Wedding Compendium 2025
WHEN THE ANSWERS YOU GET ARE THE ANSWERS YOU NEED
When two of the region’s best cancer-fighting teams join forces, it brings a new level of hope for cancer patients in and around Northwest Georgia. That means more leading-edge technologies. More advanced clinical trials. And more quality time to spend with the ones you love.
There are so many reasons to love living at The Spires, a stunning lakeside senior living community immersed in the vibrant campus culture of Berry College. A 27,000-acre backyard full of walking paths, wildlife and breathtaking views. A state-of-the-art fitness center offering everything from cardio drumming to water fitness. A bustling music scene where you can sing, dance or jam to your heart’s content. And the peace mind of a full continuum of care if further assistance is ever needed.
What our residents are saying:
“I’ve enjoyed making new friends and the staff is unbelievable from top to bottom.” — Dr. Woody Davis, Resident
“People here have been intensely supportive, and they mean it. It’s been a happy serendipity.” — Ann Marie Hollomon, Resident
“I think the best way I can describe the experience here is ‘community’ and I just give thanks. The opportunities are just endless for people to connect.” — Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, Daughter of Resident
“For social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing — everything I need is here. It’s just been amazing the way our community loves each other.” — Julie Wahtola, Resident
Come see for yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too. Call 706-607-5322 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.
Congratulations on your Engagement!
Congratulations on your engagement! This season of your life is so special and unique – you’ll be planning the first day of your marriage with the help of family and friends, plus a few amazing professionals we hope you will find in this issue of V3.
As a wedding professional who has been working with brides, grooms, and their families for 18 years, we know a few things about the engagement season. There’s a lot of voices to listen to and a lot of people willing to give you advice. I would encourage you to listen to it all but give yourself time to make your own decisions knowing that the people who love you truly want you to have a wonderful wedding day. Your wedding should be a reflection of your personalities, your story, your family and the future you are creating. This magazine is filled with ideas and photos from reallife weddings in our community – use this issue to inspire you. The professionals who have chosen to showcase their products and services in this issue want to take care of you and your fiancé to help you create a very special wedding day. Besides reading and referencing this issue of V3, I would also encourage you to make a list of your priorities for the big day. Is the band more important to you than having a lot of flowers? Would you be just as happy with a less-expensive DJ and having a larger meal for your guests? Knowing what you are most happy with will help you guide your decisions and keep you on task and in budget.
Lastly, have some fun! These months (years!) that you spend planning your wedding are the last of your single days and a preparation time for your married years. Ask your parents and grandparents about their wedding traditions. I’m always amazed at how large bouquets were at the time when my grandparents got married in the 1930’s. Laugh at past trends for weddings, like the puffy sleeves on gowns in the 80’s or the colored tuxedos from the 70’s. Take the time to enjoy the traditions of your family before creating new traditions with your spouse.
So again, I offer you my congratulations! You’ve made a wonderful decision to spend the rest of your life with the person you love. As you make plans, bring along this issue for all the inspiration it can provide.
All the best to you and your fiancé!
Holly Lynch
HOLLY LYNCH OF THE SEASON EVENTS
P HOTOGRAPHERS
Ivan Felipe, Mike Moon Studio C
STAFF
OWNER & CEO
Ian Griffin
MANAGING PARTNER
Chris Forino
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Childers
WRITER
Lauren Bachman
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ivan Felipe, Mike Moon Studio
SALES
Chris Forino
Ian Griffin
PUBLISHER
V3Publications
WWW.READV 3 .COM
L-R: Dr. J.C. Abdou, Dr. Dilawar Khan, Dr. Matthew Mumber, Dr. Gregory Harris, Dr. Melissa Dillmon
CHAMPIONS OF CANCER CARE: HARBIN CLINIC ONCOLOGISTS HONORED FOR INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE
In the heart of northwest Georgia, the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center — now strengthened through its integration with Atrium Health Floyd — is redefining what is possible in cancer care. By combining advanced technologies, expanded resources and a shared commitment to innovation, the partnership is shaping the future of cancer treatment in Georgia and beyond.
