Lake Magazine February 2024

LAKE MARTIN ALABAMA EDITION

LAKE

The Bridal Issue GolfDigest honors Wicker Point

A Groom's Survival Guide FEBRUARY 2024

LAKEMAGAZINE.LIFE FEBRUARY 2024

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• PROUDLY WELCOMES •

Rebecca Young, MD General Surgeon

Dr. Rebecca Young joins General Surgeon, Dr. Lacey Swenson, in the UAB Medicine Russell Medical Surgery Clinic.

Professional Building, Suite 207 3368 Hwy 280, Alexander City 256-215-7479

FEBRUARY 2024

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Letter from the Editor

N

estled in the valleys of the Appalachian foothills, its fingered shorelines rising from a remote pristine river bed, Lake Martin claims a hold on our hearts.

One-time visitors are compelled to return, and locals who leave still call it home. In this edition of Lake magazine, we feature seven brides who came home to wed.

They chose beautiful lakeside venues and churches where they grew up for the most important promises they will ever make, celebrating their nuptials with flowers, fun and lots of family and friends. Incorporating their favorite colors, blending traditions and including tangible reminders of sweet childhood memories, these are the weddings they’ve always dreamed of.

Their grooms, on the other hand, have not poured over color palettes, menu options and flower varieties since they were 10 years old. As Ben Smith mentions in his article on page 38, they thought buying the ring and bending the knee was the hard part. Grooms often are taken aback by all the decisions that must be made once the love of their lives says, “Yes.” Ben also relates some tips and cues from the grooms of this year’s featured events to help future grooms negotiate the maze and enjoy planning for their special day.

And Erin Chesnutt gets local brides off on the right slipper with her article about the area’s premier bridal shop in Sylacauga, which only serves one bride at a time. Learn about the experience that begins the magic on page 24.

Also in this issue, Henry Zimmer spoke with Russell Lands’ Director of Golf Matt Sheppard about the coveted GolfDigest recognition for the corporation’s two outstanding golf courses. Wicker Point Golf Club was named among the most elite new courses, and Willow Point among the state’s best new private courses. Congratulations to the Russell Lands team that has worked so hard for so long for just this reward. Learn more on page 18.

Then, take a tour of Neill and Sister O’Connell’s beautiful lakeside home at The Ridge on page 52. Like this year’s featured brides, the O’Connells left a piece of their hearts at Lake Martin after visiting at Thanksgiving a few years ago.

When it came time to build a home, they chose the lake they loved.

No matter how many times I look at this lake, it never ceases to take my breath away. How nice to share it with all of you!

Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager TIPPY HUNTER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Editor in Chief BETSY ILER

editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director AUDRA SPEARS

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RENEE TRICE

renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

SHERYL JENNINGS

sheryl.jennings@thewetumpkaherald.com

HIDEY ARRINGTON

hidey.arrington@alexcityoutlook.com

RACHEL HUBBARD

rachel.hubbard@thewetumpkaherald.com

HALEY INGRAM

haley.ingram@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors KENNETH BOONE HENRY ZIMMER BEN SMITH ABIGAIL MURPHY JULIE HUDSON DAVE JENNINGS GREG VINSON JODIE MCGIRT CLIFF WILLIAMS MELODY RATHEL LIZI GWIN EDDIE DURRETT ROB AND WYNTER ERIC & JAMIE PHOTO MEGAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY ALISHA CROSSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH VAN HECKE PHOTOGRAPHY DAVY WHITENER PHOTOGRAPHY

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Betsy Iler, Editor-in-Chief

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FEBRUARY 2024

P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life

On the Cover Olivia Lee and Addison Pike chose the most elegant of destination venues for their spring 2022 wedding – Lake Martin. The two grew up at Lake Martin and couldn't think of anywhere else they'd rather tie the knot than in their own backyard with friends and family gathered to help them celebrate this very special day.

Photo by Alisha Crossley

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LAKE 5

We Touch the Lives Best of the Nursing Home & People Assisted You Love Living

Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care 6 LAKE PM24_AD_Mag_3.535x9.75_Half_Award.indd 1

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Contents

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

18. AMONG THE BEST Wicker Point Golf Club and Willow Point Golf & Country Club receive GolfDigest honors.

9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 11. LAKE SCENES 12. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 16. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 62. NATURE OF THE LAKE 66. HOPPY DAYS 68. LMRA 69. FAB FINDS 70. HEALTHY LIVING 72. BIG CATCHES 75. LOVE OF THE GAME 82. PARTING SHOT

THE LAKE BRIDAL ISSUE Featuring beautiful brides and memorable weddings at spectacular Lake Martin area destinations.

22. Katie Neighbors & Jason Keckley 24. For the Dress 26. Mary Chamman Nabors & Zachary May 30. Katherine Barnes & Alex Cohn 34. Olivia Lee & Addison Pike 38. A Guide for Grooms 40. Kiri Fields & Spencer Waldrep 42. Randi Li Moon & Richie Bradshaw 46. Mallory Hamrick & Adam Byrd

52. LIFESTYLE REDEFINED A beach couple finds peace and relaxation without the crowds when they build at Lake Martin.

FEBRUARY 2024

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Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.

- edition

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FEBRUARY 2024

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month

Number of sales

Average selling price

Median selling price

Days on the market

Total houses for sale

Inventory/ sales ratio

12 30 22

$1,173,067 $ 626,297 $ 463,541

$ 1,140,250 $ 606,000 $ 347,500

198 90 173

163 50 163

5.34 1.24 5.34

December 2023 December 2020 December 2017

The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).

We're 'plugging Lake Martin' for a great summer!

I

t’s already been a long, cold winter, and at Lake magazine and Lake Martin Tallapoosa County Tourism, we’ve turned our sights to March 1 at midnight. In that magical moment between Thursday night (Feb. 29) and Friday morning (March 1), the rule curve will change at Martin Dam, and suddenly, the water will begin to rise instead of drop. For 50 days following this surreptitious occurrence, the water level in Lake Martin will climb, week by week, 7 feet in total, from the federally mandated winter pool level at 484 mean sea level feet to summer’s 490 mean sea level feet.

As the water rises, check Lake magazine’s Facebook page every day, as we’ll highlight all there is to see, experience and love this summer at Lake Martin. In other words, we’ll be ‘plugging’ spring and summer activities around the lake every day from Plug Day through April 19, the day when the mandated rule curve reaches summer pool. If you, your business or an organization you support is planning an event this summer, let us know! Got a band playing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday night all summer long? Tell us! Planning a Memorial

Day barbecue fundraiser for charity? Send us an email!

Know of an awesome place to visit at the lake? Let us know! Send an email with the pertinent details to editor@lakemagazine.life. We’ll plug as many events as we can during the 50-day countdown.

As the countdown continues, share the posts with friends and family who plant to visit over the summer, so they can get excited about all the fun you will share together at the lake.

And mark your calendar for the great times you don't want to miss, too!

Send event information any time between now and April 19, even if it’s April 18 when you plan your event! We want everyone to have a wonderful summer at Lake Martin!

This seriously fun campaign will be brought to you daily by local merchants and individuals that we’ll recognize on the post as the ‘Plugging Lake Martin’ sponsor for that day. To sponsor a Plugging Lake Martin post, call 256-234-4281. Join the fun! Let’s plug Lake Martin!

Weather Outlook for February February 2024 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the upper 50s with average lows in the mid 30s and about 5 inches of precipitation in the month of February.The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be in the average range and rainfall will be slightly above average this month.

Last-Year-to-Date Precipitation: 9.3 inches Avg. high temp.: 60.6 Avg. low temp.: 38.1 Avg. temp.: 49.3

Our Normal February Precipitation: 4.95 inches Avg. high temp.: 59.1 Avg. low temp.: 38.4 Avg. temp.: 48.8

Information from the National Weather Service.

FEBRUARY 2024

Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 484.20 Lowest: 483.73 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

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FEBRUARY 2024

Lake Scene n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 1

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Lynda Weir's Cavapoo, Maggy, strikes a sunset pose on the boat. (2) Elle Woodham loves to ride on grandparents Bubba and Carol Woodham's boat at Lake Martin. (3) Hot pink clouds of sunset create a vibrant reflection at Lake Martin's Kowaliga Bay. (4) Night falls over Lake Martin in this photo captured by Cheryl Gainer McCall on Powell Drive. (5) A great blue heron on the Lake Martin shoreline is silhouetted in the reflection cast by a green fishing light in this photo by Wanda Vlasis. (6) Fall came slowly to Russell Crossroads in this mid-October photo by Kyle Thornton. (7) John Wilhelm reminisces with Johnathan and Charlie on a Paces Point dock.

FEBRUARY 2024

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Where is Lake n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 1

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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Lita Snellgrove, John Garrett, Nina and Tony Johnson and Angela Allen took Lake to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial.

(2) Lake visited the Frank Family Winery in Napa Valley with Les and Angela Culpepper, Carl and Susan Brunson and Greg and Doty Henderson. (3) Lake magazine joined Tomeka Barris-McGhee on a visit to The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool. (4) Julie and Kathy Carpenter and Carol and Jim Rexrode took Lake to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France in October.

(5) Joseph Harper took Lake magazine with him as he climbed Mt. Katahdin in Maine, completing his thru hike of the Appalachian Trail on Oct. 3, 2023. (6) Aleem and Cindy Gillani took Lake to Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

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LAKE 13

Jan. 31 Beginner’s Quilting Class

Elaine Clements will lead an eight-week quilting class from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays at Zazu’s Verandah in Dadeville. Cost is $175, and students should have their own machines and be familiar with their operation. Checks should be made payable to Zazu’s Verandah, P.O. Box 35, Dadeville AL 36853. For more information, email deaconelaine@gmail.com.

Feb. 1 Lamont Landers

Standard Deluxe in Waverly will host Lamont Landers at 7:30 p.m. in the Little House. Gates and bar open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 at standarddeluxe.com.

address will be provided by Mike Kensler, director of the Auburn University Office of Sustainability, and Dr. Eve Brantley, director of Auburn University Water Resources Center.

Feb. 13 An Evening of Love Songs

Celebrate Valentine’s Day from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the Dadeville Community Chorus as they sing popular love songs. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Pictures decorate the walls at Raining Dogs Art Studio for the Everything's Art student artwork reception.

Feb. 6 and 8 John Beaver

Feb. 17 Author Negrita Smart

Dadeville Public Library will sponsor local children’s author Negrita Smart from 10 a.m to 12 p.m.

Feb. 22 The Eric Essix Group

Learn about the Muscogee Nation Alexander City and meet John Arts, Inc. will presBeaver, curator ent The Eric Essix for the Muscogee Group in concert at 7 (Creek) Nation p.m. in the Benjamin Cultural Center and Russell High School Archives Department Auditorium. General and manager of the admission tickets are Creek Council House $21 at alexcityarts.org. museum in Okmulgee, Tickets will be $25 Oklahoma. Mr. Beaver CALENDAR OF EVENTS at the door. Students will be at the Auburn and children will be University Ralph WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN admitted free. The Brown Draughon band also will perform Library on Feb. 6 at an educational show for high school students on Feb. 23.

3 p.m. and at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park on The educational component of the program is funded in part Thursday, Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m. by a grant from UAB. The public performance is funded in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts Feb. 10 and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Valentine Charity Ball

Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Martin Area United Way will host this joint fundraiser at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters. The event will include auctions, a steak dinner, live music and a cash bar. Tickets are $60 and are available through the benefitting organizations.

