Homewood Life, January/February 2020

SUSAN GORDON POTTERY STUDIO • O'HENRY'S COFFEE CHAT • THE STORY BEHIND HOMEWOOD GOURMET

2020

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WEDDINGS

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APPELL & ALLAN

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GILBERT & MCGRIFF

60

MATHEWS & PETERSON

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NEUMAYER & PLASTERS

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PERKINS & QUEEN

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STANLEY & ROHDY

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DICKERSON & SOMMER

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SLODERBECK & SWOPE

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PHOTO BY DANIEL MARCIO

TURNER & SULLIVAN

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PHOTO BY AMY HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY

arts & culture

17 A Piece of Heaven: Inside Susan Gordon Pottery’s Studio 24 Five Questions For: Filmmaker Jessica Chriesman

food

& drink

25 Rainbows in the Storm: The Homewood Gourmet Story 32 Five Questions For: O’Henry’s Coffees’ New Owner

weddings 34 Find Your Favorite Color Palette 38 To Do Before I Do: A Wedding Checklist

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 9 #HomewoodLife 10 The Question 11 The Guide 74 Chamber Connections 76 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Homewood

40 Setting the Scene: Urban Spring + Country Elegance 47 Sweet Slices: Cake Samples from Local Bakeries 49 What to Gift Your Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

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contributors EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino Briana H. Wilson

CONTRIBUTORS

Kaitlyn Baker Carmen Brown James Culver Lindsey Culver Ashley Kappel Lindsay Kate & Jamison Skinner Elizabeth Sturgeon Lauren Ustad

DESIGN

Angela Caver Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan Green Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Darniqua Bowen Kristy Brown Kari George Caroline Hairston Nick Heady Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Viridiana Romero Briana Sanders Lisa Shapiro Jessica Steelman Kerrie Thompson

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

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, 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. Lindsey loves Homewood and getting to know more of its residents through her work with Homewood Life.

Ashley Kappel, Writer

Ashley grew up visiting Homewood, where her grandmother lived for 60 years, and eventually bought a home just a dozen doors down from where her mom was raised. When she’s not eating her way through local restaurants, she can be found at area playgrounds, the zoo and (let’s be honest) Costco. Ashley lives in Homewood with her husband, three children, and rescue golden retriever and works at Meredith.

Elizabeth Sturgeon, Writer

Elizabeth was born and raised in Birmingham and has stayed close to home ever since. You might find her searching for a thrift store gem or ordering a meal she’s never tried before. A recent Samford University graduate, Elizabeth works in Birmingham-Southern College’s communications department, writing about students, alumni and campus culture.

Lauren Ustad, Photographer

Lauren lives in Homewood with her husband, Joe, their three daughters, and their 2-pound Yorkie they refer to as “Boobie.” She spends her professional time posing itty bitties and chasing little munchkins. In her free time you can probably find her slaving away at their most current renovation project or building Legos with her self-proclaimed super heroes.

Homewood Life is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Homewood Life 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, Homewood Life, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

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

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@homewoodlife.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

8 January/February 2020

from the editor

Madoline with one of her favorite brides.

ON THE COVER

Big Easy Wedding

Kathryn Dickerson and Jeff Sommer married at Rosy’s Jazz Hall in New Orleans but call Homewood home.

Photo by Marquez Fotos Design by Jamie Dawkins

A

As we were wrapping up this issue, I clicked a few buttons to put a mulberry A-line chiffon dress in my online “cart” that I’ll save for August. Come January, I’ll be donning a white one (a trend for bridesmaids, I’ve learned) as I witness my only sibling say “I do.” Last June the color was teal, and in the years before that they’ve been cabernet and Barbie pink, champagne and slate grey—not quite 27 in all, none worn again.

I’ll gladly don any color or style I’m asked to, but let’s be real, I’m more likely to get pumped for the floral palette, the elegant script that comes in the mail and the intricacies of THE dress—the bride’s that is.

It’s all a delight to the eyes and makes for a stunning set of magazine pages in our wedding issue each year.

The times you’ll find me wearing a color of the bride’s choosing, more than anything I am there quite simply for the marriage—isn’t that why we plan these elaborate occasions after all? There’s a certain intimacy each time I stand just a few feet behind the bride’s gown with my gaze toward her and the groom that says, “I’ve been here as this story of yours came to be, I’m here as you are opening a new chapter committing to one another, and I’ll be there months and years from now as the plot twists of life come to help hold you to it.” Witnessing a wedding, as it turns out, is no small thing, as I am reminded as friends’ marriages start to span years and decades now.

I might not have that kind of relationship with most of the couples we feature in the pages to follow, but I sure am glad they have let us in on their stories, of the chemistry that bubbled up with a stranger or friend, of the details and moments that are now engraved in their memories, of the significance of having THEIR closest friends and family to witness the vows they made.

Also be sure to check out our features set on 28th Avenue South. At Homewood Gourmet I’m partial to the salmon on their signature Baby Blue Salad and the goat cheese and chutney on their Thursday special, a Fried Green Tomato sandwich on focaccia, and Susan Gordon Pottery is a treasure trove of beautifully sculpted gift ideas (Valentine’s Day, anyone?).

Cheers to celebrating marriage in this issue and in each of our lives!

And thanks, as always, for reading!

madoline.markham@homewoodlife.com

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10 January/February 2020

#HomewoodLife

Tag us in your @HomewoodLife photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@fitzsigns This one is finally done...for now. Thank you so much for everyone’s support, and if you get a second while passing by, pop your head inside Trilogy Leather & Seguro Insurance and let them know that you appreciate this project. Hope this is the first “ghost sign” restore of many more!

@heykatbakes “Vulcan Booty” cookies for more welcoming bags! I’m THRILLED to announce these fun cookies have been approved by @visitvulcan and I now have a license to make these and the Vulcan Snow Globe cookies I made last year!

@marcusfetch @lwgwaltney It’s finally going to feel like fall! #kindafallish #fallinalabama #comeonfall #pumpkins #brycethebernadoodle #slpets

This mural representing “childhood joy” is inspired by my friend’s son, Guy, who will one day flip the world on its head.

I wanted to capture the beauty of childhood, playing outside, not a care in the world, fully free and truly happy. Huge thanks to Adam @ignite.properties for letting me paint another one of his kids on another one of his buildings! You and your family are the best! And thank you West Homewood for the honks and cheers all the days I was painting!

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“ ” THE QUESTION

What was the most memorable detail at your wedding or your son or daughter’s wedding?

The best man writing HE on the groom’s left shoe sole and LP on the right, so when we kneeled it spelled “HELP.” On January 6th it will be 47 years ago.

My dad passed away unexpectedly when I was 13 and my grandmother gave me a locket with his picture in it. My mother wrapped it around my bouquet.

My husband had the blue handkerchief that he was wearing when we met monogrammed with my married initials to use as my “something blue.” I had it sewn into my gown.

On my grandmother’s handkerchiefs, I had her initials monogrammed on one corner, my mom’s on one corner and mine on one corner. There is one left for my daughter.

“Red River Valley” ... dance with my son at his wedding.

That was the song I would rock him to sleep as a baby.

I used the diamonds from my grandmother’s ring in my wedding ring, and I had her gold ring band melted down and made into a cross that I wore around my neck at my wedding.

My grandmother’s navy wedding dress was turned into a garter for each of her 7 granddaughters, including me. My grandparents were married for over 50 years before she passed away.

The song that my husband sang to me just before I came down the aisle, “It Seems I’ve Always Known You.” He still sings beautifully, and that was 43 years ago.

-Myra Anderson

-Mary Margaret McInish Vick

-Dana Chang

-Liz Holloway

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-Carlee Williams

-Shannon Peters Williams

-Laura Callender

-Frieda T. Finley

THE GUIDE

MOMS CLUB MARDI GRAS PARADE FEB. 25 HOMEWOOD CENTRAL PARK 3:45 p.m. Lineup, 4 p.m. Parade Watch out for flying beads and moon pies at the park this afternoon as kid “floats” of strollers and wagons take over the park leading up to Mardi Gras.

All are welcome, kids are invited to bring instruments and we hear there will be king cake afterward at this MOMS Club, Over the Mountain chapter event.

Laissez les bons temps rouler (“Let the good times roll”)!

Photo by James Culver HomewoodLife.com 13

THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOMEWOOD

JAN. 25

JAN. 6 Homewood City Schools Reopen After Break JAN. 10 Classic Movies at the Library: The Thin Man (1934) Homewood Public Library 1 p.m.

JAN. 18 Winnie the Pooh Party Homewood Public Library 10:30-11:15 a.m.

JAN. 20 MLK Holiday Homewood Schools Closed

Salamander Festival Homewood Senior Center

JAN. 21 Disneynature: Penguins Film Screening Homewood Public Library

3-5:30 P.M. It’s time for the spotted salamander to migrate from Homewood Forest Preserve to vernal pools nearby, and it’s time to celebrate. At this annual event held by Friends of Shades Creek, kids and adults alike can hold salamanders and snakes, enjoy snacks and live music and learn about other local wildlife.

JAN. 23 Road to College For High School Students & Parents Homewood Public Library 6-7:15 p.m.

FEB. 14 & 15

Valentines Dinner Theatre: The Odd Couple (Female Version) Homewood Public Library 6:30 P.M. South City Theatre comes to our very own Homewood library to perform this Neil Simon play that sees the lead characters transformed into Olive Madison and Florence

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JAN. 21 State of the City Address & Annual Chamber Luncheon The Club Ballroom 11:30 a.m.

Unger. The fun starts with a buffet and the show follows. Tickets are $35 for both. Tickets must be purchased in advance between Jan. 13 and Feb. 12 at the Adult Services Desk or homewoodpubliclibrary.org

JAN. 25 Book Signing with Vicki Flynn, Author of A Splinter of the Cross: 25 Years in a Cult Homewood Public Library 1-2 p.m.