At the core of this transformation is a team of nationally recognized, award-winning oncologists whose leadership and dedication have earned prestigious accolades and set new standards for excellence over the past several years.
Leadership in oncology
Dr. Melissa Dillmon, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, was recently appointed to the board of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world’s largest and most influential oncology society. Her appointment underscores her national leadership in legislative advocacy and government relations.
The Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE) also recently honored Dr. Dillmon and Dr. Matthew Mumber for their work in the field of cancer. Dr. Dillmon was named one of “Today’s Innovators,” and Dr. Mumber was recognized as a “Trailblazer” for his enduring impact on cancer care in Georgia.
Dr. Mumber, a board-certified radiation oncologist with a focus on integrative oncology, is well-known for his holistic approach to treatment. He founded Cancer Navigators, a nonprofit supporting patient with education, counseling and access to vital resources.
Honoring his commitment to patient-centered care, Georgia CORE named an award in his honor: the Matt Mumber, M.D. Award for Excellence in Cancer Patient Navigation. Recipients of this award are those who show leadership and a desire to improve patient outcomes through advanced navigation each year.
“It is always humbling to be recognized by your peers,” Dr. Mumber said. “But the most important recognition is how far Georgia has come in cancer care over the past 25 years.”
Championing supportive services for patients in active cancer treatment, Dr. Gregory Harris was elected the chair of the Cancer Navigators board in 2022. He has held the position for three and a half years, offering leadership as the organization assists with insurance and financial applications, diagnosis-based counseling, nutrition support, transportation aid through gas cards or bus vouchers and access to supplies such as wigs, caps and scarves. A virtual stress management support group is also available to help patients connect and encourage one another.
Based on his medical and philanthropic work, Dr. Gregory Harris was also recently named a State Emerging Leader by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF). The distinguished honor, given in conjunction with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), recognized his commitment to excellence in providing patient-centered care and service to others through osteopathic tenets and principles, advocacy efforts, community service and philanthropy.
A gold standard in radiation oncology
Adding to the accolades, Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncology has continued to uphold the prestigious accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR gold seal is awarded only to facilities that meet the highest standards of care and safety, making this recognition a powerful testament to the high-level of cancer care available to patients in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.
From staff qualifications and equipment to patient safety and quality assurance protocols, Harbin Clinic’s team of professionals achieved all standards associated with ensuring the best possible care is available to their patients.
“The entire staff of Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncology is dedicated to being a loving, caring and quality center meeting the needs of patients, families and staff,” shared Dr. J.C. Abdou. “This accreditation offers validation of hard work toward those goals.”
A legacy of excellence
Together, the Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd cancer care teams exemplify a commitment to innovation, compassion and excellence.
Expressing this sentiment, Harbin Clinic oncologist Dr. Dilawar Khan said, “As we look to the future, I am excited about the growth of our cancer service line and the expansion of our support services. I am proud to be part of this journey and dedicated to making sure every patient receives the best care possible, today and in the years ahead."
Their recent recognitions are reflections of a broader mission to bring the highest national standards and the very best in cancer care close to home.
To learn more about the combined cancer-fighting team and radiation oncology services, visit www.onecareteam.org/cancer.
Set in Stone
ALTHOUGH EACH OF YOUR MEMENTOS CARRIES CHERISHED MEMORIES, your ring is the one that will go with you every step of the way. It will weather the storms with you and shine all the brighter after they’ve passed. It will gather scratches, but they can be mended. Greene’s Jewelers infuses your history into your ring, and with over a hundred years of collective family experience, they ensure that your ring stands the test of time just as they have. Forged from four generations of family love and wisdom, your dream ring comes with so much more than a promise.
“Whatever they’re wanting, that’s what we want them to have,” says owner Elaine Abercrombie. What began as “a little bitty store that you could hardly change your mind in” has become a staple of the Downtown Rome area that guarantees the perfect rings for every couple. As Elaine says: “There’s lots of different ways to celebrate your wedding or celebrate your love.” Whether you’re looking for the timeless beauty of the classic diamond ring or the allure of the atypical, Greene’s has it covered.