For more information, contact the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber at 256-825-4019 and Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600.

Feb. 18 Lake Watch 2024 General Meeting

Feb. 24 Russell Forest Run

Since the first starting gun rang out 15 years ago, the Russell Forest Run has donated nearly $120,000 to the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. This run starts near the Town Green at Russell Crossroads and finishes near The Stables, where participants are treated to the post-race party and the World Famous Grits Bar. The 10K starts at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K starts at 7:55 a.m.

Registration is $40 at russellforestrun.com.

The Lake Watch of Lake Martin general meeting is set for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at New Water Farms, 460 Civitan Rd., Dadeville. Members will report on Lake Watch activities, present a science-based program and socialize. The keynote 14 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2024

Feb. 25 JD McPherson

Millerville Trade Day

Standard Deluxe will host JD McPherson at 7:30 p.m. in the Little House. Gates and bar open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 at standarddeluxe.com.

March 2 A Gentle Evening

Join guitarist Michael Mason and Friends at Dadeville Performing Arts Center for an evening of folk/rock acoustic favorites. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for tickets, reservations and information.

Children’s Library in Alexander City

Mamie’s Place Children’s Library holds a themed storytime every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Season Long Events Painting Class

Join local painter Kay Fincher for a painting class from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at The Grand Bakery on Broadnax Street in Dadeville. All materials will be provided to complete a canvas picture. No previous painting experience in necessary. Reservations are required. The class is $30 for each person and is limited to 10 participants. To reserve a spot, call Pam at The Grand Bakery at 256-307-1332 or Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Come listen to Naturalist Marianne's lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads.

There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. For the scheduled subject matter, dates and times, visit RussellLands.com/blog/events.

Everything’s Art Classes

From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays, children in grades three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers.

Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes to enroll and complete permission forms. No fees for Tallapoosa County children. Email Delaine Hanson at delaine.hanson@gmail.com for details.

Rhythm-Antics

Join this music exploration course from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays at Dadeville Performing Arts Center with Kim Walls. This class will teach students of all ages to read, write, play, sing and move to music rhythms. The class will use a variety of instruments, such as percussion, recorders and hand bells. No materials necessary. Email kim.walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com to sign up.

Fiber Fridays

Bibb Graves School on state Route 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. with free outside setup for vendors, yard sale, flea market and swap meet items (no food vendors). Donations are appreciated. For information, contact Bruce Lowery at 205-522-5794.

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber art projects to The Yarn Shop Around the Corner in Dadeville from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays to meet fellow fiber artisans and share tips and techniques. Call 334-444-1038 for more information.

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more info.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room in Equality.

Everyone is welcome. Admission is $3 per adult. Bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain foods are in order.

For more information, call Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Fourth Fridays at EPAC

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming artists.

Charity Bingo at Niffer’s Place Lake Martin

Niffer’s hosts charity bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Cards are $1 each, and funds go to participating charities.

Equality Neighborhood Watch

The Equality Neighborhood Watch Association meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the old Masonic Lodge at 6:30 p.m. During the colder months, meetings are held at the Equality Methodist Church on state Route 259.

Email Richard Penton at drichardpenton@gmail.com for more information.

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, reach Marilyn Speake at marilyn.speake@tcschools.com, or by cell at 334-283-6864.

FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 15

Lake Martin News Long time superintendent retires

State Parks Commissioner Chris Wind Creek State Blankenship (left) and Director Park Superintendent Greg Lein (right) presented Bruce Bruce Adams hung up his hat last month after Adams with a commendation 38 years as an Alabama from Gov. Kay Ivey.

State Parks employee.

Adams was honored in late December with a retirement reception at the park’s clubhouse, which overflowed with well-wishers, including co-workers, family, friends and state officials. The overriding theme was that all present felt they’d been drawn into Adams’ family because that’s how he treated them.

“He’s a rock star,” said Alabama State Parks District Naturalist Scottie Jackson. “He loves the park... He made Wind Creek State Park shine. I’m excited for him.” ~Betsy Iler

3-year-old dies in apparent drowning

A 3-year-old was pronounced dead from an apparent drowning on Saturday, Dec. 30, according to a press release.

Alexander City Police Department officers responded to the Bay Pine area in reference to a missing 3-year-old juvenile. According to the release, several officers from surrounding agencies arrived to assist in the search.

After searching the area, the 3-year-old was located submerged in water and pronounced deceased from an apparent drowning.

Law enforcement said the investigation was still active and no further details could be released at this time. ~Lizi Arbogast Gwin

Jingle Jump raises over $45,000

Camp ASCCA in Jackson’s Gap held their Ninth Annual Jingle Jump fundraiser last December to raise money for the ASCCA Campership Fund, which provides financial assistance to children and adults with special needs who may not have sufficient funds to pay 16 LAKE

for a full week at the camp.

30 teams jumped into an ice-cold pool as part of the fundraiser, cheered on by fellow jumpers, family members and campers.

Jingle Jump raised $45,215 from a total of 358 donations, The Alexander City Rotary Club takes the plunge into frigid waters to raise money allowing for the ASCCA Campership fund. at least 40 campers to attend Camp ASCCA no matter their financial situation. ~Melody Rathel

Russell Forest Run

The 15th Annual Russell Forest Run kicks off Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Russell Crossroads.

The run will include turnaround 10k and 5k runs, each requiring a registration fee of $40 that will go to funding the Alexander City Schools Runners set off on the Russell Forest Run 5K, Education which raises money to benefit Alexander City Foundation. schools.

Last year, this run raised over $12,000. In the 14 years of the run’s existence, over $125,000 has gone towards technology that is not funded by the Alexander City School System.

Both the 5K and 10K runs will end at The Stables, where an after party will feature live music, drinks and a World Famous Grits bar complete with a wide assortment of toppings. ~Staff Report

FEBRUARY 2024

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LAKE 17

Russell Lands' Wicker Point Golf Club was named among the best new private courses in the country

Among the Best Russell Lands courses named to GolfDigest's prestigious list STORY BY HENRY ZIMMERR & PHOTO BY BETSY ILER

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GolfDigest proclaimed Wicker Point Golf Club among the best new private courses in the country last month, and the Willow Point Golf & Country Club placed 15th in the publication’s Best in State category.

The golf course at Wicker Point was named as an honorable mention to GolfDigest’s Best New Private Course list, solidifying a years-long process of bringing world renowned golf to the Lake Martin area.

“Our goal in the whole project was to showcase Lake Martin and to develop The Heritage,” Director of Golf Matt Sheppard said. “This was a blessing. It was surreal to see this all come full circle.”

The early planning stages for creating a toptier golf course started in 2019. Russell Lands engaged golf great Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore as architects for the exclusive 18-hole course at Lake Martin’s Wicker Point.

“It just solidifies the fact we picked the right guys to do the project,” Sheppard said. “We made the right decision, the right people for the right job. It was a perfect fit. They are one of the three hottest architects around. They are the best.”

Coore did the routing work for the course, choosing to let the existing land speak to him as he went. The result was a course that features three distinct areas, instead of a course simply lined by trees. The course features holes along the creekside, lakeside and through the rolling hills, which give Wicker Point its personalized and memorable feel.

“Bill wasn’t worried about views. He wanted to build the best golf hole,” Sheppard said. “Bill likes general ridges in slopes. It took him a while to find the course, but when he found it, he found enough things that were interesting that make you remember every hole. It never gets stale.”

The idea before building the course was to make a course that golfers remembered when they walked off. There is a certain feel when a round at Augusta is concluded. Pine Valley’s 11th hole may be one of the best in the world and TPC Sawgrass’ 17 is a golf icon.

Giving the course three different facets gave the land and course its distinct top tier, he said.

“You have three looks in one golf course,” Sheppard said. “You go to a lot of places, and they look the same. Wicker has got three different distinct courses, and in my mind, that sets it apart.”

As for how earning the second runner-up on GolfDigest’s list helps the course, Sheppard laughed that it doesn’t actually do a whole lot. The honor does put Alexander City on the broader golfing map, as its name was alongside

the likes of courses in California and Texas.

“The scale, and just getting it out there, for them to even mention Wicker Point in the magazine was a bonus,” Sheppard said. “Since Day 1, we thought this could happen. Competition builds success. This will bring so much awareness.”

The honor won’t be all taken by those from Russell Lands who helped coordinate the project, or by Sheppard himself, but rather awarded to the club’s members and patrons.

“I am happy for our members and Russell Lands,” Sheppard said. “Everybody put a lot into this.”

Sheppard said GolfDigest employees played the course last year, before the clubhouse was even built, to include Wicker Point among this year’s honors.

“It was a very neat process. They came from all over the country,” Sheppard said. “But you couldn’t go out and sell the property. They just had to play, and this is where it landed.”

The next competition for Wicker Point comes in the summer.

The course will be reevaluated to see where it ranks among courses only in Alabama. It will be a tall order for fledgling Wicker Point to usurp giants like Birmingham West and Shoal Creek, but as more people play and enjoy the course, the better its odds are in the long run.

“They are hard to touch, so it will be interesting to see where we stack up with them,” Sheppard said. “We might not overtake them in Year 1, but once it starts to develop and take shape and grows into itself, it will be a cool process to see how we evolve.”

Earlier in the year, Wicker Point was mentioned in articles written by the Robb Report, an outlet focused on luxury homes and travel.

Wicker Point may be only a few months into its lifespan, but it has already captured the eyes of the greater golfing landscape.

No one knew what one meeting in 2019 could hold. There were ideas, but nothing concrete.

In 2024, the work was justified, and the dreams came true.

Alexander City’s own Wicker Point golf course is among the best in America.

“When you walk off 18, you will remember every hole, because they are all different and distinct,” Sheppard said. “That has always been in my mind. That makes a great golf course.”

The Willow Point course was noted for its 12 shoreline holes and an especially memorable lakeside back nine framed by tall fescue and stone walls. For more information about Willow Point Golf & Country Club and Wicker Point Golf Club, visit russelllands.com.

FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 19

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FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 21

The Keckleys included their dogs in the photo session

Jeff Long adorned the reredos with simple but elegant arrangements

The bride found her dress in Nashville The reception spilled onto the Willow Point lawn

Joy at St. James

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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY ROB AND WYNTER

Katie Neighbors Keckley met her husband Jason when they were set up by friends. As it turned out, the friends knew a great match when they saw it. The couple were engaged a year later and wed last year on Sept. 9 at the church in Alexander City where the bride grew up.

Though they knew the relationship was a lasting one, the Keckleys started slowly. Their first date was after-work drinks at a Nashville tap room.

“Obviously, it was really good, but it was relatively short. Just a couple of hours. And then, I didn’t hear from him for a month,” Keckley said. “When we got together again, we went to Park Café for dinner. We

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had an early reservation and arrived early, and we were the last people to leave at the end of the night.”

They had a fun and easy courtship, traveling together, snow skiing, and visiting Lake Martin.

“He had never been to the lake before, and the first time we came, he did not know where he was going.

But he met my parents, and we had a fun lake weekend,” she said.

As they grew together, the realization that their relationship would carry them into the future grew as well.

“We just knew,” Keckley said.

Jason proposed in May. “We were in Harbor Island in the Bahamas, cel-

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A moment of quiet reflection for the bride

It was a celebration of family and friends

Jeff Long decorated the reception tables with splashes of red, pink and white

The ceremony took place in the church where the bride grew up

ebrating my birthday,” she said. “We walked to the end of a dock to watch the sunset. It was beautiful.”

