Hoover's Magazine, February/March 2021

MICAH SIMPSON’S GLASS ART • SUGAR BAKINGS ICED COOKIES • TACO MAMA FOUNDER WILL HAVER

2021

WEDDINGS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 10 | Issue 1 $4.95

TEN REAL WEDDINGS PANDEMIC LOVE STORIES ROMANTIC BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES HooversMagazine.com 1

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WEDDINGS 58

KING & LEWIS

60

BELL & PHILLIPS

62

COCHRAN & NORDGREN

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MARSHALL & PEARSON

66

NEWTON & MORGAN

68

CONRAD & DAUGHERTY

70

WALDROP & SHAFFER

BYERLY & SMITH

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LAWLER & POWELL

76

SULLIVAN & CARTER

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PHOTO BY HEATHER DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

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60

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PHOTO BY MORGAN HUNT

arts & culture

11 The Glass Dance: Micah Simpson’s Glass-Blown Art 19 Book Nook: Southern Voices Retrospective 22 Read This Book: Sheila Glasscock

food

& drink

23 Cookie Art: In the Kitchen with Sugar Bakings 30 Five Questions For: Taco Mama Founder Will Haver

weddings 32 Just the Right Fit: Inclusivity in Bridal Fashion

in every issue 4 Contributors 5 From the Editor 6 The Question 7 The Guide 20 Aldridge Gardens 78 Chamber Connections 82 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Hoover

39 She Said Yes: Proposal Stories You Shared with Us 40 Six Romantic Wedding Hairstyles 47 Love in the Time of Coronavirus: Quarantine Stories 50 Fall Florals: Choose-Your-Own Setting Edition

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contributors EDITORIAL

Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino

CONTRIBUTORS

Kathryn Bell James Culver Lindsey Culver Mary Fehr Hillary Stegall Gamble Morgan Hunt Sarah Cook McBride Elizabeth Sturgeon

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom

Lindsey Culver, Photographer

Originally from the Midwest, Lindsey is a photographer who lives in Homewood with her husband, Chris, and two mischievous children, Smith and Roland (along with their dachshund puppy, Sweeney Todd).

When not working as a baby and child photographer, she can be found with her hands in the dirt of her flower and vegetable garden, with a cup of coffee in hand around the clock, hosting hot tub parties for her friends and attending every local musical theater performance.

Mary Fehr, Photographer

Mary is a wedding and portrait photographer based out of Birmingham.

She studied art and art history at University of Montevallo. She likes to teach and plans on getting her MFA in order to do so. Mary also loves to travel and has a goal of photographing a wedding in every state! She enjoys reading non-fiction, going to concerts and spending time with her family.

MARKETING

Darniqua Bowen Kristy Brown Evann Campbell Jessica Caudill Kari George Caroline Hairston Rachel Henderson Kinley Johnson Rhett McCreight Viridiana Romero Brittany Schofield Lisa Shapiro Savana Tarwater Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Daniel Holmes Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Hillary Stegall Gamble, Photographer

Hillary started Je Vois Photography 12 years ago, primarily as a wedding and portrait photography studio. She lives in Homewood with her husband and three daughters. She stays very busy developing smile wrinkles while singing, cooking, exercising or taking pictures of real moments.

Elizabeth Sturgeon, Writer

Elizabeth was born and raised in Birmingham and has stayed close to home ever since. A recent Samford University graduate, Elizabeth serves as the communications coordinator at Birmingham-Southern College, where she covers stories about students, alumni and campus culture. She is always down for a meal she’s never eaten before or a movie she’s never seen.

Hoover’s Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Hoover’s Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Hoover’s Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Hoover’s Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Hoover, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit HooversMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting HooversMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext.

536.

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from the editor

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Madoline with her sister-in-law and brother, the bride and groom

ON THE COVER

Conrad-Martin Wedding

Katherine Conrad and Martin Daugherty started dating when they were students at Hoover and Spain Park high schools, respectively, and married in September 2020.

Photo by Eric & Jamie Photography Design by Kimberly Myers

2020 started off with a bang on Jan. 18 as I watched my brother’s bride process up to him at the altar of the Episcopal church where she’d grown up in Richmond, Virginia. A few hours later, the two of them— not usually ones for the spotlight—were up on the stage at their reception singing along to my brother’s favorite Tom Petty songs as the band rocked out behind them. In front of them danced a crowd clad in colorful hats, boas, sunglasses and balloons that my cousins and I had passed out to pump up the party ala a family tradition that began when one cousin married a Peruvian and introduced us to the Latin American “hora loca” (“crazy hour”).

Two months later, the New York Times posted a set of readersubmitted videos of “powerful scenes from crowded places that feel almost unthinkable now.” Though I didn’t send one in, that dance floor would have been mine. Looking back at pictures, it’s so apparent that we had no concept of social distancing in our minds and no idea of what was to come.

I didn’t know that by spring, I’d attend my cousin’s wedding ceremony on Zoom, putting on the dress I’d planned to wear (the first time I’d changed out of stretchy pants in who knows how long), pouring a glass of wine and opening my computer screen. I didn’t know that by summer bridesmaid duty would look like dropping off surprise gifts at the bride’s doorstep on wedding week and showing up to her parents’ house on wedding eve with a four-layer cookie cake I’d made. In the moments that followed I chatted on the back porch with their immediate family that made up all of the wedding guests, all of us in T-shirts and shorts.

To the brides and grooms of pandemic-era 2020, your resilience astounds me. And while this wedding issue may, at first glance, look similar to ones we’ve published in years past, a closer look reveals its words and images are distinct to the pandemic year we’ll never forget.

Dates were moved, guest lists were cut and unknowns were rampant.

And yet, as the couples in this issue recount, after all the stress of changed plans, they were full of intimate, meaningful moments as they began their married lives together. Be sure to read all their accounts in the pages to come in this issue, along with our coverage of inclusion in the wedding dress industry, hair styles on trend, reader-submitted engagement stories and more wedding prettiness that will hopefully brighten cold winter days for you.

Wishing you a warm and healthy start to 2021,

madoline.markham@hooversmagazine.com HooversMagazine.com 5

“ ” THE QUESTION

What do you or your guests remember most from your wedding?

We married in the middle of football season on Alabama’s Homecoming.

Some guests had earphones in their ears. Others left the reception and headed for the stadium.

The guys were screaming and pushing and shoving to catch the garter. Then when my husband threw it landed in the floor. One of the guys took his jacket off and covered it up.

Being rushed and not eating at our reception at all and asking the limo driver to take us to Taco Bell after we left.

My wedding dress was the one my Aunt Sue wore at her wedding when I was 8 and I caught the bouquet, but it was also my great grandmother’s original wedding dress from 1915.

My husband’s friend pushing me in the pool with my going away outfit on. I’m still thinking about how to get him back. It’s been 32 years.

Pouring her into her dad’s ‘32 Ford and driving off to our honeymoon!

-Frances Malone

-Lauren Pike

-Deanna Carroll

Miscommunication with the florist meant we didn’t have petals for guests to throw as we walked out, so they tore apart the bridesmaids’ bouquets and found a basket to place them in.

-Kim Kirby Baker

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-Jan Burton Deagon

-Sarah Trombley

-Del Hathcock

Vomiting on my wedding dress in the limo

-Tania Surabian Daniel

THE GUIDE

SHELBY HUMANE PAWS FOR THE CAUSE 5K AND 1 MILE TAIL WAGGIN’ TREK MARCH 6 Veterans Park Who doesn’t run to support the lost, homeless and unwanted pets the Shelby Humane Society cares for? You can run a 5K course through the park around the lake and through tree-lined trails, and/or take on a 1-mile “obstacle” course run with silly fun animal-themed challenges for all ages. Register at runsignup.com and learn more about the nonprofit at shelbyhumane.org.

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AROUND TOWN Check for event updates closer to dates based on COVID-19.

ALL DATES Various Events Hoover Public Library events.hooverlibrary.org

BLUFF PARK

MURAL COMING SOON How cool is this mural designed by Jayne Morgan coming soon to Mr. P’s Deli and Butcher Shop in Bluff Park? The angel wings represent Mrs. P, Carol Pilleteri, who passed away in April 2018,

and the red roses surrounding the wings were her favorite flower. Plus, the seven cardinals represent the seven grandchildren of Carol and her husband Charles. Donations to the project are now being accepted through Venmo @BluffParkMuralProject. Donations of $400 or more will receive a limited signed and matted 8x10-inch print of the mural image.

MARCH 6

ASPIRE Wine 10K The Finley Center, Hoover Met Time for a run—with wine! The USATF-certified course starts at The Finley Center and loops through the Hoover Metropolitan Sports Complex and adjacent neighborhood before returning to finish inside The Finley Center.

Runners and walkers of all paces are welcome and encouraged to participate, and there’s also a virtual option for the 10K and the 5K. Register at runsignup.com.

THURSDAYS

Live From My Living Room 7 P.M.

Connect with your favorite musicians while remaining socially distant through the Hoover Public Library on YouTube or Facebook. Just one example: On Feb. 11, 8 February/March 2021

Sean Gaskell will play the kora, a 21-string harp-like instrument that he studied in Gambia. Find more virtual events happening at the library at events.hooverlibrary.org, or you can schedule a curbside pick-up at hooverlibrary.org.