FEB. 1-2 ACT Weekend Workshop Homewood Public Library FEB. 6 Harry Potter Book Night Homewood Public Library 6:30-7:30 p.m.

FEB. 17 Homewood Schools Closed Professional Development Day

THE GUIDE FEB. 17 Tween Kindness Rocks Homewood Public Library 3:30-4:15 p.m.

FEB. 18 February Membership Luncheon Homewood Chamber of Commerce The Club 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

FEB. 20 Murder at the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball: A Teen Murder Mystery Homewood Public Library 6-7:15 p.m.

FEB. 22 Shades Cahaba Winter Festival 12-4 p.m.

SPORTS

HOMEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY BASKETBALL Come out and cheer on the Patriots. Girls play at 6 p.m. and boys at 7:30 p.m.

JAN. 3: Vs. Hewitt-Trussville JAN. 7: At Huffman JAN. 9: At George Washington Carver JAN. 10: At Hueytown JAN. 14: Vs. Shades Valley JAN. 17: Vs. Huffman JAN. 21: Vs. Hueytown JAN. 24: At Shades Valley JAN. 28: Vs. Ramsay JAN. 30: At McAdory

FEB. 22 Sadie Hawkins Dance Homewood High School

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN

JAN. 31-FEB. 1

THROUGH FEB. 16 Celestia Morgan: Redline Birmingham Museum of Art THROUGH MARCH 8 Ways of Seeing: Portraits Birmingham Museum of Art JAN. 7-12 Les Miserables BJCC Concert Hall JAN. 10-11 Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto Alabama Symphony Orchestra Alys Stephens Center JAN. 12 Branford Marsalis Quartet Alys Stephens Center JAN. 16 Tonight at the Wright Movie Night presents The Karate Kid Samford University Wright Center

Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale Trinity United Methodist Church Gym FRIDAY 9 A.M.-2 P.M., SATURDAY 9 A.M.-NOON Stock up on your kids’ wardrobes for spring and summer at reasonable prices at Trinity UMC’s consignment sale.

They’ll also have toys and furniture, and

proceeds from sales go to fund mission and outreach projects locally and abroad.

Many items will be half-price on Saturday, and all unsold items marked “donate” at the end of the sale will be shared with Kids Connection and Trinity’s Children’s Clothing Closet to help families in need.

Isn’t it Romantic THURSDAY-SATURDAY 7:30 P.M., SUNDAY 2:30 P.M. Come out to see this story of hilarious and touchingly revealing post-college careers of two former classmates as they struggle to establish their own lives and 16 January/February 2020

JAN. 23- FEB. 9 Cabaret Virginia Samford Theatre JAN. 23-26 Birmingham Boat Show BJCC Exhibition Halls JAN. 27 Drum Tao 2020 Alys Stephens Center

FEB. 20-23 & FEB. 27-MARCH 1

Homewood Theatre at Brookwood Village

JAN. 17-18 Symphonie Fantastique Alabama Symphony Orchestra Alys Stephens Center

identities. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered at homewoodtheatre.com.

JAN. 28 An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt Alabama Theatre FEB. 7-23 Porgy & Bess Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theater FEB. 12 The Beach Boys The Alabama Theatre

THE GUIDE FEB. 14-16 Birmingham Home Show BJCC FEB. 15 Regions Superhero 5K Railroad Park FEB. 16 Mercedes Benz Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay Downtown Birmingham FEB. 17 Rent Presented by Broadway in Birmingham BJCC Concert Hall FEB. 21 Sturgill Simpson BJCC Concert Hall FEB. 21-23 Birmingham Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty Samford University Wright Center

BUSINESS

NOW OPEN Thomas Andrew Art has a new gallery next to Liz Lane Gallery on 29th Avenue South, and Susan Gordon Pottery has a new studio and showroom/store on 28th Avenue South across from Arby’s. Over in West Homewood, D-Bat has a climate-controlled baseball and softball facility with automated machines, cage rentals, instruction, a prop shop and more. And at Brookwood Village, The Cottage of Serendipity between Macy’s and the Food Court sells all sorts of home décor and gift items.

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THE GUIDE CITY

SAVE THE DATE

WATCH THAT RECYCLING Did you know when non-recyclable items are placed into recycling bins, everything in the bin becomes contaminated, and that the contaminate rate for the City of Homewood was 32 percent in 2018? Between November and April, Mountain Brook is participating in an Inter-City Recycling Challenge with Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook to see which city has the greatest reduction in contamination rates. To do your part, follow these guidelines: • Be sure items are EMPTY, CLEAN, DRY & LOOSE before placing them in your recycle cart. Wet or soiled items will result in the entire load of recycling being discarded!

• Clean your recycle cart occasionally to reduce contaminants.

• Place all recyclables inside your cart. The city’s vendor will NOT pick up anything outside of your cart or in another receptacle.

• New residents who need a bin can call 205- 9231650.

TASTE OF HOMEWOOD 2020 Make sure you mark March 19 on your calendar to come eat all of Homewood in one night with samplings from more than 25 Homewood-area restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. Proceeds go to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship fund for local students as well as economic development efforts in the community. For tickets, visit homewoodchamber.org.

205.638.PIRC (7472)

Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)

PIRC

The PIRC is generously supported by additional funding from the Hill Crest Foundation, Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC, and the Gorrie family.

Navigating mental health resources for those who care for children and teens l

FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service

l

Provide information and resources for adults with a mental health question about a child or adolescent

l

Staffed by licensed mental health clinicians who recommend the best treatment options

l

Open seven days a week, year-round from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The PIRC is not a crisis hotline. Anyone experiencing a crisis should call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should call the 24-hour, 7 day a week National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

18 January/February 2020

&CULTURE

ARTS

A PIECE OF HEAVEN Susan Gordon Pottery’s studio space teems with wavy bowls and all things gold lined.

BY ELIZABETH STURGEON PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER HomewoodLife.com 19

Susan Gordon stands in her new studio’s retail area on 28th Avenue South.

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When you enter the very back of Susan Gordon’s studio, you meet Buttercup and Bubbles, Lilo and Layla, Elvis and Dolly, and Skeeter and Skooter. The potter’s eight kilns—Buttercup for Christmas ornaments, Bubbles for jewelry, and the rest of the crew for other projects—are introduced, labeled and paired by personality.

Susan pours cheer and whimsy into all corners of the space of Susan Gordon Pottery, from the showroom to the firing room. In November, the founder and owner moved into her new Homewood location, where she and her team create and display her bowls, dishes, décor, jewelry, and other lovely clay pieces.

The bright white storefront pops along 28th Avenue South and matches the lightness of the work inside. Susan’s showroom is lined with shelves that

hold her well-known wavy bowls, along with jewelry and other dishes. Behind this public space, she and her team work hard to mold, pour, glaze, or fire handmade and custom items. “This is my piece of heaven,” Susan says.

In fact, Susan is sometimes known as the “wavy bowl girl” around Birmingham for her iconic design.

While each bowl is individually made and rimmed with gold, Susan has developed standardized sizes so that multiple bowls can be stacked and collected, even if each one was made by a different artist. The imperfect, flowing shape brings out a fun personality in the products, and the crisp color and gold detail truly elevate the pieces.

When she worked with the Shelby County Arts Council before starting her business, Susan would always teach her students how to make the wavy HomewoodLife.com 21

Even the bathroom in Susan Gordon’s studio pays homage to her signature wavy bowl design.

bowl. “When you put a flat piece of clay into a 3-D form, it wrinkles. You can’t get it into a perfect circle,” she says. “But the natural wrinkles can be beautiful, and you can tweak them.”

The bowls are trickier to shape than they might appear, but Susan still saw the wavy bowl as a perfect first step into pottery. “Clay is a very approachable medium, but some people feel intimidated by it. If they can make something right away, then they feel more confident to take the next step,” she says.

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It was in 2013 that she first launched her business on Etsy during her first pregnancy. With it underway, she sold her work wholesale to Chickadee in Cahaba Heights and hired her first employee that October, finding joy making pottery and building a company out of her basement.

As time went on, she hired more employees and kept expanding into bigger spaces and defining her style and products. “When I first started, I took any and every order that came in. I would do exactly

what the customer wanted and did things that were really out of my wheelhouse.” Today her space has her first showroom and triple the space of her last studio—and it’s in her own neighborhood, Homewood.

Over the past six and counting years of business, the line has been known for many of its one-of-akind heart ring dishes and charms, which were her first adventure into jewelry making. The intricate gold initials on tiny charms also taught Susan how to use and fire gold with clay, encouraging the timeless

Since 2012

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Studio shelves are filled with ring dishes and wavy bowls of all shapes and sizes. Her work can also be found on her online store.

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class her gold-lined products all share.

Though she is still the heart behind the designs and new concepts, her amazing team and professional studio give her more time (and office space) to focus on her business. However, she can still look around the studio and point out exactly which pieces she’s made herself. She’s always had an instinctive talent with clay, ever since her first pottery class as a sophomore at Auburn University.

It’s the innovative and physical process behind pottery that she fell in love with. “I’ve always been creative. And my parents are engineers, so I did get that creative gene,” she says. In many ways, she too is an engineer behind the new products she imagines, plans out and then brings to life.

As the business continues to grow, Susan hopes to welcome other creatives into her studio space and host workshops led by other artists and designers, many of whom she’s connected with through InSpero, a Birmingham-based arts and education nonprofit. “This is a beautiful space, and we want to invite others in,” she says.

Find Susan Gordon Pottery at 1910 28th Avenue S., Suite 108 or online at susangordonpottery.com or @susangordonpottery.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE STUDIO Though wavy bowls and heart ring dishes are always in stock, Susan Gordon Pottery also works to keep introducing new products. A few of the team’s favorite pieces are their seasonally scented candles, match holders and strikers, and the Origins Collection of unglazed, stained jewelry that showcases the natural beauty of the clay.