There was never any doubt where the wedding would take place, Keckley said.

“St. James Episcopal Church. That is where I grew up going, and I love the church,” she said.

Though the building had a major exterior renovation two years ago, the nave was relatively unchanged except for the addition of a second entrance, freshly painted walls and replacement of carpets. The needlepoint kneelers around the altar where she’d come as a child still are in use, and stained glass windows that witnessed her youth also witnessed her wedding.

Keckley found her lace-covered strapless mermaid gown at The Bride Room in Nashville, where she works in health care and Jason is in real estate. Jeff Long, also a member at St. James, graced the reredos simply with white, blush and pink roses and mixed greenery to mirror the bride’s bouquet. He added more color to the roses on the reception tables and the Camellia Room mantel backdrop for the wedding cake at Willow Point Country Club.

But before joining friends and family inside the clubhouse for the celebration, the Keckleys met their pups on the golf course for pictures.

“We didn’t bring the dogs to the reception, but we

brought them with us from Nashville. We brought them out just to have photos taken,” Keckley said. “It was easy to include them.”

Guests came from far and wide for the event, filling all 32 rooms at The Villas. They also stayed at Hampton Inn and several Airbnbs around Lake Martin, as well as with friends.

Everything Sweet by Ann Archer Avery in Auburn created a cake so delicious that only one piece remained at the end of the night. Just off the veranda, an outdoor reception venue included a dance floor under a tent, with bars and televisions set up and tuned to college football.

“If you choose to get married on a game day – and especially if the reception starts at the same time as the Alabama game, there’s no way to not have televisions,” the bride said. “Alabama played Texas that night.

Unfortunately, they didn’t win.”

The band was Tasteful Tea out of Atlanta and had been highly recommended by friends.

The dancing and celebration went on into the night until the bride and groom slipped away, chauffeured by Gary Thomas on The Beast.

They honeymooned at Cap Juluca, Anguilla, before returning to Nashville where they make their home.

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For the Dress

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STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

A shop at 118 N. Broadway in downtown Sylacauga has been making dreams come true for happy couples for more than 50 years. The shop was originally a jewelry store, JM Duck Jewelers. Mr. Duck was a popular figure in Sylacauga and was always ready to help his customers find the perfect engagement ring. He loved hearing their love stories and prided himself on finding rings that would become coveted family heirlooms.

After he passed, his daughter, Kim Windsor, couldn’t part with the store. While she was busy working as an international business executive for several years, she knew her hometown of Sylacauga, and the shop, were waiting to help make her own dream a reality.

“I always wanted my own store and knew it would be an antique store or bridal boutique,” Windsor said.

In 2017, she did some research and that found that the area needed a quality but affordable bridal boutique. She set about remodeling her father’s former jewelry space.

When the renovations began in 2018, she found a few surprises that she realized would enhance the charm of the shop.

“When we tore down the old, partitioned ceiling, we found beautiful, stamped metal tiles that added some additional romance to the building,” Windsor said.

The floor was covered in white marble, and Windsor arranged for the dress racks to line the entry walls, forming an aisle where brides could walk after finding the dresses of their dreams.

Windsor’s daughter, Ginger Watkins of Birmingham, who was experienced in communications and public relations, welcomed the opportunity to help her mother. The duo worked together to create a one-of-a-kind experience for customers.

They decided to make sure every bride felt special, so all shopping is by appointment only. To help the staff best serve the bride, each bride describes her special day when filling out an appointment request.

“We want every bride to have a VIP experience, so we only open for one bride at a time. Our full attention is spent helping the bride find the perfect dress for at least 90 minutes,” explained Watkins.

The mother-and-daughter team also allows for additional time between appointments, so their customers never feel rushed. The spacious dressing room and mirrored platform add to the VIP experience. Up to 10 guests are allowed to accompany each bride, and the owners recommend that only children aged 12 and

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over attend the appointment.

“We have found that more than 10 at the appointment make the experience overwhelming, and we want the focus to be on the bride,” Windsor said.

The shop is also unique in that they have options for every budget.

“We want every bride to find the dress of her dreams without breaking the budget,” Windsor said.

The staff spends time in Chicago sourcing current bridal fashion. They also attend New York Bridal Fashion Week and travel to Europe to explore a variety of styles. McClendon Bridals is an official retailer for Justin Alexander and Robert Bullock gowns. In addition, they were selected as the exclusive retailer in Alabama for Rosa Clara gowns from Spain. The styles offer beautiful beading and intricate detail in gowns priced from $1,500 to $3,600.

While it can take up to four months for these gowns to be ordered and received, additional options are available for brides that might not have the time or budget to special order.

“We have beautiful off-the-rack gowns starting at $799,” Windsor explained.

This selection of gowns are generally discontinued styles that are offered from their many contacts.

“We have some gowns that were originally priced at $5,000 that we are able to offer at greatly discounted prices,” Watkins said.

This gives brides a variety of options without being overwhelmed by the price.

Some of these off-the-rack gowns are from a designer list that includes Haley Paige, Monique Llhulier, Pronavias and others.

“We’re very proud of our inventory and the wide variety of styles and designers,” Watkins said.

In addition to gowns, McClendon Bridal offers veils and accessories.

“We suggest each bride make a separate appointment to find the perfect veil or accessories, we also are happy to accessorize brides that purchased their dresses elsewhere,” Watkins explained.

The staff has three additional consultants: Summer Ernest, a senior at Auburn University majoring in apparel design and specializing in bridal design, and longtime friends Amanda Leadbetter and Callie McFall, who also work at the shop and are experienced in bridal consultation and design.

When a bride finds the perfect dress at McClendon Bridal, the day finishes with a champagne toast for the party and a McClendon Bridal T-shirt that the bride can wear while she awaits her dream wedding day.

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The shop reserves shopping time for just one bride at a time

An array of bejeweled tiaras, combs and other head pieces are displayed on a table

Brides select gowns in an elegant vintage setting

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The golf course lawn at the lake was a fitting backdrop for the Mays' special day

Love on the Lake STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTO

Tulips are the bride's favorite flower

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The bridesmaids got a first look on a lakeside porch

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Church in the Pines overlfowed with well wishers for the couple

M All smiles on the walk down the aisle

Mary Chapman Nabors married Zachary May on April 22, 2023, at Church in the Pines on Lake Martin three years after mutual friends introduced the couple. The granddaughter of Alexander City’s late mayor, Jim Nabors, the bride grew up visiting the lake and couldn’t think of anywhere else she would rather tie the knot.

“I was born in Alexander City, but I don’t remember living there.

My parents moved to Birmingham when I was still little, but my heart is at the lake. It’s my favorite place to be,” said the new Mrs. May. Zach is from Tampa, Florida.

He moved to Birmingham for work and soon after met the love of his life. He proposed on her birthday weekend on the front lawn of her parents’ Birmingham home.

“I had an inkling it was going to happen. He had a lot of friends in town. His mom was in town,” May said. “We went to dinner and then to my parents’ house for dessert, which is something we did all the time. We pulled up, and walking up to the front door, he proposed. Down on one knee. All my friends and family were waiting inside for us. Even my maid of honor had come in from New York.”

The couple married the follow-

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ing spring in an event filled with special moments, personal touches, beloved traditions and even a superstition or two.

One of those was the presence of a Mardi Gras baby as the couple exchanged rings.

“That was my dad,” May laughed. “We are huge Alabama fans in my family, and somewhere along the line, my dad got this little plastic Mardi Gras baby. He took it to the football games, and it became like a good luck charm.

So, we had to have it at the wedding.”

The family figured the 1-inch plastic doll must have some positive effect, as Zach became an Alabama fan after he and Nabors started dating.

The bride’s father also brought out giant foam lobster claws for guests at the Willow Point Golf & Country Club reception.

“That’s from our favorite movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding,” May explained. “He did that during the first dance.”

The future Mrs. May introduced her fiancé to a more well-known Southern tradition – that of burying a bottle of bourbon to ensure good weather on the wedding day.

“We buried it a month before the wedding with our friends, and we had the most perfect day,” she noted.

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Clockwise from Top Left:The lobster claws call to mind the bride's favorite movie, "My Best Friend's Wedding;" The couple buried the bourbon to ensure beautiful weather for their special day;The bridal party gathered on the golf course for pictures;Then, the dancing began.

During their engagement, the bride often left pink sticky notes on her fiancé’s desk, counting down the number of days until they became man and wife.

“He wrote me a letter on our wedding day, and he stuck all the sticky notes to his letter,” she said.

She gave him a Bible.

“Our faith is very important to us. Zach grew up religious, and we came close together in our faith during our engagement,” she said.

From then on, the day was magical.

Mary Cox Brown at Marigold in Birmingham chose and arranged the flowers, draping the outdoor chapel at Church in the Pines and the reception area with peonies, tulips, roses, tiny lilies of the field and more in stunning whites and delicate shades of pink.

“I only told her I wanted tulips for the girls. That’s my favorite flower. Everything else, I just let her take and run with it,” May said.

Barb’s Cakes created the four-tiered wedding cake, which carried no other adornment but row after row of elegantly ruffled icing. During the rehearsal dinner at 28 LAKE

The Lodge at Cocktail Slough, the bride had another surprise for her groom – a chocolate cake in the shape of a golf bag.

“Zach works in the golf industry. He is head of talent acquisitions for Golf Galaxy. He hires their pros and managers. The cake was a fun surprise,” she said.

Following their dream-day wedding, the Mays honeymooned in Antigua, where they met another couple who’d also married at Lake Martin on April 22.

“It was fun making friends with them,” May said.

Now back in Birmingham where she is a nurse practitioner in women’s health at Grandview Medical Center, May reflected on that magical day almost one year ago.

“My favorite part of the day was the ceremony, being present with Zach and saying our vows. Being at a place that is so special and close to my heart. It was perfect,” she said. “For future Lake Martin brides, I would say, ‘Let go of the details and enjoy it. Just focus on you and the groom and that most special day between the two of you.’”

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FEBRUARY 2024

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Bridal portraits were taken on the porch where the groom asked the bride's parents for their blessing The Stables put on its best for the special day

A

Alexander City’s Katherine Barnes met Alex Cohn through another featured bride in this issue of Lake magazine, Katie Neighbors Keckley (see page 22).

The brides grew up together at Lake Martin, and both took jobs in Nashville after college. During the COVID pandemic, once it was safe, they got out of the house once a week to watch the Titans football game at a favorite Nashville sports bar.

“It’s a locals-only place, no tourists,” the new Mrs. Cohn said. “It was very crowded, and Katie and I had gotten a big table. Alex was there with a friend, and Katie and he knew each other, so Alex asked if they could share our table. We sat there for hours, talking, laughing, having a good time.

“The next day, he reached out and asked if I wanted to have dinner. After that, we just kept going to dinner. It was fun and easy for us to be together.”

After dating for nine months, Alex planned to pop the question as a surprise during the couple’s visit to Sewanee, Tennessee, where the bride went to school at The University of the South.

30 LAKE

“He had heard me talk about how much I loved it there.

It’s only about an hour from Nashville, and he’d been asking me to show him Sewanee. It was the end of August, very quiet then, and we were going to hike and go to Shenanigans (a local restaurant famous with Sewanee students and grads). Before we left for breakfast and the hike, I heard Alex pack up a bottle of wine in a cooler, and I thought, ‘It’s a little early for that!,’ but of course, I didn’t stop him!”