Greene’s has two showcases of wedding bands and engagement rings for couples to choose from. If they don’t find something that suits them, Elaine and her expert team of gemologists offer custom, hand-crafted rings that will.
Couples design a ring with one of the gemologists, and they will hand-craft it to perfection. Elaine finds that lab-grown diamonds are a popular choice for ring customization as a 100% carbon alternative to naturally-grown diamonds. If couples have a specific gemstone in mind, their gemologists can do that, as well. “There’s so many options,” Elaine says. “We’ve even done an engagement ring that was a turquoise.”
Elaine herself has worked at Greene’s nearly her whole life. Greene’s is only one of four jewelry stores owned and run by her family. Her greatgrandfather opened the first in 1906 and, with the help of his training, each of his four sons went on to run their own jewelry stores. While one brother took care of their father’s store, Elaine’s grandfather was one of the three who set up shop in a different area of Georgia, which led him to Rome.
Elaine’s grandfather opened Greene’s in 1948 in what she describes as “a little bitty store that you could hardly change your mind in.” Aside from a move in location in 1978, Greene’s has helped couples find their perfect rings for nearly eighty years, and Elaine is a testament to her family’s legacy. With three generations of jewelers behind her and two certificates from the “most revered [gemology institutes] in the industry,” it’s no wonder Greene’s is “the oldest continually running business on Broad Street.”
“They worked their tails off getting the business started and keeping it going,” and she does the same. She and her staff ensure that you leave with a ring that stands the test of time and shines all the brighter as the years pass, just as Greene’s has.
Greene's at 328 Broad Street in downtown Rome, online at greenesjewelers.com or call ahead for an appointment at 706.291.7236
The Dress of Your Dreams
EVERY BRIDE IMAGINES HERSELF IN THE DRESS OF HER DREAMS as she takes the first step down the aisle and into a new journey with her groom. But the process of making the dress of her dreams a reality can be a daunting one. Perfect Dress of Rome knows this challenge all too well, and their team takes it head-on so you can enjoy the day with your loved ones. With nearly fifty years of experience, they make your search for the dress a dream of its own, because the Perfect Dress is just as much about the experience as it is the choice.
Since 1978, Perfect Dress has given each bride the confidence to walk down the aisle ready to say ‘I do.’ Reesa Milton and her niece Alison Smith, the respective former and current owners of the boutique, are a powerhouse duo that has set the stage for three generations of brides to walk down the aisle feeling and looking their best.
“I want you to leave here feeling more beautiful than you did when you walked in, regardless of whether you buy a dress from me or not,” Alison says.
Alison and her ‘I Do Crew’ create a stress-free environment as they make the bride's dreams a reality. During her appointment, she and four of her guests will have the bridal building to themselves with over 250 wedding gowns to choose from.
Each bride sets the tone for her own appointment. Based on five dresses of her choosing, she and her consultant will work together to find exactly what she wants. “A lot of places you go in won’t even let the brides touch the dresses. They just go pick those dresses for you and you try those on and that’s all you get,” Alison says. “We’re not like that at all. We want it to be very relaxed, very laidback… for the bride throughout the appointment.”
The bride’s consultant will help bring her vision to life with access to “three different lines that we can completely customize,” Alison says. “As long as they give themselves enough time, it’s endless what you can do.” Brides are encouraged to schedule a followup appointment (if needed) in order to confidently choose a dress that matches their vision. Alison consistently adds new designs and options to extend the choices available for brides to find their dream dress. This September marks the fifteen-year anniversary of Alison’s ownership, and she invites all of their clients to celebrate with her as she introduces her own line of dresses to the boutique.
“I am really excited about my own personal line that I’m going to release because I feel like that’s something that can offer really good quality without having to break the bank, and it’s designs that I personally pick out myself and I put together,” Alison says. “I am a mom of three boys, this store allows me to channel my girl dreams.”
