V3 Wedding 2016

NWGA’s Premier Feature Reader / Special Edition

WEDDING 2016 COMPENDIUM hopes to share a piece of the past with couples who are taking on the future, hand in hand. v3magazine wedding compendium 2016

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5 theRING 6 theDRESS 8 thePLANNER 1 0 t h e R E N TA L S 1 3 t h e F LOW E R S 1 4 t h e C AT E R E R 17 theREHEARSAL 1 8 t h eV E N U E 22 theHAIR 23 theMAKEUP 2 6 t h e P H OTO S 30 theDIY COVER CREDITS Makeup Stella Blu Cosmetic Boutique Hair Salon Stella & Blu Dry Bar WEDDING COMPENDIUM STAFF OWNER / Ian Griffin EDITORIAL MANAGER / Oliver Robbins WRITERS / Oliver Robbins, Tripp Durden, Greg Howard, Ian Griffin PHOTOGRAPHY / Cameron Flaisch Derek Bell FEATURE DESIGN / Ellie Borromeo AD DESIGN / Laura Allshouse Ellie Borromeo SALES / Chris Forino, Shadae Yancey-Warren PUBLISHER / V3Publications www.v3magazine.com

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And so the adventure begins...

20% Off Wedding Attendant Gifts 4

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Serving Our Community Since 1948 328 Broad St. Rome, Ga. 30161 706-291-7236 GreenesJewelers.com

the ring

Love Eternal GREENE'S JEWELERS W

hat stands as a greater sign of one's endless love more than the eternal brilliance of a diamond?

Throughout history, a diamond has signified the true meaning of love by being resilient in nature and standing true throughout the test of time. The ancient Romans believed that even the tip of Cupid’s arrows were made of diamonds.

A diamond is pure, made of nearly 100 percent carbon, and embodies the definition of a true union. However, for Greene’s Jewelers (328 Broad Street, Rome) a diamond signifies the uniqueness of a couple's love. It takes the expertise of those who have been matching these precious stones with couples for generations, to truly see the value.

There is an indescribable sentiment you feel when walking through the doors of Greene’s. It is as if you can feel the love and anticipation of those young grooms and brides-to-be who have walked into this same shop before you, to make one of the most important decisions of their lives.

Elaine Manning Abercrombie, the fourth

generation of Greene’s to carry on the tradition of her family, has talked to generations of couples. Abercrombie shares the same passion for these precious diamonds as those in her family have before her, and loves coming to work each day knowing she is in the business of making people happy.

As an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist, Abercrombie can consult with you about each diamond and ways to mount it. She suggests that there is something unique to this business, viewing diamonds under a binocular microscope.

It is the very best way to be assured that you are getting the diamond that is perfect for you.

“We look for the certain feeling one gets when they see the ring that is right for them, like the feeling felt by a young man as he looks into the eyes of the one he will then offer this ring to,” Abercrombie says.

A couple certainly does not reach the altar by themselves. Before the moment man and wife say, “I do”, there have been friends and family

helping them tie the knot. This is why Greene’s carries a line of accessories perfect for those who have truly been a blessing to the couple before he carries her over the threshold. Greene’s offers everything from pearls to match the dress of the bridesmaids, to engraved pocket watches for the best man. Gifts for flower girls and ring bearers are available, as well as all the accessories needed, including knife sets and toasting glasses.

Everyone at Greene’s is happy to play their part in helping the couple gain the confidence to make this great commitment and they love when the couples return with stories to tell.

Abercrombie smiles and tells a story that shows the importance of tradition when buying a ring. A young couple traveled from out of town to come to Greene’s, and when asked why, the young man said his father worked as an intern in Rome while in college. While in Rome, he decided to propose and went ring shopping in Downtown Rome. The young man smiled and said that Greene's was where his father purchased his mother’s engagement ring, and he remembered his father saying how those at Greene’s helped him make a choice he knew he couldn't have made on his own. He said that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, and it was Greene’s that helped him select the ring his bride wears today.

This is not an uncommon story. In fact, there are some families who have trusted Greene’s for five generations. Abercrombie will tell you that she has never had a groom say that his bride didn’t like the ring he selected at Greene's. Simply put, there is just something special about the service you experience when choosing Greene's.

You are around people you can trust, people who care about you, and people who want nothing more than to see you leave happy and confident. It is these simple values that have allowed Greene’s Jewelers to be successful for generations. V VV

Visit Greene’s Jewelers at 328 Broad Street in downtown Rome, on the web at GreenesJewelers.com or call for an appointment at 706-291-7236. v3magazine wedding compendium 2016

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the dress

PERFECT DRESS

i feel pretty

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he long anticipated moment has finally arrived. The processional begins as the guests rustle and turn in their seats. The bride’s dress flows around her as she glides towards the one to whom her heart belongs, and he looks back at her with eyes blurred by tears. The dress compliments her perfectly, fashioning the very fairytale moment every young girl longs for. As she walks, the train of her gown brushes a walkway of flower pedals scattered by the adorable flower girl who happily preceded her. Every eye is attentive to her, and she is focused on what lies ahead. Today is the day she wears the beautiful gown made for this moment, as she takes the unforgettable walk to the next exciting chapter of her life.

As a little girl, Alison Smith, owner and operator of the full-service bridal boutique fittingly named Perfect Dress of Rome (2013 Shorter Ave., Rome) once dreamed of helping brides reach this very moment. She remembers back as she and her cousin, Michele Graves Buxton, once played in the small wedding boutique of her Aunt Reesa, pretending they were helping brides find their prefect dress.