On the way to the trailhead at Morgan’s Steep, Cohn gave Alex a tour of the campus, showing him the Cross that overlooks the valley, as well as the place where she lived.

“He was getting impatient because we hadn’t gotten to Morgan’s Steep yet, so we went there and parked the

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Honoring Traditions STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY ROB AND WYNTER

Katherine Barnes and Alex Cohn met when they shared a table at a Nashville hangout

The groom steals a kiss from his bride

Guests mingled under strings of lights

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LAKE 31

Flower girls waited patiently for the ceremony to begin

Childhood friends of the bride, Elizabeth Thomas, Heather Patridge, Emily Dunnam, Nicole Anderson, Candace Daniel, Jenna Davidson and Jamie Gravlee offer congratulations

Sprays of flowers frame the happy couple

The bride and groom displayed wedding photos of their parents and grandparents

car and started walking to the trailhead. I’m just talking away, not realizing that it was abnormally silent. Then, he stopped abruptly at the trailhead and got down on one knee,” she said. “Needless to say, we didn’t go on the hike.

We just drank the bottle of wine.”

But Alex had another surprise in store for his fiancée.

“His family is from Gadsden, and we were going there the next day to have lunch with his grandmother. She just turned 95 and has true joie de vivre. She wants to celebrate everything all the time. It’s wonderful. So, we got to The Gadsden Country Club to have lunch together, and Alex went in a different entrance than he usually does. He gave me some excuse. When we got to the double doors, he gave me a look before he opened them. When I walked in, there was a crowd of people there. I thought maybe we were interrupting someone else’s party. Then, I saw my father and the rest of my family,” she said. “Alex had put together a surprise party to celebrate our engagement.

People from Gadsden, Nashville, Sewanee, Camp McDowell (the bride’s childhood summer camp) and Alex City. They had all come to celebrate. That was the ultimate surprise. It was still COVID, and it was incredible to be able to be in one place with all these people that we love.

Alex is very good at that.”

They were married over Memorial Day weekend at The Stables at Russell Crossroads.

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“The lake is such a special place for me, and it has started to be that for Alex, too,” she said.

The ceremony included Rev. Marshall Craver, who was the priest at St. James Episcopal Church when Cohn was growing up, and Matthew Hertz, a rabbi friend of the groom.

“Our wedding was a wonderful blend of both traditions – Episcopalian and Jewish,” Cohn explained. “Alex stepped on the glass, which represents that even in a broken world, there is a way for that to heal, to come together. We all said ‘Mazel tov’ before exchanging the ‘Peace.’

“At the reception, we danced the Hora, the traditional Jewish wedding dance. It’s a very upbeat song. Everyone was on the dance floor, and some of the crowd lifted us in chairs while the rest danced around us in circles. It was a truly jubilant moment. All that happiness in one place, from all these incredible people in our lives – I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

“For us, it was a lot about bringing our families and friends together to celebrate our wedding, but it was more than that,” Cohn said. “To celebrate all the people in our lives that are so special to us, to celebrate life, especially post-COVID, to celebrate our different faiths. They are different, but in the end, it’s the same. It’s about the same thing. We wanted it to be about all of that and, of course, an unforgettable party. I think we accomplished it.”

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Magic Memories

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STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY ALISHA CROSSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Olivia Lee Pike and her future husband, Addison, met during their early high school years.

Alabama and Auburn football loyalties run deep for these two high school sweethearts and their families, so this wedding didn’t happen on a college gameday.

“Hillary Strickland, a lifelong friend of mine, predicted our future nuptials from the beginning,” the new Mrs. Pike recalled, though the couple went their separate ways during their college years – Pike to Tuscaloosa and Addison to Auburn.

After college, Addison lived in Atlanta while Pike worked in Birmingham. When she visited friends in Atlanta, the two reconnected. Later, Addison transferred from Atlanta to Birmingham before both of them made the move to Nashville to pursue new career opportunities.

“We were back together about three years before he proposed impromptu on April Fool’s Day while we were on vacation,” Pike said. “We had just arrived in our room in Cabo and were preparing to hit the pool when I turned around and found Addison on one knee in his swim trunks,” Pike said. “He said he’d planned on doing it better at dinner that night, but he just couldn’t leave the ring in the room.

“Meanwhile, my dad was at a Mecum car auction, where he’d just purchased a classic 1965 Corvette Stingray. When my mom told him we were engaged, he said, ‘Well, I’ve got the getaway car!’”

Amidst the fog of her new job and months of preparation, Pike and her wedding planner worked with Melissa Gullatte of Gracefully Made Art to commission a watercolor save-the-date of Church in the Pines, where the ceremony took place.

The couple chose a wedding date in mid-May the following year. “I love the month of May on the lake. It’s the perfect temperature and the flowers are in bloom,” Pike said.

It also was a date when her all-time favorite entertainers were available, the Atlanta Groove Factory.

“All the vendors aligned,” Pike explained. “A lot of people inquired why we didn’t want a destination wedding. Our answer was, ‘Lake Martin is a destination, and it’s where we both grew up.”

Pike wanted to be married overlooking the lake

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The bride's father named the ChrisCraft after his daughter when she was 5 years old

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LAKE 35

They broke out the bubbly for the occasion

Addison Pike proposed in Cabo on April Fool's Day

Church in the Pines was draped in blooms

Barb's Cakes of Birmingham designed the couple's wedding cake

with childhood pastor, the Rev. James Haskins officiating.

The couple made all their photographs prior to the ceremony, including favorites taken on her father’s 1964 Chris Craft named The Olivia Lee. Her father named this boat after his daughter when she was only 5 years old.

“It’s really special that we’ve been able to keep her all these years,” she said.

The bride’s uncle, Tommy Lee, a retired Naval commander, appropriately served as captain in his highly decorated dress whites on the wedding day.

Other photos were taken at Lee Point, the Old Windermere home of the brides’ brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Ginger Lee. For the ceremony, the bride chose an array of flowers in shades of white, cream, coral, soft and vibrant pinks and a pop of fuchsia. Contrasting the beautiful blue backdrop of Lake Martin, sprays of orchids, peonies, roses, camellias and hydrangeas graced the cross above the altar at the lakeside chapel and spilled from bountiful bouquets carried by the bride and her attendants.

Donning classic cream dinner jackets and Brackish bow 36 LAKE

ties of pheasant feather and snakeskin, keepsakes from the groom, the groomsmen escorted the bride’s attendants, who wore champagne satin gowns. The bride wore an offshoulder petaled gown with lace overlay and ribbed bodice

by Filipino designer Monique Lhuillier.

For the reception under sailcloth at Willow Point Golf & Country Club, the same floral variety draped over a dancefloor chandelier and garnished the sconces on the custom paneled walls in seated areas.

“We hired Crystal Strickland’s team at Southern Posies out of Montgomery as our wedding planners. Crystal is a magician. I wanted the flowers to be fun and vibrant to set a whimsical, spring, lakeside tone. She listened to my vision and took all the colors I love and put them together,” Pike said.

The design of the reception was decidedly feminine with pink florals and sky-blue Chippendale panels upholstered in coral chintz highlighted by blue chinoiserie.

But for the groom, a more masculine, old-school bourbonand-cigar bar offered a variety of bourbons and Cuban cigars with bartender Rubin Hoyett.

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The bride's father purchased the getaway car at a Mecum auction

The reception was held on a lawn that once housed a pool where the bride first learned to swim

Atlanta Groove Factory entertained guests at the reception

Handcrafted with spun-sugar florals mirroring the bridal flowers, the wedding cake on silver in Willow Point’s Camellia Room was designed by Barb’s Cakes of Birmingham. The reception fare included stations featuring fresh Gulf shrimp and oysters on the half shell; Steamship Round selections served with scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables; and chicken and waffles with watermelon salad. Later in the evening, mini cheeseburgers and smiley fries – throwbacks to the bride’s childhood – were brought out to guests who enjoyed the band late into the night.

“I grew up and learned to swim in the exact spot where the reception took place. I remember always having cheeseburgers and smiley fries at the original pool,” Pike said.

The bride regretted not burying the bourbon, forgetting to wear the groom’s grandmother’s garter, and failing to toss her bouquet as the newlyweds sped away in her father’s getaway car. But in the end, these hiccups were insignificant.

“My most valuable advice to future brides is to not worry about the hiccups; but instead, cherish the moments that kept you smiling from ear to ear.

“Videographer Justin Clayton did a great job preserving our day.”

The couple honeymooned in St. Bart’s, French West Indies, and now make their home in Nashville. They are thrilled to be expecting the birth of their first child near their two-year anniversary.

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A Guide for Grooms

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STORY BY BEN SMITH PHOTO BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTO

What was the most important day of your life? Ask It doesn’t mean they’re not looking forward to your parents, friends or relatives or pick a random face spending the rest of their lives with the person they off the street. Those who don’t name the birth of their love deeply. It just means they are unprepared for the first child will likely answer, “The day of my wedding.” wedding planning. That’s why Lake magazine sat It’s a day when a promise is made that lasts an down with three recently wed husbands to provide entire lifetime. When else are such covenants created? some firsthand advice on how to navigate the wedding A marriage means committing to someone else and planning process. allowing that commitment Communication to carry the relationship Zach May said communication is Key through times of strife, with his bride was key Like many men who irritation or despair. during wedding planning have braved the world of And on this most corsages and nosegays momentous day, some before him, Zach May had grooms, surprisingly, don’t only a few sticking points care much whether the for his wedding.

Primarily, tablecloths are ivory or he wanted a good band at eggshell colored. the reception.

Many brides take “The band was important this as evidence that to me,” said May. “It was a their husbands-to-be live eight-piece band, that are indifferent about the kind of Earth-Wind-Fire, wedding. Alternatively, classic wedding stuff mixed it might just be that these with some current hits.” grooms haven’t considered But May didn’t have what they wanted until this a whole lot of preference point. for the other aspects of the Most brides have wedding.

His goals were pictured their weddings more general.

He wanted since they were little girls. the day to go smoothly.

He They have imagined every wanted his guests to have a little detail, right down to good time.

And he wanted the font on the invitations. to focus on his soon-to-be Grooms, on the other hand, wife, Mary Chapman May. tend to provide less input.

This was OK with his They likely haven’t spent bride, because they had a lifetime thinking about communicated about it. which tuxedo to wear or They set expectations whether the napkins at the before the process began reception will be in a loose-knot or triangle pocket fold. as to how much input Mary Chapman would like May As such, many grooms are unprepared for the to give, and how much input May would be willing to gauntlet of guest lists and seating charts that wedding give. planning demands. They’ve accomplished what they “There wasn’t a ton of input needed for me,” said thought was the hard part: picking out an engagement May. “And that’s how we liked it. It’s about setting ring, choosing a meaningful way to propose and those expectations, so everybody’s on the same page. working up the nerve to bend the knee.

Because if she did expect a lot of input from me, I Little do these recently engaged men know, the would have been happy to provide it.” proposal was the easy part. Now, they graduate to And because the two were able to communicate about learning and relearning the difference between place their expectations for each other, the wedding planning cards and escort cards.

38 LAKE

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process went by without a hitch.

As May described it, they were in lockstep the entire way.

Other grooms we interviewed agreed.

“If she’s asking your opinion, certainly give it, and don’t shy away from it,” advised Addison Pike, who married Olivia Lee in May of 2022.

