the new year at Burritt On the Mountain, Jan. 17-18 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Watercolor, wood burning and stained glass could be favorite new hobbies! Folk School is a series of workshops for adults who have ever wanted to learn a traditional craft or art. Bring a friend or make new friends while experiencing these fun and exciting classes. Learn more at burrittonthemountain.com.

JAN. 17-19

Broadway Theatre League presents “Waitress�

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this Tony Award-nominated hit features original music and lyrics by seven-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson and original direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life in this popular touring show. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Tickets and details can be found at broadwaytheatreleague.org.

Madison Living 9

MADISON Living Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James John Few Contributors Gregg Parker Bob Labbe Richard George Robert V. Parker Joshua Berry Erin Coggins Lee Marshall Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Marketing Tori Waits Administrative Sierra Jackson

••• CONTACT US Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 Phone: 256-772-6677 Fax: 256-772-6655 madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison Living is published monthly

by Madison Publications, LLC. A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $24.99 for 12 issues per year.

Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area.

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Copyright 2019

by Madison Publications, LLC

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CONTRIBUTORS Alison James, copy editor

Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City 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.

John Few, contributing writer John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 25 years. John has served as a staff writer for The Demopolis Times, the daily newspaper in West Alabama, and editor for the weekly newspaper the Black Belt Gazette. He was transferred in 2009 to begin his coverage of Madison. In covering the City of Madison the past 10 years, John has reported on several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James 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.

Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the Huntsville community. He has been in the local news media for 46 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print media. He is a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Press Association and Alabama Music halls of fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ in The Years, for 28 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 27 years and was a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg wrote for “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Huntsville Times.”

His articles have been published in numerous chamber of commerce publications, “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege 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, contributing writer Erin Coggins is a scholastic journalism adviser and history teacher at Sparkman High School. She is also a freelance writer and public relations consultant. Her writing muse is World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom she fell in love with while a student studying communications at the University of Alabama. Erin and her husband Jamie reside in Madison.

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.

food&drink

Smokin’ Good at the Ricky Shack Story by Richard George Photos by Joshua Berry and Contributed Madison Living 11

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The Big Green Egg is a simple, yet highly-efficient, cooker. It reaches a perfect cooking temperature in a few minutes and maintains that temperature for hours. It grills, roasts, smokes and bakes, and it is just fun to try various dishes. Two great options for smoking on the Big Green Egg are Cedar Plank Salmon and Beer Can Chicken.

The Dill Butter Salmon package from Costco is my favorite. The three large, skinless pieces of fish will easily feed five people. Add a salad of your choice, dirty rice and toasted bread to complete the menu.

It is OK to drink red wine with fish. A light-bodied and versatile choice is a Pinot Noir. Annette Birchfield, owner of The Wine Cellar at 2304 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville, suggests the Cardwell Hill Fenders Blue Estate. If you prefer a lighter white wine, consider a buttery California Chardonnay.

CEDAR PLANK SALMON

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Soak two cedar planks in water for 30 minutes. Build your charcoal fire and stabilize at 250-275 degrees. Sprinkle salmon with Everglades Seasoning and Bad Byron’s Butt Rub for additional seasoning.

Place cedar planks on grill for 10 minutes to char the wood; flip for 10 more minutes to char the other side; and flip a third time and immediately place salmon on hot charred plank.

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Cook at 250-275 degrees for 15 minutes. Flip and season with Everglades and Bad Byron’s. Drizzle dill butter. Cook for 15 minutes.

Flip and drizzle more butter. Continue flipping and drizzling until salmon is flaky to your preference; 145 degrees is the minimum recommended internal temperature.

GAYLE’S DIRTY RICE Ingredients: • 1 cup Minute rice • 1 can French Onion soup • 1/2 cup water • 1 small can mushrooms • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 stick melted butter (her recipe actually calls for Oleo!)

Grease an 11×13 casserole dish and stir in all ingredients. Cook in oven at 350 degrees for one hour.

Stir frequently until settled.

While at Costco, we often pick up a prepackaged Greek or Caesar salad with all the ingredients.

In the unlikely event that any salmon remains, refrigerate leftovers and top off your salad the next day. The crisp salad and smoky salmon are a wonderful follow-up meal. Try Olive Garden Italian salad dressing or Vivienne Romano Cheese Dressing.

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Some people have referred to this recipe as a Bacon Explosion. I like to think of it as a Bacon-Burger Bomb. I hope you will find it as much fun to prepare as I do, and will enjoy the many flavors when you take that first bite.

Experiment with different combinations. You might not go back to simply putting a round burger on your grill!

Bacon-Burger Bomb

Begin with 8 strips of thin sliced bacon, lay in a vertical pattern on butcher paper or other non-stick (silicone) mat. Weave another 8 strips horizontally. [ Fold back in half every other vertical slice. Lay the horizontal slice down, flip back those preciously folded slices, flip other vertical slice back and repeat horizontal slice. Keep slices snug, as you are weaving a blanket !] Mix approximately 1 pound of venison with 1 pound of hot sausage (or for less adventuresome guests, mix ground chuck with sausage, or just use your favorite hamburger blend and no sausage.) Gently mix the ground meats and roll onto the bacon weave, leaving a 1 inch border of bacon showing so that you can tightly roll it later. Sprinkle your favorite BBQ dry rub; e.g., some of my favorites are Bad Byron’s Butt Rub, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Spice Rub, or Jack Daniel’s Pork Rub. Choose and sprinkle according to your heat/sweet preference! You can add chopped onions, mushrooms, peppers. Now cover with cheddar cheese slices or cheese of your preference. Roll this burger tightly and then secure with the bacon weave,

making sure the ends are closed. Refrigerate. Prepare your indirect fire or utilize the place-setter, legs up, on Big Green Egg. Stabilize at approximately 300 degrees.

Add Hickory or Mesquite chips for flavor. Cook for 30 minutes, roll over 1/3 of way, making sure bacon weave remains tight. Cook another 30 minutes, and roll the rest of the way over so that you have cooked on all sides. Internal temperature recommendation for medium is 150 degrees, bacon to your desired crispness.

For an added flavor, lightly drizzle with the vinegarbased Ollie’s BBQ sauce, an old Birmingham favorite, or The Little Dooey, a BBQ sauce from the Mississippi State University friendly restaurant just off campus in Starkville. Tent and rest to allow the cheese and juices to settle. Cut, butter and lightly toast your buns on the grill. Set out any condiments for burgers. Slice and serve a complex but delightful Cheeseburger with chips.

Madison Living 13

Beer butt chicken

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Some people like to call this beer butt chicken. There is a special rack made for holding the beer and the chicken; my preference, however, is to use an old and scratched up Bundt cake pan. There’s nothing worse than a pound cake that sticks to the pan, so I had absolutely no difficulty talking my wife into getting a new pan, and now the old one is available for use in the Ricky Shack.

This is an easy and delicious meal.

Take a 4-5-pound whole chicken, which serves four to five, remove the neck and giblets from cavity and rinse well. Brine for four to six hours. A good friend and chef, Jake Jacobs, graciously shared his favorite recipe for Poultry Brine: 1 gallon warm water, 3/4 cup kosher salt, 2/3 cup sugar, 3/4 cup soy sauce and 1/4 cup olive oil.

Heat your grill to 325-350 degrees indirect heat.

Remove chicken from brine and rinse thoroughly. Rub olive oil on chicken and then apply a dry rub of equal parts kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and thyme – and for a little pop, use Tony Chachere’s Original Creole seasoning. Cover both inside and outside the bird, and try to get some under the skin for more flavor.

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Place chicken on the throne – legs down for stability, wings up. Pour half a can of your favorite local craft beer into the Bundt pan. If opposed to beer, use chicken broth as a non-alcoholic substitute. I have done both, and they are equally good.

Cut up carrots, celery, onion and potatoes, lightly season and throw in bottom of Bundt pan. Drizzle a little butter on chicken, being careful not to remove too much of the dry rub.

Carefully place the pan and upright chicken on your grill and close grill cover for an hour. Opening the grill allows all the moist heat to escape, so try to avoid opening.

After an hour, open and inspect chicken and broth. Add a little water if needed. Check internal temperature of thigh – it probably should be not quite to recommended minimum of 165 degrees. Cover 20 minutes and then check internal temperature again. Cover and repeat. A 5-pound chicken should take about 1.5-2 hours.

Carefully remove chicken from throne and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then pull chicken apart or slice and serve with vegetables from broth.

Columbia Valley Luke Merlot is a great match for fowl and highly recommended by Annette Birchfield at The Wine Cellar.

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myprogressbank.com Madison Living 15

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

How the 2020 Census impacts the Madison community

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Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

Another year has passed – and in this case, another decade! Each decade brings a national census, and Madison and the north Alabama region are poised to show major changes since 2010.

Census data results affect funding for our schools, public safety, roads and even congressional seats.

Cities in Alabama earn federal per capita funds at a rate of $1,567 per person, per year. It’s critical for our community to participate and give an accurate account for your household so those dollars can be put to impactful use.

Taking a look back to 1980, Madison’s population was only 4,057. The once-small farming town has been thriving ever since. The 1990 Census counted 14,904; the 200 Census recorded 29,329; and in 2010 we were up to 42,938. Our best estimate has Madison boasting a population higher than 50,000 in 2020, bringing us into the “middle-sized” cities category for the first time.

The past decade brought major additions to our city, like Target, the Shoppes of Madison, James Clemens High School and Madison Hospital.

Infrastructure improvements included I-565/County

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Line Interchange, Old Madison Pike, Balch extension, Gillespie extension and the Eastview extension through Bob Jones. Madison now stands as an active and thriving economic center in north Alabama.