HomewoodLife.com 25

ARTS & CULTURE

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Jessica Chriesman Filmmaker

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Tribeca Film Institute funds up-and-coming storytellers so that they can become “catalysts for change” in their communities—and one of them is Homewood native Jessica Chriesman. She and Kayla Gladney were recently named one of five finalists in Tribeca’s If/Then Shorts American South Pitch for their documentary, A Bridge to Better. Fittingly, the independent filmmaker is also a media production manager at Impact America, which addresses consequences of poverty through health, economic and education-based initiatives. Jessica has been traveling across the country and even to Canada making films since 2015, and along the way has participated in Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival and Florence’s George Lindsey UNA Film Festival. In October, she was one of six finalists at New Orleans Film Festival to boot. Jessica recently graduated with bachelor’s degrees in filmmaking and psychology from UAB, and she’s the daughter of Willie Chriesman, a local journalist, and Frances Smith, the children’s librarian at Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster. Here’s what she had to say about what’s she’s been up to.

What made you decide to pursue filmmaking as a career?

When I was little, I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t think that kids really liked to read. I remember being in elementary school watching TV and noticing things many kids my age didn’t notice, like the set and how people were blocked. When I was in college, I took a theater class and then I thought, “Ahhh…screenwriting! I can write a script and have the actors perform it on screen.”

one is where where I have posted several of my short films, including The American Values Paradox and Nature’s Song. The second one expands on that and includes my family’s podcast, This is a Family Program, where my parents, my sister What has been your most memorable Samantha and I offer commentary on diversity and representation in the media. experience in filmmaking?

Recently, I was invited to be a participant in a convening of Southern filmmakers What are you working on for the future?

Over the next five years I hope to create hosted by the International Documentary Association. Getting to know established short form, episodic and feature-length filmmakers on a personal level and having projects that educate, inform and entertain What subjects do you like to focus on in my voice acknowledged was an amazing people. I want to continue to tell stories privilege, especially at this stage in my that highlight lesser-known aspects of our your films? communities. Additionally, I plan to I like to take historical events in history career. continue to use my skills to help nonprofits and center Birmingham and Alabama around it. For instance, A Bridge to Better Where can people see some of your share their stories. I also hope to use my experiences to teach media skills and focused on the subject of inclusive work? media literacy to creators in the early I have two websites, JessicaChriesman. economies. We featured entrepreneurs stages of their careers. com, and SeeYourselfMedia.com.

The first A.G. Gaston, Isaac Cooper, Tabilah Bayles 26 January/February 2020

and Damian Carson and the role they have played in helping develop the black businesses of today. A new A.G. Gaston exhibit was just opened at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

&DRINK

FOOD

RAINBOWS IN THE STORM The chefs behind Homewood Gourmet brought a piece of New Orleans with them.

BY ASHLEY KAPPEL PHOTOS BY JAMISON & LINDSAY KATE SKINNER HomewoodLife.com 27

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Homewood Gourmet owners Laura and Chris Zapalowski Photos by Amy Henry Photography

Laura Zapalowski grew up in the Birmingham area, but it took a trip to New York, two degree and a hurricane to get her back to Homewood.

“I lived in Inverness,” Laura recalls seated in Homewood Gourmet, a casually elegant quickservice restaurant located just off Highway 31 in Homewood. The navy walls set off the stainless appliances and counters and wood-grain tabletops, highlighting the handwritten chalkboard menu that spans most of the wall space.

“I graduated from Samford and moved to New York,” Laura continues, noting that she attended culinary school there at The Institute of Culinary Education. After graduation, she moved to New Orleans, where she met her now-husband, Chris, working as a line cook for Chef Emeril Lagasse at

28 January/February 2020

Emeril’s Restaurant. “He used to yell at me to mop the floor better and now I yell at him about how he loads the dishwasher,” she says now, laughing with Chris as they recalled their years in New Orleans.

Then Katrina hit. “Chris’s dad was able to sneak back in to check on the house,” Laura recalls. “Our home was totally destroyed, but my in-laws’ house was salvageable. I thought he might come back with some of the things I’d stored with them, like my silver. Instead he pulled up with a case of Hellman’s mayonnaise. I was in shock, but everyone else was so excited to see that case of mayonnaise! I couldn’t believe it.”

The hurricane devastated much of the New Orleans area, forcing the couple to move to Birmingham in 2005—what was supposed to be a

HomewoodLife.com 29

THIS PAGE: The Gumbo and Baby Blue Salad are popular at this eatery. RIGHT: Laura’s favorite menu item is the Grilled Pimento Cheese.

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MUST-STOP KING CAKE SHOP Where better to get your authentic

temporary move. Once in the Magic City, the duo began working for Chris and Idie Hastings at Hot & Hot Fish Club.

“Chris was in charge of the kitchen,” Laura says, “and I worked on the cookbook and standardizing chef recipes.” During that time, the couple had their first child, a son named Ellis, who is now 10. And things changed.

“We’d always been in fine dining,” Laura says, “but the hours started to be a lot with Chris not getting home until two in the morning.”

It was then that they called Franklin Biggs, the founder of a

King Cake for Mardi Gras than from New Orleans’ chefs? Chris is a New Orleans native, and Laura worked there in luxury restaurants.

“We started selling the cakes years ago,” Laura says. “We offer the regular kind and the ones that are cream cheese filled.” When asked which is the best, Laura replies “cream cheese” while Chris overlaps with “regular.”

Pine

MOUNTAIN

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Located just 45 minutes from Birmingham, Alabama the Pine Mountain Tract is perfect for those looking for an escape.The 419 surveyed acres are under a conservation easement limiting the development of the property but enabling the owners to fully utilize the remaining aspects of the tract. An approximately 7 acre lake and multiple food plots make this tract perfect for those wanting a multiple use property.

Riverside TRACT

253± Acres in St. Clair County, Alabama

$1,500,000

The Riverside Tract & its multiple uses are only 45 minutes north of Birmingham. This tract has over 3 miles of frontage on Lake Logan Martin/Coosa River. 200± acres of the property are under a conservation easement limiting the development of the property but still allowing the owners to utilize the property attributes.

There are 53 ± acres that are unencumbered by the easement giving the owner all rights and benefits of the property.The proximity to the river and the existing ponds and lakes have real potential to become a excellent waterfowl property.

Chandlar Graham

Qualifying Broker

cgraham@larsonmcgowin.com Phone: 205.977.7706 | Mobile: 334.734.1382 www.larsonmcgowinproperties.com

500 Office Park Drive Suite 430 Birmingham, AL 35223 | Branch Offices: Greenville, Alabama | Mobile, Alabama | Merryville, Louisiana Licensed in AL, MS, TN, LA, TX, AR, GA, KY, FL, & SC

HomewoodLife.com 31

T.M. BURGIN FARM, SITE OF WHAT WOULD OPEN AS THE AMERICAN VILLAGE ON NOVEMBER 30, 1999

Thank You to the many men and women whose dedication and generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure as board members, donors, volunteers, supporters and staff have raised the American Village and sustained it in its vital work these 20 years. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may you be blessed in the New Year.

Mark your calendars and join us on Monday, February 17, 2020 as we celebrate the

20AmericanVillage th Anniversary OF THE

WWW. AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG

For all your backyard playground needs!!

GO-TO GOURMET Q&A BEST FIRST TIME ORDER: Shrimp Po Boy with Gumbo FAVORITE ORDER FOR LAURA: The Pimiento Cheese FAVORITE ORDER FOR CHRIS: Grilled andouille

CALL

sausage with pimiento cheese, or grilled ham on

for more info!

MOST POPULAR ORDER: Baby Blue Salad

205-408-4386

French with tomato and mayo with Gumbo FAVORITE TAKEAWAY ITEM: Enchiladas CHRIS & LAURA’S FAVORITE HOMEWOOD DATE SPOT: Lunch escapes! “We usually go lunch because

NOW ALSO SELLING AY COMMERCIAL PLAY EQUIPMENT! CALL 205-408-4386 86 FOR MORE INFO!

the kids are in school. Last time we went to Johnny’s.

3165 CCahaba h b VValley lle RRoadd Birmingham, AL 35124

www.backyardalabama.com 32 January/February 2020

Next one may be Greenhouse.”

CHRIS & LAURA’S FAVORITE FAMILY SPOT: “Our kids love Saw’s followed by Edgewood Creamery.”

Homewood Gourmet’s Po Boy pays homage to the owners’ New Orleans back story.

gourmet to-go, catering and lunch shop right off Highway 31, Homewood Gourmet’s founder. “I’d worked for Franklin at Homewood Gourmet while I was at Samford,” Laura says. “We kept in touch and he’d always say, ‘Let me know if you know of anyone who wants to buy this place. I’m ready for a change.’”

“Chris and I thought about it,” Laura continues, “and realized we were ready for a change, too.” In 2010, Chris and Laura became the owners and chefs of Homewood Gourmet because, as their website says, “we love sandwiches so much.”

Since then, they have become parents to another child, a daughter, Liza, who is now 7, and stayed close to Franklin’s menu while adding things they love. “We wanted to stay true to his vision while also growing into what the customers wanted,” Laura says. Today the menu boasts long-time favorites such as the Original Baby Blue Salad with their signature Spiced Pecans and the Zapalowskis’ NOLA flair in their fried Gulf Shrimp Po Boys and more.

These days, Homewood Gourmet makes everything from salad dressings to casseroles fresh in-house except for one very special ingredient. “We bring in Leidenheimer bread for our po boys,” said Chris, which NOLA experts would agree is absolutely the right call for any restaurant serving authentic po boys.

It may have taken a national disaster to get Chris and Laura back into the Birmingham city limits, but it would take more than that to get them to leave. “We just love Homewood,” Laura says. “Everyone is so supportive of local restaurants and businesses. There’s a real community here.”

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Homewood Gourmet is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and it is closed Sundays. It is located at 1919 28th Avenue South, Suite 113 in Homewood.