Alison describes the anniversary as a celebration of multigenerational brides and “how special that is that we’ve been here so long that we’re able to help now third generation brides find their perfect dress.”
When it comes to the search for your perfect dress, Alison and the I Do Crew “want to be there from the beginning all the way to the end.”
THE CASTLE AT WILDWOOD GARDENS
TEXT LAUREN BACHMAN • PHOTOS MIKE MOON STUDIO
A Fairytale for the Ages
THE FANTASTICAL SAYS WHAT REALITY ALONE CAN’T. True love is best known as the climb up the tower, the search for the missing glass slipper, the death-defying kiss. Each couple's love story is a fairytale of its own, and their wedding is a chance to share it. The Castle at Wildwood Gardens delves into the world of folklore and fable to capture the essence of your love story, and makes reality surpass your wildest dreams.
Owner Rachel Perry and her family designed The Castle and its gardens against the backdrop of Waco, Georgia’s pine forest. As you enter, you’ll find yourself in a European-style castle that doubles as a love letter to fairytales. Rachel says, “Our vision was to create a venue that feels like stepping into a unique and magical world that you don't see every day. Our family designed every detail—from the handcrafted arbors to the chandeliers, columns and railings.”
Rachel describes how her family’s “love of fairytale things” inspired them to create a fantasy world based on their environment: “Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of our 100-acre pine forest, we wanted to share that beauty with others and envisioned a place where love stories could unfold in a magical setting. The joy of seeing couples’ dreams come to life—whether through a classic ceremony or a bold, themed celebration—drove us to build a family-operated business dedicated to crafting unforgettable weddings with warmth and care.”
And that fantasy is yours to shape.
Each couple brings with them a unique story, and the castle’s dedicated team of storytellers wants to reflect it in the space. Rachel says that couples have their choice of several venues in the castle to hold their ceremony: “the front lawn with
a balustrade bridge and arbor, the enchanted forest with ferns and hanging wisteria, the covered courtyard with columns and twinkling lights, and the chandelier-filled Great Hall for indoor elegance.” The castle’s team provides a guided tour of the castle and an assortment of decorations to help set the stage.
Whether your story is, as Rachel puts it, “a classic fairytale, a medieval event, a gothic saga, or a Viking epic,” the castle is “a canvas for every couple’s unique narrative.”
The Castle at Wildwood Gardens reserves a day for each wedding, allowing them to personalize the experience to each couple and manage the “set-up, parking, guest transportation
on golf carts and cleanup, ensuring you can focus on celebrating and spending time with loved ones,” Rachel says. While they prepare the couple’s dream wedding, the couple and their wedding parties are welcome to get ready in the Castle Suite and Castle Lounge, each of which is accompanied by an immersive fantasy setting of its own.
The Castle Suite sets you in the lap of luxury with elegant French Provincial decor that allows your party to feel like royalty. It has a view of the Secret Garden, as well—a more secluded area of the venue that’s perfect for photos. Alternatively, the Castle Lounge opts for the cool elegance of a rustic speakeasy, fit with a
secret passageway hidden in the bookcase and access to “an additional side area perfect for outdoor games.”
With a team of storytellers ready to bring your fairytale to life, The Castle at Wildwood Gardens promises “a day filled with magical moments all crafted to your unique love story.”
To see their previous weddings and get inspiration for yours, follow them on Facebook (@ TheCastleAtWildwoodGardens).
Visit www.wildwoodcastleevents.com to start planning your wedding. For more info, call at (770)-315-7182 or email at wildwoodcastleevents@gmail.com.
‘Tis the Season for Planning
EXPERIENCED. PROFESSIONAL. DETAILED. PERSONAL.
The Season Events takes wedding planning to a new level by combining decades of experience with Southern hospitality, humor, and charm.
It all started in 2007, after Owner and Wedding Planner, Holly Lynch, saw a need for professional event planning in the Rome, Georgia area. “There was a need for professional level of event planning, and since I come from a background in marketing, with experience in corporate event planning, I knew I could help fill that gap,” explains Lynch.