So as we prepare for the next decade, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census by April 1. You can respond via phone, online or by mail. Madison has historically had strong participation, with an 80 percent mail response rate, compared with the State at 72 percent and the U.S. at 74 percent. This year marks the first time you’ll have the option to respond online – even on your mobile device.

Census officials hope the ease of online response will raise those numbers even higher.

It’s important to count all children and adults living in your household.

The 2020 Census is more than a count. It’s an opportunity to get involved and to help shape the future of our local area. You can help raise awareness for participation and even earn extra income. For more information on the 2020 Census and employment opportunities, visit www.2020census.gov.

204 Main St., Madison al 35758 256.325.1919 Tues - fri 10-5 Sat 10-4

school& sports

Changing the culture Madison couple enjoy unusual sport and share their passion with others STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY Joshua Berry Madison Living 17

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The 2006 Olympic Games had a profound effect on Madison resident Elaine Oakes. She did not win a gold medal, not even a silver or bronze – in fact, she did not even compete.

Nevertheless, she fell in love with the sport of curling and has not looked back.

“During the 2006 Olympics, my husband Lynn and I found curling. We were amused, confused and fascinated and could not stop watching,” Oakes said. “I told him I wanted to do that someday.”

Oakes looked for a local curling team, but the closet one she found was in Knoxville.

Lynn told her he was not going to travel that far to try it, but if a club ever came to the area, he would. “In the spring of 2018, it did. We signed up for one of the first Learn to Curl sessions and have been hooked ever since,” Oakes said.

The Rocket City Curling Club was founded in 2018, and Oakes was elected to the first board. The club has about 100 members.

Fourteen teams are participating in the fall league, training and competing at the Huntsville Iceplex.

The club held its first tournament, called a bonspiel, over Labor Day weekend. The event, Rock-It City Bonspiel, hosted 32 teams from 10 different states. Even folks who were in the path of Hurricane Dorian attended to compete.

“Everyone had a great time, stayed in our hotels, ate at our restaurants and explored various attractions,” Oakes said. “We see this as an opportunity for economic development for our great town.”

Oakes said she remembers the first time she took to the ice to learn the sport.

She aimed to be good at it from the start – Olympics-bound, even. In the early days of the club, prospective members would go through two learning sessions, and then league play started. She was placed on a team with an experienced player, Linda Haft, who encouraged the rookie player.

“I was super excited to get started, and I just thought I’d be naturally good at it. Let’s just say I was not,” Oakes said. “Afterward, I was still giddy with excitement and couldn’t wait to return and play a game.”

Oakes participated in a skills clinic with Olympic gold-medalist Tyler George, who came to town to be a part of the bonspiel the club hosted. “He helped me improve some basic skills I had been doing improperly,” Oakes said. “Everyone is so encouraging.”

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I hope we can host several national events here each year and bring even more folks to our great city to infuse tourism dollars into our economy...

And ultimately, wouldn’t it be fun to have someone from our club win at a future Olympics?

– Elaine Oakes

While falls do occur, the ice is pebbled and really is fairly easy to walk on … So after getting over my fear, the hardest thing for me has been getting consistent with my stone delivery. I’m still working on that.

– Elaine Oakes

JAN. 26, 2019

Where geek is chic!

Live music, themed cuisine and test beaker-inspired libations: It’s all for a great cause---the children’s programs and exhibits at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Madison Living 19

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Oakes plays first or second position on the Game of Stones team. She is joined by her husband, Haft and three other players. A team throws eight stones, so Oakes throws first or second. The team member deemed the “skip” directs the throws. After the throws, Oakes sweeps the stones toward the center. Sweeping makes the ice smoother in the path of the stone, affecting its speed and curl. The team whose stone is closest to the center is the only team that can score.

“At this level, I think most of us are just hoping to get into the house – the term we use for the bull’s-eye at the end of the ice – for a chance to score,” Oakes said.

“I try to throw wherever my skip tells me to throw – with ‘try’ being the operative term here.”

The stones thrown in the sport of curling weigh 38-44 pounds. The granite for the stones comes from only two sources: Alisa Craig, an island off the Ayrshire coast of Scotland, and the Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales.

Curling is not seen as an athletic sport by some, but Oakes knows better. She said sweeping is her cardio, and getting into low positions helps with flexibility – yet, curling is suitable for all ages. “Unlike some other ice sports, you can continue to curl into your twilight years,” Oakes said. “If someone can’t get down in a low position to deliver a stone, there is a stick that attaches to the stone handle so that person doesn’t have to bend down at all.”

Besides the health and wellness aspect of the sport, Oakes said curling also boasts a social side. After the teams play, many of the members stay around for “broomstacking,” which is a time to chat. “We have a lot of laughs sharing Brad Forrest stories,” Oakes said. “It’s a club thing.”

Since beginning the sport, Oakes has improved in both her understanding of the rules and strategy and actual throwing and sweeping skills. She said she looks forward to improving and having more fun. “I was a little apprehensive about being on the ice when I first tried it. I was

afraid I might fall,” Oakes said. “While falls do occur, the ice is pebbled and really is fairly easy to walk on … So after getting over my fear, the hardest thing for me has been getting consistent with my stone delivery. I’m still working on that.”

Oakes said she understands curling is not a particularly popular sport in the South; however, the Rocket City Curling Club has plans to change that. The group sees curling as something companies should consider for corporate events and team building. Getting it into areas schools is also a possibility. The club has discussed getting schools involved in terms of physical education and team sports, as well as tying it into physics and STEM. Oakes said she just wants the sport to grow. “I hope we can host several national events here each year and bring even more folks to our great city to infuse tourism dollars into our economy,” she said. “And ultimately, wouldn’t it be fun to have someone from our club win at a future Olympics?”

Madison Living 21

A home for Caleb

H Lee Marshall Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

Happy Sweet 16 to us! It’s hard to believe Kids to Love is turning 16 this month. In 16 years we can boast 260,000 kids in care served – What a journey of service to our kids! When we look back at the children we’ve served and the families we’ve been able to help bring together, it’s amazing!

Recently I had the opportunity to be in the courtroom for one of our family’s adoptions. Beverly and Jeromy Owings have been foster parents for years, serving more than 60 children in foster care in their home. Beverly had a dream to support children in foster care who were separated in their placement from their siblings. She started Camp Hope, and once she and I connected, we brought Camp Hope Alabama under the Kids to Love umbrella as an outreach program.

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In November 2018 we were planning a Camp Hope weekend, and Beverly received a call from state DHR asking if we could add three additional kids to our weekend camp. Without hesitation, Beverly said yes. That would be the weekend she would meet Caleb.

Caleb was removed from a home full of trauma and abuse and pulled into the safety of foster care.

When DHR asked Jeromy and Beverly to be Caleb’s safe place, they ultimately felt compelled to help.

Caleb moved in November 2018, and in November 2019, he became an Owings.

If you are interested in foster care and adoption, we’ve got a class starting soon and would love to help you through the process. Log onto kidstolove.org and start your journey.

PASSION AND PEARLS Best friends make brides’ visions become reality Story by Erin Coggins Photos by Joshua Berry Madison Living 23

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At any given moment, somewhere in the world a young girl dreams of her wedding.

That was the case for Anna Bates and Hilary Henderson, who shared their wedding dreams as best friends in middle school.

Being Disney lovers, they both had every detail of their dream days planned at a young age. They each envisioned being the “princess at the ball.” “I can remember sharing secrets with her that I would have shared with a sister if I had one,” Bates said. “Our memories are hilarious and timeless.”

After each experienced her own wedding, the wedding bug never went away. Henderson took classes online with the Wedding Coordinating Academy, sharing her ideas with Bates along the way. Henderson said once the two turned 30 years old, they decided to establish their own wedding consultant business. In August 2019, the two friends opened Passion & Pearls for wedding and event planning.

“If you had told my 12-year-old self that Hilary and I would be 30 years old and running our own wedding planning business together – I would have totally believed you,” Bates said.

Although the two are best friends, their weddings were totally different. Bates had a wedding planner. Henderson did not.

“I was rearranging chairs for my reception in my wedding gown,” Henderson said.

“Like anything else in life, you think, I wish I had done this or that. So, we live vicariously through our brides when they have a vision they want to bring to life.”

Bates and Henderson said they both learned from their own weddings, and they use this knowledge in running their business today.

They have 12 weddings under their belts as coordinators.

If you had told my 12-year-old self that Hilary and I would be 30 years old and running our own wedding planning business together – I would have totally believed you.

– Anna Bates 24 Madison Living

“The first wedding we coordinated together was one for the stockpile of memories,” Bates said. “Anything and everything that could go wrong, did. The bride’s shoes were mistakenly put in the dumpster, even. Fishing them out with the bride’s aunt will always be a memory we belly laugh about.”

With the first wedding jitters out of the way, the business has 20 weddings booked for 2020. From planning all the way to the wedding day, Passion & Pearls offers a variety of services, including designing invitations, photography and do it yourself projects for the cost-conscious brides.

“In our experience, money is always the biggest stressor,” Bates said. “Weddings can be so expensive, but one of the things we take pride in is giving our brides options. In our Hattie package, which is engagement to wedding, we offer budget planning. We help brides come up with a budget and manage it.”

It is the planning that really excites these two business owners. The first thing they do is learn the intimate details about each client, whether it is her grandmother’s favorite flower or her mom and dad’s first song. Then comes making a bride’s vision reality.

Madison Living 25

Every bride is different, and every bride deserves a wedding that reflects her own personality – even if it’s not exactly ‘traditional.’

– Hilary Henderson

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“The planning process for a wedding, whether it be three months or two years, should be completely focused on the bride and her vision,” Henderson said.

“Every bride is different, and every bride deserves a wedding that reflects her own personality – even if it’s not exactly ‘traditional.’”