THROUGH FEB. 7 Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle Birmingham Museum of Art, Jemison Galleries THROUGH MARCH 2021 All Things Bright and Beautiful Exhibit Birmingham Museum of Art, Pizitz Gallery THROUGH MAY 2021 An Epic of Earth and Water: Clare Leighton and the New England Industries Series Birmingham Museum of Art, Arrington Gallery FEB. 5 Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus The Lyric Theatre FEB. 11 American Red Cross Blood Drive Hoover Met 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FEB. 14 The Great Backyard Bird Count 2021 Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center FEB. 15 Presidents Day FEB. 25 Jo Koy Just Kidding World Tour The Alabama Theatre FEB. 27 Columbiana Cowboy Day Columbiana

MARCH 5 Alabama Wish Night Benefitting Make-A-Wish Alabama Ross Bridge Welcome Center MARCH 13 GreenWise Market Village 2 Village 10K and 7.5K Mountain Brook Village MARCH 18-21 James and the Giant Peach Jr. Virginia Samford Theatre MARCH 22-26 Spring Break Hoover City Schools MARCH 27 Rumpshaker 5K In Person or Virtual Options Homewood Central Park MARCH 28 Darci Lynne & Friends BJCC Concert Hall

SCHOOLS

TIME FOR APPLAUSE Hoover City Schools District Elementary Teacher of the Year Katherine Thompson (Riverchase Elementary School, pictured above) and Secondary Teacher of the Year Pamela McClendon (RC3, below) were honored in surprise ceremonies in December and will proceed to the state level for consideration.

Other teachers of the year for the school system are: uDianne Row, Berry Middle uAvery Lieske, Bluff Park Elementary uTerri Davis, Brock’s Gap Intermediate uAshley Lloyd, R.F. Bumpus Middle uKatie Woolard, Deer Valley Elementary uJenny Smith, Green Valley Elementary uLaura Oliver, Gwin Elementary uAdrian Fitchpatrick, Hoover High uGinny Ezekial, Rocky Ridge Elementary uNancy McGowan, Shades Mountain Elementary uTamera Carter, Simmons Middle uHunter Birdyshaw, South Shades Crest Elementary uHannah Joseph, Spain Park High uAmanda Mundy, Trace Crossings Elementary

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[Newbor n + Child + Family Por traiture] info@apeppermintphoto.com + 205.807.6431 w w w . a p e p p e r m i n t p h o t o . c o m 10 February/March 2021

&CULTURE

ARTS

THE GLASS DANCE Shapes and colors of all forms emerge in Micah Simpson’s glass-blown art.

BY ELIZABETH STURGEON PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUNT HooversMagazine.com 11

Micah Simpson creates blown glass art from his home studio.

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Glassblowing is a dance, choreographed with repetitive and rhythmic movements that shape each glass object. Honey-like molten glass balances on the end of the long blowpipe as it’s twisted or layered.

Micah Simpson always thinks of the glassblowing process this way, as a dance that relies on precision and strength, as well as curiosity in the shapes and colors that he can create. “You’ve got to move quickly and move with the glass,” he says. “If you don’t get your timing just right, or if you dance too slowly, the glass will shatter.”

The 2,000-degree heat point, the speed and intensity, and the color combinations that emerge have kept Micah involved in glassblowing for nearly 20 years, from his college classes in the studio to his current glass blowing and woodworking business, Glass and Grain.

Through Glass and Grain, Micah crafts handblown glass drinkware, bowls and vases as well as furniture and large built-in woodworking projects.

He’s the only glassblowing artist in the Birmingham area that he knows of, and one of a small group throughout the state and the Southeast.

Glassblowing isn’t like other forms of glass art—

it’s defined by the technique of forming the hot glass at the end of a long, 5-foot pipe that the artist blows through to create a bubble and then further shapes from there. “You have to see it to really understand it,” Micah says. “It’s a big operation, not just a little torch. You can make some really large pieces.”

Micah’s creative and innovative spirit began with a childhood interest in drawing and painting and even building Legos, further sparked by living in New Orleans until he was 17 and seeing a deeprooted appreciation for art. When he began a degree in accounting at Georgia Southwestern University (his creative side being met by a more mathematical half), he eventually stumbled upon the university’s glass studio.

This studio is a true gem as the only university glass studio in Georgia and one of less than 100 college programs around the country, and Micah began loading his schedule with extra classes in glassblowing. “It’s very captivating, and the process is intriguing,” he says. “There’s a danger element, and I like the challenge. Glass is probably the hardest medium to pick up, in all the mediums I’ve done.”

His glass work allows him to experiment with HooversMagazine.com 13

colors and styles within a very particular technique.

“With glass, I like to throw things together and try them out,” Micah says. “Sometimes I stumble upon a combination of colors that you have to see in person. It’s fascinating what colors can do.” He loves creating these remarkable designs in what he thinks of as everyday “vessels” like cups and bowls – objects that hold something else.

Micah decided to pursue his BFA after a few years of glassblowing, and he spent even more time in the glass studio and worked with painting, printmaking, metalworking and photography. After working with glass for hours each day, Micah then moved to Birmingham to attend Beeson Divinity School, thinking he left glass behind for a next step.

While in seminary, he found Bear Creek Studio, a glassblowing studio in downtown Birmingham where he would work 25 hours a week as their coldwork technician. Around 2009 when he graduated, Bear Creek closed, and Micah thought the glassblowing chapter had officially closed since he’d only be able to work whenever he was in Georgia.

With his seminary degree in hand, Micah began a role as the campus pastor at Southeastern Bible College, but with the need for pieces of furniture and renovations in his home, he started woodworking too. “When I didn’t have glass accessible, the creative spark was still very much alive,” he says. “It’s a fun process to make something the way you want it – the right fit and the right style.”

Micah first built a set of stairs in his home, and then built a bed frame when his wife, Heather, was pregnant. “We really needed it made quickly, so she could have it while she was pregnant,” he says, “and we’ve had it for ten years now. It’s stood up to our two boys wrestling on it, and it’s an heirloom piece.”

In 2017, with years of woodworking and glassblowing experience and while moving on from a nonprofit leadership job, Micah began to look at next steps and saw the blend of glass and grain—the mediums he’s made his own through years of practice and training. He created a workspace out of his own garage and driveway in Hoover to have room for tools and equipment.

Glass and Grain bring out different sides of Micah’s style. In his glass work, experimentation and spontaneity in the process generate striking color combinations with deep royal blues or warm golds. Woodworking brings out an extreme attention to detail in each piece. A professor once encouraged Micah to “consider the square you make,” which he does in the details of the custom wood pieces he puts into the world.

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There’s a functionality in the mediums that Micah enjoys about both. With the glass, he makes cups and bowls and other objects you use on a daily basis.

“Glass and art could be just something you look at,” he says, “but I want people to participate in the art.” The vessels he’s putting into the world are certainly beautiful objects, ones that you pay much more attention to than an average cup.

Micah’s blown glass turns vessels into what he calls considered objects.

“You don’t usually consider the cup because you’re more interested in what’s in the cup. With the glass blown, handmade cups, people stop and consider the vessel,” Micah says.

Though he’s worked on large-scale projects and sculptures—like the “Tree of Life” in Surgical Dermatology Group’s lobby with 100 pieces of

glass-blown fruit—it’s the functional pieces like the everyday drinkware or the bed he made for his wife that mean the most to him.

The slowness it takes to stop and look deeper into an object—to make art a part of something as simple as drinking from a glass—is something Micah sees as going deeper, beyond the art, and representative of how we can interact in the world around other people.

“We’re so often more interested in what we can get out of someone than the person themselves,” he says.

“But we hold memories and fears, and much more. It would be nice if we could always consider the vessel as much as we consider what’s in it.”

Follow Micah’s work on Instagram @glass_ and_grain and learn more about it at glass-andgrain.com.

Coming back in 2021 for a 5th Year

The only pick-your-own tulip field in the Southeast The Festival runs mid-February through March

*(depending on bloom time) Check our website or Facebook page for opening date and field conditions before your trip.

Open Monday-Saturday 10-4, Sunday 12-4 during bloom time

The American Village

3727 Hwy. 119, Montevallo, Alabama

www.americanvillage.org • (205) 665-3535 HooversMagazine.com 17

THE PROCESS The key to glassblowing is keeping the material moving. “You start to have a feel for the heat,” Micah says. First, as the glass is heating up in the furnace, he takes a 5-foot-long blowpipe to gather the glass on the end, with molecules rapidly moving and expanding to be flexible and shapable. He uses a bench and different tools to manipulate the shape, then “dances” back to the reheating furnace to keep the texture moving until he gets the design he has in mind. The more glass you have, the more heat it captures and the more working time you have. You can see videos and photos of the full technique on Micah’s Instagram @glass_and_grain.

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BOOK NOOK

Southern Voices Retrospective To say that 2020 was a struggle would be a big understatement.

The Hoover Public Library changed the way we operated during this time and moved programs, story times and book groups to an online environment.

One program that we could not adapt though was our annual Southern Voices Festival.

For the last 28 years, the Hoover Public Library has brought artists, musicians and writers to our Theatre stage for the Southern Voices Festival. That magic, frankly, cannot be replicated online, nor is it feasible to hold it in the Library Theater with social distancing guidelines in place.

So, instead of putting the last minute finishing touches on our conference, Technology Manager we’ve been spending a lot of time reminiscing on past conferences.

Our Library Director Amanda Borden says one of her favorite memories was meeting author Lisa Scottoline in 2007.

Scottoline not only connected with Amanda on a very personal level, but she generously donated her honorarium back to the library.