25 years go by, and Smith, having just been married as well as graduating college, was given the opportunity to buy the boutique from her aunt.

She would be forced to pass up this opportunity as she established herself into her new life as an adult.

After eight years and the loss of her cousin Michele, the opportunity would arise once more for Smith to buy the boutique and pursue her childhood dream. Without hesitation and relinquishing to fate, Smith purchased the store, renaming it Perfect Dress of Rome, as a nod to her own childhood aspirations. “Michele’s passing made the purchase of the store that much more important to me so that I could honor her” Smith recalls.

Smith and her team are dedicated to helping others find the dress fit to match their desired “fairy-tale” like happy ending. “When she says,

‘yes’ to her perfect dress, the bride automatically sees herself on her wedding day” Smith explains.

“I feel that is the moment she realizes she is finally getting ready for her happily ever after.”

Perfect Dress of Rome knows that it is their job to not only make the dream of their clients a reality, but to exceed it. To do this, Smith and her team dedicate their expertise by scheduling appointments with the bride and her party, setting aside time in which they can show the brides the beautiful designs and colors they have in mind and to allow the ladies access to styles they may not have even seen before.

“We know what looks best on all body types and know how to find the best style and fit for what they have in their minds before they even get to the boutique,” Smith says.

She believes in the value of getting to personally know the client. This is because she believes the perfect dress is not only the one that makes their clients look their very best on the big day, but a dress that reflects their individual personality.

Perfect Dress of Rome offers more than just the perfect dress for the bride. The boutique also carries a wide selection of dresses for the bridesmaids and flower girl, as well as tuxedo rentals for the men. On top of these services, Perfect Dress is also known for their fashionable accessories to accent the bridal gown and the radiant bride.

And when the bride has lived through her dream turned reality, Perfect Dress also offers services to help brides preserve and store their dress for years to come.

Visit Smith and her team at Perfect Dress of Rome, and discover what you will wear to your happily ever after. V VV

To schedule a fitting and consultation visit Perfect Dress of Rome at perfectdressofrome.com or call ahead at 706-234-5532.

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PERFECT DRESS OF ROME Let us help you turn your dreams into a reality Designer Gowns Bridesmaid & Flower Girl Dresses Tuxedo Rentals Veils, Jewelry & Accessories Gown Preservation 2013 Shorter Avenue

(706) 234-5532

PerfectDressOfRome.com

Appointments Recommended v3magazine wedding compendium 2016

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the planner

THE SEASON EVENTS

Everything in its place Ray Harris

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o one sleeps through an alarm “the morning of ” and most likely arise before it even sounds. Although the day is young, the anticipation for the afternoon is tangible in the expressions, through the doings, and during the conversations. Most mornings begin with a yawn and a stretch. This one, however, starts with a party. While best friends are applying mascara to highlight the joy soon-to-be and college

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roommates are sharing a whiskey on the rocks to ease the nerves, another team of flushed faces are straightening the centerpieces, hanging the string Edison lights, and starting the charcoal grill.

For a wedding or any other event to be a success, loved ones, life-long companions and creative problem-solvers must partner behind the common goal of turning the Pinterest board into the reality of the day. However, the space between the vision and the reality is often overwhelming, turning many to the services of professionals like those at The Season Events (300 Glenn Milner Blvd., Rome).

Holly Lynch, the co-owner and founder, along with business partner Ray Harris and their team,

approach each event with the same passion you would devote to your own special day.

“We are very family-oriented as a staff, and we aim to treat our customers as an extension of our family. We want them, at the end of the day, to feel incredibly loved throughout the event and through our service,” says Lynch.

With a background in corporate event planning, Lynch opened The Season Events in 2007, intending to mirror the joy of the event through preparation of the surroundings. “We meet with our clients a lot, maybe too much,” Lynch laughs, “because we want to know all the ins and outs, the special circumstances and the priorities. Knowing every detail of what will make the day special for

the planner the bride, the groom and the family ensures we can make it happen.”

However, with so many possibilities, indoor ceremony or outdoor celebration, buffet style dining or sit-down affair, pastel apparel or neutral tones, identifying a unifying inspiration requires real investigative genius. “My first question usually is, ‘tell me what you imagine, tell me what you see, and tell me what you think this day is going to look like,’” Lynch shares. “Most brides and their moms usually have a picture in mind.

we are working around a color scheme or the atmosphere of a venue, we want to embrace the theme of the event.”

Of course, no wedding is complete without a carefully considered menu. Ray Harris, Catering Director (also known as the food genius), pushes back against the stereotype of stale banquet food, opting for a home-cooked alternative.

“We cook on-site, which alters the entire atmosphere because the experience becomes really interactive. If you’re going to have fried

green tomatoes, you want them hot and you want them crispy, not lukewarm and soggy. Having those tomatoes served fresh or a beef tenderloin that’s being grilled right there really appeals to all your senses,” Harris says.

Because The Season Events is able to bring their kitchen to the venue, the conversation is less about limitations and more about possibilities.

With hundreds of wedding success stories, Lynch and Harris are confident in the competency of their team to turn those precious hours of celebration into lifetime memories. Thinking back to an event two summers ago, Lynch recalls, “We had just seen the bride off with sparklers, she and the groom had hopped in the back of the car, and as they left, the mother of the bride threw her arms around me, sobbing, and said, ‘I had no idea it was going to be so fantastic.’”