Like Passion & Pearls’ first wedding, Henderson said in her mind, there is no such thing as a perfect wedding – there will always be something that goes wrong.

Bates and Henderson both said they feel they have the experience to handle every issue, big or small.

“We want to make our bride’s wedding day as perfect as possible. Every bride deserves that,” Henderson said. “My wedding day was not perfect but was perfect for me and my husband. We had a couple of small hiccups but improvised quickly, and none of the guests even noticed.”

There might not be a perfect wedding, but both Bates and Henderson said having a wedding coordinator goes a long way in trying to create one. Their approach is to take the stress out of the planning, giving the bride and her family time to relax.

Madison Living 27

The second advantage the ladies give their brides is constant communication.

“Even though life is at our fingertips with our phones, texting, social media, et cetera, I think it has also made it very easy for people to fail to communicate,” Bates said.

“We have learned communication is key, and we try to make sure we are in constant contact with our brides so there are not any details left unattended.”

Henderson, her husband Colby and daughter Hattie Belle live in Meridianville, and Bates and her husband Jermaine live in Madison with their three girls, Marlie, Hydie and Ava Blaire.

These two best friends love weddings, and they pour that love into the weddings they plan. “Weddings are special because love is so beautiful. As corny as it sounds, we love love,” Bates said. “We still get emotional during vow exchanges and first dances. Watching people commit to each other for a lifetime truly never gets old.”

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TIME TO

EXPLORE LET’S GO!

AWESOME EXPLORATION IN PROGRESS!

• STEM • ARTS • ACTIVE PLAY • HOMEWORK HELP • PICK-UP FROM SCHOOL INCLUDED Afterschool Care Program HOGAN FAMILY YMCA Madison Living 29 130 Park Square Ln, Madison • 256.705.9622

EDUCATION

Superintendent goals are a must to keep moving forward

E Robert V. Parker Superintendent Madison City Schools

Each year I submit my superintendent goals to the school board. These are strategic goals or objectives I believe will enhance the overall education quality of Madison City Schools, whether for students or employees. We have a lot of great things going on and some areas that could use improvement. It’s historically the practice to focus on just a few that are considered priorities.

Three goals I outlined at the Nov. 7 Board meeting cover the areas of personnel development, STEAM growth and establishment of a development office.

I’ll give a short overview of the first two and talk more about the last.

Personnel Development

We want to provide ongoing, targeted professional development that supports professional growth for all teachers and administrators. This includes new teacher mentoring, implementation of a professional evaluation system for all employees and greater support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification. One goal within NBCT is for MCS to get a minimum of 15 teachers entering the NBCT cohort annually for the next five years.

Studies consistently confirm that students taught

by NBCTs learn more than by other teachers, with the impact greater for low-income students.

Estimates of the learning gained from an NBCT and non-NBCT are on the order of one to two months’ instruction per school year.

STEAM

We aim to develop and implement a long-range plan to align STEAM principles from Pre-K through 12th grade. We have a number of STEAM options in grades six through 12 and are planning to take

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that all the way down to Pre-K. We have begun to pursue this goal with the addition of fourth-grade STEAM teachers and will continue the phase in more teachers, closing the gap.

Creation of a development office

This is an objective whose time has come.

Madison City Schools is in its 21st year as a school system. We have produced thousands of graduates who are out making their mark on the world. Many now have children of their own attending our schools. Madison is filled with citizens who actively support us.

To forge stronger partnerships, we want to hire a Development Office coordinator who will work to organize a support base. Think of it like a development office at a college or university that serves as a focal point for coordinating philanthropic donations, cultivating relationships with alumni and seeking funding from private individuals. This will provide a means for big donors to make an impact through major monetary or in-kind donations. It could even allow donors to have their names associated with one of the identifying markers of Madison City Schools, whether it be academic, artistic or athletic programs.

We have a 20-plus year positive track record as a school system now and have demonstrated success, sustainability and good stewardship. We have had people inquire about planned giving, to leave something for the children and future children of Madison City Schools.

The new Development Office coordinator will work primarily with the superintendent and our chief schools financial officer. I’m looking forward to this addition to our team.

Would you like your summer camp to be included in our 2020 Summer Camp Guide?

For more information...

Call: 256.340.2382 Email: tori.waits @madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison Living 31

Madison Hospital

Wellness Center offers help to keep resolutions

I

Decatur • Huntsville • Florence Madison • Muscle Shoals URGENT CARE

WELLNESS CARE

FAMILY CARE

HHUrgentCare.org

32 Madison Living

It’s time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions. If you’re like most people, losing weight and getting in better shape will be high on your 2020 wish list.

You can do more than just wish: Our Madison Hospital Wellness Center has everything you need to turn your resolution into reality.

The Madison Hospital Wellness Center is conveniently located on our campus is easy to get to from anywhere Mary Lynne and in town. Membership comes with full access to the latest cardiovascular and Wright strength training equipment, 75-foot President heated pool, whirlpool, steam room, dry Madison Hospital sauna and a variety of group exercise classes, including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, aqua cardio and Cycleworks.

The Wellness Center also employs a team of exercise physiologists, personal trainers and registered dietitians. When you first join, they will conduct an assessment to determine your fitness level and capacity for exercise. That helps our experts design an individualized fitness program just for you.

If you’ve never belonged to a gym before or are trying to get back into a fitness routine after a few years away, that’s OK with us. We welcome members who are just starting their fitness journey and do our best to maintain a supportive, low-pressure environment.

As an added bonus, our Madison members get full access to other Huntsville Hospital Health System wellness centers: in downtown Huntsville, Jones Valley, Athens, Decatur, Guntersville, Boaz, Muscle Shoals and Fayetteville, Tenn. That means you don’t have to miss your workout if you are traveling in north Alabama or southern Tennessee.

Bonus: Unlike some other fitness centers, we don’t require an expensive annual contract.

So just give us a call at 256-265-WELL and start your journey to a healthy 2020.

103 YEARS OF HISTORY Madison veteran takes every opportunity to share his story Story by Erin Coggins Photos by Joshua Berry Madison Living 33

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F

For Madison resident Major Wooten, talking to others is the key to living a long life. He should know: He turned 103 years old Dec. 1, 2019.

Born in Cullman County in 1916 to John and Sarah Wooten, Wooten has had more than a century to talk to people. He talked to people in California when he moved there in 1936 to make more money during the Depression. He talked to people when he fought in Europe during World War II. He talked to his co-workers at U.S. Steel for more than 42 years. Most recently, he talked to students in his greatgranddaughter’s French class at Discovery Middle School.

“I have learned more from other people.

That’s where I’ve gained my knowledge,” Wooten said. “I wasn’t asked questions when I got home from the war. People started asking me questions, and I haven’t stopped talking since.”

Wooten’s first memory of life is from a one-room schoolhouse in Cullman. He said he does not remember the grade level, but he does remember having to stand at the blackboard with his nose in a circle.

“The teacher’s name was Professor Moss.

I did not do anything wrong. I just did not do what he wanted me to do,” Wooten said.

“I did not rebel. That’s just how school was back then. You did what you were told.”

High school was not in the cards for Wooten. His father died in 1929, leaving behind a wife and 12 children. Wooten, the sixth child, stepped up to help with the crops and provide meals for his family.

“Before he died, my Dad planted a crop of cotton,” Wooten said. “He died in June 1929 before the stock market crashed.

When the cotton came in, it made 30 bales.

Before the crash, it would have brought 21 cents a pound; when we harvested it, it brought 2-3 cents a pound. I was able to get one pair of shoes and have been buying my own shoes since.”

Wooten’s older brother went to California to seek work during the Depression, and Wooten decided to drive back west with him in 1936. In California, workers got paid once a week; in Alabama, working on farms, workers received pay once a month. While out west, Wooten worked in a vineyard, where he cut grapes and did irrigation.

“I was paid 25 cents a week, and we were provided living space, like a bunkhouse,” he said. “We also worked with alfalfa for the dairies. I remember the Hispanic workers that worked with us as well.”

Wooten also discovered something else in California: Alabama football. “It was 1938, and Bama played USC. I think the score was 21-7 USC,” he said. “I was ragged so much. I’ve been a hardcore Bama fan since.”

When Wooten returned home a year later, he gave up farming for a job making heads for barrels. This led him to Winston County, where he met the love of his life, Jewell Pamela Cox. At the time, girls would make a box full of food and sell it for funds to help the school. He bought Jewell’s and his sister’s boxes.

“I ate with her family for about a week, and then we started dating,” Wooten said.

“We got married in 1940 and were married 75 years. I remember people asking me what her mother’s name was. I didn’t know. Her dad told me he couldn’t believe I didn’t know her name. I said, ‘Well, I’m not marrying her.’”

It was in their home Dec. 7, 1941, that the Wootens heard about Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. They were the only family in the community with a radio. By this time, Wooten was employed at U.S. Steel in Birmingham.

“I was working on freight cars at U.S. Steel when I was drafted,” he said. “We were expecting our first son, so I asked for a deferment. It was granted, and I didn’t report to active duty until after he was born. We named him Larry.”

After technical training in New Orleans, Wooten joined the 764th Railway Battalion in Europe. He landed on Utah Beach Aug. 20, 1944. He said he remembers seeing remnants of German pillboxes left over from D-Day. From Utah Beach, his battalion traveled to Le Mans, France, where they worked to get railway cars repaired to keep supplies heading to the front lines.

“Next to where we worked, there was an airfield. The P47 would take off at 5 a.m.

I remember around noon one day, we looked up to see that one plane was not going to make it,” Wooten said. “He burst into flames. We knew there was nothing we could do to help him. It was sad. I still don’t know what happened to the plane.”