Pam Bainter, library specialist and past SV co-chair, says one of the highlights of her career was driving her favorite author, Lee Smith, to the airport after the event in 1999. Smith regaled her with stories about the South and southern literature.

Matina Johnson, Library Theater manager, recollects hosting Odetta in 2005. As down to earth as she was, Johnson says she was well aware that she was rubbing elbows with a living legend—one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and the queen of American folk and blues.

As for me, my fondest memory was from 2019 when I introduced one of my personal heroes, Bryan Stevenson, the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. Few books have spoken to me more than Stevenson’s Just Mercy, which was adapted into a movie later that year and starred Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan.

During the week of what would have been Southern Voices 2021 (February 23-27), we are going to share some more memories from past festivals each day on the Southern Voices Facebook page. In the meantime, know that your Southern Voices Festival committee will be hard at work planning an engaging, fun and “normal” event in 2022.

Carrie Steinmehl

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Planning a wedding soon? Did you know Aldridge Gardens is the PERFECT place for your wedding, rehearsal party and/or reception?

Looking for a “woodsy” wedding site? Aldridge Gardens has the perfect spot!

Looking for a bit more tradition with an arbor backdrop? We’ve got that!

How about a lakeside wedding on the lawn with a beautiful backdrop of woods?

We have THAT too!

Want a a truly “garden” oriented site? Our Camellia Garden is stunning with the Pergola as the ceremony area—and especially incredible at certain times of the year!

Aldridge Gardens as a wedding venue is second to none—we offer backdrops of azaleas, hydrangeas, the lake, the woods, the Veterans Arbor—you dream it, we’ve got it and can make it happen! With some exceptions and caveats like accessibility, power, etc., almost anywhere within the acreage of the Gardens a ceremony can happen. We have done weddings deep in the woods, weddings on the front porch of the Aldridge House, weddings inside the Aldridge House by the fireplace, in the circular drive at the Ginkgo Tree, even in the Boathouse—let your imagination run free!

And while you are dreaming, consider your rehearsal dinner or reception at the Gardens! We can do that too! We have an amazing open-air Pavilion that is stunning when set up and decorated in “party/reception mode”! And if you prefer a more intimate inside setting, the Gallery of the Aldridge House is perfect for a memorable dinner or party!

Aldridge Gardens works with the best caterers and lighting/appointment companies in the metro area to make your every dream come true. And our knowledgeable staff will ensure your special day or evening runs like clockwork.

Give Amanda Baker a call at 205.739.6554 (or email at abaker@ aldridgegardens.com) and discuss the possibilities. They are ENDLESS!

3530 Lorna Road • Hoover, Alabama 35216 • 205-682-8019 • www.aldridgegardens.com • info@aldridgegardens.com

News from our Chief Executive Officer Tynette Lynch

Wow....what a year! 2020 started with a question mark—would the new virus come to America? We ALL know that answer! Aldridge Gardens closed for a few weeks, then re-opened, following the health guidelines of the State and City of Hoover. The response was frankly, overwhelming. Every month of 2020 following our re-opening, a new attendance record was set. Over 110,000 people discovered this hidden jewel in the middle of Hoover, shattering our old record of just over 85,000 visitors. And not only did they “visit,” many made the Gardens a daily ritual as we hosted breakfast groups, coffee groups, afternoon discussion groups (all socially distanced)...an amazing gathering of people from all walks of life and situations visited this beautiful 32 acre oasis to escape the world “out there.” We thank each and every single one of you for coming through our gates.

And NOW for 2021!!!

As this is being written, we experienced rather warm fall weather, but a far more seasonable and “normal” winter so far. That means we should (fingers crossed!) have an outstanding year starting with our early spring flowering shrubs, especially the native azaleas on the Edmiston Azalea Trail! The Japanese Maples will be going into their second and third years, and many have unfurling leaves that can be mistaken for flowers, so be on the lookout for those! And speaking of flowers, both the Cherry Grove and the Community Orchard in the front lawn are poised to be spectacular this year!

As we move further into the spring season, our Hydrangea display takes center stage.

During the middle of Hydrangea season we have the Annual Plant Sale where many of our spectacular hydrangeas and azaleas will be available—including Eddie Aldridge’s fabulous Snowflake Hydrangea!

In the middle of Hydrangea season, the Gardens come alive with two incredible events: Summer Camps and Hydrangeas Under the Stars! Children (and moms and dads!) look forward every year to our week long camp sessions that last the month of June. Always geared toward fun, our campers learn about science, math and technology without realizing it! Camps this year begin the last week of May and are ALWAYS sold out (even last summer), so visit the website early and often for registration.

And June would not be complete without our annual fund raiser, Hydrangeas Under the Stars. This ticketed, seated dinner event is one of the most popular and sought after tickets in the metro area. 2021’s date is Saturday, June 12.

Mark your calendars for these special dates and we hope YOU will help us break another record in 2021!

Even though “spring” is not in the air yet, we at Aldridge Gardens are well into our Spring planning.

Spring cleanup is well underway and wedding events have continued to take place with just a little seasonal change in the décor. Our outdoor Pavilion continues to be a favorite for wedding receptions, and our various Garden locations for beautiful ceremonies are being booked on a daily basis.

Over the winter months we added a stoned expansion area to our Pavilion to allow for more room for receptions.

Now our petite amphitheater area is more usable and looks incredible. Our “secret” field trip Garden area is also taking on a new look and as this project progresses will add more usable space and continue to become more accessible for all visitors.

We are so grateful for the continued support of our donors that allows us to keep growing and improving through their generosity.

We have set a new record of visitors to Aldridge Gardens in 2020 with welcoming over 110,000 people through our gates, and this number continues to climb as people discover we are no longer the best kept secret, but are now the “best” complimentary outdoor space to visit and enjoy.

Please visit our website for springtime events information and for information on our Summer Camps.

Remember, Summer Camps fill up quickly so watch the calendar for dates to enroll.

Happy Spring and welcome back to Aldridge Gardens.

ARTS & CULTURE

READ THIS BOOK

Bloom Where You Are Planted Recommendations from

Sheila Glasscock Simmons Middle School Librarian

As spring approaches, we will have the opportunity yet again to see the beauty in nature all around us. We can be intentional about our place in the world, serve others and grow to our full potential. Here is a list of books that will let you look into the lives of various characters as they learn to find their place in the world, accept their differences and gifts, and bloom in their unique way.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

By Dusti Bowling | Grades 5-8 Aven Green was born without arms. She’d rather tell tall tales about losing them in an alligator fight than the boring truth. Her parents move across the country to manage a rundown western theme park in Arizona.

There she meets new friends, solves a mystery, faces her fears and learns to accept herself.

Where the Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens | Adult Kya Clark is the forgotten “Marsh Girl” of coastal North Carolina. Her heartbreaking story of learning to trust human connections is beautifully woven into a mystery, romance, drama and a coming-of-age story. Find out what happens when two young men from town are intrigued by her beauty and Kya opens herself to a new life.

Author Delia Owens has been praised for her nonfictional accounts of Africa’s Kalahari Desert and now for her description of the natural world in her first novel.

Amina’s Voice

By Hena Khan | Grades 3-7 This is the story of a young Pakistani-American girl facing the challenges of bringing a diverse community together. Amina deals with anxiety and grapples with hiding who she is to fit in. Her story inspires empathy and highlights the ways in which we are more alike than we think. Her middle school woes are relatable, and finding her voice can heal a community.

Song for a Whale

By Lynne Kelly | Grades 3-7 Written by a sign language interpreter, the story of Iris is one of a girl who is deaf and longing for connection.

She finds it through her journey to help Blue 55, a whale unable to speak to other whales, when she has an idea to invent a way to “sing” to him. He’s thousands of miles away though. How will she play her song? Come along as Iris journeys to take control of her life and strives toward her goal to help another.

Sulwe

By Lupita Nyong’o | Grades K-3 In this beautifully illustrated book, Sulwe tackles her own self-worth as she battles issues of colorism. Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than anyone in her family or her school. Her mother creates a magical journey for her that opens her eyes to her own unique beauty. Join Sulwe as she gains self-esteem and learns that beauty comes from within.

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&DRINK

FOOD

COOKIE ART

For the artist behind Sugar Bakings, a hobby has blossomed into something bigger than she imagined.

BY SARAH COOK MCBRIDE PHOTOS BY KATHRYN BELL HooversMagazine.com 23

Rebecca Pilgreen ices cookies in her home kitchen as a part of Sugar Bakings.

I

Instead of laptops and Zoom-friendly backgrounds, Rebecca Pilgreen prefers her home office to be overflowing with color. And sugar. Lots of sugar.

Around the same time businesses began boarding up and schools closed their doors in the spring of 2020, Rebecca began revving up her homegrown business, Sugar Bakings, baking and decorating cookies for local businesses, bachelorette parties, birthdays, baby showers and anything else that could use a custom confection.

“It all kind of started while scrolling social media in 2019,” Rebecca says. “I kept seeing these cookie videos and would think, ‘I could do that.’”

Rebecca decided to give her growing interest some proper schooling, so she attended a cookies class specifically for aspiring cookies artists in Helena. “Then I went home and tried to do it myself and it was, well, terrible,” Rebecca says with a laugh.

Dogged in nature, however, the budding baker decided to keep the apron on. After several months of perfecting her recipe and honing her technique from her kitchen off Highway 280, Rebecca soon began growing a loyal following of friends and

24 February/March 2021

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family who couldn’t get enough of her carefully-crafted cookies.