Those are the reactions the team aims for with each celebration. From the walk down the aisle, through the delicious meal and endless dancing, to the always-messy, always-joyful rice throwing, The Season Events is in the business of dream-inspired moments. V VV

Contact The Season Events online at theseasonevents.com or call for a consult at 706-234-2244.

More often than not, a bride-to-be has considered this before any other detail. She hasn’t thought about the song she is walking down the aisle to as much as she has thought about what she wants her dress to look like.”

This conversation, according to Lynch, usually uncovers a color palette or another aesthetic inspiration that will direct the overall experience. Because the team at The Season Events make it their priority to accurately appreciate the customer’s concept, this underlying motif is necessary for ensuring all elements for the day align. “We want the wedding party and the guests to have a cohesive experience. Whether v3magazine wedding compendium 2016

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the rentals

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or the new couple who envisions a slow dance beneath the sparkling stars, a café setting with a canopy aglow, or a dance floor to rival any music hall scene, there is one place to find any or all of the aforementioned.

With more than 40 solid years of envisioning, crafting and installing an ambiance never to be forgotten, Reece Tent Rental (1393 Cobb Industrial Way, Marietta) can provide anything and everything needed to set an event up and then set it off.

From tents, dance floors, lighting, and drapes to tables, chairs, and restroom facilities, Reece Tents can cover the ceremony, the reception, and anything desired in between.

This year, Reece Tents is hitting their 2015 wedding calendar with more than a handful of new features. They invite the reception to mingle and be merry under the translucent canopy of their Tidewater Sailcloth tent.

“It’s the latest and greatest in tenting,” says Christopher Reece, director of operations. “It’s made out of a much lighter material, allowing the natural sunlight to pass through as well as any artificial light, including color and design, to glow underneath."

If a bride dares to dream outside the tent, so to speak, Reece has her covered there as well.

“We’ve recently starting getting into doing what we call outdoor cafe reception areas,” he says.

“Basically, doing lighting over tables and chairs without a tent.”

With a client list spanning Paramount Pictures, MTV, American Cancer Society and Atlanta Steeplechase; Reece Tents takes each and every event seriously and with complete creativity and compassion.

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Got you Covered

REECE TENT RENTALS “We love hearing somebody’s vision and just trying to bring it to life as much as we can,” Reece says. “I love coming together with other professionals in this business and putting our heads together to try and create something from nothing.”

A space on which nothing once stood can be completely transformed into a setting that will stay forever in the hearts and minds of guests as Reece Tents’ well-trained crew provides a flawless installation of first-class fantasy. Whether the setting demands the deep, rich, tone of fruitwood or the light, classic look of white resin folding chairs, Reece has it covered, along with every look in between.

“We have a bunch of brand-new tables, also, all ready to go,” he says. “From hi-boys all the way to eight-foots and estate tables … everything you’re looking for.”

Everyone knows that the party doesn’t start until someone gets on the dance floor. Whether the guests specialize in doing the Time Warp, the Sprinkler or the Cupid Shuffle, Reece Tents has something special that will work well with all dance moves.

“We now have a new indoor/outdoor Plank Wood dance floor,” Reece says. “We are one of only two companies in the entire Southeast that have it.” He adds that this particular dance floor can not only stand alone without cover, but can also be laid down without a protective flooring

system underneath – less burden, more boogie.

When it comes to pulling a fantasy wedding out of the pockets, Reece says, consider your budget, but don't lose sight of your dream. Reece Tents doesn’t mind getting creative to make a vision a reality.

“I want to make sure that we are going to be able to achieve the look and the dream that you have without breaking the bank,” he says. “We always try to stay conscious of brides’ budgets, even when they’re not conscious of it themselves.”

From the site planning and installation to the break down, the team at Reece Tents will go the distance to ensure a memorable event, making certain that their brides get their moon dance or their canopy of stars.

And they genuinely love what they do.

“That’s going to make the experience of working with us that much better,” Reece says, “because you have someone who is truly enthusiastic about your event. At the end of the day, when you get to see that bride’s face when she walks in and sees everything that she’s been dreaming about become a reality, that makes it all worth it.” V VV

Call Reece Tent Rental at 404-355-1392 or visit www.reecetents.com

Reece Tent Rental, LLC | 404.355.1392 | www.ReeceTents.com | 1393 Cobb Industrial Way, Marietta,2016 GA 11 v3magazine wedding compendium

Creating Beautiful

Weddings for 40 Years

photography by: katherine birkbeck

Bussey’s Florist & Gifts www.busseysflorist.com 12

Toll Free 800-292-0913

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Rome Location 250 Broad Street Rome, Georgia 30161 706-234-1040

Cedartown Location 302 Main Street Cedartown, Georgia 30125 770-748-4055

the flowers

she loves me

C

onsider for a moment the job of a florist.

Think of the great significance that lies behind the one who arranges the beautiful bouquets that lie along the altar as you and the love of your life become one, or the corsage that sparkles in the light reflected from the disco ball of your first high school prom. Think of the hands that took the time to cut and design the arrangement of colors and fragrances given in the celebration of new life, or laid in the honor of a life to be remembered.

A florist is a consultant, an artist and a friend who is in some way present in almost every monumental moment of your life. A wedding is merely one example of one of these cherished times that is truly made something magical by the skill of a seasoned florist.

According to Todd Bussey, owner of his family business, Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts & Décor, “Flowers are historically important in weddings and add a special touch to the big day that nothing else can. Flowers bring an element of nature, color and even help to tell the story of the couple.”