In 1945 he was sent to Paris to work in a service hospital. His older brother, who fought in five major battles across Europe, visited him for three days. Having fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Wooten said his brother conveyed horrific stories.

“I’ll never forget the story he told me about having to climb a fence with a lady on his back,” Wooten said. “The Germans were firing at him, and she was hysterical.

He said they lost so many men sometimes that he was promoted to company commander.”

Wooten returned from Europe via Belgium in 1946 on a cargo ship carrying 500 troops. He returned to U.S. Steel to work until he retired in 1982. He also had a second son, Ronnie.

Life has handed Wooten his fair share of loss. His oldest son passed away two months before Wooten lost his wife of 75 years. “She was living in the nursing home. She had dementia,” Wooten said.

“Sometimes she would know me, and other times she would not.”

Today, Wooten lives with his daughterin-law, Judy, the wife of his eldest son.

He has five grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. He keeps active by watching Alabama football, mowing the lawn and sometimes cooking breakfast. “The people across the street had a good time seeing me get on my new lawn tractor for the first time,” he said, laughing.

Besides his family, Wooten holds dear his involvement in the Forever Young Senior Veterans in Alabama. Through this organization, he was able to return to Normandy and Belgium in 2019 for the 75th anniversary of these two battles. He has also taken trips to Pearl Harbor and the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

“I love this group,” Wooten said. “A lot of men did not make it home. When we went back, they played taps, and I cried. I also got to sit on the stage with President Trump at Normandy, and some important people came over and talked to me.”

Talking. That is what Wooten likes best.

With a 103-year-old story to tell, just what did Wooten tell his great-granddaughter’s class at Discovery Middle?

“I always tell young people to work hard, do your assignments, and you will all be winners,” Wooten said. “I truly mean it when I tell them that they can be governors, senators and even the president.”

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ymca

The Workshop brings even more variety to the YMCA

W

What comes to mind when you think of the YMCA? As a community organization, the Y is many things to many people, from providing a place to work out, to providing lifechanging programs for youth, to better health and affordable child care, to name a few. This month, the Y is stretching its bandwidth even more with the opening of The Workshop at the Hogan Family YMCA. “Because the Hogan Y is so comprehensive in its offerings, it might feel a little overwhelming to a new member when they begin their wellness journey with us,” said Daniel Kasambira, Hogan Y Executive Director. “With the opening of The Workshop, we can now provide personalized functional fitness training in a more intimate space than in our large fitness center.”

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Functional fitness training encompasses workouts designed specifically for individuals to strengthen muscles for everyday activities as well as prevent injuries and improve athletic performance. All fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, can benefit from functional fitness training.

The Workshop provides a boutique/ small gym experience within the larger Hogan facility, and the equipment with which it is furnished might make it the most versatile space in the building.

The centerpiece of The Workshop is the multi-station Queenax by well-known fitness equipment purveyor, Precor. An array of “apps” allow the structure to support suspension workouts akin to TRX and strength training using a variety of superfunctional accessories including battle ropes, parallel bars, elastic bands, a heavy bag, torso trainer, UFO, weights

and more. The unit features built-in monkey bars and ladders reminiscent of American Ninja Warrior obstacles.

Sharing The Workshop space are Assault Fitness brand air rowing machines, curved running treadmill and Marpo rope and tire trainers. A 400-square foot turf lane has been incorporated to facilitate agility exercises and pushing the Torque Fitness Tank sled.

Small group training and personal packages will begin in January and are available for purchase. No one is ever turned away from Y membership because of lack of resources. The Y offers financial assistance for those who qualify.

For more information, call the Hogan Family YMCA at 256-319-9622 or visit ymcahuntsville.org.

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WEDDINGS All things white, bright & beautiful

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Wedding trends and dazzling details Photos and information sourced from Amandalyn Dorner with APD Photography + Film Trends: Some vanish overnight, and some are here to stay. Local wedding photographer Amandalyn Dorner brings you the dazzling details she’s seeing in the industry and the most exciting upcoming trends to expect in 2020.

1

Color Coordinating Bridesmaids Dresses

2

One of the most exciting and popular trends I’ve seen recently is the mixmatched bridesmaids’ dresses. Instead of having one color and style, each bridesmaid wears a unique style and color. The colors work together to fit an overall color palette.

This is a great way to ensure each bridesmaid gets a dress that fits her well, and the fun colorful group can come together to complement the bride and her chosen color scheme!

Umbrellas

Rain happens, and you really can’t control it. There is a fun way to counter the ugly weather. Clear umbrellas allow you to still be able to step outside to get those romantic photos, regardless of the weather! And because they’re clear, they don’t take away from the environment – and honestly they’re so much fun to photograph!

3

Mimosas in the Morning

Getting ready in the morning surrounded by all your bridesmaids is one of the most fun parts of any wedding day!

A lot of ladies will start the party early by pouring mimosas.

It’s a great way to celebrate and get everyone in the mood for the fun day to come.

4

Getaway A great alternative to the typical sparkler exit is to use real rose petals. It’s romantic and truly showers the bride and groom in such a beautiful way.

5

The Iconic Veil Photo Everyone is throwing their veils high and stretching them out for the perfect romantic photo. It’s one of my favorites, as a wedding photographer, to get during their special day!

Something about the way the veil frames a kissing photo just makes it all that more intimate.

Madison Living 39

Rebecca

Andrew

Hinson April 26, 2019

40 Madison Living

How we met Andrew and Rebecca both attended Freed-Hardeman University in the small town of Henderson, Tennessee. They were students there from August 2014 until May 2017, when Becca graduated. The following summer after her graduation, Andrew and Becca attended the wedding of their college friends, where they had their first actual conversation. It wasn’t until six months later, in January 2018, that they went on their first date, since they were living in different places and hardly knew each other. Though Andrew had to wait a while for that first date, once it finally happened, they quickly went from only knowing each other’s names to falling in love!

THE PROPOSAL Nov. 10, 2018, Andrew and Becca rode with three friends to Tennessee to attend their college homecoming. They enjoyed getting to see some of their college friends, eat some good food and watch the homecoming basketball

game. Since the group had to drive two to three hours back home, they decided to leave after the first game. Andrew wanted to eat at a Mexican restaurant about 45 minutes away because it was one of his favorites during college. He actually took Becca there on their first date. They drove first to the river because Becca wanted to show her friend the pretty view there. Little did she know they were going there anyway because Andrew planned to get down on one knee and pop the question. Becca was surprised but so excited!

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENTS Andrew wanted to be traditional and not see Becca until she walked down the aisle. His favorite moment was when he finally got to see his bride. Becca’s favorite moment was the reading of their own vows and the immense happiness she felt to be married to her sweet husband.

Meet the team: Venue: Flint Church of Christ Photographer: Amanda Whitley Photography Videographer: Makenna Bagwell (MesaMak Films) Dress/alterations: David’s Bridal Caterer: Brenda Lewis Cake: Molly Moo Cakes Florist: Party Petals by Deana

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Brittany

Kyle

Swearengen August 3, 2019

42 Madison Living

HOW WE MET Kyle and I met in seventh grade, but it was not until the summer after our freshman year in high school that we started dating. We started dating July 2, 2013, and have been together ever since. We both knew, after about a year of dating, that one day we would marry each other.

THE PROPOSAL He picked a random Tuesday night to propose. He used the excuse that we were both starting our summer jobs to get me to go out to eat. We ate at Pan E Vino in Big Spring Park, then Kyle asked if I wanted to walk around. I said yes, completely oblivious to what would happen on that walk. I remained oblivious even after running into his best friend and girlfriend, who was carrying flowers. When we got to the red bridge in the middle of the park, Kyle got down on one knee, holding out my great-grandmother’s engagement ring, and asked me to marry him.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Our wedding day was nothing short of a fairytale. We spent more than a year planning for our dream day, and it was more than we could have ever hoped for. Our families spent countless hours making sure that was possible, and we are forever grateful. The night before the wedding, our flower girl, Charlotte, unprompted, prayed over our day. We fully believe God heard that prayer because everything was perfect.

Our favorite part of our wedding was being surrounded by the people closest to us as we made a commitment to spend the rest of our life loving and serving each other.

Meet the team: Venue: J&D Farms Caterer: Such-n-Such Florist: Amanda Ziak Music: The Revelators Cake: Batter Up Bakery Wedding dress: Prado Bridal and Formal Wear Hair and make-up: Megan Atkins, Jessica Mills, Katriona Hargis and Selena White Photographer: Sarah Hogan Photography

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Holly

Sean

Andino

June 29, 2019 44 Madison Living

How We Met Sean and I met through the Civil Air Patrol (USAF Auxiliary) at a conference in June 2015.

We were still in college; he was studying mechanical engineering and in Navy ROTC at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, and I was studying nursing at UAH. Although I wasn’t too eager to begin a long-distance relationship during my senior year, Sean knew he wanted to marry me the night we met! After much pursuit on his part, including many prayers and handwritten letters, we began dating in September 2016.

The Proposal My family goes to Stone Harbor, N.J., for our beach vacation every year, and I always do a sunrise walk on the beach the last morning we are there. I thought Sean was in Florida for Navy pilot training, but he had managed to surprise me by coming to Stone Harbor! As I walked onto the beach, I saw him down by the ocean waiting for me. My heart leapt; I knew immediately why he was there. He didn’t propose for quite a while as we watched the sunrise together. Afterward he dropped to one knee and popped the question, and I very quickly said yes! It was so romantic and in such a special spot for me because of all the childhood memories I have there.