“I told her ‘If you want my input on something, I’ll be happy to give it, but I know this is something that you have thought about probably your whole life,’” said Adam Byrd, who married Mallory Hamrick last September. “I said, ‘You make all the decisions, and I’ll be happy with it either way.’”

Get Help Where you Can

Whether you know exactly what goes into putting on a wedding, or you just found out what a corsage is, you’re going to need help.

The level of help will vary from wedding to wedding. Destination weddings could involve enlisting a travel agent or booking agent, while a small, family-only wedding might not even require a professional planner. But either way, there are millions of details involved in such an event.

Two people who have no experience planning weddings are likely to overlook something. At least talk to your mom about it. She’s been waiting for you to ask for her help ever since you started doing your own laundry.

To Byrd, a good wedding planner is invaluable. They have gone through this process before and can help you figure out how to implement what you or your bride needs to make the day memorable.

“The planner that Mallory hired was top notch and was just on top of her game,” said Byrd. “She was constantly in communication with both of us as to what the plan was. She helped with the schedule, and she communicated with the entire bridal party and all the groomsmen, too.”

Pike said if it’s in the budget, a good wedding planner is definitely worth the expense.

“My family tried to do the rehearsal dinner ourselves, and it quickly unraveled. There are so many details you have to consider,” said Pike. “You need somebody who does

this regularly. They kind of have a checklist already formulated.”

Nerves are Normal

A man who is not nervous on his wedding day does not fully understand the gravity of the decision he is about to make.

A groom is about to commit to another person for the rest of his life.

He will promise to see his spouse through days of pain and days of joy. And he is about to make this commitment in front of his mother and father, aunts and uncles and even his cousin’s weird new boyfriend who keeps mentioning that 50 percent of weddings end in divorce.

This is a lifelong, sacred covenant.

He will be nervous, and that’s okay.

“That day is there for you,” said Pike. “It might not feel that way just because of how quick it goes by, but certainly just take a second to take some mental snapshots of the day.

Because like I said, it goes by very quick, and nobody’s going to remember you being nervous.”

It’s easy to get caught up in all the variables and moving parts. The last few months have been dedicated to controlling all those parts. Just remember: It’s your wedding. Enjoy it.

“Be present. Understand the gravity of what you’re doing,” said Byrd. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed with something that’s going to change the rest of your life. You should be appreciative of it. Don’t get overwhelmed. Appreciate it for what it is and how big of a moment it is for you and for her.”

And after the cakes and clothes and flowers have been decided on, what remains is the reason for it all.

“I think the best part of the process was actually seeing it done,” said Pike. “I mean, you’re there to experience it. Soak it all in, because, when the day comes, it flies by.”

“Something that is just seemingly burned in my memory was watching her walk down that aisle and seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress and with her dad,” said May. “That’s something I look back on very fondly.”

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Bride and groom took a few minutes to reconnect after the ceremony

High above the lake, Overlook Farms' outdoor venue was perfect for the ceremony

Elegant invitations announced the wedding event The wedding party wore creamy whites and soft blues

Water View Wedding

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STORY BY ABIGAIL MURPHY & PHOTOS BY SARAH VAN HECKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Kiri Fields and Spencer Waldrep couldn’t imagine being married anywhere but against the sweeping view of Lake Martin at Overlook Farms in Dadeville.

Lake Martin is a special place in both their hearts.

The bride is from Opelika, and her groom is originally from Brewton. Both grew up visiting Lake Martin and have many childhood memories of the lake.

“It was a special place for both of us – separately, but also together,” the new Mrs. Waldrep said. “When we were looking at venues, as soon as we got to Overlook, we knew that was the place.”

The Waldreps were married in late June with a spectacular, sprawling view of Lake Martin behind them.

Waldrep said the view was one of the highlights of their venue choice. Situated above the lake in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Overlook Farms offers roughly 80 acres of rolling hills and breathtaking views.

The Waldreps’ used the Overlook Lodge for their rehearsal dinner and dressed at the venue. The weather was a perfect match for mountaintop ceremony and reception, adorned in white, dusty blue and greenery.

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During the ceremony held in Overlook’s outside venue, Waldrep said, a special moment was having Spencer’s dad’s best friend officiate the wedding. The two were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Waldrep under a wooden cross entwined with white flowers.

But their love story began about six years ago. They met through mutual friends and recently reconnected when Spencer reached out.

“We began talking for a few weeks before Spencer asked me on our first date. He asked if I’d prefer to go to the beach or for a Jeep ride, and we both excitedly chose the Jeep ride at the off-road park,” she said.

“I was ready to buy the ring as soon as she said she wanted to go ride in the Jeep,” Spencer said, looking back on the moment.

Though the Jeep on their date was white, the red Jeep replica groom’s cake incorporated Spencer’s hobby into the event. He’s worked on building a Jeep for the past few years.

Another part of their love story is the desire for a great view. Not only was that one of the reasons the

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Greenery brightened the reception tables

The Overlook Lodge hosted the reception

The bride won her groom's heart when she said, "Yes" to a ride in his Jeep

Signature cocktails were offered at the reception

The groom's grandfather provided the getaway truck

A sea of bubbles sent the happy couple on their way at day's end

Overlook was selected as the venue, but it also had to do with the proposal Spencer planned for Waldrep.

Originally, Spencer planned to propose in Chattanooga following a short hike in the Tennessee mountains. A friend of the couple’s was going to help by flying them up there; however, inclement weather got in the way of the Plan A. For Plan B, Spencer switched gears to find a different view in Alabama’s Cheaha State Park. But once again, the weather stopped them. So, he went for something simpler.

Spencer remembered a spot near the foothills of Cheaha not far off the highway that Waldrep told him she liked. He drove to that spot and finally was able to get down on one knee, ring in hand with a view behind them.

“Everybody jokes and says he went with Plan C because everything else fell through,” Waldrep said with a laugh.

While the proposal spot fell through a couple of times, the big surprise party Spencer planned after the proposal went on without a hitch.

Spencer’s favorite part of the wedding day was

about 20 minutes he got to spend alone his bride. For the reception, the guests moved into the Overlook’s spacious pavilion, and the newlyweds were ready to celebrate with family and friends.

“That was at the top of our list, just to have fun with our friends after, and I think everybody had a great time,” Waldrep said. “It was a huge party.”

Guests took home not only memories, but also jars of homemade blueberry pepper jelly from Brewton. After an evening of dancing and a bubble-blowing send-off, the two drove away in a pickup truck that belonged to the groom’s grandfather, the traditional sign on the back declaring them, “Just Married.”

However, the reception party didn’t stop there. Even after the venue closed, the Waldreps had party buses transport guests to a house on the lake for an after party.

That beautiful June day at Overlook Farms is one this bride and groom will cherish and hold from this day forward.

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A Beautiful Beginning STORY BY ABIGAIL MURPHY PHOTOS BY MEGAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Richie and Randi Li Bradshaw celebrated their union at Azalea Cover Waterside last May

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Alexander City natives, Richie and Randi Li Bradshaw, knew the one place they wanted to be married was their hometown – surrounded by family and friends. Azalea Cove Waterside offered the Bradshaws lake frontage, spectacular views and spacious outdoor venues. Another star feature was its proximity to home.

“We wanted to use a lot of local people for our wedding because Alex City is very close to our hearts,” Randi Li Bradshaw said.

From the wedding cake to decorations, the Bradshaw wedding showcased Alexander City.

Bradshaw said the decorators for the wedding were her dad’s cousins, Vickie Herring and Robin Holcombe, who own Half Moon Market and Interiors at The Square downtown.

Walking down the aisle, guests were met with sheer white drapery, fairy lights and rose vines wrapped around paper umbrellas that hung from the ceilng. Herring and Holcomb wanted to honor Bradshaw’s Chinese heritage with the paper umbrellas, which are traditionally featured in wedding ceremonies. Bradshaw said the two couldn’t have done a better job, as they captured the springtime feel of the May wedding.

Bridesmaids walked down the aisle in sea glass blue dresses with Bradshaw behind them holding a bouquet of hydrangeas and roses. On her finger was an engagement ring set with the diamond

Paper umbrellas at the ceremony were a nod to the bride's heritage

The waterfront venue offered a picturesque setting

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The groom's uncle officiated the wedding

The watercolor decor included lawn games

The couple began their happily ever after with a kiss on the dock Guests were welcomed with a watercolor poster

Stark white fabrics set off the pastel hues of the flowers

Bride and groom were surrounded by family and friends on their special day

from her grandmother-in-law’s ring, a special touch for the bride and groom. As the couple joined hands, Richie’s uncle, a pastor, officiated the wedding.

“It had little bits and pieces of both of our families here and there – making the day perfect,” Bradshaw said.

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Growing up together in Alexander City, the couple met while attending Benjamin Russell High School. Richie was friends with Bradshaw’s brother, so they knew of each other early on but didn’t talk much then. Later, while Bradshaw was living in Georgia, Richie messaged her about going out on a date sometime. While visiting her parents one April weekend in 2022, they went out together, and the rest is history.

Richie proposed in a winter setting. He organized a Colorado ski trip that included their parents. Bradshaw said she knew something was up, but she wasn’t sure when or how the proposal was going to occur.

“Originally, we were going to go skiing; and then, at the bottom of the mountain, he was going to propose.

My parents and his parents were going to be there to

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watch and take pictures,” she explained. “But my dad wound up getting sick because of the altitude, and we had to go to the emergency room. After we got him out of the hospital and back to our Airbnb, Richie proposed right there at the house, and it was really beautiful.”

With the wedding planned for Alexander City, the Bradshaws recruited help from friends as well as family. The bride chose Shannon Milner to make their wedding cake, because Milner had made birthday cakes for her and her brother when they were growing up. Milner also taught with her mother at Horseshoe Bend School.

Former classmates from high school helped out as well. Summer Burke Houston arranged the bride’s hair for the big day, and Megan Mullins was their wedding photographer. Richie’s cousin also lent them a boat for their wedding photos.

Big fans of the television show, Say Yes to the Dress, Bradshaw and her aunt visited Bridals by Lori, where some of the episodes are filmed.

Following the ceremony, Kyle Wilson and his band played at the reception.

With her friends and family surrounding them in so many ways, Bradshaw said May 27, 2023, is one day she will hold in her heart for years and years to come.

As a special favor, Kyle Wilson kept the wedding reception lively

Guests waved light wands as the couple left the reception

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Autumn

Nuptials STORY BY LONNA UPTON PHOTOS BY DAVY WHITENER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bridesmaids wore white halter dresses and carried colorful bouquets

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Mallory Hamrick and Adam Byrd became friends at the University of Alabama. They began dating after graduation, just as Adam moved to Nashville and Mallory moved to Birmingham. The long-distance romance made their love stronger, and Adam moved to Birmingham two years ago, finally putting them in the same city.

On Oct. 7, 2022, Adam proposed to Mallory, overlooking the City of Birmingham.

“I thought we were having a dinner party for my 30th birthday, but Adam and our friends had planned an engagement party. We are very low-key, so it was a big surprise to have the proposal and the party,” said the new Mrs. Byrd.

The bride and her mother planned the wedding together, with the help of Southern Posies in Montgomery, to be sure all the wedding details were covered and to handle all of the florals.

Byrd found her perfect dress at Ivory and White Bridal Boutique in Birmingham. It had just arrived and been pulled out of the box.