Bussey and his team of florists located in Rome and Cedartown have helped to tell their share of love stories. As he will tell you, flowers are the language of love.

During the 19th Century Victorian Age, due to a common social custom that courting should be very reserved, a language was developed re-

BUSSEY'S FLORIST ferred to as, “the language of flowers”. Different flowers each represented a unique emotion felt towards the significant other receiving the gift.

The florists at Bussey’s believe in these indescribable feelings that can only be expressed in flowers, which is why their mission on the big day is to reflect the couple’s personality, vision and unique story in every arrangement they create.

Whether the flowers present themselves during the ceremony or at the reception, or whether they are shown off in the bride’s bouquet or incorporated with the cake, Bussey assures that each arrangement will reflect the wishes of the client.

According to Bussey, styles have certainly changed over time. “The going trend now is individualism” he explains. Whether your style is more natural, rustic or formal, the artists at Bussey’s consult with each and every one of our clients to succeed in delivering an arrangement that fits your individual plans as well as your venue.

“Flowers themselves can reflect different personalities” Bussey explains. For example, Orchids can be viewed as more elegant and exotic whereas Daisies are seen to bring about happiness and are considered to be more casual.

At Bussey’s, it does not matter how large, small, elegant or casual you wish the special day to be, these personal elements can and deserve to be

reflected. Bussey’s will work with you and your wedding party to create personal touches that set you ceremony apart from the norm, no matter the size of your budget.

But, why stop with flowers? Just as the name suggests, Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts & Décor offers more than just flowers. Brides are free to open a registry for all types of unique home accents and dishware, and choose from such popular brands as Juliska Tableware.

Bussey is proud of the fact that he and his parents before him have served customers who are a third generation of business. Your special day is in good hands with superior designers such as Todd and the rising star Andrea Calhoun, who has been working with flowers since she was a teenager. Bussey’s Florist truly offers a personalized service that speaks your own personal language of love.

To schedule a consultation visit one of BUSSEY'S two locations at 250 Broad Street, Rome and 302 Main Street, Cedartown. You can also contact a representative on the web at busseysflorist.com or by phone at 706-234-1040 (Rome) and 770-748-4055 (Cedartown).

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the caterer

hall and toasts

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LA SCALA

fter the vows, the kiss and the happy couple have split the crowd, the time has come to sit with family and friends to enjoy a meal with the bride and groom. Around the table, the family shares a collective sigh of relief and celebrates the joining of two houses.

In so many ways, the reception has become as important as the ceremony itself. There is a science to appeasing not only the couple and their families, but the guests as well. Luckily for many of these Northwest Georgia couples, La Scala Mediterranean Bistro (413 Broad Street, Rome) knows exactly how to establish and maintain this sort of balance.

“Our attention to detail is what really sets us apart from other caterers,” says Barba when asked why people should choose La Scala for their catering needs. “We never just deliver the food and leave. We take a hands-on approach to guarantee our customer’s satisfaction.”

La Scala’s willingness to both travel and work within any budget lends truth to Barba’s claim.

“We really try to bring La Scala to you,” he says

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regarding his travel policies.

So, for anyone looking to have a reception or event outside the immediate Rome area, Barba and his staff are able to handle catering up to 45 miles outside the city limits.

New to La Scala is a private event space currently under construction above the existing restaurant. Now, clients have an additional onsite option available when booking La Scala for a catering job. “Having an additional private event space is a convenient option for couples who chose to work with us for their event. Also, it will afford us the ability to execute even larger parties,” Barba explains.

Available in late August or early September for booking, this space provides a dramatic backdrop of Downtown Rome with 15-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows facing Broad Street. For the right type of event, rooftop access is always perfect for a more intimate setting.

The possibilities open even further as Barba explains some of the things he has planned for couples who book the space in advance. “We can

host up to 350 people in the hall for a standing cocktail party. Or we can serve an intimate family dinner on the rooftop terrace,” he says. “We are working to be a one-stop-shop for all catering needs. From the rehearsal dinner and bridal brunches, to showers and receptions, we will have the space to accommodate anything a client would need.”

La Scala is equipment ready for nearly any event. From flatware to off-site cooking equipment, La Scala can provide a number of wedding needs. Traditionally, these extra services are met thru the use of a rental company and this always translates to substantial savings. The same applies to the new event space. In most instances, there is no need to rent chairs, tables or linens, eliminating the additional headache of dealing with an outside company.

Another of Barba’s offerings is a private tasting, both the chef and event planner work with couples and their families to create the perfect menu for their event. Over the last year, this aspect to their catering service has really taken off.

In-home Chef Dinners, as Barba like to call them, have become his favorite creative, culinary outlet. “These private dinners really give us an opportunity to find out what they like, connect with the family and be creative. There are many times when guests sit and watch us cook while asking questions the entire time. And the hosts are able to enjoy the party and not have to worry about shopping for food, preparation of the meal or clean up.”

And as far as diversity in the menu options, La Scala has made sure their culinary range has expanded to meet the new event options available.

Maybe you want to roast a whole pig or serve a 30-pound Black Grouper at your event. As it turns out, La Scala has the means and willingness to accommodate any brand of special request.

“We can do everything from traditional Italian/Mediterranean food to a Louisiana-style low country boil. We really seek to satisfy our customers. Everything we do is dependent on simplifying their stress leading up to the big day. We ask that they speak freely about any budgetary concerns and we can always work something out,” he says.

With so much to plan and do for your wedding, why not let La Scala set the table for culinary success.