Favorite Moment/Special Details Our wedding day was filled with special details! We were married in the same church my parents were married in, by the same preacher, and my parents also had a military wedding – though my dad was Army, not Navy, which is quite the rivalry in the family now! One of our favorite moments was our first kiss, which we had saved for our wedding day. Although I was naturally anxious, saving our first kiss was a physical representation of our vows and a symbol of our purity to one another. We both agreed it was the right decision for us! Another favorite moment was the salute exchanged between Sean and my dad after he walked me down the aisle. From one military man to the next, it was a way of conveying respect and honor to both me and my dad.

Meet the team: Venues: Central Church of Christ/The Ledges Officiant: Allen Wright Photography: Gari-Ann Kia Photography Coordinator: Thrive.ink DJ: Metropolitan Disc Jockey Florist: The Petal Pickup Cakes: Old Vienna Bakery

Hair and Makeup: She Is Wedding dress: David’s Bridal Stationery: Salt and Paperie Rings: With Clarity and Kiefer Jewelers Ceremony music: Molly Knickerbocker Event rentals: Mullins Special Occasions

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Joanna

Jonah

Clem March 15, 2019 46 Madison Living

HOW WE MET After a month of texting, Jonah and I finally decided to meet up for dinner at Panera. When we unintentionally ordered the same thing – chipotle chicken avocado melt and broccoli and cheese soup – I knew there was something special about him. The rest of our Panera love story is history.

THE PROPOSAL We went down to Jacksonville State University to watch a football game.

I knew something was up because Jonah was very concerned with the time of the sunset and our outfits. After the game was over, we headed up to one of my favorite places in the world, Chimney Peek. He got down on one knee, with the sunset happening behind us. It was a dream come true!

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT My favorite moment of our big day was when Jonah presented me a Bible with my new name engraved on the front. He wrote the sweetest note that I will cherish forever. Another sweet and unforgettable moment from that day was my first look with my Papa. He had fallen sick a few weeks before the wedding, and we had to break him out of rehab to attend our big day. It meant so much to him, me and our entire family that he was able to be there.

Meet the team: Venue: Harvest Hollow Photography: Chelsea Vaughn Photography Videography/sound: Innovative Media Pros Florals: Blossoms by Bev Hair: Lindsey Rossen Caterer: JW Steakhouse Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Dress customization and tailoring: Yuko Gorti Make-up: Merle Normal of Athens

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Samantha

Tyler

Catlett

May 11, 2019 48 Madison Living

HOW WE MET It was Nov. 11, 2015. We were both at the gym, just trying to stay in shape before the holidays, when we began to notice each other. We both were too shy to speak at first, not knowing if the other would be interested or not. Unknowingly, we had a mutual friend, Mr. Ken, and he got it all started for us. Once he introduced us, we instantly clicked. After we had been dating for a few months, we decided to take a trip to Vegas for Samantha’s 21st birthday. That is where we first told each other we loved one another. After that, we dated for another two and a half years before getting engaged.

THE PROPOSAL For months Tyler had been planning to take me back to where we first told each other we loved one another. Of course, I assumed it was just another couples trip with two of our closest friends. It started out just like any other day. He wanted to watch the fountain show at the Bellagio because he knew it was my favorite. Little did I know this is where he would propose to me. The day was so amazing, and it was even more special because our friends were there to capture all of our moments together.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT The entire day was perfect, so it is hard to pick just one moment.

If I had to pick, I would say our first look was our favorite part. We were both so anxious and excited about getting to see each other, and when we finally did, it was the best feeling. The way we looked at each other – as though we had never seen something as handsome or beautiful before – was such a special moment, and we will cherish that forever.

Meet the team: Jeweler: Osborne’s Jewelers Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Hair: Marissa Burkhead, Society Salon Venue: Welleswood Venue Florist: Athens Florist & Gifts Caterer: C & A Catering Bride and groom cakes: Debbie Hardaway Photographer and videographer: Salt of the Earth Photography

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Jezell

Chris

Toney

September 14, 2019 50 Madison Living

HOW WE MET It was 2006 – my first year as a senior at Lee High School. One day I was heading to the computer lab, and along the way I was stopped by a guy. He asked me if he could get to know me, and I told him I was in a relationship. I graduated and went off to college, but we stayed in contact throughout the years over Facebook. He would sometimes write me, and I wouldn’t respond back. Fast forward to 2018: Chris asked me out to dinner at Terranova’s, and we knew then and there this was different, and we wanted to continue going out with one another.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE Chris and I usually FaceTimed one another whenever we were apart. He started asking me questions about how I felt about him. I remember playing Teddy Pendergrass’ “When Somebody Loves You Back,” which basically summed up how I felt about him. We knew we were destined to be together. The love and appreciation we had for one another could never be matched.

THE PROPOSAL Chris had told me we were going on a date at Grille29 in Huntsville. I kind of figured he was up to something. Grille29 was one of our favorite spots to go to. He greeted me with red roses, followed by a singer and a trumpet player. It was so beautiful. He had someone recording the entire proposal.

It was really special to me.

FAVORITE WEDDING DETAILS Our entire wedding day was beautiful: from the decor, to the wedding party, to our entire wedding day. Just to share it with the ones we love – and everyone was dressed in Great Gatsby/Roaring 20s attire – was everything we could dream of. We literally danced till the end of the night – we danced the night away as the Toneys.

Meet the team: Venue: Cherokee Ridge Country Club Caterer: J & A Bayou Catering Photography: CurtSceneit Decorations/Florist: Behind the Bash, Events & Entertainment Coordinator: Keinard Goodloe and Danyelle Bryant

Cake: JMA Makeup: Waikiki Pro Makeup Hair: First Impressions Wedding dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Invitations/Stationery: BColeArt DJ: DJ C-Breeze Photobooth: Sigh Photo Booth

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Mallory

Jake

Griffin May 18, 2019 52 Madison Living

How We Met Both born and raised in north Alabama, we went to the same high school. We dated for less than a year in high school as sophomores then later went on to different colleges – Auburn and Alabama. We did not keep in touch at all throughout the first years of college, but we met again through mutual friends the summer before junior year and became inseparable. We endured a long-distance relationship for two years until we both moved back home, and the rest is history.

The Proposal While visiting close friends in Birmingham one weekend, we all went to the Botanical Gardens. We were in the beautiful rose garden under a gazebo when we were posing for what Mallory thought was a typical picture. By the second picture, Jake was down on one knee. By the third, two of our best friends, who had been watching in hiding the whole time, popped out from behind the bushes. It couldn’t have been a more perfect moment.

Favorite Wedding Moment Before the ceremony, we gathered privately with our wedding party, parents, pastor and his wife. Our pastor and his wife prayed over us as every single friend and family member in the room laid a hand on us.

Then multiple friends from our wedding party prayed over us too, which was completely unexpected yet extremely meaningful and memorable to our day.

Meet the team: Venue: Creekside Plantation

Wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses: Kathleen’s Bridal

Photographer: Valerie Callan Photography

Hair: The Transformation

Videographer: APD Film and Photography

Florist: Petals & Blooms

Caterer: Chef on Call

Cake: The Dessert Fork

DJ: Your Perfect Party

Rings: Grogan Jewelers by Lon

Makeup: Ky Glover

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Cheyenne

Calvin

Sandlin June 22, 2019 54 Madison Living

HOW WE MET Cal and I were in eighth grade when I remember speaking to him for the first time. I had just lost my dad, and his father had been battling cancer for quite some time. After hearing about my loss, Cal reached out to tell me how sorry he was. After staying friends for a while, Cal asked me to make it official. It honestly took him a couple of tries for me to say yes. After dating through high school college, we had waited eight long years to get married!

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE At the age we started dating, it’s hard to say when and how we fell in love. Looking back, if feels like I always knew God had sent the person I needed most. Cal and I could share the biggest laughs during some of life’s smallest moments, and he has always been there to support me through the good and the bad.

THE PROPOSAL While we both graduated from Auburn with our undergraduate degrees in 2018, I stayed to get my master’s in accounting. I was getting ready to leave for Auburn once again, and Cal said he wanted to have a family dinner with everyone before I left. He had the whole family come outside for a group photo. When I turned around to ask where he had gone, he was down on one knee!

Favorite Wedding Moment My favorite detail was the relief that washed over me when I finally walked down the aisle and knew that what felt like a lifetime of waiting to be husband and wife was finally about to be over.

It was also pretty fun to bust a move out on the dance floor after all of the stress was finally over!

Another favorite detail was the table set up to honor my father and Cal’s grandfather, who had just passed away. My family and I did the majority of the decorating for my wedding – special thanks to my Aunt Mary, who was a huge help in making everything come together. The table was placed in the corner of the ceremony room to help us remember our loved ones who were hopefully smiling from Heaven as we said “I do.”

Meet the team: Venue: Ardmore Station Photographer: Noble Photo Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Hair: Creative Thairapy, Ashley Nail Makeup: Mackenzie Breeding Flowers: Bishop’s Flowers Catering: Slap Your Mama Catering

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The wedding dress shopping experience

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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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out & about ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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The Offices at Spenryn celebrate their one year anniversary Dec. 3 with an open house in conjunction with the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Owned by Lisa Smith, The Offices at Spenryn are a first for Madison – an upscale co-working office environment in the heart of Madison.