Now, as a certified wedding planner, The Season Events plans around 40 weddings a year, caters an additional 30-ish weddings, and still has the time to cater and help plan another 100 plus events each year. In just 18 years, Lynch and her team have helped orchestrate over 500 weddings.
Thankfully, Lynch doesn’t have to do all this alone. She has amassed a strong and willing team over the past years, with 15 permanent employees and another 50 contracted employees, all proud to help make each event both professional and personal, as only The Season Events can do.
“Every family that comes to us for their wedding is special to us. We become very protective of them, their plans, and strive to make all their expectations become reality,” Lynch says.
Lynch often speaks with the “we” pronoun, because she credits her amazing team with growing and challenging the business to always improving. One such key member is wedding planner and Vice President, Nicole Williams.
After working as a teacher for 17 years, while working part-time at The Season Events on the side, she joined the team full-time six years ago. “She’s changed everything about the way we’ve grown in these past few years,” says Lynch. “She is truly made for this job, and her clients love her!”
“Clients become family” she continues. “As wedding planners, we’ve learned that families are letting us into their lives on one of the most important occasions. Many times, this means a client will share personal details...we become their confidant.”
Williams adds “One of my favorite moments was having a bride’s mother reach out to me one year after her daughter’s wedding and tell me how she still felt like the whole weekend was a dream. She was so happy and so relaxed during the wedding that her memories of the day continue to give her such joy! That’s why I love what I do!”
Whether working with Williams or Lynch, clients can expect nothing short of the best wedding planning services available. Whether they are hired for full wedding planning or an all-inclusive package, The Season Events is prepared to help fulfill their clients’ dreams. The team is equipped to manage everything from catering the event, to getting the bride down the aisle, to planning the honeymoon.
Find The Season Events at theseasonevents.com or call to set up a consult at 706.234.2244
Seasoned to Perfection
AFTER 18 YEARS AND OVER 500 WEDDINGS, The Season Events knows a few things about what to serve to wedding guests to keep them happy and well-fed. Starting with hearty classics like double battered chicken tenders and branching out into specialty items, like individual charcuterie cups, guests are sure to come back for seconds!
The Season Events is known for delicious food that is as pleasing to see as it is to eat. Following the traditions and standards set forth pre-Covid, The Season Events has been able to adapt and innovate new recipes and new service styles to accommodate large and small crowds. After a year that included many challenges and ever-changing regulations, The Season Events was able to respond to the client’s needs for excellent food and beautiful presentation while also meeting the safety standards required. Under the direction of Executive Chef Elizabeth Hernandez Lanham, wedding catering has never been better. Brides and grooms have an almost unlimited selection of menus to meet just about every budget. Clients work with their wedding planner, or directly with the chefs, to create the perfect menu. The Season Events has added fun touches like late night snacks, pre-ceremony treats, and dessert bars featuring cakes, cobblers, cookies and pies. Wedding catering has taken on more fun, interactive elements with many hand-passed appetizers and chef-attended stations such as oyster shucking and build-your-own taco bars.
Elizabeth leads a team of cooks who have been cooking with The Season Events for many years. Their background includes experiences from California, the Caribbean and Mexico, but they continue to focus on elevating our Southern classics with modern touches. Working with the catering team at The Season Events means clients can have their favorite foods at their wedding or try something new and exciting. Brides can always expect delicious food at their events that will keep the guests happy and ready to celebrate all night long!
Find The Season Events at theseasonevents.com or call to set up a consult at 706.234.2244
ANDREA KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Beauty in Bloom
PEONIES FOR PROSPERITY. Daisies for new beginnings. Sunflowers for adoration. Flowers symbolize the steps of your relationship. It started with the store-bought bouquet of red roses on your first date and transitioned into the randomly-plucked flowers on Tuesday mornings. Now, you stand underneath your wedding arch thinking of all the flowers that led you down the aisle. From the first bouquet to the wedding day, Bussey’s Florist can “bring beauty into all life’s moments.”