Find La Scala on the web at lascalaromega.com or call for an appointment at 706-238-9000.

PRIVATE DINING

CATERED EVENTS

C A S U A L F I N E D I N I N G AT I T S BE S T L ARGEST WINE SELECTION IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA A LL “ SE A T O TA BLE ” F R E SH SE A F O O D

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the rehearsal

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

JAMWICH

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ver the course of the last three years, the name Jamwich has become synonymous with fantastic sandwiches and a laid back atmosphere. The restaurant, located at 510 Broad Street, Rome, has become a favorite downtown lunch destination through organic farm-to-table ingredients, quality meats provided

by Boars Head and a menu fused together by a variety of jams of the physical and musical variety.

Owner, Shadae Warren, along with her staff put in the blood, sweat and tears necessary to build the business from a start up to staple. But

like any good small business owner, her ambitions for the business far exceeded her original goals.

As more and more people experienced Jamwich for the first time, more and more requests came across the counter for catering opportunities and special events. Warren took this chance for growth and approached it responsibly, taking a few small events here and there to build a new branch of the Jamwich tree, one limb at a time.

“It started small and at first we generally served variations of sandwiches on our standard menu,” says Warren. “After we got our footing,

things really started to take off and now we have set options, as well as the opportunity to create custom menus based on the client’s needs.”

Warren quickly realized that her 11-3 lunch only hours allowed her facility the availability for event space rental. With a capacity of 80 people, she can provide the space and the food for rehearsal dinners, wedding showers or even receptions if the numbers are right. With all of the above under her belt, she is confident that those looking for a different setting for these traditional events should come by and see what she has to offer.

“We start with the budget and go from there,” says Warren. “We have the resources to customize a menu and can make things as formal or laid back as the client chooses. From proper linens to themed decorations, we price events based on what the client wants us to do. So, if they want us to handle everything, there is a price for that.

If they want us to handle the food and let them do the rest, there is a price for that. We work with budgets large and small, so we are open to just about any request.”

The opportunity to book the restaurant for your wedding events comes Thursday-Saturday from 5:00-Midnight and for the right event, allday opportunities are a possibility on Saturdays with enough lead time. Warren is confident you won’t regret booking your special occasion at

Jamwich based on the happy customers that have come before you.

“I feel lucky to host such special moments in people’s lives,” says Warren. “We take a lot of pride in their decision to host them at Jamwich and I think that shines through in the food and atmosphere we provide for something as important as a wedding celebration.” V VV

Find Jamwich online at getjamwiched.com or call at 706-314-9544. v3magazine wedding compendium 2016

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the venue

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s the day that a couple joins in matrimony arrives and witnesses gather to celebrate the union, it is certainly fitting to be surrounded by a place as beautiful as the love they all share. Nowadays, brides and grooms are stepping outside of a traditional church location, trading steeples for twilight skies and wooden floors for blades of emerald grass. Northwest Georgia has the perfect place for families who wish to open up their wedding party to the great outdoors, and give their guests a beautiful glimpse into the history of the area. Burk Farm (377 Burk Road, Rome) is absolutely perfect for couples who want to dance the night away under the stars, and people are taking notice of the wonderful things they offer.

Just past Mount Berry Square Mall is a wedding venue born from a gentleman’s passion for antiques and the beauty found in reclaimed structures. William Burk, Jr. decided four years ago that he would open his family farm to couples who wanted to tie the knot, and allow them to enjoy the Armuchee countryside as he had for 50 years.

“Two or three years before we opened the venue, someone had a wedding here and all we had onsite was the barn, bathrooms and the fireplace,” Burk says. “I moved back to Armuchee 10 years ago, and I had some time on my hands after I’d retired. So, I started to do a little bit here and there, and strangely enough, I never really had the intention of the farm turning into a wedding venue.”

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As the former contractor tinkered around his property, he began to add to the existing structure.

A bridal suite, complete with mirrors, lighting and dressing room was added to the back of the barn along with a bar. And as word spread of the perfect place to have a wedding, Burk pushed his construction know-how to the middle of the table and went all-in on a wedding venue. His first step, however, was to hire someone who could provide everything a young couple could want on their special day.

“I really couldn’t relate to the young brides, so Quincee Maples came on board four years ago,” Burk laughs. “She has really done a fantastic job with making this venue successful.”

With Maples’ savvy when working with wedding parties and managing the property, word soon spread of the great times folks were having at Burk Farm. Naturally, the need became apparent for more space and amenities.

“The next thing we built was an all-purpose building we call the Store. But as the weddings grew in number, they also grew in their number of people who needed to dress and prepare. So, we turned the bridal suite into the groom’s suite and opened the Store for the ladies,” explains Burk.

Adding to the ambiance of the venue, Burk fashioned two gazebos from the trunks of large cedar trees and adorned the top of the first with

one of his antique discoveries. Through a good friend who dealt in antiques, Burk was able to purchase a bell from a school house in Pratt, Kansas that was over 100 years old. The inspiration for the gazebo was based solely on this bell, one of his many treasured antiques used to decorate the venue. “Couples still ring it after they are married here,” he says, “and it’s really a unique find.”

Local artists have lent their talents to some of the antiques Burk has collected over the years, giving the property a lovely feel. Old saw blades and reclaimed windows, painted by local artist Judy Schmidt, color the barn or reception area with pictures of iconic Roman landmarks. And with roughly 5000 lights running the rooflines and bathing the spaces in a warm glow, the

the venue romance pours from the building as if this was their purpose all along.