And a business was born.

“For Easter, I did cookie kits and that really took off,” Rebecca says. “Between that and Mother’s Day, those were the pivotal points that I realized this could be something.”

Since last spring, Rebecca has perfected her process. From start to finish, it takes her about four days to complete a “project.” That includes baking the cookies, letting them cool, decorating the cookies and individually wrapping each sweet treat.

“There’s a lot of detail that goes into it and I think people love seeing something that’s personal to them on a cookie,” Rebecca says. “Even if it’s just a logo or a hashtag for a bachelorette party or some sort of inside joke. It’s fun to put that on a cookie.”

A quick scroll through @sugarbakings’ social media feed proves Rebecca’s sentiment. She’s made a cookie for almost everything. Halloween cookies, graduation cookies, wedding cookies, cookies thanking first responders—you name it, she’s baked and decorated it. The cookie artist jokes that since launching Sugar Bakings, her home has turned into its own little storefront. She, her husband and their dog have learned to get used to a constant stream of confections.

“It’s absolutely taken over,” Rebecca says with a laugh. “Our dining room table is just mainly a cookie table now.”

But that’s okay with Rebecca. While she admits that Sugar Bakings is certainly a labor of love, she’s also quick to point out 26 February/March 2021

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TIPS TO DECORATE YOUR OWN COOKIES To get social media-worthy cookies, you don’t need

DYK? did you know?

When you call our customer service line during business hours, you can always choose to speak with a real person, who is trained to help.

to become a professional. Rebecca gave us some quick and easy tips in her own words for creating beautiful cookies worth sharing with loved ones.

You don’t need anything fancy to decorate cookies at home. From the store or your pantry, grab a tube of icing, two-gallon ziploc bags, a toothpick, food coloring and cookies to decorate.

Once you have all your supplies, add food coloring of your choice to the icing. You’ll want two types of the icing. uOutline Icing: A thicker icing to outline the cookie first. uFlood Icing: Icing to decorate the cookie. You can add a little bit of water to the icing to give it a smooth consistency.

Fill the outline and flood icings into separate ziploc bags. For your outline icing, cut a small whole in the corner of the bag and trace around the edge of the cookie. Then, take your flood icing and cut a medium hole and decorate the middle of the cookie. Use your toothpick to smooth out the icing on the cookies.

Top with sprinkles and enjoy your treat!

28 February/March 2021

that it offers her a creative outlet that she wouldn’t have otherwise.

“I’ve always kind of been creative, and it’s usually come through in writing,” she says. “The actual artistic part—I’ve never been bad at it—but it’s not something I ever felt really confident in. But it’s been so good for writing, too. When you have a creative space where you can do something else, the mind kind of flows. Writing has been a little bit easier since I started this because there’s been a little bit more creativity going on.”

She also says she’s learned the importance of selfbelief. “I think that especially on the creative side, there’s always someone more creative and it’s easy to compare yourself to someone else’s journey,” she says. “I think it’s been good for me to realize that there’s space for everyone. I’ve learned to push past self-comparison and just keep trying.”

With plans to expand and possibly rent a commercial space in 2021, Sugar Bakings is well on its way to becoming something bigger (and sweeter) than Rebecca ever imagined. And while she’s not ready to confirm any definite plans, Rebecca says she aims to continue baking as much as possible.

“It’s been a crazy journey, and I’m still growing,” she says. “But it’s been a lot of fun.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Will Haver

Taco Mama Founder PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Taco Mama has joined the ranks of local favorite eateries with new locations in Stadium Trace Village off Highway 150. You’ll find it alongside Birmingham’s Edgar’s Bakery, Melt and OHenry’s Coffees along with national chains Big Whiskey’s, Cajun Roux Bar & Grill, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Smoosh Cookies, and Mooyah Burgers, Shakes & Fries. To learn more about the taqueria and what’s new with the concept, we chatted with the man who first dreamed it up almost a decade ago.

Remind us of the back story on the start of Taco Mama.

In 2011 we started in Crestline Village. I had Otey’s Tavern in Crestline, and the drive to open Taco Mama was to support my young family. By the grace of God we made it. We are all about relationships in the community, and we have organically grown. We want it to be laid back and fun and funky. We work hard at recruiting people with positive energy and integrity.

With the music and atmosphere and colors and open air, it gets to be a lot of fun.

How has Taco Mama grown since then?

We thought, “Let’s try another,” and we did it in Tuscaloosa. Then someone would come up and say, “I have a location, and I want you to put one there.” And then you go and say, “I can relate to this place.” It clicks when you know the area and you 30 February/March 2021

know the people. Those things have to present themselves. We are in Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina now, but we try to keep the local feel. It’s a labor of love and passion by many.

shrimp on a bowl with romaine lettuce, black beans, cilantro, fresh jalapeños and the mild ranchero salsa. Sometimes I’ll do chicken with cilantro lime rice and pico too.

What do you like to order?

If I am going steak, the steak bowl is my favorite. If I am going barbacoa, I am going barbacoa quesadilla. If I am going pork, I am going pork tacos. If I am going ground beef, I am going burrito. And for me always queso, queso, queso. For the margaritas I love the watermelon, blood orange and the Mercedes, our house margarita.

What’s new or coming soon to Taco Mama?

This spring we will introduce street corn. We are shucking it in-house, grilling it and making a paste with chipotle powder, queso fresco, cilantro and lime juice. We have a new sangria with a recipe a friend of ours from Spain gave us: highend Spanish wine with fresh peaches, apples, grapes and oranges, and all those juices come together. It is so refreshing.

We are also doing a Double Hatton cocktail with Campesino Rum and Bamamosa from Back Forty atop of simple syrup that we will push in the spring.

What if I am trying to order something healthy?

With the build your own, I can eat as dirty as I want or as clean as I want. To eat clean I put chicken, steak, tuna or

weddings h1oover5

A GUIDE TO ALL THINGS WHITE, BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL PHOTO BY KATIE JEWELL CO.

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WEDDINGS

JUST THE RIGHT FIT

Saying yes to the dress is no small moment for a bride, and that’s why designers and retailers are recognizing it’s important that she have the shopping experience she’s always dreamed of, no matter her size.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR Can I open this article with a confession? I have been wedding dress shopping with friends numerous times. We’ve looked through racks of lace and tulle and ooed and ahed each time the bride stepped out of the dressing room in a new look, anticipating how stunning she would look as she walks down the aisle to her groom. Saying yes to a wedding dress is no small moment in a woman’s life, and for most it’s the most notable shopping experience she will have and the biggest investment she’ll make in her lifetime. And yet, given my bias based on my dress size and size of the friends I have been with, never had I given thought to size availability at dress retailers.

But then I talked to Christina Sloan, owner of the new Refined Bridal Boutique in downtown Birmingham.

Here’s what I learned from her: At most wedding dress shops, the average sample size of dresses for brides to try on is a 12. Because wedding dresses tend to run smaller than everyday clothing, that 12 fits more like an 8.

Add to that equation that the average woman in America is a size 16-18, and you quickly see that many brides aren’t able to try on sample dresses in traditional boutiques, that they aren’t able to have that dream-fulfilling shopping experience I have had with friends and their moms. Often these brides have seen no choice but to order their wedding dress online without being able to try it on.

As a wedding planner for six years, that’s just what Christina was seeing with brides she worked with, and why 32 February/March 2021

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“I felt like brides shouldn’t have to compromise their experience” - Christina Sloan

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she wanted to open a shop with a different set of sample sizes.

“I felt like brides shouldn’t have to compromise their experience,” she says.

She recognizes that for wedding dress shops it’s hard to carry a standard selection of sizes and also carry a great selection of curvy or plus sizes, so her shop carries exclusively size 14 or above, with sample sizes starting at 16 and going up to size 40. It’s one of few shops in the Southeast with these offerings and the only one in Alabama. Christina also notes that the dress selection is just as important. “So often plus size dresses are not stylish or trendy,” she says. “They are old fashioned. I wanted to bring designer dresses in the curvy and plus size realm.”

In fact, Christina has consulted with several wedding

34 February/March 2021

dress designers to develop a curvy line as part of their collections.

“Almost any dress can be modified to plus-sized,” she says.

“Adding a bit of boning and shape wear inside the dress and making sure there is added structure and support in there are key. You can still have the plunging V-necks but have support in the bust cups.”

It’s also important to see these designs on size-inclusive models on the runways and print and social media too, Christina notes. “I think every bride wants to be able to see herself, and it’s so hard to do that when we are looking at (thin) models,” she says. “We need to have representation of what we really look like as women.”

Photographer Mary Fehr, who took the photos in this article and modeled in some of them, speaks to the importance of size inclusion from her side of the wedding industry too. “People put HooversMagazine.com 35

their best work out there, and a lot of times that means they are showing off thin white people,” Mary says.

“When you are only showing that in your portfolio, then diverse bodies and people aren’t seeing themselves represented. It’s important because that’s how people see themselves.”

Christina is hopeful that the wedding dress industry is heading in good directions in this regard as she is seeing more designers wanting to add plus sizes to their collections and hopes to see their size charts go up to 30-32 or above to accommodate the curves of women in designs that are still stylish. And that, in turn, will mean that brides don’t have to settle for less than the dress experience of their dreams.

“Size inclusivity is coming a long way in fashion, and it’s making its way into bridal,” Christina says. “I’m excited to see where it goes.”