Bussey’s is a Rome-based florist whose arrangements add a romantic Southern charm that sets the stage for your walk down the aisle. Their “classic style with a modern twist” combines soft, elegant pastels with striking vibrants to create a timeless yet unique look.
For Kim Bussey, co-owner with her husband Todd Bussey, flowers are an important part of everyone’s life that commemorates their most cherished moments. Bussey’s motto is “We bring
beauty into all life’s moments,” and Kim brings that same beauty to each of her clients as she helps them prepare for their wedding.
From the initial consultation to the wedding day itself, Kim is there every step of the way. She personalizes each of her appointments by asking clients for “photos of things they like” to get a vision of their dream wedding. Thus begins what she calls the “everything-but-thekitchen-sink” stage, where she and her clients collaborate to create a look that fully encompasses their perfect arrangements. Over the course of several appointments, she helps them go from a vision to stunning arrangements and guides them to “the perfect wedding that they want,” paired with visuals so her clients always know what to expect.
Planning a wedding is stressful, but at Bussey’s, the process of arranging the florals is welcoming and fun. As “the face of Bussey’s for brides,” Kim values the time she spends creating
the perfect look with each bride. She makes a point to be there herself to present the bridal bouquet to as many of them as she can.
“I always like to take the bridal bouquet to the bride at the wedding… That’s the culmination of the whole thing,” she says. “I’ve had some great moments with brides, giving them their bridal bouquets and seeing that joy in their face when they see that bridal bouquet for the first time.”
With Bussey’s, your flowers symbolize a moment to remember. Your bouquets and boutonnieres signify a love in bloom that you get to celebrate with a beauty unique to you.
Find Bussey's Florist at busseysflorist.com or call at 706.234.1040
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: TOP LEFT & BOTTOM MIDDLE: ANDREA KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
TOP RIGHT: ALLISON RUSSO ALESI PHOTOGRAPHY
A Timeless Love Story
MORE THAN JUST PHOTOGRAPHS, your wedding album is a living storybook of your love—a vibrant reminder of every shared glance, every joyful tear, and every promise that launched your incredible journey together. With snapshots of your best moments, Andy Calvert of Perfectus Photo makes your day last forever. Perfectus Photo captures the day of your dreams while you and your spouse enjoy the first day of your new journey together.
Perfectus Photo caters to the larger Rome and Atlanta areas and makes the experience as special as each couple's story.
With over ten years of experience, Andy Calvert—the owner and lead photographer of Perfectus Photo—ensures that his clients' love story will be remembered. He allows each of his clients to direct their photoshoot so he can envision their story as they see it. Whether they prefer the perfection of the posed or the comfort of the candid, Andy gives them a picture of their forever.
Most importantly, though, Andy wants his clients to share their wedding day with their friends and family and without the pressure of the camera. While the couple celebrates with their loved ones, Andy is keen on understanding the day and capturing the best moments as they come.
"I'll be taking photos in a subtle manner ," Andy says. "And you're not focused on me or what's going on, but you're having a great time." His relaxed style of photography gives his clients a better picture of what the day will hold and allows them to focus on each other with the comfort that, as Andy says, "They know what to expect of you, and they know what's expected of them." This means a stress-free experience for you: simply enjoy your day, and trust Andy to beautifully preserve every moment.
At Perfectus Photo, your joy lives on in your wedding photos. Andy captures the warmth of each look and the joy of each laugh through his unique style of editing, which subtly enhances the natural glow of each moment, ensuring every feeling shines through, just as you remember them. "They remember the experience; they remember the emotion they felt in that moment that was captured... that makes them really love that photo," Andy says. Though the wedding day will come and go, the memories will last forever. "Remember the experience," just as it was with Perfectus Photo. Ready to see how Perfectus Photo can tell your unique love story? Reach out today to start planning your forever memories.
For more information, visit perfectusphoto.com or contact Andy Calvert at perfectusphoto@gmail.com or andycalvertphoto@gmail.com.
PHOTO: IVAN FELIPE
amanda@farrellsframeanddesign.com www.FarrellsFrameAndDesign.com