“I loved my dress right away. It is classic, feminine and timeless. We only had to make a couple of adjustments to make it just for me. I paired it with a full-length, satin trimmed veil that let the

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Friends of the bride's parents hosted a lakeside bridesmaid's luncheon on Friday

Soft green stationery complemented the couple's color palette

The ceremony took place at the bride's childhood church in Alexander City

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guipure lace on the dress shine. My dad had matching pearl and diamond earrings made for my mom and me to wear all weekend. That was so special,” she said.

Seventeen bridesmaids were coordinated in white satin dresses, while the 13 groomsmen wore black tuxedos. The groom’s father served as best man, and the groom’s sister was a bridesmaid. The rest of the wedding party contained friends from childhood, college and friends of both the bride and groom. The groom’s nephew, Sawyer, dressed in an heirloom outfit from the groom’s childhood and served as ringbearer.

“Doug and I knew that Mallory always wanted to come home to be married in her home church. We were happy that it all worked out so beautifully,” said Patty Hamrick, mother of the bride.

The Hamricks hosted a welcome party in their backyard and on the dock to begin the wedding weekend on Thursday night. Music played while guests enjoyed meeting and greeting under string lights. The meal was catered by Jake’s in Alexander City.

“Adam and my parents worked all day in the backyard to make it perfect. We ended the night with all the bridesmaids sitting on my bedroom floor, chatting and giggling. It is a favorite memory,” Byrd said.

Friday, the bride and her entourage boated to Sally and Brooks Lamberth’s lakeside gazebo for a bridal luncheon hosted by Sally Lamberth and Margot Fox. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served while Tom Gassaway serenaded the group via saxophone.

A New Orleans traditional cake pull gave each girl a chance to pull her ribbon and read the meaning of the charm to the group.

“My mom had asked if I wanted to wear her blush pink wedding dress for the wedding, but I ended up redesigning the dress and having it remade in Birmingham. I kept the design to myself to surprise my mom at the luncheon. It had a drop waist skirt that we brought up to knee length, made a few other changes, and it was perfect. I’m so glad I got to wear it,” she said.

The rehearsal dinner at the Willow Point Golf & Country Club cabana on Friday night was inspired by the groom’s love of fly fishing and included toasts to the happy couple. Jonathan Bloom provided entertainment. Willow Point catered a menu of Byrd family favorites and a nod to the groom’s grandparents – Southern, sweet and delicious, Byrd said.

On the day of the wedding, Vanessa Green and Cindy Blake hosted a brunch at The Villas at Willow Point, where the bridal party prepared for the wedding.

The ceremony was held at Cornerstone First Global Methodist Church in downtown Alexander City, where the bride had attended since she was a child. Rev. James Haskins, a minister who served when Byrd went through confirmation, offered premarital counseling, served communion to the couple FEBRUARY 2024

Seventeen bridesmaids helped Mallory celebrate her special day

Table decorations continued the soft green and stark white theme with pops of blush in the flowers

The reception was held on the lawn at Willow Point Golf & Country Club

privately in the church on the wedding day and officiated the ceremony.

Traditional hymns were played while guests arrived, and a friend and groomsman, Jordan Howard, played the couple’s favorite hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Lori Quinn sang Goodness of God, accompanied on piano by a family friend, Gay Palmer.

“I spent so much of my childhood growing up in that church, and that made the ceremony that much more special. Connie Forehand, who was always a part of my Church life, was our director for the ceremony.

Karen Kison, who played such a large part of my childhood, rang the church bell before the ceremony began,” she said.

The bridal party was transported to Willow Point in a white trolley for the outdoor reception under a sailcloth tent. Byrd wanted the reception to look like an outdoor garden party, and she was happy with the result. Large floral arrangements, single stems and bunches in upside down baskets hung from the ceiling of the tent and included roses and ranunculus in a variety of colors, hydrangeas, hellebores, Columbus tulips and dahlias.

A signature Honeysuckle Lemonade cocktail was offered at the reception reception. Gassaway entertained while guests mingled under the tent. The Hamricks are grateful to Willow Point’s Special Event Coordinator Deidre Hyde, Chef Mike Celmar and the entire staff, who went the extra mile to be sure every-

thing was perfect for the reception.

The food was Southern inspired and included mini-tomato pies, bacon-wrapped shrimp, crab cakes, shrimp and grits and beef tenderloin. The five-tiered, flower bedecked wedding cake was created by Olexa’s Catering, Café and Cakes in Birmingham. The bride’s mother found a pair of lovebirds – for the newly married Byrds – as the perfect cake topper. Brooks Lamberth presented the couple with a handmade custom knife, engraved with their names and the wedding date. They used it to cut the wedding cake.

“Adam and I had a sweet first dance to Fly Me to the Moon. For the second song, the band announced the name of the groom and mother dance, but they mistakenly played the music for the bride and father dance.

My dad came from across the tent, sliding onto the dance floor. It was hilarious. We really did dance all night, and I even lost my shoes somewhere. At the end of the night, we passed out cowboy hats and boas, and Adam sang Wagon Wheel impromptu,” she said.

The groom and the barefoot bride left the party through a tunnel of rose petals and drove away on a decorated golf cart.

“I know I smiled ear-to-ear all weekend. We were so thankful for everyone who celebrated with us, and all the love that was there. It was such a happy time for us,” Byrd said.

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India Davis 256.749.7592

Becky Haynie 334.312.0928

Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681

John McInnish 334.415.2149

Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031

Jan Hall 256.329.6313

Damon Story 205.789.9526

Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372

Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017

Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071

Adam Yager 205.914.0830

Mimi Rush 334.399.7874

Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099

Mike Davis 256.226.1238

Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417

Judy Voss 256.794.0779

Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220

Haley Fuller Lamborne 256.750.2411

Dan Barnett 334.329.2303

John Shelton 404.858.9198

Amy Duncan 256.212.2222

Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940

David Mitchell 256.212.3511

Howard Haynie 334.312.0693

Judith Jager 205.789.0698

Allison Ladson 256.750.0711

Denise Cochran 256.786.2484

Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792

WE’RE THE MARKET LEADER

DADEVILLE 256.825.9092

Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share

OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR

OTHER COMPETITORS (52 companies)

WILLOW POINT 256.212.1498

53.5% LAKE MARTIN REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS

*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data January 2023 - December 2023

L A K E M A R T I N R E A L T Y . C O M

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Lifestyle Redefined STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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Natural light and a beautiful lake view enhance the living space

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Louisiana natives Neill and Sister O’Connell began thinking about a second home years ago. They both loved the Gulf Coast, but after living in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, they sought a quieter location on water but with fewer crowds. On a whim, they rented a Lake Martin home for Thanksgiving in 2020 and fell in love. Not only did the lake offer the peacefulness they craved, but also, the water was clear and beautiful.

Three months later, the couple visited The Ridge just as Russell Lands released a new section of lots.

It was the right place at the right time.

“On our way to Highlands, North Carolina, we stopped at The Ridge, and then we talked all the way to North Carolina. We already knew we loved everything about the lake – the quiet, the rocks, the woods. We even loved it when the water was

down. Our three daughters had so much fun that Thanksgiving. They loved the clay bank. Our lab, BB, and our cocker spaniel, Annie, loved the lake.

We spent the night in Highlands and signed a contract on a lot in The Ridge the next day,” Neill O’Connell said.

The couple selected an existing Russell Lands house plan, and O’Connell, an engineer himself, redrew the plans to make it theirs, adding porches and the pool. He also changed the roof. They hired Lake Martin Signature Construction to build the home, and Georgia Carlee, owner of GCI Design for design and décor.

“LMSC really made the dream come alive. I might have been a little more hands-on than they wanted because of my background, but they worked very closely with us. Through the process, we built relationships. They were receptive and responsive to us, and the results speak for themselves,” O’Connell said.

Carlee selected Anonymous as the paint color for the home’s exterior, and the stone is a mix of Old World Rustic. The warm colors on the outside are reflected on the inside of the home. The interior shiplap walls are stained Aged Barrel; the ceiling and trim are Incredible White; the door paint is Anonymous.

“We lived in Santa Rosa before Lake Martin, and I had actually helped the O’Connells with a new home at the beach.

Working with friends is always easy, and working with an engineer who understands materials is great,” Carlee said.

“They knew what they wanted and were very clear about their desire for natural materials in the home. Neill’s ideas for the house to be one-level living for the couple with the daughters’ living areas downstairs, the wood walls and natural textures, all of his design ideas were very thoughtful and intentional.”

An elegant mahogany front door opens into the foyer with the powder room and entrance to Textured fabrics (Top photo) and elements of nature (Left) are central to the décor.

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An infinity edge pool, a fire pit and wide steps to the dock create a lakeside destination in the backyard

the master suite on the left and the main living area on the right.

The master suite is flooded with natural light from windows on three sides – the lake visible on the right and the master bath on the left. The king-sized, upholstered bed and side tables are tucked into an alcove as the focal point. The large room includes a sitting area with a comfortable chair, a lamp and an ottoman, near the door to a private porch. Pinstriped linens are from Pine Cone Hill, and a rough-hewn bench at the end of the bed is reclaimed wood. The tub area is surrounded by Old Rustic World stone with a sinker cypress bench in front of the tub and café curtains on the windows.

The ceiling in the main living area is vaulted with clerestory windows and a cedar beam. The living area has an unobstructed view of the lake through windows that extend to the floor. A sofa and two chairs in neutral tones create a backdrop for pillows that add color and texture. Found at Resort Resale in Santa Rosa Beach, a large cypress coffee table centers the room. The fireplace has a limestone surround with an Old World Rustic stone façade.

“We were thrilled to find empty space above the kitchen, so we decided to add a nook overlooking

the main living area, with a ladder for access. Sister has claimed this spot as her little escape. A built-in bookcase holds books and items she has found in nature – or whatever else she decides will enhance the space,” Carlee said.

The dining and kitchen areas create intimate space with a flat ceiling rather than vaulted. The kitchen walls feature Old World Rustic stone. Wellborn Cabinetry custom-built the cabinets and the square island, which are stained Custom Oak and complemented by two-inch thick, smooth finished granite countertops. Café curtains on kitchen windows are repeated in the dining area, offering privacy at the front of the house.

The table for eight, including five chairs and a bench, sits under a dramatic chandelier with hundreds of fine, brass chains hanging in layers of loops. Carlee added a wooden hat rack on the wall in the open stairway nearby.

“Georgia deserves the most credit. We like similar things and a similar design, so that worked perfectly.

Her passion for the project, plus trust and understanding among all of us, allowed us to have great communication. She sent samples and met with us throughout the process. She really left no stone

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Cafe curtains in the dining area offer privacy at the front of the house

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Downstairs, the media room is designed to also be used as another bedroom

Exterior stone was pulled indoors to surround the master tub

The beds feature queen-sized bunks on both the bottom and top The infinity pool sits at the water's edge

Exterior stone on the kitchen walls creates warmth and continuity

Bluestone was used for the patio and pool deck

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A large master bedroom allows the bed to be tucked into an alcove with windows on three sides

unturned,” O’Connell said.

Downstairs, a bunkroom, bedroom and media room provide a great hangout for the O’Connells’ daughters and guests. LMSC built two sets of bunkbeds, queen-sized on both the bottom and top, and a built-in dresser. Leather straps open the storage drawers underneath the beds and in the dresser. Each bed has ready access to electrical outlets for charging electronics and lights. The top beds include crawl-through space for light and accessibility, and the ladder slides on a track. All of the beds are covered in Calista cotton linens and comfy pillows perfect for sleepovers. A bathroom is attached to the room.