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HomewoodLife.com 33

FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Blake Stevens

New O’Henry’s Coffees Owner PHOTO BY RANDY WEBB

His name might not be Henry, but Blake Stevens has the same vision to build community around coffee that the founder and namesake of O’Henry’s did more than 25 years ago. “I had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Henry Bright in the roasting facility early on, and I saw his attention to detail and how he treated people,” Blake says. “He still comes in the stores today.” To learn more about the coffee shop’s legacy and where it’s headed, we chatted with Blake just after he started running the business.

When did you and O’Henry’s first “meet”?

In 1996 I started with O’Henry’s on 18th Street when I was a student at Samford and worked there through 2001. It was the only O’Henry’s at the time and the first coffee house in Birmingham really, and everyone knew everybody. I remember building great relationships with the employees. We had such a tight team. Fast forward almost 25 years, and that’s what it continues to be. All the employees respect each other, and it’s a neat environment to learn from each other.

In 2001 I was recruited to Starbuck’s and worked there for 14 years. I ended up in Louisiana with Starbuck’s but wanted to get back home. I moved back to Birmingham about four years ago with a staffing company and kept in touch with the previous O’Henry’s owner Randy Adamy. One thing led to another, and I was able to purchase the company.

shop’s history?

In 1993 Dr. Henry Bright wanted to have a community coffee shop, and the next owners Randy and Mary Adamy came in and built upon that legacy. My charge is not to create something different or new but to continue to add to that story and legacy. When Randy and I started talking about the ownership opportunity, it was an easy conversation because we knew each other and understood what O’Henry’s stood for.

What might people not know about the coffee brand?

We roast our coffee with the same passion and commitment that Dr. Bright had, and we still have some of those roast profiles. We roast in West Homewood, and some of the other coffee houses in town use our coffee with private label. We get beans from all over coffee growing regions from Kenya to Costa Rica to Brazil, and last year we were able to purchase a whole Can you tell us some about the coffee crop from a farmer in Columbia. We also 34 January/February 2020

have two license locations: one at Samford and one at Protective Life.

What’s your go-to order?

I love our African Classic and our Costa Rican Dark coffees, and our lighter side we have an Ethiopian. I love ice coffee too. On the food menu, our morning muffin and breakfast panini with bacon, egg and cheese are so good and very popular.

What will we see from O’Henry’s going forward?

I see roasting and wholesale operations growth opportunities in our brand as well as in retail locations and offices. We are opening in Hoover at Stadium Trace at the end of January, and we will look for other communities we can serve. O’Henry’s will continue to be a family-owned business too. My wife and I are in this together, and our two kids. We want to put people first and take care of our team and the folks we represent. We want folks here who love what they do and live with a purpose.

weddings h1omewood8

A GUIDE TO ALL THINGS WHITE, BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL PHOTO BY LEAH GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY

HomewoodLife.com 35

WEDDINGS

FIND YOUR PALETTE

A cohesive wedding aesthetic starts with colors, so here’s a guide to shades trending by season for inspiration.

Consider your setting, and pick a base color and accents that you gravitate toward.

ILLUSTRATED BY KATE SULLIVAN GREEN | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

spring DUSTY BLUE CAMEO NUDE PASTEL YELLOW WHITE AND GREEN WHITE AND BLUSH PASTELS (see pg. 36) NEUTRALS LIGHT BLUE CHAMPAGNE

fall BURGUNDY/RICH RED EMERALD GREEN MARIGOLD (see pg. 36) MAROON, PINK, IVORY AND GREEN MAUVE, PINK, IVORY AND GREEN CHARCOAL GREY

36 January/February 2020

WEDDINGS

summer PEACH SOFT BLUSH VIBRANT CORALS (see pg. 36) WHITE AND GREEN PINK AND GREEN DUSTY ROSE AND LIGHT PINK DUSTY / PALE BLUE

winter PLUM/LILAC (see pg. 36) TAUPE GREYS MAROON, RED + GREEN IVORY AND GREENS WHITE WITH GREENERY

HomewoodLife.com 37

WEDDINGS

fall

spring summer

winter Wedding planners Meghan Cease & Candice Henderson of M. Elizabeth Events, Courtney Bell of La Belle Vie Weddings and Brooke Kearbey of BKwed contributed their color expertise to this article.

38 January/February 2020

2024 Morris Ave Birmingham, AL 35203 www.heidielnoraatelier.com 205.250.5233

model: Hannah Brown

Designer Wedding Dresses

image: Juan Rodriguez

heidi elnora ATELIER

#heidibride @heidielnoraatelier @buildabride_official

HomewoodLife.com 39

WEDDINGS

TO DO BEFORE I DO

12 months out n Work on Your Budget

Figure out who is contributing and how much, think what items are the highest priority for you, and start your spreadsheet.

n Make a Guest List n Select the Venue n Hire a Wedding Planner n Determine Formality and Theme n Select the Caterer

11 months out

n Hire Essential Vendors Photographers, bands, DJs, florists and videographers book early, so do your research, ask good questions and get them booked.

n Buy the Dress

n Send Save-the-Dates

10 months out

8 months out

n Book Hotel Blocks

n Select Bridesmaids’ Dresses

n Create a Wedding Website

7 months out

n Dress Shopping

n Take Engagement Photos n Look at Invitations Start talking to a designer or stationer if you are wanting a custom suite, or wait until six months out if you are going a less involved route.

40 January/February 2020

9 months out

n Register for Gifts

n Book Rehearsal Dinner Venue Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts this part of the weekend.

n Book Ceremony Musicians n Order Rental Items

WEDDINGS

6 months out n Hire an Officiant

5 months out

n Book Transportation n Book the Honeymoon n Secure the Groom’s Attire

4 months out n Taste Testings

n Buy Wedding Bands n Hair and Makeup Trial

3 months out

n Order the Invitations n Brainstorm Guest Favors and Gift Bags

n Write Your Vows n Work on the Ceremony Bible verses or quotes? What song to walk down the aisle to? Traditional vows or writeyour-own? Start talking through this lineup.

2 months out

n Send the Invitations Eight weeks out is the typical timeline, with RSVPs due one month before the wedding.

n Dress Fitting

n Buy Wedding Party Gifts + Small Items

Start with your bridesmaids and groomsmen and also consider buying table numbers, toasting flutes, a cake topper, guest book, ring bearer or flower girl accessories, a garter and a hanger for the wedding dress.

1 month out

n Assemble Gift Bags n Pay Vendors Get ahead of the game to make sure this is done in advance. Put cash in tip envelopes for your planner and delegate someone to distribute too.

n Create a Seating Chart n Break in the Wedding Shoes

n Get the Marriage License

HomewoodLife.com 41

WEDDINGS

SETTING THE SCENE Are you a city girl? Or do you prefer the outdoors? We’ve got ideas for both landscapes with these styled shoots.

country elegance Tucked away in Alabama, these wedding vendors value the beauty and simple elegance found out in the country and captured the essence of “less is more” in this shoot.

42 January/February 2020

HomewoodLife.com 43

WEDDINGS

mama

loves

weddings...

Call Beka at 205-368-0964 or email: catering@tacomamaonline.com www.tacomamaonline.com/catering 44 January/February 2020

WEDDINGS

urban spring Springtime meets industrial in this wedding inspiration photo shoot, with the white bright aesthetic of The Theodore and puppies signaling the new life of the season.

CREATED FOR YOU WEEZI WEEZ IE B. DESI GNS SPEC I A LI ZES I N TU RNI N G YOU R VI SI O N I NTO C U S TO M WEDDI N G SU I TES A S U NI QU E AS YOU A RE. EX PA ND YOU R SU I TE WI TH PA RT Y GOODS, FAVO RS, GI FTS AND MO RE!

@WEEZ @WEEZII EBDESI GNS

•

WE EZII EBDESI GNS. CO M WEEZ COM

HomewoodLife.com 45

WEDDINGS

urban spring Workshop Host: Alisha Crossley Photography Venue: The Theodore

country elegance

Flowers: RoseGolden by Holly M. Carlisle

Photographer: Blythe Amber

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes

Dresses: Carol Hannah

Photography

Hair and Makeup: Gypset Beauty Co.

Flowers: Windy Petal

Silk Ribbons: Cocoon Silk Ribbon

Hair: Elyse Kilgore

Cake: Bec’s Cakes

Venue: Douglas Manor

Invitations: Gracefully Made Art

Makeup: Macee Merriam

Ring Boxes: Levy’s Fine Jewelry

Cake: Trudy’s Table Bakery

Models: Katie Belle, Shea Jenkins

Dress: Bella Couture LLC

Invitations: Invitations by Whitney Calligraphy: Grey Lily Calligraphy Models: Emily and Brett Wolfe

46 January/February 2020

HomewoodLife.com 47

TRANSFORM TRADITION WITH A BOHEMIAN TWIST. With every open space adorned in layers of luxury, your ceremony is set to radiate an artful European ambiance. Inspire your guests with a unique experience, whether it’s Wine Tasting, Wine Blending, Cooking School or dining on the rooftop. Expect the celebration to last forever with a complimentary guest room every year through the Anniversary for Life program.