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38 February/March 2021

SHE SAID YES Proposal Stories You Shared With Us

We went to get tacos and tequila in the Preserve for National Taco Day! After he told me we were headed to a party for one of his friend’s engagements. On the way to the car he dropped to a knee right in the green area. It’s still the most surprised I have ever been! We just got married during the pandemic -Cathleen Thomas Davis

We are both paramedics. My husband works for Hoover Fire, and many of his fire brothers went to Panama City for the first 911 stair climb. At the end of it, they circled up for photos, and he pulled me in front of everyone and a news crew for what I thought was just a photo.

But then he popped the question, and of course I said YES. -Anna Cahoon Reeves

I had told my now-husband how much I wanted to go to Paris.

When he proposed, he took me to the top of Vulcan and dropped down to one knee and said, “I know this isn’t the Eiffel Tower, but will you marry me?” A few years later, he took me to Paris. At the top of the Eiffel Tower, he dropped down on one knee, popped out a brand new ring and said, “I know this isn’t Vulcan, but would you marry me all over again?”

-Tracy True Dismukes

We were decorating his tree for Christmas. I thought we were done, but he had one more ornament on a table that had my ring inside of it. After 31 years, this ornament still hangs on our tree every year.

-Annemarie Long Wilson

My spouse proposed to me in 2008 in Bluff Park where we both grew up at the site of the Bluff Park Art Show. We had our first date at the Art Show in 2003 while we were still in high school. For the proposal, he blew up pictures and had candles and flowers setup like an art show booth. Right before he gave me a letter, a rose and a time the limousine would pick me up and take me to this site.

-Michelle Romano Lee

I’ve been divorced for 13 years. I had dated, but no one ever wanted to take the next step. 2020 hit, and I pushed dating aside. In April I received a message on Facebook from a man I had never met, but I had become great friends of his parents from Lifetime. We met during the heat of the pandemic at Veterans Park for a picnic, and he proposed at the same spot five months later. I stand here today to say that God is good and His timing is amazing!

-Julia Vines

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6

WEDDINGS

ROMANTIC

WEDDING HAIRSTYLES

PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER | STYLED BY SALON U

old fashioned glamour This vintage-inspired half-up, half-down style is fresh but also old fashioned, and works great with long naturally wavy hair.

Hair & Makeup: Kat Love Model: Ann Katherine Williams

40 February/March 2021

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bohemian fairytale For a different take on wearing your hair down, this whimsical loose braid features pearl pins that pop against dark hair.

Hair: Gwyneth Morales Makeup: Holly McClendon Model: Naomi McClendon

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with a twist This romantic flat twist protective style updo is all the more romantic with a beaded accessory.

Hair: Gwyneth Morales Makeup: Holly McClendon Model: Cami Green

captivating elegance An elegant clip completes this half-up, half-down look that works well on long hair.

Hair & Makeup: Lindsey Martin Model: Kaylee Armstrong

42 February/March 2021

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floral flourish This bohemian updo is finished off with baby’s breath for an extra touch of white.

Hair: Paige Goodwin Makeup: Holly McClendon Model: Gaby Delatorre

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simply romantic This chic updo is light on texture for an old Hollywood look for brides with long hair.

Hair: Heather Chaney Makeup: Holly McClendon Model: Jaclyn Beener

44 February/March 2021

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The new LUXE by Skin Wellness area in the Homewood location is a fresh aesthetic with a customized personal touch. Whether you are purchasing a product or checking out from a service, you feel important and comfortable.

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backyard dance party

Wesley and Emma Photography

Caitlin and David had a private church ceremony followed by a small backyard party. My favorite moment was watching the bride and groom dance to some of their favorite songs on the small back porch, most memorably “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion—even my assistant and I were singing along.

Submitted by Courtney Bell, La Belle Vie Weddings

LOVE IN THE TIME OF

CORONAVIRUS

a place of significance Meagan and J.D. had a mini ceremony on her parents’ back porch. “This spot brought us full circle to all the times we had taken pictures there for high school dances beginning when we were sophomores seven years ago!” Meagan says. “I also was able to fulfill my dream of baking my own wedding cake!”

Submitted by Stephanie Whitaker, Engaged Wedding Library

an intimate seated dinner

2020 quarantine weddings might not have gone according to Plan A, but they were still full of uniquely sweet celebratory moments.

Here wedding planners share some that stand out from their year.

Heather Durham Photography

Instead of a large 300-person cocktail reception, Sarah and Ross decided to cut their guest list and have a seated dinner reception.

Even though it wasn’t the original wedding plan that the couple had envisioned for their big day, they were able to enjoy an intimate evening with their close friends and family.

unexpected photo op Sloane and Brock had to move their wedding an additional two times making for three wedding dates total.

One of my favorite aspects of their larger celebration—after a private ceremony on their original date—was the evening pictures Heather Durham took of them in their masks at the Elyton Hotel. They are such classic photos with a 2020 twist that will be forever remembered!

Submitted by Anna Wynn Rodgers, Anna Wynn Event Designs Leslie Hollingsworth

Submitted by Ashley Stork, Magnolia Vine Events

surprise drive-by We told April and Troy we were going into the front yard for a group photo, and then cars of friends and family started driving by. They were so surprised, and their friends were able to see her in her beautiful dress. It was the most tender moment I have seen at a wedding!

Submitted by Ashley Berkery, Ashley Copeland Inc.

Spark Photography

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25,000 acres of unspoiled forests in the center of Lake Martin’s 880 miles of pristine shoreline.

Unique venues, chef-prepared menus and a Southern hospitality of a simpler time.

Say I do at our place or yours and experience the memory of a lifetime.

48 February/March 2021

for more information, contact

256-794-1397

or visit

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com HooversMagazine.com 49

WEDDINGS

Fall Florals With autumn comes a luscious color palette for weddings, so it’s no surprise florists wanted to showcase it in these two styled shoots: one indoors and one outdoors.

Indoors

PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR Warm, moody lighting and a rich floral palette complemented an urban brick backdrop for this modern ode to autumn. The cozy dinner party setting contrasted the saturated florals with the simplicity of the bride’s ivory gowns and soft tablescape tones, bringing to life the organic beauty and inviting romance of a fall wedding.

50 February/March 2021

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Dresses: Build-a-Bride by Heidi Elnora

Florals, Styling & Paper Goods: Laurel & Sage Venue: Iron City

Model: Jaselle Houghtlin HooversMagazine.com 51

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52 February/March 2021

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Outdoors PHOTOS BY JE VOIS PHOTOGRAPHY This shoot created an intimate feel for a small, at-home wedding that 2020 saw many of with the rise of COVID-19. Its style highlights that trend as well as fall colors and the antique craze that’s on the rise.

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CALL OR CONTACT US ONLINE TODAY TO BOOK YOUR TASTING G WITH OUR WEDDING CAKE ARTISAN.

54 February/March 2021

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56 February/March 2021

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Florals: Birdsong in Bloom Dress: Bridal Bliss

Antiques: Mary & Wilma Cake: Pen & Pastry

Cookies: Creative Sweets and Treats Stylist/Art Direction: Hagen Stegall Model: Audrey Rice

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WEDDINGS

king lewis JULY 18, 2020 PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY

58 February/March 2021

The Proposal: Nate wrote me (Elizabeth) a letter every Monday throughout our relationship. The day that we got engaged Nate took me to a lookout spot over the city of Birmingham where we had our first kiss. There he handed me a letter that was especially heartfelt. At the end of the letter I looked up, and Nate was on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Favorite Moment: For our private last dance, our band performed “Then”

by Brad Paisley for just Nate and me and our photographers and videographers.

We slow danced under the string lights, and it is a moment and feeling I will never forget to soak in every detail of the day.

Favorite Details: My favorite detail from our wedding day was our getaway car—Nate’s 1987 Ford F150 pickup truck.

From our first date to the night we got engaged, Nate picked me up in that truck for every date, and we loved to sit next to each other on the bench seat and sing along to the radio. Weezie B. Designs made me a custom sign for the back, and Ricky Whitley made a floral garland.

WEDDINGS Barb’s Cakes even made an edible replica of the truck on top of the groom’s cake, and I got to surprise Nate with koozies with a sketch of the truck on them. Another of my favorite details was the fact that in the midst of COVID-19 we were able to still get married, with lots of hand sanitizer, masks, plexiglass and social distancing. Weezie B. helped me to design a cute sticker for our hand sanitizers. Still another of my favorite details was my hair and makeup artist Madeline Hulsey. In 2013 she crowned me Miss Jr. Teen Alabama USA and has been such a dear friend of mine since then.

the details Ceremony Venue: Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Reception Venue: Iron City Wedding Planner: Haley Scallions Florist: Ricky Whitley Caterer: Iron City Cake: Barb’s Cakes Videographer: Down In Front Productions Invitations: Weezie B. Designs

Wedding Dress: Build-A-Bride by Heidi Elnora Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella’s Bridal & Formal Hair & Makeup: Madeline Hulsey Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank Music: Nationwide Coverage Transportation: Rare Transportation Rentals: Decor To Adore

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bell

phillips

AUGUST 29, 2020

PHOTOS BY HEATHER DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

60 February/March 2021

How We Met: Brock and I (Sloane) met during the summer after our first year of law school while both interning in Birmingham. The firms that we interned for (and work for now) were playing softball against each other. I was playing catcher, and Brock came up to bat and introduced himself, saying we would be working with each other for the second half of the summer. We were assigned to share an office, and the rest was history!