The second bedroom offers a king-sized bed with linens sourced from Rough Linen. Antler lamps and a rough-hewn bench add rustic charm to the room.

Décor includes paintings of the lake and driftwood.

An undercounter refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker are part of the kitchenette downstairs, providing a hospitality area accentuated with a back wall of stone. The media room décor was inspired by nature. Artwork and a hide rug from Jes & Gray Living in downtown Alexander City, complement shadow boxes from Dadeville’s Off the Beaton Path.

Two wasp nests and other figurines work together

to bring the beauty and wonder of the lake environment inside. The room holds a sleeper sofa for extra guests, but the space was built as a third bedroom downstairs and can be converted by simply adding a door to the opening. A cypress slab bench sits in the downstairs foyer, and paintings of BB and Annie in the hallway make the vacation destination feel like home.

Outdoor living spaces include the main level porch, furnished with Summer Classics for comfort and durability. The cooking porch includes a built-in grill and smoker with cabinets and a concrete countertop. With a fabulous view of the lake, an infinity pool surrounded by bluestone sits at the water’s edge. A fire pit with five Adirondack chairs – one for each member of the family – sits nearby.

“We really do love the freshwater therapy. The water is so clear and beautiful, and a bit of elevation for us is exciting and different. It’s quiet and safe, and everyone we have met has been wonderful. No one wants to leave when we come to the lake. We built a lake house as our second home, but it might just become the house where we retire,” O’Connell said.

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1140 Willow Way East 5BR 4BA in Willow point

Lake Martin Team

CALL RHONDA JAYE 256-749-8681

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NATURE OF THE LAKE

BY KENNETH BOONE

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Smooth Earth Snake

The Smooth Earth Snake is rarely seen above ground in daylight hours

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This small snake is completely harmless to humans

It grows to less than a foot in length

This snake eats worms, slugs, soft insects and snails

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Here’s a snake that lives in the Lake Martin area that you probably haven’t seen. That’s because the Smooth Earth Snake spends most of its days underground, and when it does come out, it’s usually after dark.

Smooth Earth Snakes have brown, red, gray or tan backs – sometimes flecked with black dots – and lighter colored bellies. These snakes are small, commonly 7 to 10 inches long, and they rarely grow to a foot in length. They have smooth scales and sleek appearance. The Smooth Earth Snake has a small, roundly-pointed head, which makes it easy for him to burrow. Its body is often described as stout for a snake of its size. If you are familiar with a Ring-necked Snake, the Smooth Earth Snake looks very similar in shape but with different coloring and no ring.

These snakes are completely harmless to people.

They are not venomous or aggressive and almost never bite when handled by people.

However, the snake does have a defensive tactic – if it is disturbed enough, it will release nasty smelling musk from glands at the base of its tail.

Most people will leave it alone at that point.

Smooth Earth Snakes are semifossorial, meaning they spend much of their time underground or underneath objects. They are usually found in forests – especially pine woodlands – under the leaf litter, rocks or rotting logs. They also are commonly found along the edges of wet or swampy areas. During times of heavy rains, it’s more likely to see one of these snakes above ground.

Smooth Earth Snakes are typically active at night. They hunt small, soft invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, soft insects and snails. They typically grab their prey, position it parallel to their own bodies and eat it alive. During the spring and fall, when nighttime temperatures are cool, they’re more likely to be out during daylight hours.

Predators to these snakes include other snakes, birds and some mammals.

Female Smooth Earth Snakes deliver between two and 14 baby snakes in the summer months. Their young are born live and are only about 4 inches long.

The scientific name of this small snake is Virginia valeriae, which is a nod to the person who discovered the first known example of the species, Valeria Biddle Blaney, in Kent County Maryland in the mid 1800s.

The Smooth Earth Snake is native to the eastern half of the United States, and there are three subspecies.

Some information for this article came from the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey Herpetology Collection and the Florida Museum.

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HOPPY DAYS EDDIE DURRETT

Beer & Chocolate

I

It’s February, and love is in the air, which means it’s a perfect time for beer and chocolate. Wait. What?! Beer and Chocolate? At the same time? Yes, it’s true, there is such a thing as beer and chocolate pairings.

Have you heard of wine and chocolate pairings? Beer and chocolate pairings are not mainstream yet … or are they? With the introduction of the craft beer scene, beer and chocolate pairings have slowly made their way into the hearts of many craft beer lovers.

There was a time not so long ago when we were stuck with only the products that big corporations wanted us to have. Those mass marketed products are designed to give us a quick fix while sacrificing flavor.

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit Europe realizes that Americans have been short changed on the artisanship and craftsmanship of these extremely flavorful beers. This was the case until recently. The craft beer scene became mainstream in the United States some 20 years ago. Craft beers are designed to be savored and enjoyed, not guzzled or pounded.

So, are beer and wine really on the same playing field in terms of flavor and complexity?

At Lake Martin Brewing, we believe beer is just as

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complex and as flavorful as wine. The right beer can complement a dessert, just as antoher would complement a slice of pizza. Yes, beer is that complex, and yes, the right beer with the right desert tastes as good as a chocolate cookie with a glass of milk. I am not talking about that stale old beer your dad drank. I’m talking about a hand crafted beer designed for depth and flavor.

One that doesn’t resemble the beer you drank last century.

Lake Martin is fortunate to have this experience available in her backyard.

Lake Martin Brewing has put together a unique Valentine’s Day package as a fun introduction to pairing these great flavors. Enjoy a special evening with your significant other that will include beer and chocolate pairings, dinner, drinks and a fun activity. This special event is by reservation only with more information coming soon. Follow Lake Martin Brewing on Facebook for updates and information about weekly events in downtown Alexander City. ~ Eddie Durrett is the owner of Lake Martin Brewing in downtown Alexander City.

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Protect. Preserve. Promote.

A

As those who live on and visit Lake Martin know, this has implemented boater education initiatives to enlighten lake is a gem nestled in the heart of three surrounding the community on how to enjoy the water safely, learn counties, each engaged in protecting, preserving and the ‘ways of the water’ and drive defensively. After promoting Lake Martin individually through local completing the training, another area of awareness from community development LMRA is our partnership and engagement with ALEA to manage opportunities. As and maintain the buoys Lake Martin Resource on Lake Martin to Association steps into provide safe boating new opportunities before instruction and highlight us in 2024, our expanded hazard areas. board of directors is LMRA spearheads focused on enhancing various environmental the strategic community stewardship programs, engagement by extending supports ongoing LMRA’s reach and community activities volunteer opportunities. and looks for ways to LMRA understands partner more effectively that the key to a to enhance our reach.

LMRA works thriving Lake Martin This month, we will work to keep the lake safe for generations to come with Alabama Power for future generations is in building a strong Shoreline Management foundation of community to build and place fish support. By fostering open communication habitats to create ‘nurseries’ for local fish and channels through our CRM in 2023 and enhance the fishing experience on the lake. expanded board support in 2024, the board In March, we will kick off the Annual plans to enhance the connection with local Reuben Thornton roadside cleanup, and residents, businesses and organizations for we expect to expand our reach to include a united front around the lake, an effort every community around the lake. We dedicated to the sustainable future of our know that preserving Lake Martin is more beloved Lake Martin. than just words and requires action within As an effort to enhance our reach, LMRA each community, so we would love to hear closed out 2023 by adding seven new board from you if you are interested in leading or members, representing all three counties and participating in this spring cleanup. actively supporting their communities. With LMRA recognizes that collaboration is LMRA this broad community representation of our key to achieving lasting impact. By forging full board, the goal is to enhance LMRA’s partnerships with local organizations,

BY JODIE MCGIRT reach in protecting people’s lives as they government agencies and environmental enjoy Lake Martin through boater safety, groups, our board amplifies its reach and environmental impact and advocacy initiatives. influence to save lives on Lake Martin and achieve our In these efforts to save lives on Lake Martin, we’ll mission to protect, preserve and promote Lake Martin. In be involved with several events that directly support our the heart of our communities beats the pulse of the lake, strategic initiatives. The first of these was last month’s and LMRA continues to serve as its dedicated guardian.

Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge, where Through our unwavering commitment to community everyone had a grand time ‘plunging’ into the New engagement, education and environmental stewardships, Year to support the LMRA buoy program. Lake Martin we pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable Young Professionals donates the proceeds from this future for our beloved lake. event to LMRA’s buoy program to enhance visibility Many hands make light work, and we would love of hazards and provide navigational instruction to to have your support through your membership, your residents, fishermen and visitors as they cruise around the donations and your time. Please reach out to LMRA.info shorelines. to learn more about how you can help.

The boater safety program is a prime example of how LMRA significantly supports protecting the lives of ~ Jodie McGirt is president of LMRA. Learn more at boaters on Lake Martin. Awareness is key, and LMRA lmra.info.

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FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 69

Think Red

A

After the holidays and the New Year’s resolutions comes the Valentine’s Day challenge – not letting this day of forgiven indulgence side track your plans for improving your health. This Valentine’s Day, make a date with your heart. You may have given a special someone the key to your heart, but diet and lifestyle could be the key to keeping it healthy. February is American Heart Month, a call to focus on lifestyle habits that promote healthy hearts.

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to be heart healthy: Prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes; avoid smoking and secondhand smoke; limit alcohol use; maintain a healthy weight; stay active; and eat a healthy diet. Don’t let Valentine’s Day derail those steps to be heart healthy.

The emphasis of Valentine’s Day is love. Think about ways to love yourself and your body. Life is full of challenges, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle sometimes has its ups and downs. But no matter what life throws your way, you deserve to treat yourself well.

Give yourself grace when you make mistakes; then, get back on track. Give yourself credit and show a little love to the body that has brought you this far in life.

Whether you embrace Valentine’s Day or try to skip right through it, the heartfocused holiday remains one of the biggest restaurant days of the HEALTHY LIVING year, often with heavy dinners

BY JULIE HUDSON and a lot of sweets. Sticking to healthy habits during any holiday or celebration is possible with a bit of forethought and planning. Use these tips to give yourself or someone you love the gift of health this Valentine’s Day and all year long. n Step away from the bread basket. If you love rolls, grab just one or even half of one. Then, push the basket away.

Eating Mexican? Be aware of the number of chips you are consuming. n Make healthy meal modifications. Ask for a sauce on the side. Substitute vegetables for French fries. Ask if the meal can be prepared without butter, oil or salt – any little change to help cut down on calories. Grilled and baked are always better then fried or braised. n Start out healthy. Consider a healthy appetizer, salad or light soup to start the meal. This suppresses hunger before

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the main meal arrives. n Practice portion control. American supersized meals will not leave you hungry when divided in half. Consider eating only half of the meal or split your entree with your significant other. n Choose wisely when ordering the bells and whistles.

Buttery croutons, cheese, bacon, high-fat salad dressing and sour cream add a lot of calories to a salad, burger or baked potato. n Think red. Red bell pepper, radicchio, cherries, strawberries, red beans, red onions and tomato are all packed with vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants or cholesterolbusting fiber and protein. Red wine is believed to help the heart. Avoid the sugary cocktail and have a glass of red wine instead. n Don’t always give the gift of chocolate. Help yourself and your loved one. If you, your significant other or a friend are trying to lose weight or stay on a healthy path, consider fruit instead of a box of chocolate or bake a low-calorie dessert. Flowers, a healthy cookbook, personal training sessions, massage or day spa gift card are presents worthy of the holiday. n Do not deprive yourself. Valentine’s Day should be fun, full of laughter, food and guilt-free enjoyment. So, have a small piece of cake or dessert or a couple truffles. This will not hurt your healthy living goals. If you open the box of chocolates, do not feel guilty. Research has indicated that chocolate (especially dark chocolate) provides healthy compounds and may help prevent heart disease, improve immune response and foster a feeling of well-being. n Be food conscious and consider dining at home. This is a perfect way to save calories and money and avoid crowds.