CALL 205.414.0505 OR VISIT GRANDBOHEMIANMOUNTAINBROOK.COM

48 January/February 2020

big spoon bakes

SWEET

Banana cake with dark chocolate chips and peanut butter cream cheese frosting, Homewood & Avondale

SLICES

STYLED BY KATE SULLIVAN GREEN PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD

edgar’s bakery

dreamcakes

Strawberry cake with strawberry icing, Pelham

Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream, peanut butter buttercream filling and chocolate ganache drizzle, Homewood & Hoover

klingler’s Carrot cake with cream cheese icing, Vestavia Hills

c’s cake & coffee house Coconut cake with coconut cream cheese icing, Montevallo

k&j’s elegant pastries Vanilla cake with strawberry preserves filling and whipped buttercream icing, Alabaster

tee’s cakes and pastries Traditional white cake with buttercream icing, Chelsea

Vietri and Skyros Designs white plates from Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook

HomewoodLife.com 49

Best Dental Practice

Fulton Dental www.vestaviadentist.com

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50 January/February 2020

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WEDDINGS

WHAT TO GIFT YOUR

BRIDESMAIDS & GROOMSMEN They have been there for you as you head into your wedding day, now it’s time to put some thought into a special gift for each member of your bridal party. Here are some ideas from local shops to fit any personality.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM & EMILY SPARACINO | PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD

1

2

3

4 1. MUD PIE MARBLE SERVING TRAY, SANSABA RIVER PECAN CO. JALAPENO PEACH AND PECAN PRESERVES Gifted, Pelham, $32 & $10, respectively 2. BIRDS OF A FEATHER EARRINGS Shea Davis Boutique, Homewood, $118 3. FLINT LEATHER CO. ALABAMA LUGGAGE TAG Alabama Goods, Homewood, $22 4. ANTIQUE CEILING TIN PHOTO FRAME At Home, Homewood, $46

5

5. 1818 FARMS SANDALWOOD BAR SOAP, METAL SHAVING BRUSH, WOODEN BEARD COMB The Farm Company, Columbiana, $7, $15, $5 respectively 6. DIBIANCO FLASK Shaia’s, Homewood, $345

6 HomewoodLife.com 51

WEDDINGS

7

8

7. FIGUE D’ETE PROVENCE LIQUID HAND WASH & WAX CANDLE Illuminated, Mountain Brook, Hand Wash $36, Candle $69 8. OLD OAK FORGE WALLET WITH TOOL Caliber, Homewood, $75 9. SMALL MONOGRAMMED ALL PURPOSE POUCH The Blue Willow, Cahaba Heights, $24.95

9

52 January/February 2020

WEDDINGS 10. RED LEATHERMAN SQUIRT PS4 RED Alabama Outdoors, Homewood & Hoover, $34.95

10

11. BIRD’S NEST BLOCK PAINTINGS The Liv-N-Room, Chelsea, $10.99 (large) and $8.99 (small) 12. RAW EDGE CANOE CLUTCH Lamb’s Ears, Mountain Brook, $25

12

11

HomewoodLife.com 53

WEDDINGS 13. CANVAS TOTE BAG Monograms Plus, Vestavia Hills, $21.99 plus $10 for Monogram 14. SWIG STEMLESS WINE TUMBLER Dear Prudence, Homewood & Hoover, $19 15. THERMOPOP POCKET MEAT THERMOMETER Alabama Gas Light & Grill, $24.95

13

A gift & clothing boutique specializing in home decor, seasonal giving, and jewelry.

14

SUSAN GORDON

CAPRI BLUE

RONALDO

1028 Marble Terrace, Suite 116 Hoover, AL 35244 | 205-989-7277 wrapsodyonline.com @shopwrapsody 54 January/February 2020

15

WEDDINGS

16

17

16. WRITTEN BRIDESMAID TEE The Ditsy Daisy, Chelsea, $46 17. YETI HOPPER FLIP 8 COOLER & CORKCICLE CANTEEN Mountain High Outfitters, Hoover, $199 & $37.95 respectively

HomewoodLife.com 55

WEDDINGS

18. NAVY SOFIA PAJAMAS MADE IN ITALY Hemline, Homewood, Top $98, Bottoms $105

19 18

19. LARGE BOGG BAGÂ Please Reply, Mountain Brook, $70 20. SOCIAL LIGHT REFILLABLE LIGHTER WITH LEATHER HANDLE The Cook Store, Mountain Brook, $40

20

56 January/February 2020

HomewoodLife.com 57

WEDDINGS

appell

allan

JULY 13, 2019 PHOTOS BY LEAH GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY

58 January/February 2020

How We Met: We both attended Homewood City Schools but were a year apart in school, so we always knew each other but were never really close. We became friends my (Shea’s) sophomore year and Miller’s freshman year at Alabama, and we began dating soon after.

The Proposal: Miller completely surprised me and proposed at the overlook near Tip Top Grill. He told me we were meeting his grandparents after church to pick up my birthday present (I

thought it was Alabama-LSU football tickets), and then after we were to meet my parents out for my mom’s and my birthday dinner. Not only did Miller propose, but he also gave me AlabamaLSU tickets! After the proposal we met my parents out for dinner, and then had a surprise party with friends and family.

The Dress: It was the second dress I ever tried on, and I felt like a princess in it. It fit me perfectly and I knew the dress was for me. I had the best experience at Bustle with my friends

WEDDINGS and family.

Favorite Details: I wore the same earrings as my mom did when she married my dad. One of my bridesmaids customdesigned my save-the-dates, invitations and programs. It was a really fun process to go through. Also one of my cheerleaders, Ella Grace Ivey, wrote calligraphy on our welcome signs.

What We Are Doing Now: I am in my fourth year teaching at Homewood High School (fifth year teaching), and Miller is in medical school at UAB.

the details Ceremony Venue: A. Hamilton Reid Chapel Reception Venue: Regions Field Day-Of Coordinator: Hilliary Hallman Florist: Bud and Blooms Caterer: Parkview Catering Cakes: Cakes by Design Videographer: Rush Video Invitations: M Harris Design

Wedding Dress: Bustle Dress Alterations: Hollow to Hem Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Hair & Makeup: Danielle Ivy Chiepalich Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Music: Creativity Transportation: Rare Transportation Stage Rental: Fun Stuff Decoration Calligraphy: Ella Grace Ivey

HomewoodLife.com 59

WEDDINGS

gilbert

mcgriff

SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

PHOTOS BY RACHEL AND NOAH RAY

60 January/February 2020

How We Met: Colton’s older brother was a friend of mine, and 11 years later he and I (Leigh Anne) “re-met.” That fall, Colton came to my housewarming party, and I mentioned to him that I had found some cheap flights online to Amsterdam. He chimed in, “Well, I’ll be your travel partner if you’d like!” The next day, we booked the flights. After traveling to Amsterdam, we both knew that this was something special.

Favorite Moment: A dear friend of mine, Enoch, who I met in 2009 in Ghana when I travelled with Semester at

Sea, “co-officiated” our wedding with our pastor here in Birmingham.

Favorite Details: All of the invitations were SO MUCH FUN for me to design to feel like “sophisticated fun.”

To make our first look special, we decided to do it outside my grandfather’s house in Southside. Colton’s wedding band is his grandfather’s ring, and I wore my grandfather’s ring on my right hand. The chairs we sat in at the reception were hand-carved, teak wood pieces originally from China that came from my grandfather’s house and were

WEDDINGS

brought over as a part of the 1907 Chicago World’s Fair. We had an ALL VEGAN wedding, including the cake, since Colton has been vegan for three years after a diagnosis that he has treated through food. The caricature guy we’d seen was a fun addition. AvaniRupa, a friend whose branding I developed, not only designed my engagement ring, but she also let me borrow incredible diamond and sapphire earrings for the day. Lastly, we loved that at the zoo they had an option to do an “animal walkabout” during the cocktail hour.

the details Ceremony Venue: Redeemer Community Church Reception Venue: The Birmingham Zoo, Henley Park Event Lawn Wedding Planner: Courtney Bell, La Belle Vie Weddings Florist: Suzanne Martenson, Stems & Styles Caterer: Taste Catering at The Birmingham Zoo Videographer: Bruce Granger, Fractal Image

Cakes: Michelle’s Bakery Invitations: Ollie Dee Design Company (Leigh Anne’s company) Wedding Dress & Veil: Ivory & White Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Hair: Arcadia Salon Makeup: Rachel Griffin, Beloved Beauty Transportation: Rare Transportation Music: Emerald Empire Band Jewelry: AvaniRupa Fine Jewelers Caricature Art: Caricatures By Kevin

HomewoodLife.com 61

WEDDINGS

mathews peterson JULY 20, 2019 PHOTOS BY HOLLY TUTOR PHOTOGRAPHY

62 January/February 2020

How We Met: Melissa and Conner met while interning up in East Tennessee. They’ve always laughed about how they had to travel over 350 miles to meet their eventual spouse after growing up just 10 miles apart.

They spent the entire summer hiking and exploring the Appalachian Mountains together, and their adventurous spirits are what really brought them together.

The Dress: The dress from Bridal Bliss in Homewood was fitted and lace with a very long train.

Favorite Moment: Melissa and Conner married in the same church as Melissa’s parents. After walking Melissa’s mom down the aisle, her dad came back with tears down his face.

He was flushed with sweet memories of seeing her mom for the first time as his wife. Another great moment of the day was going to get margaritas after the reception. A group of Melissa and Conner’s friends stuck around long after the reception had ended, and they all went to a Mexican restaurant by the venue. It was a great time to

WEDDINGS gather and talk in a more intimate setting.

Favorite Detail: The flowers, most definitely. They were a bold, colorful arrangement with irises, yellow cushion mums, bright pink roses, and many more elegant and colorful touches.

What You Are Doing Now: Melissa and Conner returned to the company they interned for and work as full-time engineers in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Their favorite part of being married is having a friend to laugh with at all hours of the day.

the details Ceremony Venue: Briarwood Presbyterian Church Reception Venue: Rosewood Hall Florist: Cindy Vetrano Caterer: Yellow Bicycle Cakes: Edgar’s Bakery Videographer: Jackson Moore

Wedding Dress: Bridal Bliss of Homewood Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Music: Act of Congress

HomewoodLife.com 63

WEDDINGS

neumayer plasters JULY 20, 2019

PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY

64 January/February 2020

How We Met: We met through my best friend who was maid of honor, Ashley Martin, five years ago. Andrew asked me on a date the day after we met. We went to The Fish Market, walked around Railroad Park, climbed a water tower and explored at Moss Rock. It was so adventurous!

The Proposal: Andrew had planned a day of our favorite hike at Oak Mountain.