Photos BY John Few 1. Pam Honeycutt and Lisa Smith 2. Steven Conway, Sandra Tibbs and Scott Harbour 3. Jenny Mayers 4. Miles Rashad 5. Demetris Curry 6. Katy Murphy

7. Doreen Grannis-Viscovich, Steven Conway, Kilinen Anderson and Lisa Smith 8. Don Daniel 9. Alli Schutzenhofer 10. Merrill Wright 11. Susan Bailey

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out & about Book Character Day

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Mill Creek Elementary School has a lot of fun with theme dress-up occasions. Recently, the teachers, staff and students at the school dressed up for “Book Character Day.�

Photos BY John Few 1. Geri Johnson, Melissa Miller, Kimberly Kolasa, Katherine Osmer, Amanda Tyree, Anna Felis, Emily Ortiz, Kelly McElreath, Suzanne Curry and Kimberly Waldrop 2. Alicia Waddail, Lillian Landers, Jennifer Clardy, LuAnne Barnette, Kimberly Rise and Alyssa Thornton 3. Front row: Hannah Lingerfelt, Maddie Spurgeon, Rebecca Wilson, Cindy Waite, Claire Stewart Back row: Rebecca Pride, Markeisha Carter, Ashley Hodges, Tera Saaristo and Connie Lane

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4. Traci Stewart, Bethany Powell and Rachel Baeder 5. Shemeaka King, Catherine Lanter, Celynn Ballard, Ashley Davis, Megan Kuenzli, Katie Machado, CarlaLee McKee and Kimberly Harper 6. Melissa Butler, Ro Deberry, Ashley Claborn, Brewer Mitchell, Carmen Buchanan, Karl Fernandez, Nicole Radowski, Demetria Patterson, Allyson Willis, Tammy Brunton, Tosha Swearingen and Jessica Fernandez 7. Tawanda Taylor-Washington, Amanda Story, Danielle Dixon, Heather Chaffin, Kylie Hicks and Jill Bledsoe 8. Mary SanMiguel, Penny Childers, Janice Langford, MairaHervert, Dianna Davis and Tilly Malki 9. Brianna Loza-Pedroza, Carmen Buchanan and Ruby Su 10. Genesis Lopez-Reyes and Allyson Willis 11. Eliza Jane Harrison and Tosha Swearingen 12. Cathy Thompson 13. Tammy Brunton and Haarlem Guinn

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out & about Holly Jolly Christmas

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The teachers at Bob Jones High School know the right way to get students into the holiday spirit – with Christmas sweaters of course.

Here are a few Bob Jones educators rocking their best Christmas attire.

Photos BY John Few 1. Ray Congo

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2. Kim Krome, Mary Kate Maguire and Nicole Coker

8. Michael Salgado

3. Danny Elegante 4. Cassie Mullinax, Mallory Poarch and Nichole Murray

9. Debbie Scott, Bridget Drummond and Micky Worley 10. Shanna Foster

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Madison Chamber of Commerce connections

Madison’s premier gala event of the year is coming!

Connect 2020 is coming to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Jan. 31, 2020. This annual event, presented by Facebook, features Mayor Paul Finley’s State of the City Address and celebrates connections among the City of Madison, regional local governments, area businesses and residents. With so much going on in Madison, you won’t want to miss this event!

Connect also serves to raise awareness of the importance of education, its relationship to a thriving community and its critical role in Madison. Lockheed Martin will serve as our STEM sponsor for Connect 2020, sponsoring the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, which focuses on encouraging our local youth to study and pursue STEM careers.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Clarion Pointe.

Join us as Mayor Finley reviews our achievements in 2019 and shares his plans for the upcoming year. The evening begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., with a formal dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m.

Help us support our mayor, our city and our future by participating in this special event.

For ticket information, visit madisonalchamber. com or call the Madison Chamber of Commerce at 256-325-8317.

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MCC November Quarterly Luncheon sponsored by Regions Bank featuring speaker Rob Hamilton, FBI Senior Executive-Redstone Arsenal.

(256) 325-3820

Custom catering orders for any event

1591 A Hughes Rd, Madison, AL, 35758

103 Spenryn Dr., Madison, AL 35758 64 Madison Living

MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

Madison Chamber of Commerce connections

Great turnout for MCC Member Legacy Health Chiropractic ribbon cutting.

Veterans arriving at Huntsville International Airport to celebrate Heroes Week.

Ribbon Cutting. Meet and Greet for MCC Member Earfinity.

November Business After Hours hosted at Black Patch Distillery Company.

256-325-8317

Groundbreaking Ceremony for MCC Member Hilton Garden Inn-Town Madison.

www.madisonalchamber.com

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A curated guide to Madison dining

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Madison Living magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to its readers. Broken down alphabetically, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. The guide is updated regularly, but we recommend you call ahead to check hours, prices and other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact us at dining@madisonlivingmagazine.com.

Another Broken Egg Cafe Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items plus brunch sandwiches & a specials board.

7504 Hwy. 72 W. 256-430-5476 Sat - Sun 7am-2pm Apple Lane Farms Apple Lane, a restaurant known for their honey glazed hams and overstuffed sandwiches, has locations in Tanner (Decatur) and Madison, Alabama.

8580 Madison Boulevard 256-774-8181 Mon - Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

302 Hughes Road 256-772-3441 Mon - Thurs 11am-12am; Fri- Sat 11am-1pm; Sun 11am-11pm Arby’s Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.

7785 Highway 72 W 8817 Madison Blvd 256-772-7465 Sun - Thurs 10am-12am; Fri - Sat 10am-1am Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream Colorful ice cream parlor chain known for its many flavors plus sorbet & yogurt.

7830 Highway 72 W 256-722-5755 Sun - Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Beignet Cafe At Beignet Cafe we serve up some of your favorite New Orleans dishes with a Southern flair. Indulge in fresh beignets, Po’ Boys, jambalaya, gumbo and more!

1591 A Hughes Road 256-325-3820 Sun, Tues - Thurs 7am-2pm; Fri - Sat 7am-8pm; Closed Monday Bishop’s Westside Pub & Grill Local pub featuring live music and bar food.

12110 County Line Road 256-325-1069 Sat - Sun 10am-2am

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Bruegger’s Cafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.

347 Hughes Road 256-258-0880 Mon - Fri 5:30am-3pm; Sat 6am-3pm; Sun 7am - 3pm Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

12143 County Line Road 256-325-6690 Sun - Sat 12pm-9pm Buenavista Mexican Cantina Madison Mexican street food & Tex Mex favorites served in a convivial atmosphere with tequila drinks.

8217 Highway 72 W 256-837-8226 Sun - Thurs 11-9; Fri - Sat 11-10 Burger King Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes, plus breakfast.

8895 Madison Boulevard 256-772-3735 375 Hughes Road 256-461-4080 Mon - Thurs 5:30am-12am; Fri - Sat 5:30am2am; Sun 6am-12am Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen Fast, casual seafood restaurant chain serving fish & seafood dishes, plus sides & desserts.

9088 Madison Boulevard 256-461-0397 Sun - Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10:3011pm Casa Blanca Local Mexican chain offering a menu of classic dishes & a full bar in a casual, traditional space.

7830 Highway 72 W 256-864-0360 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm CD’s Pub and Grille Local pub featuring live music and bar food.

107 Arlington Drive 256-772-9133 Sun - Sat 11am-2am

Chapala Authentic Mexican Local Mexican chain offering a menu of classic dishes & a full bar.

12090 County Line Road 256-232-4026 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Chicken Salad Chick At Chicken Salad Chick, our food is made fresh and served from the heart. Come in or order online to discover our delicious variety of fresh, craveable flavors!

7709 Highway 72 256-325-1041 Mon - Sat 10am-8pm; Closed Sunday China Buffet Spacious, no-frills venue offering all-you-can-eat Chinese dishes, sushi & hibachi grill fare.

9016 Madison Boulevard 256-461-7766 Mon - Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm; Sun 11:30am-9:30pm China Star Chinese food to take out & eat in.

7950 Highway 72 W, Suite J 256-430-0834 Mon - Tues 3pm-10pm; Wed - Sun 10am-10pm Clyde’s BBQ BBQ from Alabama with a personal twist.

12181 County Line Road 256-715-7823 Mon - Thurs 11-8; Fri - Sat 11-9 Cork & Crust Pizzeria + Wine Bar Allow the only certified Sommelier in Madison assist you with finding the perfect drink to ...

Cork & Crust will be your favorite spot to bring the family or a date.

12120 County Line Road 256-801-9463 Lunch: Tues - Sun 11am-2pm; Dinner: Tues - Thurs, Sat 4pm-9pm; Fri 4pm-8pm Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

120 Cleghorn Boulevard 256-461-7670 Sun - Thurs 6am-10pm; Fri - Sat 6am-11pm

THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE Cricket’s Popular sports bar with outdoor seating is a groupfriendly draw for burgers, wings & cheese fries.

3810-L Sullivan Street 256-464-3777 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2pm; Dinner: Mon - Sat 5pm-9pm; Closed Sunday Cuban Cafe Family owned and operated, made from scratch, authentic cuban cuisine.

Promenade Point Parkway #195 256-970-4877 Lunch: 11-3 Tues - Sun; Dinner: Tues - Thurs 5-8:30, Fri-Sat 5-9:30, Sun 5-8 Dairy Queen Soft-serve ice cream & signature shakes top the menu at this classic burger & fries fast-food chain.

7584 Highway 72 W 256-890-0802 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm 11128 County Line Rd (256) 325-2740 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm Daylight Donuts Counter-serve chain serving donuts & its own brand of coffee for sit-down or takeout.

3810 Sullivan Street 256-542-3211 Mon - Sat 5am-4pm; Sun 6:30am-1pm Domino’s Pizza Delivery/carryout chain offering a wide range of pizza, plus chicken & other sides.

437 Hughes Road 256-772-9000 Sun - Thurs 9:30am-12pm; Fri - Sat 9:30am-1am 8800 Hwy 72 W 256-830-8333 Sun - Thurs 10am-12pm; Fri - Sat 10am-1am Donatos Pizza Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs. “Every piece is important.”

8000 Madison Boulevard 256-772-6789 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza Warehouselike pizzeria with wood-fired ovens turning out a variety of pies, plus patio seating.

107 Brookridge Drive 256-830-8358 Mon - Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm Edo Japanese Restaurant Casual Japanese restaurant serving sushi, udon & nabemono with a full bar & optional tatami seating.