Favorite Moment: We were supposed to get married on April 18, 2020, with a 400+ person wedding. But,

when COVID hit in March, we knew that was going to happen, and we’d have to make a back-up plan (and maybe more than one). We decided to go ahead and get married on April 18 with just 10 family members and rescheduled our big wedding for June. We ended up having to move the wedding again to Aug. 29, so when the day finally came and we were able to have all of our families and friends in one place after so many months of not seeing them, it was indescribably special to look out during the ceremony and see everyone we love there to support us

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after four months of marriage.

Favorite Details: My goal for the details was to reflect my love for classic and antique items and places since all of our wedding venues were historic places in Birmingham. Annabelle’s created the most elegant gold and crème invitation suite. My flowers were traditional, feminine and full of soft colors. I also incorporated some heirlooms of the women in my family, such as my grandmother’s Chanel No. 5 perfume, my great-grandmother’s broach pinned to my bouquet and my mom’s diamond tennis bracelet.

the details Ceremony Venue: Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Reception Venue: The Florentine Wedding Planner: Ashley Stork, Magnolia Vine Events Florist: Bud & Blossoms Caterer: Corretti Catering Cake: Sweet Magnolias Videographer: Resolute Films

Invitations: Annabelle’s Wedding Dress: The White Room Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Hair: Emily Summerville Makeup: Mackenzie Wiggins Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Music: Norris Dates & Power Surge Transportation: Rare Transportation

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cochran nordgren FEBRUARY 22, 2020 PHOTOS BY KATIE JEWELL CO.

62 February/March 2021

How We Met: During Christmas break of 2014, there was a group of guys playing pool at the bar where I (Brooks) was, and that’s when I saw Miles. He made eye contact with me at the same time as I did with him, and then he winked at me from across the bar! I recall rolling my eyes and immediately being uninterested. I talked to several of his friends throughout the night before we ever introduced ourselves to each other. He was wearing the most interesting watch I had ever seen, so I approached him and asked him if that

was a small calculator on his wrist. Six months later, he got drafted by the Minnesota Twins Organization to play baseball, but we continue to talk during that time despite our decision to stop dating. He won me over with endless laughs, sweet messages and plenty more winks (via text) throughout that time, and when he came home in September, we started our relationship.

The Dress: I graduated with an apparel and textile design degree and had always loved designing clothing.

That being said, this was the most

WEDDINGS important decision for me out of everything else. At The White Room, the consultant suggested a long-sleeved dress for my winter wedding. I was skeptical about long sleeves after I had tried one on and did not like it, but I gave this dress a shot. The Mikaella style wedding gown by Paloma Blanca laid beautifully on me, and a week later I went back and decided it was the one.

Favorite Moment: Our wedding lasted until midnight, and I don’t believe I could pick a favorite moment. It was so exhilarating and absolutely went perfectly!

the details Ceremony Venue: Prince of Peace Catholic Church Reception Venue: B&A Warehouse Wedding Planner: Jackie Rowell Florist: R&D Designs Caterer: B&A Warehouse Cake: Magic Muffin Videographer: ING Studios Invitations: Fine Paperwork

Wedding Dress: The White Room Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella’s Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Natalie Moore, Hair and Makeup by Nat Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Music: Fly By Radio Transportation: Coats Classic Cars LLC

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WEDDINGS

marshall pearson SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

PHOTOS BY COURTNEY CRENSHAW PHOTOGRAPHY

64 February/March 2021

How We Met: Demetrius and I (Destini) have known each other since elementary school, but we didn’t start talking to each other until seventh grade when he asked his cousin for my phone number. On September 6, 2010 (our wedding date), he asked me to be his girlfriend. In ninth grade we went our separate ways but reunited my 11th grade year. In 2014 we gave it another shot and have been together since then.

The Proposal: The proposal, unbeknownst to Destini, started with a getaway to Houston. I (Demetrius) had

the ring shipped directly to my family in Houston, but unfortunately, it did not arrive until the morning that we departed back to Alabama. Plan A went down the drain, so I setup a photoshoot turned proposal back in Birmingham.

On the day of the “photoshoot,” we arrived at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and after making our way to the Japanese Garden, the photographer instructed Destini to turn her back to me for a dramatic photo pose. In the meantime, I had retrieved the ring and took my place on one knee. Then, my

WEDDINGS

photographer directed her to turn back around, and that’s when the tears started falling. She said yes, and I told her that we would go home, change clothes, and go out and celebrate. Little did she know that I had invited our closest family and friends for a proposal party, and they were waiting inside our home to surprise her.

The Dress: It was an ivory strapless A-line dress made by Essense of Australia with layers of lace in the skirt. The skirt had highlights of cotton lace all the way down, and we actually ordered the same lace to create the draped straps.

the details Venue: Clubhouse on Highland Wedding Planners: Hannah Woodard & Akayvia Williams Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes Wedding Dress: Bella’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal Hair & Makeup: Laniya Richardson Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear

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newton morgan MARCH 28, 2020 PHOTOS BY HOLLY TUTOR PHOTOGRAPHY

66 February/March 2021

The Proposal: Six short months after our first date, Ben and I (Maryellen) were looking out at Colorado Springs and the mountains on a hike. Then he started talking about how quickly things had happened with us, but how sure we knew we were perfect for each other. “This was the last place I went before I met you,” he said. “The last place I was when I was single… Okay for the next part of the conversation, I’m gonna need you to stand up.” He immediately got down on one knee to ask me to marry him.

Favorite Moments: Twelve days before our wedding day, our lives were rocked. Three days before the wedding, the city of Birmingham (where the venue lied) issued a stay-at-home order. Never did I think I would get married in front of 12 other people. My brother’s wife was the MVP that weekend and found a beautiful spot for us to marry in her neighborhood, Highland Lakes. Our parents were there, along with both sets of my grandparents.

That said, we had a beautiful day with beautiful weather and so much time to spend with our families. The photographer

WEDDINGS came, the caterer still brought us lunch and we still had cake from Edgar’s. Most importantly, we were married, and I realized that all along, that alone was the only goal.

We rescheduled the celebration for Sept.

6, and there were no nerves or pressure because we were already married! The rest of our immediate families and many friends were able to be there. We loved being able to enjoy so much time with friends and family, and we spent so much time out on the dance floor, under the lights of Rucker Place. It was exactly how I pictured and imagined the day.

the details Venue: Historic Rucker Place Caterer: Savoie Catering Cake: Edgar’s Bakery Invitations: Gracefully Made Art

Hair & Makeup: Natalie Moore Music: Feel the Beat Entertainment Transportation: Vintage Auto Wedding Chauffeur

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conrad daugherty SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY

68 February/March 2021

How We Met: Martin and I (Katherine) met in tenth grade at a discipleship weekend at my church. We quickly became friends and soon after began dating. We went to rival schools (I went to Hoover High School and Martin went to Spain Park), so we were extremely thankful to cheer for the same team when we both decided to attend The University of Alabama for college.

The Proposal: I was awakened by my older sister, and my roommates were waiting for me on the couch with a

computer. There was a video on it from Martin that told me today would be the day we had been waiting on for over six years and to go get my nails done with my friends. Then I came home to another great friend, Natalie Moore, who was set up to do my hair and makeup—and would do it on my wedding day too. We drove up to “Heaven Hill” on Lake Martin where Martin and I had previously gone on walks. The view is absolutely incredible, and I saw Martin in the distance with a table that had some roses and a Bible

WEDDINGS

with my new name engraved on it. When he asked me to marry him, I was so excited to say yes. We then got on his boat that was waiting for us and drove it to his lake house where I was able to see all my friends and family waiting for us outside.

Favorite Moment: At the very end of the reception, all of the guests had gone outside to light their sparklers, and Martin and I had the dance floor to ourselves for the first time as husband and wife. We danced to “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain and were so giddy to finally be married.

the details Venue: Vestavia Country Club Wedding Planner: Sidney Nomberg, Engaged Wedding Library Florist: Kelly Wilkin Cake: Telia Johnson Videographer: Blake Hudson Invitations: Annabelle’s Wedding Dress: Diane’s Formal Affair

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Natalie Moore Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Music: Emerald Empire Band Transportation: Vintage Auto Wedding Chauffeur

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WEDDINGS

waldrop shaffer AUGUST 22, 2020 PHOTOS BY SARAH PARTAIN

70 February/March 2021

How We Met: JJ played baseball at Auburn, and I (Sydne) played softball at there. We actually were in the same room at a pre-party in Arizona for the 2010 National Championship and had no idea the other person existed. We met freshman year in biology class, and we started off as friends in our group of freshmen. Once sophomore year began, JJ and I remained close and began dating.

The Proposal: I moved back to Birmingham after I graduated college.

JJ received his MBA immediately after

undergrad, so he stayed in Auburn for another year and a half. After MBA graduation, JJ accepted a job in Birmingham as well. On the one-year anniversary of JJ moving to Birmingham, he proposed. My best friend flew in from Indiana and set up the entire thing in my backyard. We walked to our favorite restaurant, Gianmarco’s, for dinner.

Upon walking back home, JJ stopped me before entering the back gate and reminded me that it was the one-year mark of him moving to Birmingham.

The backyard was setup with twinkle

WEDDINGS lights, decorations and our two dogs waiting. JJ got down on a knee in the backyard with a custom, three-stone diamond ring from Swansons Diamond Center. The middle stone was my late grandmother’s wedding diamond. We were engaged on Jan. 18, 2020.

Favorite Moment: The entire day!