I thought it was just another normal day because we love to hike together, and I had just talked to my family about when I thought Andrew would propose. But as we started hiking Andrew started to act

kind of funny and said he was very nauseous. He had to stop a few times to catch his breat, which is not typical of him. Once we got to the top, we were admiring the view, and that’s when Andrew got down on one knee to ask me to marry him. I was so surprised! He planned for my family to fly up from Florida and be there for a special dinner at The Club.

Favorite Moment: The ceremony.

The blessing of seeing all our closest family and friends witness our promise before God to love and serve each other

WEDDINGS

for the rest of our lives was so special. We had family and friends fly from all over the country to be there, and I loved for them to see my beautiful alma mater.

Favorite Details: A really special moment was two of my bridesmaids, Hope and Elizabeth, sang “Come Thou Fount” while we took communion. The three of us lived together after college for two years, and my favorite nights were when they would sing hymns in our apartment. I also wore my grandmother’s diamond watch, and it meant a lot to me to honor her memory.

the details Ceremony Venue: A. Hamilton Reid Chapel, Samford University Reception Venue: The Club Wedding Planner: Courtney Bell, La Belle Vie Florist: Forever Wild Floral Co. Cakes: Magic Muffins Videographer: Blythe Amber Videography Invitations: Empress Stationery

Wedding Dress: Ivory & White Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey Hair & Makeup: Rachel Griffin, Be Loved Beauty Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Music: Just a Few Cats Band Transportation: Rare Transportation Wedding Day Bridal Preparations: The Grand Bohemian

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JULY 13, 2019 PHOTOS BY DANIEL MARCIO, BRIAN HIPPENSTEEL & MARY MARGARET SMITH

66 January/February 2020

The Proposal: I (Wes) had been forthright with Alix about my intent not to get engaged any sooner than two years from when we started dating. This was appropriately named, “The 2 Year Rule.” I knew I wanted to marry Alix before the first year was over, but I intended to stick it out for the full two years. About a year after we started dating, she received word that her best friend had been diagnosed with Leukemia, and I decided to throw the two-year rule out the window. I wanted to be there for Alix as her fiancé and husband regardless of the outcome. By God’s grace,

her friend is currently in remission.

Favorite Moment: We flew to St. Lucia and stayed for almost a week to elope. For the ceremony it was just the two of us, and the intimacy of that time together was surreal. We spent almost two hours just sitting together after the ceremony soaking in all the emotions.

Favorite Details: We held our reception three months later in the Edgewood home I purchased in 2017. I saw tremendous potential from the very first time I’d walked through it, and we used Architectural Cooperative and

WEDDINGS Ketcham and Co. for our renovation. Alix was my partner in every decision made about the house. This was OUR project. My favorite wedding details are encompassed in having our closest friends and families, in our home, in our town, celebrating our wedding. We wanted to provide our guests a true taste of what our day-to-day life together is like living in Homewood. We sourced all the food from the same Homewood-based restaurants that Alix and I frequent weekly.

Our theme was “A glimpse of Alix and Wes’ life in Homewood,” and Barbara Gaines and her team hit a home run!

the details Ceremony Location: St. Lucia Reception Event Planner: Happy Event Company Florist: Martha Queen Flowers Donated To: Repurposed Blooms

Calligraphy: Callie Honeysuckle Wedding Dress: Elena Victoria Designs Catering: Saw’s Barbecue, Taco Mama, Shiki Sushi, Savor Style Cakes: Daughter’s Baking

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WEDDINGS

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rohdy

JUNE 8, 2019

PHOTOS BY THANKFULLY TAKEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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How We Met: Mike and I (Mary Katherine) were set up on a blind date by one of Mike’s teammates at Samford.

We immediately hit it off and talked nonstop until Taco Mama closed, and then we got dessert at Edgewood Creamery. As soon as Mike walked into his house he announced to all of his roommates, “The date was great, and I’m going to marry Mary Katherine Stanley.” Luckily I was on the same page telling my roommates the exact same thing about Mike at my apartment around the corner!

Favorite Moments: We married at the same church where my parents were married. One of our favorite things we decided to do was not have a first look.

This made walking down the aisle extra special and sweet, and without a doubt our favorite moment of the day. Another highlight of the night was dancing with all of our friends and family to the timeless sounds of Memphis Soul Revue. After the last dance, the horn section formed a “Second Line” and escorted Mike and I to our getaway car.

Favorite Details: A favorite food

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station was the Southern Biscuit Bar, which featured homemade biscuits and a Memphis original, Gus’ Famous Fried Chicken, along with beef tenderloin and homemade pimento cheese. Other food stations included a His and Hers Slider Station, with homemade potato chips and mini Caesar Salads, a “Cha Cha Cha” Station with shrimp tacos and made-toorder guacamole, and a Charcuterie Station. The most popular station, though, was the Groom’s Cookie Bar, which featured Homewood’s very own Cookie Fix.

the details Ceremony Venue: First Evangelical Church, Memphis Reception: Annesdale Mansion Wedding Planner: Mona Dunlap, Mona Dunlap Events Florist: Kevin Griffin Caterer: Coletta’s Bride’s Cake: Cakes by Mom and Me LLC Groom’s Cookies: Cookie Fix Videographer: Bridge Films

Invitations: RSVP Stationers Wedding Dress: Barefoot Bride Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Hair & Makeup: Faith Pool Groom/Groomsmen Attire: American Tuxedo Music: Memphis Soul Revue Transportation: TN Limousine Service Soft Seating, Custom Bars, Lighting: White Door Events

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WEDDINGS

dickerson sommer MAY 27, 2019 PHOTOS BY MARQUEZ FOTOS

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How We Met: Jeff noticed Kathryn kept popping up on their mutual friend Mallory’s Instagram, so he asked Mallory what her story was. The timing wasn’t the best for Kathryn to start dating again so Jeff had to wait. One morning Jeff was doing work at O’Henry’s Coffee and saw Kathryn walk out of the coffee shop. Jeff reached out again to Mallory and made it known he wanted to ask Kathryn out. It was a 6-hour date when Jeff meant to only grab drinks after work, and they have been inseparable ever since.

The Proposal: Jeff was planning to

propose on Christmas Eve, but a window of opportunity came open the day before Christmas Eve when they decided to open an early Christmas present. Jeff got Kathryn some new pajamas (a Sommer Family Christmas Eve tradition) and asked her to go try them on to see how she liked them. Then Jeff got the ring out, placed a camera on the shelf to capture the moment and stood next to the Christmas tree. Jeff told her he had another Christmas present and to look towards the back of the tree. When she couldn’t find it, Jeff had her look on the

WEDDINGS other side of the tree and as she turned around, Jeff was down on one knee. After she said yes, Jeff washed her feet as a symbol of humility and service and popped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Favorite Moments: Jeff’s was finally seeing Kathryn in her wedding dress as her dad began to walk her down the aisle, dancing with the Second Line band and their drive back through New Orleans after the wedding. Kathryn’s was the ceremony, the live painting and the rap song her bridesmaids wrote and sang at the end of the wedding.

the details Venue: Rosy’s Jazz Hall, New Orleans Florist: Brittney Ray’s Florist Caterer: Rosy’s Jazz Hall Cakes: Joe Gambino’s Bakery Videographer: Dyle Films Invitations: elli.com Wedding Dress: Bella’s Bridal

Hair & Makeup: Glam Nola Groom/Groomsmen Attire: John’s Tuxedos, New Orleans Music: Q Music Agency Transportation: VIP Transportation Live Painting: Christina Pappion Artistry Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band

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WEDDINGS

turner

sullivan

MAY 25, 2019

PHOTOS BY ROB AND WYNTER

72 January/February 2020

How We Met: Megan and (Michael) Sullivan met at a party during the second semester of their freshman year at Ole Miss. Something sparked that night, and they began to build a slowgrowing love full of hanging out with friends, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority date parties, and long, late-night talks outside the dorms.

The Proposal: The University of Mississippi was a big part of Megan and Sullivan’s love story. So, Sullivan’s proposal in Oxford, two years after that first party, made perfect sense. On a

chilly January night in 2018, Sullivan took Megan on a walk around the historic town square. As they approached the front of the grand 1871 county courthouse at the center of town, Sullivan dropped to one knee and asked Megan to marry him. And she said yes!

Favorite Moments: A year- and-ahalf-long engagement allowed plenty of time to plan all the wedding details. It began with finding the perfect venue at the beautiful Otter Creek Farm in Ohatchee, Alabama. The pair enjoyed the entire wedding weekend—from their

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romantic first look to sharing the vows they wrote to one another at the ceremony.

However, their favorite moment was the blast they had on the dance floor, celebrating with family and friends.

What We Are Doing Now: Megan and Sullivan both graduated from the University of Mississippi in May. Megan is currently attending the University of Alabama, working towards her master’s degree in social work, which she will complete in May 2020. Sullivan is a ninthgrade history teacher and serves as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserves.

the details Venue: Otter Creek Farm Wedding Planner: Ashley Copeland Weddings Florist: Stems & Styles Caterer: Happy Catering Cakes: Cakes by Kim Videographer: Main Street Productions Invitations: Gracefully Made Art Wedding Dress: Village Bridal Veil: Bustle Homewood

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Holly Craft Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear Ceremony Music: Rachel Sherrod (violin), Keith LaBenne (cello) Reception DJ: DJ Jazzy Joe Transportation: Kelton Tours and Accent Luxury Limo Hand-Lettered Signs: Georgia Anderson

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WEDDINGS

sloderbeck swope JUNE 1, 2019 PHOTOS BY ELEANOR STENNER PHOTOGRAPHY

74 January/February 2020

How We Met: Both Eric and I (Christen) attribute how we met and began our relationship to Mary Paris, a mutual friend and coworker. Mary invited Eric to join a coffee date she had previously planned with me. Both of us had our doubts about this potentially awkward three-person coffee date. After about an hour, Mary conveniently had to go, and we lingered for quite a while as conversation continued to flow.