Another local artist, “Uncle” Johnny Knight, has fashioned Native American busts found throughout the property, most prevalent on the second gazebo’s cedar-trunk supports. All around are bits and pieces of the past, in beautiful concert with the modern touches desired in a wedding venue.

Brides have the choice of two areas for the main ceremony. One of the two being a gazebo, with a stepping stone aisle leading a bride to the man of her dreams. The other being under Penny’s Arbor which stands lakeside, framing a fountain cascading streams of water above the shimmering surface of gentle ripples.

Vintage church pews from local places of worship have found a new home at Burk Farm, and are set in rows beneath blue skies for onlookers to witness the vows.

“We also have antique double doors that are over 100 years old that open up as the bride comes down the aisle,” Burk says. “We set the doors directly behind the church pews, so the groom still gets the feeling of seeing his bride

for the first time during the ceremony.”

It helps to have a knowledgeable professional on hand, one who can help guide couples through busy schedlues and make sure the day is flawless with little to no added stress. Quincee Maples (property manager and planner) and Adlynn Keith (planner and coordinator) are there with the bride and groom, every step down the aisle.

“We average around 25 weddings per year and we are seeing a lot of interest in the venue, so we recommend couples book the venue a year in advance or as soon as the date is set,” Maples explains. “This way, we can ensure the weekend you desire is available. I know it seems like you are looking early, but so is everyone else. It really helps to get an early start. Our busy season is usually the fall, so for girls who want to book around this time of year, they really need to book early.”

Because the Farm does not have a closed season, the possibility for a wedding any time of year is offered. “We also have a rental property, recently renovated, that sleeps eight to ten people.

Tara Smith owns the property and has happily agreed to let our families rent the space. It is the Smith Lodge and it is perfect for brides or

something old something new

families who want to stay onsite and catch up for the weekend. We do have other events going on around town, such as the tennis events, and we will rent it to them. So, if this is an option you would like, it’s best to book it ahead as well,” Maples says.

Maples notes that other guests frequently book the Hawthorne Suites in Downtown Rome, giving them a great opportunity to tour the city and see some of the great things the area has to offer.

“We have provisions, such as seating and pew space, for up to 250 guests,” she continues.

“We have had parties exceed this number, and we are able to expand the space by outsourcing to other companies we work with. So, we can work with guests lists of many different sizes to be sure everyone is comfortable and happy on the big day.”

Because of their contact with caterers and other event providers in the area, Maples and her team handle every detail of the wedding, leaving time for the family to focus on each other.

“We pride ourselves on making the weekend as smooth, easy and as seamless as possible. We handle the setup and decorating if requested, and because we have collected things over the years from prior wedding requests, we have many of the decorations onsite. We have a really good starting place for girls to plan from,” Maples says.

Whether snapping photos in front of the 1936 McCormick Deering tractor or watching the youngsters roast marshmallows around one of the two stone fire pits, Burk Farm presents itself perfectly to celebrating eternal love. Holding the honor of being voted 2015 Best Wedding Venue in the Rome News Tribune’s Reader’s Choice contest comes as no surprise, when seeing the attention to detail Burk has put into his family farm.

If you are looking for a timeless destination to say, “I do”, look no further than Burk Farm. VVV

For a consultation or booking call at 770-324-2385 or visit online at

burkfarm.com

BURK FARM

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BRIDAL HAIR & MAKEUP Stella Blu Cosmetic Boutique & Salon Stella & Blu Dry Bar Call or visit our professional makeup artists and master cosmetologists to schedule your pre-wedding consultation.

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200 BROAD STREET, ROME, GEORGIA 30161 • 706.234.7900

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the hair

T

he planning of a wedding can prove to be nothing short of a stress-provoking time for brides and their wedding party.

With so many pieces that must come together just right on the big day, the last thing a bride wants to worry about is whether or not their wedding will prove itself to be a good hair day.

Tiffany Barnes, owner of Salon Stella and Blu Dry Bar (200 Broad Street, Rome), says that her team encourages busy brides to “leave the stress at the door.”

Barnes, once a nurse working in outpatient surgery, CCU and inserting PICCs, purchased Stella Blu Cosmetics from her friend Emily Kitchens who previously operated the store.

Since then, she has transformed the loft area of the boutique into a full-service hair salon she’s named Salon Stella and Blu Dry Bar. “We know how brides are feeling on the big day, which is why we help them to relax while having a good time.

We want to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for all of our clients,” she says.

The Stella Blu team is specifically skilled in discovering what makes every bride look her best and can help brides find the perfect style for the big day. “Because each client’s hair is different, there is not one look that will work for every person.” Barnes notes. “Our team focuses on being sure the specific needs are tailored to the person.”

Chrissy Watson, a master cosmetologist at Salon Stella and Blu Dry Bar, knows the value in spending the time preparing for a smooth and stress-free wedding.

“We schedule a consultation first where the bride can show us pictures of what they’d like, and talk about their particular preferences, so that we can get a good understanding of what they

want.” Watson explains. The bride’s hair is then fixed to the perfect style to ensure she will love the look for her big day After careful notes are taken, the bride and party must only wait until the big day and have the team recreate their selected style.

The preference for different wedding hair styles is always changing. Christina Powers, one of the newest members of the Stella Blu team, has been making others look beautiful for over 14 years. “Color has really changed, from really bold looks to now more natural colors,” Powers says. “Styles and trends are always changing and evolving. Trends come and go, and styles that fade away always make their way back into the spotlight. We try to stay up to date on the most current trends in color and styling to keep our brides looking their best.”