104 Intercom Drive 256-772-0360 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-1:30pm; Dinner: Mon - Sat 5pm-9:30pm Firehouse Subs The best sub sandwiches - steaming hot subs, cold subs. We offer a variety of subs and salads under 500 calories, plus catering. For lunch or dinner.

8572 Madison Boulevard, Suite S 256-774-8028 1079 Balch Road, Suite A 256-325-0231 Sun - Sat 10:30am-9pm Fresh Start Cafe Organic, non gmo all natural brunch health conscious and coffee, gluten free and vegan friendly.

7559 US-72 Suite #111 256-325-3944 Mon - Fri 7am-3pm; Sat - Sun 9am-5pm

Fresh Traditions at Port of Madison Continental cuisine with a Southern flair and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

9035 Madison Boulevard 256-772-7170 Breakfast: Mon - Fri 6am-10am; Sat - Sun 7am-10am; Dinner: Sun - Sat 5pm-10pm Fulin’s Asian Cuisine At Fulin’s Asian Cuisine you’ll discover a fabulous menu inspired by our culture and brought to life by people from all across the world.

Shoppes of Madison 256-721-7005 Sun - Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10:30pm Grounded Coffee Local coffee house serving hand crafted third wave coffee. Community center with events, music, games, art, and more.

12120 County Line Road 256-258-9637 Mon - Fri 6am-6pm; Sat 7am-5pm; Closed Sun Guadaljara Jalisco Mexican Restaurant Quesadillas, margaritas & other classic fare offered in an unpretentious cantina.

8572 Madison Boulevard 256-774-1401 Sun - Tues 10:30am-9pm; Wed - Thurs 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-10pm Gyro Uno Enjoy an authentic Greek salad at Gyro Uno in Madison, where classic regional fare is featured throughout the menu.

8498 Madison Boulevard 256-325-0346 Mon - Sat 10:30-8pm; Closed Sunday Hardee’s/Red Burrito of Madison Fast-food chain serving fried chicken, big burgers & made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits.

8827 Madison Boulevard 256-772-3270 5870 Wall Triana Highway 256-722-0220 Mon - Thurs 4am-10pm; Fri - Sat 4am-11pm; Sun 5am-10pm Haru Korean & Sushi This family-owned restaurant serves Korean food that is fresh, flavorful and authentic.

8760 Madison Boulevard 256-270-9677 Lunch: 11-2 Mon - Sat; Dinner: Mon - Sat 4:30-8 Hunt Club Burgers N Grill The Hunt Club serves up burgers, including wild game, hot dogs and sandwiches in a friendly atmosphere. Dine in or on the patio. Kids are welcome.

10871 County Line Road 256-542-3266 10:30-9 Mon-Wed; Closed Thurs I Love Sushi I LOVE SUSHI has something for everyone from our extensive Japanese Cuisine menu with unique, exciting and creative sushi rolls, sashimi and daily specials.

8429 Highway 72 W 256-325-8818 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2pm, Sat - Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner: Mon - Thurs 5pm-9:30pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 5pm-9pm

Jack’s Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

145 Hughes Road 256-461-4114 7845 Hwy 72 W 256-964-9754 Mon - Sat 5am-10pm; Sun 6am-10pm Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

7690 U.S. Highway 72 W 256-864-9997 Sun - Sat 11am-10pm Joe Moes Ba-Ba-Que Local barbeque restaurant.

9076 Madison Blvd Suite A 256-325-1211 Tues - Sat 11am-7pm KFC Fast-food chain known for its buckets of fried chicken, plus wings & sides.

8966 Madison Boulevard 256-772-7010 7874 Highway 72 W 256-830-1964 Sun - Sat 10am-10pm Krystal Longtime fast-food chain serving square burgers on steamed buns, plus breakfast items & kids’ meals.

8790 Madison Boulevard W 256-772-8993 Sun - Sat: Open 24 hours!

La Placita Mexican Grill Brightly painted cantina doles out familiar Mexican grub, plus lunch specials & a children’s menu.

401 Hughes Road 256-464-3994 Tues - Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm; Closed Monday Las Trojas Cantina Colorful Mexican outpost for fajitas, tacos & ample margaritas & beers in a casual cantina.

7840 Highway 72 W 256-430-1551 Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm Lawlers Barbecue Cooked slow... Served fast! Local BBQ chain serving St. Louis-style ribs, sandwiches & comfort sides in a casual setting.

544 Hughes Road 256-772-0590 1079 Balch Road Suite 256-217-1767 Mon - Sat 10:30am-8pm; Closed Sunday Liberated Specialty Foods Let us help you take your diet Beyond Paleo@.

Liberated® Specialty Foods sells quality, homemade products for your dietary needs.

9048 Segers Road 256-226-0726 Mon - Fri 7am-2pm Little Libby’s Catfish & Diner Old-fashioned restaurant cooking up countrystyle Southern eats, with a focus on fried seafood.

234 Lime Quarry Road 256-772-0191 Mon 10am-3pm; Tues - Wed 10am-8pm; Thurs - Sat 10am-8:30pm; Sun 10am-3:30pm Madison House of Pizza New York style pizzeria plus calzones, sandwiches, pasta, and more!

8644 Madison Boulevard 256-542-3311 Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm

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THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE Madison Station Bar & Grill Featuring Live Music, Karaoke, Billiards, Sportz Zone Projection HD’s, Great Food, Patio Bar, Cold Beer, Drinks + All Adult.

8694 Madison Boulevard, Suite J 256-325-1333 Mon - Sat 4pm-2am; Sun 4pm-12am Madison Taproom Madison Taproom features craft beers & ciders on 28 taps. We also offer packaged beer, cider, mead, wine, and craft soda. Our selection features options both locally and globally.

7407 Highway 72 W, Ste G 256-384-0662 Mon - Thurs 10am-9pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 12pm-6pm Main Street Cafe Main Street Cafe is located in Madison Historic District in the former city hall/jail serving southern gourmet food at its finest.

Local favorites include Meatloaf, Poulet de Normandie, Georgia Chicken, Bourbon Glazed Pork Medallions, Blackened or Grilled Salmon Salad along with daily lunch and dinner.

Mainstreetcafemadison.com 101 Main Street 256-461-8096 Lunch: Mon - Sat 11am-2pm; Dinner: Wed - Thurs 5pm-8pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-9pm; Closed Sunday Mangia Italian Restaurant Warm, family-friendly eatery offering Italian grub such as pies, salads, sandwiches & calzones.

2007 Hughes Road 256-721-7462 Sun - Sat 10am-9pm Marco’s Pizza Enjoy authentic Italian quality pizza. Dough made fresh every day. Sauce from the original Giammarco recipe. Order online for delivery or carry-out.

7559 US 72 West 256-864-2019 Sun - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm 11156 County Line Rd (256) 325-1054 Sun - Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-11pm McDonald’s Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries & shakes.

8005 Highway 72 W 256-772-9584 Sun - Sat 5am-12pm 8841 Madison Boulevard 256-772-0099 Mon - Thurs 5am-1am; Fri 5am-12am; Sat 24 hours; Sun 4am-1am 11178 County Line Rd (256) 772-7766 Sun - Sat 5am-12pm Metro Diner Metro Diner is the kind of place you’re proud to take out-of-towners. Once you walk in, you feel like a local. We serve comfort food with flair.

Serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

7620 US Highway 72 Suite A 256-929-6541 Mon - Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-8pm Mia’s Cafe At Mia’s Cafe in Madison, AL we offer homemade breakfast, daily specials and warm and friendly customer service.

30694 Hwy 72 W B 256-233-4223 Mon - Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 6am-2pm; Sun 7am-2pm

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Old Black Bear Brewing Company Brewing is our life, beer is our water so don’t waste time drinking other things.

212 Main Street 256-850-4639 Mon - Thurs 4pm-11pm; Fri - Sat 11-11; Sun 10-4 Old Greenbrier Restaurant Homey BBQ spot for chicken fingers, hushpuppies & fried catfish on an open, farm-adjacent property.

27028 Old Hwy 20 256-351-1800 Sun - Sat 10am-8:30pm Old Mexico Casual Mexican restaurant in Madison.

140 Browns Ferry Rd (256) 464-6044 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Outback Steakhouse The home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality. Enjoy steak, chicken, ribs, fresh seafood & our famous Bloomin’ Onion.

7640 Highway 72 W 256-895-0257 Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm Panda Express From our world famous Orange Chicken to our health-minded Wok Smart™ selections, Panda Express defines American Chinese cuisine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Freshly prepared. Every day.

8598 Hwy 72 West 256-890-8873 Sun - Thurs 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-10pm Panera Bread Food served in our warm, welcoming fast-casual bakery-cafe, by people who care. At Panera Bread Madison, that’s good eating and that’s why we’re serving clean food without artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources.

8179 Highway 72 West 256-721-7831 Mon - Thurs 6am-9pm; Fri 6am-9:30pm; Sat - Sun 6:30am-9:30pm Papa John’s Pizza Take-out/delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, wings & breadsticks, plus desserts.

12100 County Line Road Ste B 256-772-3111 Mon - Thurs 10am-11pm; Fri - Sat 10am-12pm; Sun 11am-11pm Papa Murphy’s Pizza Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake pizza is the best pizza because we make our dough from scratch, grate our mozzarella, and hand slice our veggies, every day.

7830 U.S. Highway 72 West 256-830-4441 4577 Wall Triana Hwy A102 256-464-3600 Sun - Sat 11am-9pm Pizza Hut Family-friendly chain known for its made-toorder pizzas.