The Proposal: Eric asked me to marry him in front of a beautiful oak tree with Spanish moss in Tallahasee.

Favorite Moments: During the end of the congregation taking communion, we had the opportunity to look out and observe all our friends and family there.

It was such a special and joyful moment to take in. During the reception, we loved seeing people of all ages having a great time dancing and laughing. Lastly, we loved leaving our reception by foot.

Going for walks is one of our favorite things to do together, so it was very “us� to leave our reception like that.

Favorite Details: Since we are both teachers, we wanted to include some

WEDDINGS special touches for the children that attended our wedding. Eric drew a coloring page of the two of us for them, and we both designed a crossword puzzle about us for kids to do during the wedding ceremony. A good friend of ours, Jamie Johnson, also created a beautiful collage of dates and places that are important to us.

What We Are Doing Now: I am the gifted education specialist at Edgewood Elementary, and Eric is the art teacher as well as the cross country and track coach at Homewood Middle School.

the details Ceremony Venue: Redeemer Community Church Reception Venue: BridgeStreet Gallery and Loft Day of Coordinator: Jenny Dansby, Threefold Events Florist: Stems & Styles Caterer: Yellow Bicycle Catering Company

Cakes: Ashley Scoggins, Pastry by Design Invitations: Krista Lutz, Pen to Paperie Wedding Dress: Bridal Bliss Hair & Makeup: Allison Strickland, Frivolous Talents Music: DJ Sillz Dates & Places Art: Jamie Johnson

HomewoodLife.com 75

Homewood Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S

Happenings January 7th

Ambassador Meeting 12 PM SOHO Social Interested in joining the Homewood Chamber Ambassadors? Join us for a meeting and learn more about the program! RSVP online: www. homewoodchamber.org.

January 21st

January Monthly Membership Luncheon and State of the City Address 11:30 AM The Club Ball Room Join the Homewood Chamber of Commerce for our January Monthly Membership Luncheon and Annual State of the City Address featuring Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer. This month’s luncheon is sponsored

by America’s First Federal Credit Union.

February 4th

Ambassador Meeting 12 PM Location TBA (check website)

Ribbon Cuttings Ralph W. Beeson University Center Ribbon Cutting October 3rd, 2019

Skin Wellness Center Open House October 3rd, 2019

Spring Park Ribbon Cutting

October 11th, 2019

Ribbon Cutting for StoreEase

October 15th, 2019

February 18

Monthly Membership Luncheon 11:30 AM The Club (State Rooms)

Ribbon Cutting for Susan Gordon Pottery

November 5th, 2019

7 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD 76 January/February 2020

HOMEWOOD, ALABAMA 35209

F i n d U s O n l i ne

Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our member directory Purchase Buy Local Homewood eGift Cards

Save the Date

Event Recap: Holiday Open House The shops on 18th street hosted a fun-filled Holiday Open House on November 7th, despite the weather!

The Downtown Homewood event is the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season in Homewood. Many stores offered extended hours, refreshments for shoppers, photo opportunities and other holiday

festivities! Santa Claus himself visited the shops and enjoyed photos with those on both naughty and nice lists.

Shoppers with concerns of the rain were able to hop aboard the Holiday Trolley and continue the fun! The newly-opened Susan Gordon Pottery hosted a grand opening alongside the event, with many in attendance.

Preview: State of the City Our January membership luncheon features Mayor Scott McBrayer as he presents the Annual State of the City Address. This is one of the largest chamber luncheons of

New Members Thomas Andrew Art, LLCÂ

the year and is held in the Ball Room at The Club. Make plans to attend on January 21st by registering on the Homewood Chamber website www. homewoodchamber.org.

205 - 871 - 5631

Make plans to attend Taste of Homewood on March 19th.

Elevate Training and Consulting

WWW.HOMEWOODCHAMBER.ORG HomewoodLife.com 77

OUT & ABOUT

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SHADES CAHABA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Shades Cahaba Elementary School celebrated its 100th birthday with ice cream, cake, games creating a time capsule and a timeline of the school’s history on Oct. 13.

1. Natalie, Tucker, and Annie Wearren

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2. Katharyn, Louis and Dr. John Lowry with Russel 3. Jamie Pears, and Sloan and Hadley Chewing 4. Former SCE Principal Linda Erikson, former Principal Sue Grogan, current Principal Dr. John Lowry and current Vice Principal Wendy Story 5. John, Abby, Marie and Grant Murray 6. The Barton Family 7. Kate, Donnie, Ethan, Emery and Reid Smith 8. Rachel, Bart, Anna Barton and William Lary 9. Carla DuMontier, Beth Gladney and Emily Dunleavy 10. The Peterson Family 11. Collins and Laura Hale, Ami, Madison and Colton Letson, and Spencer DuMontier 12. Ben, George, Keith and Sarah Wessel 13. The Seitz Family 78 January/February 2020

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OUT & ABOUT

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PICKIN’ IN THE PARK & HANDMADE ART SHOW

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Musicians brought their instruments, artists brought their original art, and others brought chairs to kick back and enjoy the fun in Homewood Central Park on Oct. 20.

1. Macy Vandergrift with Lee 2. Roxanna and Isabella Huffstutler 3. Theresa Clements and Kelly Lackey 4. Spence and Rachel Henderson with Zoe 5. Wayne Bartlett 6. Jonathan and Katie Little with Sam, Jack and George 7. Steve Sedberry and Karen Guthrie 8. Fernando, Patricia and Alex Ovalle 9. Chris and Lindsay Godlewski

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HHS HOMECOMING PHOTOS BY HOMEWOOD CITY SCHOOLS

Homewood High School “royalty” was announced at the Patriot football game against Center Point on Sept. 27.

1. Homecoming Queen Ella Malek 2. Homecoming Queen Ella Malek is crowned by Griffin Vail.

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3. Paul Condon (Mr. Fire Prevention), Mary Britt Garlington (Freshmen Attendant), Lainey Phelps (Senior Attendant), Ella Grace Ivey (Miss Fire Prevention), Aniyah Grey (Senior Attendant), Ella Maley (Homecoming Queen), TaNya Pledger (Sophomore Attendant), Tharthania Diaz (Miss Aerospace), Ayona Roychowdhury (Junior Attendant), Anna Katherine Pitts (Senior Attendant), Bella Kimbrell (Miss Homewood), and Kaj Knudsen (Mr. Homewood)

• Cleaning & Exams • Crowns & Veneers • In-office Bleaching and Cosmetic Dentistry • Botox

Celia Davenport, DMD 2940 Clairmont Ave S, Birmingham 205-277-2297 davenportdentalandwellness.com HomewoodLife.com 81

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WITCHES RIDE

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Witches took flight on bikes for this annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on Oct. 27.

1. Amelia Smith 2. Angela King 3. Ashley Whatley, Erin Stephenson, Elizabeth Mullins 4. Christin Slimp Michelle Dzier, Angela Leigh and Michelle Lee. 5. Lois O’Connors and Brenda Pitts 6. Michele Hill, Melissa Wilcox, Christina Crowe 7. Karla Morrow, Jenn Hicks and Stacy Confer 8. Laura Bonds and Rachel Henderson 9. Maria Mizerany, Haleigh Zollinger, Katherine Uncapher and Cyndy Uncapher 10. Holly Daugherty, Michelle Sloan, Stephanie Fuhrman, Jackie Woodall, Jennifer Chewning, Fran Chaiprakob, Susan Matthews, Deana Hughes, Kim Ydel, Gigi Whaley and Meg Webb 11. Julie Harris, Alison Walta, Kristin Franklin, Emily Holm, Lindsay Woods, Jennifer Hardin, Lauren Denton and Callie Huffstutler 12. Heather Champagne, Nicola Stephens, Melanie Peeples, Brooks Wingo Eva Gonzalez and Mary Biggs 13. Jennifer McEwen, Lauren Demoss, Jessica Wright, Jessica Everest, Catherine Roberts and Lindsay Whitworth 82 January/February 2020

OUT & ABOUT

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BARIATRIC HEALTH & WELLNESS

Do you need to lose a little or a lot ?

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Bariatric Health and Wellness offers a non surgical weight loss program that is easy to follow, customized for you, and affordable.

• Dr John Morgan has helped over 30,000+ people lose over 150,000 lbs.

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• On line protocol available If you are ready for a healthier body and mind, Bariatric Health and Wellness is for you!

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2017 Canyon Rd #17 Vestavia Hills 205-397-8856 bariatricdirect.com HomewoodLife.com 83

OUT & ABOUT

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HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

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This annual event was held in downtown Homewood on Nov. 7.

1. Lauren Giles and Megan Mathews 2. Suzanne Smith, Betsy Bayer and Kendra Tamburelli 3. Dan, Chris and Tate Hussar 4. Mike McKnight, Meighan Warren, Emily Holm, Aly Huskey, Kathy George and Natalie Garcia with Santa 5. Karmie Johnson, Caroline Bria and Lisa Smaha

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6. Kyle Taylor, Breeanna Fout and Celia McCominskey 7. Lauren Burns, Selena Benefield and Ashley WIliams 8. Mattie, George and Loala Gaskin 9. Peggy Kennedy, Susan Barringer and Karen Crowe 10. Cinna Southerland and Katie Johnson 11. Amy Williams, Brandi Patterson and Caroline Sain 12. Lauren and Jason Beckner

I strive to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.

205-447-3275 • cezelle@realtysouth.com

Animal Hospital, Veterinary Care, Boarding & Grooming 2810 19th Place South, Homewood, AL 35209 StandiferAnimalClinic.com

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CHRISTMAS PARADE & STAR LIGHTING

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The streets of downtown Homewood were filled with floats, lights and more for this annual tradition on Dec. 5.