Planning a wedding during COVID-19 made us so thankful for the chance to get married accompanied by family and friends. Also, our two dogs, Lola (French bulldog) and Hank (golden retriever), were able to be there with us.

the details Ceremony Venue: Mountain Brook Community Church Reception Venue: Hoover Randle Home and Gardens Wedding Planner: Diane Logan & Tahara Evans Florist: Leigh Anne White Caterer: Classic Catering and Events Groom’s Cake: Barb’s Cakes Bride’s Cake: Donna Smith

Videographer: Holt Ingalls, HI Productions Invitations: Three Strand Stationery Hair & Makeup: Holly Caffee Craft Music: Southern Charm Entertainment Transportation: Prideline Transportation Portable PhotoBooth: Feel The Beat Entertainment Lawn Lighting: JAMM Entertainment

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WEDDINGS

byerly smith JULY 18, 2020

PHOTOS BY ELEANOR STENNER PHOTOGRAPHY

72 February/March 2021

How We Met: Preston and I met on a church retreat back in 2010. At the time, I was an eighth- grader at Bumpus Middle School, while Preston was a freshman at Hoover High, but we did not start officially dating until April of 2012 when Preston asked me to be his girlfriend in the athletic hallway of good ole Hoover High School. So, as Preston said at our rehearsal dinner, “We have grown up together, and now we get to grow old together.�

The Proposal: On a ski trip to Utah, we walked a little way past the cozy

winter lodges and down a short path to the edge of the mountain side to look over the converging slopes. I began taking pictures of our friends Caleb and Haley, and Preston then asked Haley if she could take a photo of Preston and me. Preston took both of my hands, got down on one knee and proposed to me on a snowy mountainside.

Favorite Moment: Finally getting to see our friends and family in one place after long months of quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Favorite Details: While planning

WEDDINGS

the wedding, the music was the one thing that had to be just right. From the organ and piano played hymns we picked for the prelude, to our favorite soloist and family friend, Laura Guin who sang “How Great Thou Art” while we had our first communion as a married couple, to leaving the sanctuary to “The Sleeping Beauty Waltz,” the music definitely set the tone for the perfect day. I am an avid big band music listener, so we, of course, had to get a big band to play at our reception. It was so much fun to swing dance alongside friends and family on our special day.

the details Venue: Shades Crest Baptist Church Wedding Coordinator: Marissa Rath Florist: The Wired Owl Videographer: A Morales Productions

Bridesmaid Dresses: JJshouse Hair & Makeup: GLOW Music: Gwen Hughes and the Continental Dance Orchestra

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WEDDINGS

lawler powell JUNE 27, 2020 PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY

74 February/March 2021

How We Met: Layton and I (Lakin) instantly connected during spring break in Destin as we discovered we both were involved with University of Alabama football, I as a Crimsonette in the Million Dollar Band and he as a football manager for the team. We began dating our senior year and got to spend special moments together on the sidelines at Alabama games.

The Proposal: The weekend Layton proposed Alabama was playing South Carolina, so I definitely was not expecting a proposal. A good friend of

mine asked me several weeks prior to do a photoshoot for a local boutique in town that Saturday afternoon. Weeks before I had picked out a beautiful white dress I loved in Destin, and Layton’s sister picked it up and brought it to my friend’s house before I got there to get ready for the photoshoot. My friend helped me get ready and took me to the “photo shoot” location, NorthRiver Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa. When we arrived, Layton was standing under the clock tower with flowers, champagne and a ring.

WEDDINGS Favorite Details: I’ve always wanted a very romantic, fairytale wedding, and I feel as if my vendors helped me accomplish just that. My aisle was lined with floating candles and white rose petals all the way down to the altar, where I had a beautiful arbor covered in white and pale pink flowers. The songs played during the procession were from Pride and Prejudice and truly added to the magical vibe. I am still in love with my seven-tiered wedding cake with gold leaves and the cascade of flowers surrounding. I truly felt like a princess ALL DAY LONG!

the details Venue: Park Crest Event Facility Wedding Planner: Hayden Edinger, Park Crest Florist: Bella Blooms and Designs Caterer: Park Crest Event Facility Cakes: Olexa’s Videographer: White Oak Productions

Invitations: Kyle Fine Stationery Wedding Dress: White Dresses Boutique Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella’s Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Madeline Hulsey Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank Music: Emerald Empire Band

HooversMagazine.com 75

WEDDINGS

sullivan carter AUGUST 29, 2020

PHOTOS BY LESLIE HOLLINGSWORTH

76 February/March 2021

The Proposal: One weekend in Auburn when Drew was in town visiting, he and I (Elizabeth) started our Saturday morning with Drew “spontaneously” (at least I thought) asking me to take our dog, Remmy, hiking on a trial at Lake Martin.

Throughout our relationship when the topic of a proposal had come up, Drew knew that I wanted it to be just the two of us with no photographer whenever the time would come. On the hike, once we made it to the overlook, Drew got down on one knee and proposed! It was

so “us.” That night we got to celebrate with friends and family back in Auburn.

The Wedding Dress: I had already found what I thought was “the dress” with my mom. My sister, Sally Grace, was not able to attend that certain day, so I knew that I could not make the final decision without her approval. When she came home for Christmas break, we went back to The White Room so I could try it on for her. I told her if there was anything she wanted me to try on that I had not already, I would. She picked out one dress she wanted me to try on…

WEDDINGS

let’s just say sisters ALWAYS know best!

Favorite Moment: There were many things that we really enjoyed, but we both absolutely loved the trolley. It was so fun for everyone to be together between the different venues and events throughout the day. Our driver was so chill and added such an ease to our fun experience.

Favorite Details: Remmy, our dog has been a big part of our relationship for quite some time. The day would not have been the same without having her be a part. My absolute favorite pictures from the day are the ones we have with her.

the details Ceremony Venue: Hunter Street Baptist Church Reception Venue: Vestavia Country Club Wedding Planner: Becky Dedge, Seamless Weddings and Events Florist: Cindy Vetrano Caterer: Vestavia Country Club Cake: Magic Muffin Videographer: Chace Strickland Invitations: Annabelle’s

Wedding Dress: The White Room Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy Hair & Makeup: Perfectly Undone Beauty (Lynsey Richardson) and Glow App (Yazmin Reyes Cavale and Isabel Estes) Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Music: Groove Factor Transportation: Rare Transportation Live Painter: Gin Jager Studio

HooversMagazine.com 77

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S

Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Stone Creek Dental Care On November 23 an official ribbon cutting was held at their new facility located at 1598 Montgomery Highway across from Tameron Honda. All three dentists have practiced in the Hoover community for several years. StoneCreek Dental Care-Hoover specializes in family, cosmetic and surgical dentistry. To schedule a comprehensive appointment call 205-979-6005 for more information visit their website www.stonecreekdentalcare.com.

Moss Rock Tacos & Tequilla The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce officially celebrated the highly anticipated breakfast addition to Moss Rock Tacos & Tequilla!

Thank you Chef Benard and Brianna Tamburello for hosting the gathering. The cinnamon rolls and biscuits were a huge hit-reminding us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Check out their menu here: mossrocktacos. com/menus/. Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Board President Paul Dangel attended the ribbon cutting alongside The Tamburello’s to jump start the morning. They were joined by Hoover Chamber Staff, Ambassadors, Hoover City Employees, and other special guests.The restaurant is located at The Preserve and is open for breakfast Thursday-Sunday 7-10:30 am.

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 78 February/March 2021

Eugene’s Hot Chicken Hoover Welcome to Hoover, Zebbie! The Hoover location is now officially open for business! Eugene’s offers a southern style menu that specializes in hot chicken also available for catering needs! Eugene’s is located at 3232 Galleria Circle, in the old Johnny Rockets location.

Christian Brothers Automotive Congratulations to John Gilbert and staff at Christian Brothers Automotive on opening their new Tattersall location! Have auto care needs in Hoover? Christian Brothers Automotive offers a highly skilled team of technicians experienced in working on all types of vehicles including those that run on diesel.

For premier automotive services and top notch care, call 205-778-1880 to schedule an appointment.

HOOVER, AL 35244

Gagliano Mortgage, Inc. On December 10, 2020, Gagliano Mortgage, Inc. celebrated 25 years of serving the state of Alabama with their mortgage needs. The Hoover Chamber of Commerce welcomed Shannon Driver and Andy Gagliano with a ribbon cutting on our atrium. Friends, clients and Hoover Chamber Ambassadors attended a ceremony and a reception in the Chamber office/conference room.

Medical West Health Care Center Brocks Gap Please join us in congratulating Drs. Jody and Allyson Gilstrap and the entire Medical West Brock’s Gap Health Center team on their official opening. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new Medical West Brock’s Gap Health Center on Wednesday, December 8, 2020. The center is an extension of the UAB Medical West family and focuses on family medicine services. Besides Drs. Gilstrap, Bonnie Moore and Kelly Petrovics are nurse practitioners who are also part of the team. Learn more at medicalwesthospital.org/health-centers/ medical-west-brocks-gap-health-center/.

Jeremy Stephens Salon They are OPEN and ready to serve you! What a pleasure to cut the ribbon for Hoover’s premier salon that believes everyone deserves to look & feel their best. The salon is located at 5220 Peridot Place Hoover in Stadium Trace Village a few doors down from Wrapsody. For reservations call 205-402-0022.

Hometown Fare Ross Bridge Please join us in congratulating Shelby Adams, his family and the entire team at Hometown Fare on their recent opening! They celebrated with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce.