Explore new recipes for healthy meals to create with your significant other, a friend or a group of friends. Set the table with your nicest dishes, candles and flowers. Serve food that is lower in salt and fat content, include fruit and lots of vegetables, as well as a lower-sugar dessert. Make chocolate covered strawberries for an overall healthy Valentine’s Day celebration.

Love your heart.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 71

I

Watching bait fall

If you’ve followed the fishing articles I’ve written over the years for Lake magazine, you may have noticed that I commonly revert to a basic theme for getting fish to bite. It’s a simple twopart equation: (Bait and Presentation) + (Location) = Bites. Having a great bait and presentation but trying in the wrong place won’t yield the best results. Likewise, being in the best spot on the lake won’t be worth much if the bait and presentation are off.

I’ve experienced these scenarios many times, whether fun fishing or on the professional tour.

It’s the reason I’ve sometimes watched other people catch fish while I didn’t. And it’s why I’ve been the main one catching on a few occasions.

Although the equation is simple, the challenge of finding the right combination at a given time is immense. Honestly, figuring it out is what drives

72 LAKE

most anglers.

I have focused on the bait/presentation part of the equation in this column. To do that, we must assume that we have already found some fish or a pattern for where the fish are locating. Now we’re working on finding the bait and presentation that will get the most bites.

For many years, I’ve learned bits and pieces of information about when and how to get bites based on how I retrieved a bait when the bite happened.

Was it slow, fast, erratic, dragging, hoping, etc.?

Just chunking and winding can catch fish, but good anglers know to dial in the presentation to trigger fish to bite.

Forward-facing sonar, like Garmin Livescope, has revealed a lot to me about how fish react to the presence of my baits. This sonar technology allows me to see a fish well before it’s aware of my pres-

FEBRUARY 2024

ence. With a lot of practice, it also allows me to adjusting the weight size on the same bait is the make casts to those fish with pinpoint accuracy. key ingredient.

Some fish move slowly to the bait; some take off Without forward sonar, anglers must pay attenlike a rocket to it; some run from it; and some fol- tion to what weights they were using when the bite low it all the way to the boat and never bite. Some occurred. It’s more difficult, in that case, because even swim around it to get a better look as if askthere’s not always a fish there as a controlled test. ing, “Is this real or not?”

Experienced anglers usually recognize the need One of the greatest revelations for me early on to reel the bait fast, moderate or slow to get more in using this technology was how fish responded bites. Rate of fall is similar, but there are certainly to bait on the fall. The speed at which times (as revealed on forward sonar) the bait falls is called the “rate of that fish make a critical decision to bite fall.” It’s an often overlooked aspect based on how fast the bait falls. The of fishing, and the size of the weight retrieve afterward is pointless at times used plays an important role. because the fish either bit or moved on The plastic worm is the most reconce the bait hit the bottom. ognizable bait for bass fishing. A Fortunately, anglers and manufacturlead weight in front helps the worm ers tapped into this phenomenon over get to the bottom. If the water is realthe years. That’s why weights range ly deep, an angler often uses weights between 1/8 and 1/4 ounce commonly up to 3/4 or 1 ounce. If it’s shallow, used for plastic worms and 3/8 and 1/2 a lighter weight, 1/8 or 1/4 ounce ounce for jigs. With all the weighting might be used. The idea is always options out there, these are the most focused on how long it takes to get common you’ll find for a variety of BIG CATCHES the bait down and keep it down. applications.

BY GREG VINSON That’s when anglers thought it was Does this mean it’s bad to use a time to try to get the attention of a 1-ounce weight with a worm or jighead? fish with the retrieve.

Absolutely not if the angler is looking What stood out to me in recent years is how fish to get a fast fall to a collision with the bottom. It respond to my bait before the retrieve. Over the could trigger a reaction bite from a big fish that years of fishing plastic worms, jigs, etc., it seemed has to make a quick decision. It also doesn’t mean like 70 percent or more of the bites came right as going “weightless” or to a tiny 1/16-ounce weight I started a retrieve after the bait hit the bottom. I for a subtle approach. It might take longer to get was doing a lot of hopping, dragging, reeling and there, but fish could bite more often because of the feeling trying to get a bite for the other 30 percent. subtle glide or wiggle on the fall (think Senko).

Sometimes the whole cast and retrieve is necesThose wanting to take angling skills to the sary, but that slow retrieve often takes up a lot of next level might dial in the rate of fall on their time when only a fraction of the bites come that presentation, as it could be a big step. In recent way. Sometimes, it’s better to make a cast, let it hit years, I’ve had the opportunity to observe in real the bottom, and if nothing’s there, wind in and cast time how much it can matter. Experiment with a again. Over time, this wind in and cast again tech- variety of weights on favorite baits and see what nique could equal more productive casts, if that’s produces the best results from one day to the next. the only time the bites happen anyway.

It might help put some extra fish in the boat.

With forward facing sonar, I've found that the fish often recognize the bait as soon as it lands Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the water, even if they’re sitting much deeper on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He than that. The bait falls faster or slower depending lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake on the bait and, more importantly, the weight Martin.

I’m using. It’s intriguing to see how the fish have responded based on how fast the bait falls to the bottom. Very lightly weighted baits fall ever so slowly through the water. Sometimes, suspended fish take those baits before it ever reaches bottom.

More heavily weighted baits zip through the water quickly and crash into the bottom.

Finding the right rate of fall for the bait I’m using can make a huge difference in the number of bites I get. With forward-facing sonar it’s easier to see the fall rate each fish prefers. Often, just

FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 73

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FEBRUARY 2024

T

A Lesson for Every Age

There’s something special in the air right now. versation with positive reflections on team sports It’s the scent of golf season rising right around I never considered. He assured me that I learned the corner. So far this year, it has been a little too skills that cannot be gained without competing wet and cold to fully commit to working on your with fellow teammates. game; however, if you’re anything like me, you “Son, do you plan to play baseball and baskethope to have your golf game in pretty fair shape ball when you are 50 years old? Do you see yourby April when The Masters is played at Augusta self playing football when you are in your 40s?””

National Golf Club. he asked.

This is a great time of year to introduce young Laughing, I said, “No sir, my body probably boys and girls to golf. See if your daughter, couldn’t hold up that long.” niece or grandchild has a friend who may want “Well, do you see yourself playing golf in your to join her and talk to them about how cool this 40s, 50s and 60s?” wonderful game is. Take them to the golf course I replied, “Yes sir. Dad, you’re 46 and still playLOVE of the GAME and drive them around. Find a couple of junior ing really good golf. So, I certainly see myself

BY DAVE JENNINGS clubs and let them swing at a few balls on the playing golf past my 40s and even into my 60s.” practice tee. They might have fun if you share He surprised me with his next move. He some time with them on the practice green, too. reached down rolled his trousers above his knees and asked me Once they’ve had enough for the day, take them for ice a final question. “Son, would you like to play golf pain-free in cream or a movie. Don’t force the thought of grinding for your 40s, 50s and 60s? I’m willing to bet that if you continue to stroke savers early on. Simply make it a fun thing you do play basketball, football and baseball, you most likely will meet together. You may be surprised at how their interest in the game an orthopedic surgeon sometime in the next few years. That may grow. surgery may allow you to spend a little more time competing Have them watch a little golf on television. They may stay in that sport while you are young, but that surgery will most focused for 10 minutes or an hour. It doesn’t matter; they’re certainly be a constant reminder to you when you reach your getting a taste. Again, let them decide. Introduce the girls to the golden years.”

LPGA. Tell them there are girl’s teams in middle school, high Both of my Dad’s knees had undergone surgery from footschool and college. If they want to play golf there are opportuball and basketball injuries while he was in high school. The nities for them to participate. scars that ran from north to south on both sides of both kneeShould your younger family member prefer to play in other caps testified that my Dad knew what he was talking about. team sports, encourage them. They and they alone should be “David, I’m not going to talk you out of playing any of those the person to decide their sport. Kids are funny. Once you are sports. I will continue to support you and be your loudest supsure they want to play basketball, they inform you they’d rather porter in the stands, should you continue playing one or all play soccer. They might prefer baseball over golf. Fishing could three team contact sports. I just wanted to share these thoughts be much more important to them than horse riding. You won’t with you and allow you to make the best decision that fits your know for sure unless they have you on a constant open channel, dreams and desires.” and honestly, I haven’t met that parent/child duo. But if you At the end of basketball season that year, I chose golf as my invite them to join you at the golf course for play or practice, sport. sooner or later, they might lean toward golf as they grow.

My father died with heart disease in 1975 when I was 19.

I’ve made many comments about my Dad in a lot of my I often reflect on our many times together on the golf course.

Lake Martin Living and Lake magazine articles. He was a heck Do your children or grandchildren a favor and allow them the of an athlete. He grew up playing football, baseball, basketopportunity to make memories with you on the golf course. ball, golf and even boxing in Golden Gloves amateur bouts.

The lessons they learn will serve them forever, and they will In college, he chose golf and received a golf scholarship to the cherish the priceless memories for a lifetime.

University of Iowa. I remember Dad coming into my bedroom See you on the tee. one night when I was 14 years old and telling me had something for me to think about. That comment always got me to sit Dave Jennings is the owner of Jennings Golfhelp LLC. down and listen.

Email him at djenn47495@gmail.com or visit Sitting on the edge of my twin bed, Dad initiated the conJenningsgolfhelp.com.

FEBRUARY 2024

LAKE 75

Legend

63

To Sylacauga

Public Boat Ramps 9

ALEXANDER CITY

4

17

Churches

★

22

280

Alex City Boat Ramp

9

Camp ASCCA

★

★

Charles E. Bailey Sportplex

Points of Interest

280

Power lines U.S. Highways

3

22

County Roads Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek State Park

★

11

COOSA COUNTY

Wind Creek Boat Ramp 259

9

128

Pirate Island D.A.R.E. Park Landing

★

★Peanut Point 63

16 20

★

New Hope Church

Young’s Island

★

Liberty Church

Smith Mount Fire Tower

10 Willow Point

24

7

Paces Point Boat Ramp

63

11

Camp Alamisco

12

EQUALITY

34

★

Kowaliga Boat Landing

20

55

The Ridge

5

SEMAN

1 Church in 13

The Pines

★ Camp Kiwanis

Union Landing

Children’s Harbor &

★ Hank Williams Cabin 21 ★ The Amp

Trillium

19

2

Ko w

ali

ga

Ba

y

26

★

Chimney Rock

80

9

90

UNION

CENTRAL

ELMORE COUNTY RED HILL

★ Martin Dam

63

229

ECLECTIC

TALLASSEE

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FEBRUARY 2024

Timbergut Landing

Explore

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LAKE 81

Parting Shot

Randi Li and Richie Bradshaw set off to make waves together.

Photo by Megan Mullins

"One day, in your search for happiness, you discover a partner by your side, and you realize that your happiness has come to help you search." ~ Robert Brault 82 LAKE

FEBRUARY 2024

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84 LAKE

(256) 794-1397 For more information, contactFEBRUARY 2024 or visit RussellLands.com