1. Jaron, Callum, Erika and Everly Roper; and Maggie, Caroline, and Rachel Crosby 2. Mike, Laurel-Dawn, Lachlan and Shepard Latshaw

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3. Jack and Barbara Burnette 4. Belle and Madison Hoffman 5. Traci, James, Hartley and Baxter Owen 6. Michael and Zach Wooley, and Mark Taylor 7. Renessa Linstromberg; Dean, Dillon, Alastar, Ellery and Gillian Thomas; and Elise 8. Misti, Loty, Elli, Jo and Jenny Griffin 9. Katherine, Kit and Judge Cubelic; Mary Austin, Jules and Elizabeth Adams; and Julie Bordelon 10. Ryan, Jack and Genevieve Stuart 11. Blakely, Kristen, Palmer and Judson Moran 12. Cole Mitchell, Elena Hawkins and Peyton Mitchell

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Homewod Life • 205.669.3131

Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800841-0312 www.A1Appliance.com

Acceptance Loan Company. Personal Loans! Let us pay off your title loan! 224 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham. 205-663-5821 INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $18.38+/ hour + production & safety $$$ incentives.

Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Preemployment drug test required.

Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry.

Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla.

Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience.

CDL Preferred.

Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 88 January/February 2020

Bent Creek Apartments.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom. On-site Manager. On-site Maintenance. 3001 7th Street. North Clanton, AL 35045. TDD#s: 800548-2547(V) 800-5482546(T/A) bentcreek@ morrowapts.com Office Hours: MonFri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13.66/hour.

Must be able to pass background screen.

Please apply at www. bc.com

Core Focus Personnel 205-826-3088 • Now Hiring Production Mill Worker, Jemison. 12hrs (days/nights), ability to pass drug test, background check, physical. Positions working in outside temperature conditions.

Previous manufacturing experience required. $11.75/hr to start.

DRYWALL REPAIRS SAME DAY SERVICE Offering: •Plastering •Stucco •Water Damage Repair $$FREE ESTIMATES$$ Please Call: 205-5026023 ETS RESTORATIONS •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Construction •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling Residential

HomewoodLife.com

& Commercial FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-6683316.

Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits.

Pre-employment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@ forestryenv.com NOW AVAILABLE LPN’s, RN’s 12 HOUR SHIFTS CNA’s Full-time & part-time Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Center Drive Clanton, AL 35045 Heritage Christian Academy is now accepting enrollment for K3-12th Grades.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity! Call 205978-6001, to schedule a Campus Tour!

Office Manager Full-Time Position Must have experience in Bookkeeping, Quickbooks MondayFriday 8am-5pm Apply in person: 1110 Highway 31, Calera Call 205-663-1511

2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A).

Office Hours: MonFri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced -Sandblasters -Industrial Painters - Helpers. Must be able to pass drug test and e-verify check.

Must be willing to travel. Professional references required.

Please send resume to: icgsecretary@hotmail. com or call (205)6889004

Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205755-3430

Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available.

Call today for specials!!

205-668-6871. Or visit hpilancasterplace.com Now Hiring!!

•Caregivers-ADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7pm •Activity Director Part-Time •Cooks-some 12/hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-620-2905 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled.

Many on-site services!

Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530.

For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas.

Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic.

MARKETPLACE Serious inquiries only.

Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.

Oxfordhealthcare.com Looking for a house to rent in Shelby County? We can help.

Call for available rentals and specials (205)4339811 Coosa Pines Mill in Childersburg hiring Entry Level Technicians •Full time positions w/ comprehensive benefits package •Starting rate $15.70/hr w/an increase up to $21.93/hr after 90 days •18 years or older with High School Diploma or GED *All successful applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check* Specializing in all your hair care needs SERENITY SALON Barber/Stylist Chairs Available for Rent 2 Convenient Locations •2005 Valleydale Rd. •Pelham •3000 Meadow Lake Dr. Suite 107 Call Nichole 205240-5428 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al. com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call

(205)561-8118 and get your career started!

White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits!

Visit our website www. whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOEM/F/D/V KELLY Educational Staffing UPCOMING JOB FAIRS: (All times 9:00am-1:00pm) Columbiana Middle Dec 2, Oak Mountain Middle - Dec.3, Montevallo High Dec. 5, Forest Oaks Elementary - Dec. 6, Calera High - Dec. 9, Vincent Middle High - Dec. 10, Helena Intermediate - Dec. 12. Call 205-682-7082 for more information.

-Equal Opportunity EmployerPopeyes Seeking friendly, motivated, dependable Crew Members. OPEN INTERVIEWS DAILY 2:00pm-5:00pm 3300 Pelham Parkway.

Immediate Openings!

Start work this week! Apply online: work4popeyeskitchen. com Pharmaceutical Grade Pharmaceutical Grade CBD Oil, a unique concept for sublingual absorption. Helps pain, anxiety, energy & more. Order from home 205-276-7778. www.CiliByDesign.com/ BrendaGlaze Merchandise and DSD (Direct Store Delivery) Workers-Needed!

•7am-Start/5pmEnd •Base+Bonus •No weekends/ nights •Able to travel locally •Health/Dental Available •Able to lift/push items up to 50lbs,with/without aid of dolly Apply on-line:

www.citywholesale.com Interview Call: 205-7954527 Package Store 2398 Greensprings Hwy Homewood,AL NowHiring!! Requirements: •Must be 21 years old •Retail experience •Able to multitask,work any shift,lift kegs,and check in orders •Beer,wine,& liquor experience a plus Call: 205-322-3333 Commercial Cleaning Company hiring General Cleaners in Columbiana. Part-time position MondayFriday, 5:30pm until 8:30pm. Duties include sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sanitizing restrooms and trash removal.

Email resumes and/ or your contact information to dave@ eaglecleaningservice. com Driver needed to deliver small packages to Birmingham area dentists •Vehicle provided •Have clean driving record+good knowledge of area roads •4/days a week •25-35/hours Call:205663-6500 Trucking company hiring qualified local delivery drivers •Must have clean driving/ criminal background •Verifiable commercial driver experience •Good communication skills a must Serious Inquiries Call: 205-3109810 Construction Workers Needed for Local Construction Company.

Must be experienced and dependable. Job is five days a week.

Salary based on skills.

Must have remodeling experience. Call Adam 205-863-9059

$Cash Paid For Used RV’s!$ Motor Homes, Travel/Enclosed trailers, consignment welcome, Cars and Trucks, Pick up available, Mccluskey Auto and RV Sales, LLC 205-833-4575 Service Tech, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning AL Cert# 89282 Now Hiring Full-Time Certified Technician •Minimum 5 years experience •Residential, Commercial and Refrigeration •Ipad Experience •On-Call Rotation Apply at: www.servicetechhvac. com Sitting Angels Home Care, LLC NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Doctor Appointments, Bathing/Dressing Meal Preparation, Errands, Laundry,Light House Keeping and More.

Lenette Walls, Owner 205-405-6991 Shelby County Openings: Loaders: •1st shift 7am-4pm, Monday-Friday •2nd Shift- 4:30pm Finish, Sunday–Thursday $11.00/hr Packers1st shift 7am-4pm, Monday-Friday $11.00/ hr Replenisher-1st Shift 6am-3:30pm $12.00/ hr Standup Forklift Operators 1st Shift6am-3:30pm $12.00/ hr Apply online: www. mystaffmark.com The Harvest Place Christian Church Join us for worship every SUNDAY The Harvest Place Christian Church 14 Westside Ln, Columbiana, AL 35051 Bishop Wales Williams, Jr Chief Apostle •Morning Worship Sunday 11am •Life Enrichment Classes Sunday 10:15am •Join Us Every Tuesday Night at JOYFEST

•Midweek WorshipBegins at 6:30pm www. getyourharvest.org The Salvation Army Birmingham is hiring Part-time and Full-time •Housing Monitors •Kitchen Assistants •Cooks Apply in Person The Salvation Army Center of Hope 2015 26th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35234 Land For Sale 51acres +/- Helena located on South Shades Crest Rd. Great development/ investment potential or private estate location $17,500/per acre Includes old farm house good frontage 205587-3090 revcoltom@ gmail.com Western International Gas & Cylinders, Inc $10,000 SignOn-Bonus! Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers •2yrs Exp•Pass D.O.T Physical/ Background Check •Hazmat Endorsement Apply Online: www. drive4western.com EOE Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Workvehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/drug test.

Training provided.

Insurance/401K offered.

M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net Brian’s Tree Service Trees cut from the top down!

Safe tree removal in confined areas.

Stump grinding!

General liability and wokers comp.

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MY HOMEWOOD RACHEL REYNOLDS

Financial Advisor + Community Volunteer + Mom of Two

Meet the Artist

Holland & Birch Suzanne Jones has created a beautiful, welcoming environment to shop that keeps me coming back. Whether I am shopping for a gift for a girlfriend or a little happy for myself, my favorite part of visiting Holland & Birch is the conversation I have with the artist herself and the precious women who work there.

Skyline View

Serving

Homewood Rotary Club I look forward to my weekly meeting with Homewood Rotarians at the Homewood Public Library. About once a month you will catch us away from the library spending our weekly lunch hour living out our motto of “Service Above Self.” I am excited about our next fundraiser, a St. Patty’s Day party at SoHo Social, which proceeds benefit scholarships for Homewood High School seniors.

All About the People

Homewood Community Church Homewood, for me, is as much about the people and community that we live in as it is about the quaint homes or historical storefronts. Through the opportunity to be a part of planting Homewood Community Church, our family has built sweet, real relationships that we cherish.

For Encouragement

Three15 Studio I love how this gym offers three fitness concepts in one class all paired with a dynamic playlist. But the most irreplaceable part is the encouragement and community I’ve benefitted from while working out in a place where I feel free to challenge myself.

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Vulcan Park and Museum While I attended college at UAB, I fell in love with the Birmingham skyline at nighttime. My husband, Ben, picked the Vulcan Park as his spot to propose because he knew it was the best spot to see the skyline.

Who knew that ten years later I would be able to view this spot daily from my office?

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