Salon Stella and Blu Dry Bar is not only unique for the services they provide the brideto-be, but also to those just looking for a quick touch-up with the salon’s new blow dry bar. “Our blow dry bar is located in a separate area of the salon,” Watson says, “so our salon services the everyday guest by offering a place where anyone can come in to have a shampoo with a great massage, blow dry and style.”

When considering the stylists who will make you beautiful on the most important day of your life, Salon Stella and Blu Dry Bar would love the chance to make your look perfect. V VV

Visit Salon Stella

and Blu Dry Bar

on Facebook and Instagram or call at 706-234-7900.

Up on the Dos

SALON STELLA AND BLU DRY BAR 22

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the makeup

Love to Makeup F

STELLA BLU COSMETICS

rench fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent once said, “The most beautiful makeup on a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.” At 200 Broad Street, Rome, Stella Blu Cosmetic Boutique makes it easy for brides to choose from many lines of professional grade cosmetics to help display their own inner passion.

Stella Blu offers the bride and her bridesmaids a personal cosmetic service that starts their journey when they first open the doors.

Tiffany Barnes, new owner of the popular downtown boutique who received a makeup artist certification from the Atlanta Makeup Academy, has taken the reigns and continues to offer brides the same customer service they are accustomed to at Stella Blu. “We offer high end cosmetics in store, so women can come here and get everything they want at one location. It’s a convenience factor we are happy to offer.” Barnes explains. “We have everything we need, right at out fingertips. All a bride needs to do is show up and we handle the rest.”

Brides are asked to first come in for a consultation and allow Stella Blu’s skilled staff to get to know the bride they will be working with.

“We talk to the brides about their skin, about the look they want and especially what they envision for their big day.”

After the consultation, the cosmetics are chosen and careful notes are taken on how the makeup has been applied, all to ensure that the look is exactly what the bride has in mind.

Makeup artists at Stella Blu then have the blueprint needed to recreate the look on the day of the wedding.

Laurie Kitchens, a makeup specialist at Stella Blu, has noticed a shift in the preferences brides are wanting. “Brides are looking for something a little more natural, something to just enhance their natural beauty” according to Kitchens. “We want to ensure the bride is comfortable with her look, but take into account that flash photography can wipe-out at least 35 percent of the makeup a bride wears.”

Stella Blu Cosmetics Boutique is unique in that it offers brands of cosmetics not found in the local area. Brands such as the world’s leading mineral makeup, Bare Minerals, Smashbox Cosmetics (which are cosmetics created specifically to perform under lights in flash photography), BECCA, TheBalm, Blinc and Morphe all can be used to create a timeless look. The bride and bridesmaids will enjoy the way they look on the day of the ceremony for years to come.

“Confident. Beautiful. Timeless. You.” This is the motto by which Stella Blu Cosmetic Boutique operates. And no matter what look the bride would like to display, as all eyes are on her. Barnes and her team ensure that she will leave confident in the way she looks. VVV

Like Stella Blu Cosmetic Boutique

on Facebook and Instagram or call for an appointment at 706-234-7900.

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Sweeten up your wedding with treats from Sweet Bar, your local bakery.

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601 Turner McCall Blvd NE Rome, GA Facebook.com/TheSweetBarRomeGa 706.295.7113 Closed Sunday Mon-Tues 6am - 6pm, Wed-Fri 6am 7pm and Sat 7am - 7pm

C ALL US TODAY 706-346-0009 www.StoneCreekInn.net 2769 Cedartown Hwy. Rockmart, Georgia 30153 photos by strawberr y hil l photography

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cameronflaischphotography.com facebook & instagram cameron flaisch photography 706.767.8100 cameronflaischphotography@gmail.com 26

v3magazine wedding compendium 2016

the photos

C

ouples in love are documenting their journey to the altar from the ring reveal to the reception. With so much ground to cover, photographers have been called upon to make sure that every special moment is captured and preserved for years to come. So, it is important to seek out the right artist, and choose a professional who can connect with you from the other side of the lens, creating extraordinary snapshots of real emotion. Cameron Flaisch, owner of Cameron Flaisch photography, hopes that couples will see him as a fresh approach to shooting and appreciate his knack for finding beauty off the beaten path.

Flaisch learned that he had a passion for photography after his father purchased a Canon 40D nine years ago. He would steal away with the equipment and find places to shoot that were outside of the normal Roman landmark photos.

“The first shot I took that I thought was really cool was up on Fouche gap,” Flaisch recalls, “and it was a picture of a post with barbed wire around it and my Ford Mustang is in the back ground, kind of out of focus. The dynamics in the shot I was able to create due to the high quality of the photo really struck me, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

After posting his early work using different

forums in Atlanta, Flaisch began to draw the interest of people who were in need of a photographer. His eye for locations, angles and lighting led to his inbox being flooded with clients who wanted him to shoot their milestones.

“I found that I had a real love for the photojournalistic aspects to photography. I want to pull the real feeling out of anyone I shoot,” says Flaisch.

“I don’t like to put people in a typical setting and just tell them to smile. I try to capture the really candid moments. And when I shoot a wedding, I tell them I like to be there the entire day. I want to document it all, from the dreaded no make-up shots to the beautiful pictures created from all of the hard work. That way, my clients can look at their photos and relive a day that sometimes flies by due to the high stress and anticipation that comes along with getting married.”