Shelby and his family live in Ross Bridge and love the community! That’s why they chose to open up shop right in the neighborhood on Market Street. They offer seasonal American cuisine along with new family meals every week!

Congratulations, to the Hometown Fare team! We are glad to have you!

Renaissance Prep School for Excellence The Renaissance Academy Prep School of Excellence Is very excited about their new location in Hoover. As they continue to strive for excellence in providing a rewarding Christian-based education, they are committed to building relationships with the community and business stakeholders in the city of Hoover and surrounding areas.

205 - 988 - 5672

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 79

New Members AS OF JAN. 1, 2021 uWorx BHM 11/9/20 uAll Smiles, LLC 11/12/20 uLambert Transfer & Storage, Inc. 11/16/20 uMy Neighborhood Doc, LLC 11/19/20 uBaker Camp Arnold Capital Management 11/30/20 uBirmingham Health 12/2/20 uAmped Fitness 12/28/20

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce was pleased to welcome 99 new members in 2020.

All those joining the Chamber and those partners renewing memberships in 2020 participate in supporting a strong and vibrant Hoover for years to come.

Thank you all!

Thank you to our 2021 Board of Trustees

The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees Antonio Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Teresa Shufflebarger, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center Mark Garnett, Cigna - HealthSpring Joel Smith, Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram / Chevrolet Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel Henry King, King Acura David A Custred, McLeod Software Corporation Tyler Lipe, Regions Bank - Hoover-Green Valley Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air & Plumbing Bill Inabitt, Synovus Bank - formerly First Commercial Bank of Hoover

The Board of Trustees Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television Brooke Wood, Alabama Credit Union - Hoover Dr. Timothy Lee, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Alison Howell Steineker, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama State Senator Zeke Eldridge, Alabama Vein & Restoration Medspa-Chace Circle Raven Bell, AlaTrust Credit Union Hayley DeShazo, American Family Care - Grove Jody Mattson, America’s First Federal Credit Union Derrick E. Ragland, APCO Employees Credit Union John Santamour, Aprio, LLP Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union - Riverchase Robert Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Heather McInnish, BancorpSouth - Hoover David Riddle, Bedzzz Express Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Ken Crow, Belk - Galleria Tanja Turner Bell, Birmingham Airport Authority Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society Buz Boyd, BMW of Birmingham Leanne Messer, Brookdale University Park Jamie White, Brown Heating & Cooling Paul Huckeba, CB&S Bank Lori Moler, Children’s of Alabama Kris Freeman, Comfort Care Home Health and Hospice Nadine Smith, Costco Wholesale Jamie Popee, Diversicare of Riverchase Cory Talley, Enterprise Holdings Trey Roberts, Express Oil Change/Tire Engineers - Mont Hwy April Calloway, Fresenius Medical Care

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 80 February/March 2021

Josh Hullett, Galleria Woods Retirement Community Leisha Harris, Grandview Medical Center Len Luther, Gresham, Smith and Partners Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn Hoover Monique Holiness, Home Depot - Inverness Elena Horn, Home Depot - Riverchase Kashif Siddiqi, Jubilee Joe’s Restaurant Gina Cannady, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union - Corporate Ridge Ira Levine, Levine & Associates Commercial Real Estate Robert Bailey, Lexus of Birmingham Konnie Festino, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Cale McWatters, Loyd Select Staffing Jamie Black, McDonald’s Christina Bunn, Medical West Hospital Benjamin Yim, OMNIWON Digital Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Cafe - Galleria Jerry Forrester, Ortho Alabama Spine and Sports Chip Vance, OS1 Sports & Injury Clinic Brian Bertella, Peoples Bank of Alabama International Park Chuck Kramer, Progress Bank and Trust Lyndsy Yim, Retail Specialists Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Brandon Kemp, Santek Waste Services/Mount Olive Landfill Peter Gong, The Seafood King – Bessemer Leo Wang, The Seafood King - Homewood Jason Jiang, The Seafood King – Hoover Dwight Sandlin, Signature Homes Karen Ingram, Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Dana Meginniss, St. Vincent’s Health System Terry Rippstein, Terracon Consultants Aeriell Lapsley, The Trails at Cahaba River Mark Grenier, Topgolf Gus McKenzie, Troy University Joey Fernandez, Truist Bank Ida Adnyana, UNAGI Bento & Sushi Phillip Corley, Wallace Jordan Ratliff and Brandt, LLC Darin Boykin, WalMart - Hoover #1229 Richard Edwards, WalMart SuperCenter Highway 280 Cody Burns, WBRC Fox 6 Television Kristen Vaughn, Wind Creek Hospitality Cale McWatters, WorkSmart Staffing

HOOVER, AL 35244

F i n d U s O n l i ne

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Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Chamber Officers Paul Dangel 2021 Chair of the Board

Paul Dangel The HyattRegency Wynfrey Hotel 2021 Chair of the Board

Alison Howell Steineker, Alabama Power Company 1st Vice-Chair

David Custred McLeod Software 2nd Vice-Chair

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc. Vice-Chair Administration

Diana Shaw Knight Sovereign CPA Group LLC Vice-Chair Finance

Alison Howell Steineker 1st Vice-Chair

David Custred 2nd Vice-Chair

Lynn Ray Vice-Chair Administration

Diana Shaw Knight Vice-Chair Finance Terry D. Turner Jr. Gentle, Turner & Sexton Attorneys Immediate Past Chair

Greg Knighton City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Greg Knighton City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Legal Advisor

Board of Directors Matthew Allen, JBMC Media Inc.

Sandy Syx, Doozer Software

Tyler Williams, BlueCross BlueShield

James Robinson, Spire Energy

Ben Yim, LA Wax Club

205 - 988 - 5672

Emilio Cerice, Regions Bank

Vivian Mora State Farm Ins The Vivian Mora Agenncy

Matthew Allen Jeff McDowell Ben Yim Sandy Syx James Robinson Emilio Cerice Tyler Williams Vivian Mora

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 81

OUT & ABOUT

1

HOOVER TREE LIGHTING

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

This annual city event kicked off the holiday season at Hoover City Hall on Dec. 1 with a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from St. Nicholas himself.

1. The Klinger Family 2. Sara and Kate Johnson 3. The Jones Family 4. The Todd Family 5. The Dowdle Family 6. Miss Hoover Caitlyn McTier and the Bentley Family 7. Tammy Parker, Tommy McGlawn and Lisa Parker 8. Shilo and Kaki Groover 9. Ana Santia 10. The Amed Family 11. The Barbour Family 12. Carly and Sophia Foster

82 February/March 2021

OUT & ABOUT

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HooversMagazine.com 83

OUT & ABOUT

1

MEADOW BROOK RUNS

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Runners took on what organizers argue is “Birmingham’s most beautiful course” in Meadow Brook for a 5K and fun run on Dec. 19.

1. Maggie Norris, Wes Dameron and Lane Falone 2. Keri and Josh Coker, and Danielle and Lance Lieb 3. Mike, Bob and Jim Lawler 4. Liz and Johnny Montgomery 5. Alyson Spradling and Jessie Carr 6. Sue and Jeff Adams 7. Melissa Sullivan and John Hendon 8. Dee Hutsler and Louis Stephens 9. Butch Glass and Helen Tankersley 10. The Falones 11. The Damerons 12. Alabama Adult Teen Challenge crew 13. Hoover Police Officers

84 February/March 2021

OUT & ABOUT

10

Mending kids’

HEARTS 11

It’s what we do best.

Our team of more than 325 healthcare professionals is recognized for its excellence in providing world-class cardiac care in an environment best suited to the needs of our patients. From tiny babies to teens, we care for Gabby Bolden and every child like our own.

12

About our Center l

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26 board-certified cardiologists, intensivists, anesthesiologists and surgeons 435 cardiac surgeries performed in 2020, including 4 heart transplants More than 675 cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures performed in 2020

For Children’s Financial Assistance information, call 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

HooversMagazine.com 85

MARKETPLACE

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McCluskey Auto & RV Sales, LLC 205-833-4575 HooversMagazine.com 87

MY HOOVER

TAHARA EVANS WOOD Hoover-Randle Home & Gardens Director

Something New Every Day

Hundreds of Events The Hoover-Randle Home has been open for three years now and we have had over 350 events hosted at the home. The great thing about those is all the events were different and special in their own way. We have hosted beautiful weddings, rehearsal dinners and bridesmaids’ luncheons as well as celebrations of life, corporate meetings and socials.

Career Connections

The RC3 I love that we have so many opportunities for students here in the City of Hoover. My stepson is a current student at the Fire Science Academy at the Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3), and it has been an awesome experience for him.

Memory Makers

The Hoover-Randle Home My favorite thing about serving as the director of the Hoover-Randle Home is my clients! I have made so many new friends since we opened Ed and Barbara Randle’s home—originally the home of city founder William Henry Hoover and his family at 2255 Tyler Road—for events.

It is a joy to help clients make their own special memories at our venue.

Lifelong Friends

Leadership Hoover As a member of the Leadership Hoover 2020-2021 class, I have enjoyed getting to know my classmates and learning more about the City of Hoover. I am definitely enjoying the networking, but most of all, I am enjoying making lifelong friends.

Protect + Serve

Hoover Police Officers Because we have security at all of our events, I have been able to get to know our Hoover Police officers and their families. We even had four members of the Hoover Police Department get married at the Hoover-Randle Home since we opened.

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