8830 Madison Boulevard 256-772-8897 7950 Hwy 72 W (256) 721-5640 Sun - Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri - Sat 11am-12pm Piper & Leaf x Strong Station “This is a Family Run Tea Company” A4, 7504 Hwy 72 W 256-929-8887 Mon - Sat 9am-9pm; Closed Sunday

Rick’s BBQ Regional BBQ restaurant.

7929 Highway 72 256-325-5907 Mon - Sat 10:30am-9pm; Closed Sun Rita’s Italian Ice Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.

8046 Highway 72 West 256-970-4848 Mon - Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-10pm Rocket City Craft Beer Offers a rotating selection of craft beers on draft, as well as a huge selection of cans and bottles to take home.

1079 Balch Rd. Suite F 256-489-0807 Mon - Thurs 12pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-8pm Rocket Republic Brewing “One small sip for man, one giant taste for mankind.”

289 Production Avenue 256-325-4677 Sun - Thurs 3pm-9pm; Fri - Sat 3pm-12pm Rome2Greece Freshly Made Mediterranean 1591 Hughes Road 256-325-0925 Tues - Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-3pm; Closed Monday Saffron Indian Restaurant Laid-back, halal eatery offering North & South Indian staples, plus an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

12090 County Line Rd., Suite J 256-233-1085 Lunch: Tues - Fri 11am-2pm; Sat - Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner: Tues - Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-9:30pm, Sun 5pm-9pm; Closed Monday Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant Saigon restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the warm friendly atmosphere.

8760 Madison Boulevard (P&Q) 256-772-0202 Sun - Sat 11am-9pm Sakura Japanese Steak House Sakura japanese steakhouse & sushi bar, located in Madison, AL serves the highest quality in steaks, seafood, sushi and poultry.

12090-P County Line Road 256-233-6955 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2pm; Dinner: Mon - Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm, Fri 4:30pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-9:30pm Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria Relaxed, two-level eatery offering pies, sandwiches & other fare alongside Italian ice cream.

364 Hughes Road 256-772-9888 Mon - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11-10; Sun 11-8 Schlotzsky’s Deli A menu with something for everyone as long as they like sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, salads, macs, and more.

8969 Madison Boulevard 256-464-5300 Sun - Sat 10:30am-9pm

THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE Smashburger Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.

8135 Highway 72 W, Suite C 256-726-0031 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Smokey’s BBQ Counter-serve eatery offering generous BBQ plates & classic sides in a casual, woodsy setting.

8071 Highway 72 W 256-721-0300 Mon - Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 10:30am-3pm Sonic Drive In Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

3763 Sullivan Street 256-464-3138 Mon - Fri 6am-12am; Sat 7am-12am; Sun 8am-12am 11396 County Line Rd 256-777-6639 Mon - Sat 6am-12am; Sun 7am-12am 7871 Highway 72 W 256-895-0063 Mon - Sat 7am-12am; Sun 8am-12am Starbucks Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability.

7779 Highway 72 W 256-430-2393 Sun - Sat 5am-10pm Steak Out (Highway 72 W) Delivery-only chain offering grilled steak, chicken & shrimp plus sandwiches, salads & lunch deals.

7143-D Highway 72 W 256-721-1515 23-A Shelton Road 256-772-3030 Mon - Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-11pm Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet Festive, kid-centric chain offering build-your-own pizza, a buffet & a game room.

5510 Promenade Point Parkway NW 256-325-9009 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Subway Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

7950 Highway 72 W, Suite B 256-430-3426 Sun - Sat 9am-10pm 347-B Hughes Road 256-461-1021 Mon - Fri 7am-10pm; Sat - 8am-10pm; Sun - 9am-10pm 10971 County Line Road, Suite A 256-461-4191 Mon - Fri 7am-9:30pm; Sat - 8am-9:30pm; Sun - 9am-9pm 25025 Chase Farm Boulevard 256-584-8100 Mon - Fri 7am-9:30pm; Sat - 8am-9:30pm; Sun 9am-9pm Sunny Street Cafe Casual regional chain serving hearty American fare for breakfast & lunch, with gluten-free options.

7143 Highway 72 W 256-213-7120 Sun - Sat 6:30am-2pm

Sweet Charlie’s Gourmet rolled ice cream.

7626 Highway 72 W (256) 325-0616 Sun - Thurs 12pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 12pm-11pm Taco Bell Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

7940 Highway 72 256-721-1312 Sun - Thurs 6:30am-2pm; Sat - Sun 6:30am-4am 8860 Madison Boulevard 256-772-8055 Sun - Thurs 7am-2am; Fri - Sat 7am-3am Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Comfy chain eatery providing made-to-order gyros & other Mediterranean dishes plus beer & wine.

105 Brookridge Drive 256-724-6554 Sun - Sat 10:30am-9pm Ted’s Bar-B-Q Smoked All Night Bar B Q offered at three locations in North Alabama, Five Points, Madison Blvd. and University Drive.

8780 Madison Boulevard 256-772-6500 Mon - Sat 6:30am-8pm; Closed Sunday Tenders Chicken tenders, smoked wings and fries have made this restaurant a local favorite.

101 Intercom Drive 256-464-7811 Mon - Thurs 10:30am-9pm The Dessert Fork The Dessert Fork is a dessert café that provides a variety of made-from-scratch desserts for your personal enjoyment. You can dine-in and enjoy our free Wi-Fi or take your confections to go.

107 Brookridge Drive Ste E2 256-970-4979 Mon - Sat 8am-7pm; Closed Sunday The Juicery Drink Healthy... Feel Awesome 7504 Hwy 72 W Unit A5 256-584-2348 Mon - Fri 7am-7:30pm; Sat 9:30am-7:30pm; Sun 9:30am-2:30pm The Stem & Stein Relaxed hangout featuring a sizable wine & craft beer selection, plus weekly tastings & live music.

10871 County Line Road, Suite B 256-325-3779 Mon - Thurs 3pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 3pm-11pm Tropical Smoothie Cafe Casual, health-conscious chain cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

1079 Balch Road 256-970-4330 Mon - Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 10am-8pm Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Customers can build their own pizzas & salads, assembly-line style, at this familyfriendly chain.

8048 Highway 72 W. 256-430-2388 Sun - Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri - Sat 11am-9pm

Waffle House Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

8979 Madison Boulevard 256-772-9540 1635 Hughes Road 256-890-1276 Open 24 hours!

Wendy’s Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.

8814 Madison Boulevard W 256-772-0502 Sun - Thurs 10am-1pm; Fri - Sat 10am-2pm 7782 Highway 72 W 256-890-0310 Sun - Sat 10am-1pm 11300 County Line Road 256-772-1345 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm Which Which? Superior Sandwiches Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches serves custom-crafted sandwiches, wraps and salads with over 60 toppings to create a masterpiece.

Get your wich on!

8064 Madison Pike 256-464-3628 Mon - Sat 6am-10pm; Sun 6am-9pm Wings to Go No-frills chain offering Buffalo wings with many different sauces, plus salads & sandwiches.

8572 Madison Boulevard, Suite U 256-461-0358 Mon - Thurs 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-10pm; Sun 11am-9:30pm Wish You Were Beer “Beer Don’t Drink Itself” 7407 Hwy 72 W. 256-325-9992 Mon - Thurs 2pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 12pm-12am; Closed Sunday Zaxby’s Absolutely craveable, daringly zesty, made-to-order chicken fingers, wings and more.

This is gonna be good.

100 Ivory Place 256-461-0026 8586 Hwy 72 W 256-722-5565 Sun - Sat 10:30am-10pm Zion Gourmet Popcorn Zion Gourmet Popcorn is a gourmet popcorn business. We sell popcorn, fudge, chocolate candy, candy apple and caramel apples.

104 Main Street 256-631-5982 Mon - Fri & Sunday 10am-6pm

Madison Living 69

Why I love Madison

B

Bailey Erickson

Bailey Erickson has called Madison home for more than a decade. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Erickson is retired from federal law enforcement and is the CEO of Gemini Investigations in Madison. She has two children, Christian and Alexis.

What is your favorite Madison restaurant, and what do you like about it?

I love Old Black Bear because it has such a warm and friendly ambiance. The shrimp tacos and cheeseburgers are amazing!

What are some accomplishments you’re proud of?

I am the 2019 Madison Rotary Club’s Rotarian of the Year; I serve on the Women’s Economic Development Council; I am a Military Emeritus Docent at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center; and I’m a member of the Air Force Association and the Coordinated Community Response Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Why do you love Madison?

I love Madison because you can raise your family in a healthy environment intent on helping your children and all family members succeed in every way.

What is your job title, and what does your work entail?

I am CEO of Gemini Investigations in Madison. I provide investigative support for local law firms on cases such as whistle blower for major fraud against the U.S. government, sexual harassment, all types of employment discrimination and class action law suits.

What do you enjoy about your job?

My favorite type of cases to work are reports of fraud against the U.S. government that could harm or hinder our service members.

Keeping our service members safe is paramount, and so is stopping the bleeding of taxpayer money.

What is your favorite place to visit in Madison?

My favorite place to shop in Madison is Noble Passage.

70 Madison Living

Fast Five

Tell us a little about your family.

I am a single mom who has raised one successful electrical engineer (Christian) and is raising one future Air Force general (Alexis.)

1. Favorite hobby: Walking on the greenways 2. Favorite food: Mexican 3. Goal or ambition: To gather a team of retired law enforcers to reduce the backlog of federal security clearances 4. Church: Messiah Lutheran 5. Something people might not know about me is: I love to paint!

Meet 19-month-old Avery Nelson.

When he is sick, his parents take him to where they work as nurse practitioners. Just like the Nelsons, Madison parents can have peace of mind knowing a full medical team of experts from nursing, lab and imaging services is ready anytime to take care of their child.

The Emergency Department — the right place for kids’ minor injuries and illnesses anytime, day or night.

We really do treat you like family.