Covering this special time is more than a point-and-shoot endeavor for Flaisch. Careful planning is what he hopes to come away with after a consult. He wants to know the locations that flood a bride and groom with memories of the bond the share and also create new moments using unconventional settings. From barely lit parking decks to rolling green pastures, Flaisch finds the perfect shot in his perfect setting. And his witty back-and-forth with his clients during

a shoot often leaves him with more than pictures to edit after a shoot. He frequently comes away with new friends.

Flaisch is, quite honestly, the photographer on the go. No place is out of the realm of possibilities for him to travel for a wedding or engagement session. From Florida and Toronto, to Texas and Detroit, he has hit the open road at the request of clients. Also, he works to get photos back to his clients in a timely manner, so that they can share these moments together with family and friends.

“It really doesn’t take a whole lot of knowhow to take a photo,” Flaisch explains, “because, mechanically, it really is just pushing a button on a camera. But I want my clients to know that they aren’t just paying for the photo, they are paying for the experience and the effort I put into every shot. I try to connect with couples and I strive to produce an accurate representation of a deeply emotional time in their lives.” VVV

Get in touch with

Cameron Flaisch

at Cameronflaischphotography.com or call him at 706-767-8100. Also, search Cameronflaischphotography on Facebook

CAMERON FLAISCH PHOTOGRAPHY

candid cameron

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R

Custom cakes for every occasion Full service retail bakery

Made to order, from scratch!

Located between Chattanooga & At lanta 228 Broad Street • Rome, GA 30161 706.232.0611 • honeymoonbakery.com info@honeymoonbakery.com Find us on facebook!

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THE HUNT'S DIY EXPERIENCE

A Family Affair

W

hen walking down the grassy aisle in her Lazaro wedding gown, guests could not tell that Doralee Hunt had not hired the most expensive wedding planner this side of the Mississippi. Everything was just as she and her groom, Perry Hunt, had dreamed of and they did it all with the help of a few dedicated family members and friends.

Now, before every bride decides to ditch the budget and go at this venture alone, they both have some wise words for the couple in love who are planning a do-it-yourself wedding.

After purchasing a home about two years ago, the Hunts knew they wanted to tie the knot

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in a place that was special to them both. “Well, we looked at different venues that were between $8,000 and $12,000. Most of them were out of town and we knew we wanted to have a good time, alcohol included,” Doralee explains. “So, we didn’t want our friends having to drive away from really far out and we wanted to try and repurpose the money we would spend on a venue. That’s when we decided to take the money we would spend on a venue and remodel the house we had just purchased together. Then, we could have our wedding here and continue to see the benefits of all the money we spent on our wedding.”

Although this is one of the smartest plans

for a wedding, it most definitely not the easiest for young professionals. Perry, who works in sales, and Doralee, a student and apprenticing cosmetologists, were very busy with family and work. However, the work to the property still had to be completed before they could say, “I do.”

“I love her dearly and I wanted to make her vision a reality. I couldn’t contribute much to the renovation, because I was at work most of the time. I did, however, write a lot of checks,” Perry laughs as he explains what it took to build a wedding from the ground up.

Many would think that planning a wedding yourself would be cheaper and less trouble for the

the diy bride and groom. The Hunts tell a much different story. They still shelled out the cash needed to go the conventional route, and then some. But without the help of family and friends, it would have been impossible.

“My job was the yard,” Perry says with a smile.

“I would also hand out beers and hold things in place for her father every chance I’d get, but I work 60 hours a week. Much of what had to be done was with the help our family and friends.”

Lee Ford, Doralee’s mother, acted as planner and assisted the bride in picking out the décor for the big day. Mike Ford, her stepfather, was the

tree for the evening of the ceremony.

With the house ready for a wedding, the Hunts needed only to secure a pastor. “Mark Green, from Eternal Expressions Tattoo is an ordained minister and offered to marry us right after we told him we were engaged,” Doralee says. “We thought this was perfect, because we wanted the wedding to reflect who we are. Zack Williams, who was our bartender, gave guests who were shuttled to our house from Shorter Ave., a drink as soon as they left the van. We danced down the aisle, shaking hands with all of our friends, because that’s the kind of people we

handy man of the crew and tackled much of the remodel of their home. Woody Burns, Doralee’s father, custom built the gorgeous wood shutters around the house.

From scattering truckloads of mulch to cutting down trees, Lacey Starr, Chaz Thomas, Kenneth Davis, Eric Hunt and Zack Ford handled clearing the yard of brush and setting the canvas for the lighting design for the evening. Using Amazon Prime, they were able to light the entire front yard and even string ambient lighting in a

are. Having the wedding at our home allowed us to do the things that make us happy and we wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

A stock the bar party was held before the ceremony, ensuring the spirits were plentiful, family catered the event with barbeque and Anthony Barba provided the linens as a wedding gift to the Hunts.

“I like to explain that day like a couple’s bedroom. It’s a sanctuary and reflects who you are. We were able to do that with our wedding

and show people who we really are and I loved being able to share our relationship with the people we love the most,” Perry says. “However, I would advise couples to be really strong, because choosing to go the route we decided will really test the strength of a relationship. We really couldn’t think of any way we would have rather planned the most important day of our lives.” VVV

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Your Special Day is the Reason for Our Special Year.

Voted BEST VENUE for 2015 by Rome News Tribune

Bu rk R oad , R om e, G A 3 02016 165 32377 v3magazine wedding compendium

7 7 0 .324. 2385

B urk Far m . com

I nf o @BurkFar m.com