2021 V3 Wedding Compendium

NWGA’s Premier Feature Reader / Special Edition

Wedding 2021 Compendium With a stunning venue on 5,000 acres, Kingston Downs is the perfect choice for weddings or your next getaway

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the A DV I C E the RI N G the PL ANNER the CATERER the P H OTO G RA P HER the VENUE the D R E SS the HAIR the FLO WERS the CAKE

COV E R + CO N T E NTS P HOTO PHOTOGRAPHER

Andy Calvert

HAIR & MAKEUP

Canvas on Broad DRESS

Perfect Dress of Rome

STAF F OWNER & CEO

Ian Griffin

MANAGING PARTNER

Chris Forino

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Childers WRITERS

Tammy Barron DeMarcus Daniel Cassie LaJeunesse Paul Moses PHOTOGRAPHER

Andy Calvert AD DESIGN

Elizabeth Childers SALES

Chris Forino Ian Griffin Paul Parsegian PUBLISHER

V3Publications WWW.READV3.COM

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t he a d vice

What We Kept

T H E S E A S O N E V E N T S • T E X T H O L LY LY N C H • P H O T O S L I N D S E Y L A R U E

a bride and her family (or groom and his family) may know for a wedding. During the days of COVID, guests who didn’t see an invitation to an event easily understood why they might not have been included. Let’s keep this same level of understanding for weddings as we go forward. Being included on the guest list is an honor, not a right.

It’s not always about the photos.

So many times, our clients become obsessed with a certain image they want to recreate for their own event. We love photos – it really is the only tangible item you still have after the wedding (and, by extension the video). But the beauty of every wedding photo I’ve ever seen is the smiling couple and the happiness conveyed from the shot. Even if the bride or groom isn’t in the image, the details of wherever your event takes place tells the true story of how your marriage began. If it includes a bottle of hand sanitizer on a table or the neighbor’s mailbox in the background because your wedding had to take place at home, that photo is truth. And it's beautiful.

HOL LY LY N C H OF T H E S EAS ON EVEN TS

As the summer of 2021 unfolds, those of us in the wedding industry are breathing a collective sigh of relief.

We survived. We are enjoying meetings with brides and grooms again without masks, and without fear that the event we are planning may get destroyed by a new government order. We’re not totally out of the woods yet, but we are all breathing easier. The future is bright as we get back to ‘normal’.

Normal, however, is not necessarily the same as it was. We changed, which means our wedding events changed, too. Are all the changes we went through worth tossing away with our masks? In an effort to get back to grand weddings again, there’s a few things we would like to keep.

Smaller guest lists.

For years, we’ve preached that the best way to cut your budget for your event is to cut your guest list. Every guest adds to the overall cost of catering, the bar tab, how many chairs are needed, even the size of the venue you must reserve. We need to normalize smaller affairs and the smaller guest count. It’s not always feasible to include EVERYONE 4

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Family comes first.

When so many clients had their original wedding plans literally tossed in the trash, they turned to those who had watched them grow up.

Aunts offered pretty backyards in lieu of a venue that had to close.

Nearby cousins stepped in as attendants when faraway bridesmaids couldn’t travel. So many of my mothers agonized right along with their sons and daughters about the dream day that had to change, but they always rallied to support new plans, creative solutions, and alternative versions of conventional weddings. Even the most staunch ‘traditional’ etiquette followers understood the need to toss the protocol book out the window, uninvite 100 people (gasp!) and cram the remaining 50 folks into their living rooms in an effort to give their daughter (or son) the most amazing day possible. Brides and grooms, take a good look at your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and cousins, they’re your true ride or die. Your best friend may be amazing, but your mother will literally hand paint the getaway car for you if she has to, just to make your day as magical as possible.

Find The Season Events at theseasonevents.com or call to set up a consult at 706.234.2244

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t he RIN G

Jewelry for Generations

IF YOU ARE PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT OR A WEDDING, chances are you have heard of the four Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat. These are important terms to know when you’re shopping for an engagement ring.

At Greene’s Jewelers, however, they add a fifth C that just might be the most important of all: confidence.

“You can have confidence in your purchase with us,” Owner Elaine Abercrombie says.

“Couples can be confident that they are getting value for their money and that they are getting a piece of jewelry that can last for generations.”

And if there are two things Elaine Abercrombie knows best, they’re jewelry and generations.

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GREENE' S JEWELERS • CASSIE L A JEUNESSE

Abercrombie’s great-grandfather opened a jewelry business in 1905 in Fairmount, Georgia, where he taught his four sons the trade. One of those sons, Abercrombie’s grandfather, brought his business to Rome, and it has been here ever since.

“My grandparents flipped a coin: my granddaddy wanted to open in Ellijay and my grandmother wanted to come to Rome.

Rome won, and I’m very thankful for that,” Abercrombie says. Greene’s Jewelers opened on Broad Street in 1948, where it has remained ever since. “As far as I know, we are the oldest continually operating business on Broad Street,” Abercrombie says. She has worked at the store

in some capacity since she was 12 years old, and she took over all of the responsibilities about three years ago when her mother retired.

“My grandparents’ name is on the front of this building, and that means a lot to me. I only want to make my grandparents proud,” she says.

For those brides or grooms whose families are as important to them as Abercrombie’s is to her, Greene’s is the perfect place to shop for wedding jewelry. Designer Tammy Kelley specializes in custom pieces, often working with jewelry that has been passed down through a family. “Lots of people come in with their grandmother’s jewelry or something that’s been handed down to them, and they want to reimagine it,” Abercrombie

t he r i ng

says. “Tammy can sketch up something in just a few minutes. You keep the old pieces but make it into something new.” Greene’s provides a unique way to incorporate your heirlooms into your special day while still creating something new for you.

In her many years in the jewelry business, Abercrombie has seen it all, and she says that the biggest change has been people stepping away from convention when planning their weddings. “There used to be a whole lot of traditions around weddings, and it’s not like that anymore,” she says. “We can do traditional or unconventional, whatever they desire. It’s more of an individual thing rather than having something like everybody else’s.” For couples who want one (or two)-of-a-kind wedding bands, Greene’s is ready to help. “We have the most interesting new line of wedding bands,” Abercrombie explains. “This company can actually make wedding bands out of things that belong to our customers. If the groom is a

hunter and he has a deer antler, they can take that antler and make a wedding band.” The company offers a variety of nontraditional wedding bands, using metals like titanium and tungsten or other materials such as silicone or ceramic.

No matter what you choose, Greene’s wants to help you through the process. In the end, it’s not about the material of the jewelry or the price tag. It’s about creating a special piece for the customer’s special day. “Every person that walks in this door is just as important to us as the last one or the next one,” Abercrombie says.

“It doesn’t matter to us how much money you spend with us. What matters is that you spend time with us and that you have confidence in what you’ve purchased. The main thing is to be happy with what you select.”

Visit Greene's at 328 Broad Street in downtown Rome, find Greene’s online at greenesjewelers.com or call ahead for an appointment at 706.291.7236

“If I know what love is, it is because of you.”

Hermann Hesse

Serving Our Community Since 1948 328 Broad St. Rome, Ga. 30161 • 706-291-7236 • GreenesJewelers.com 8

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for the unique bride traveling in bohemian style

women’s specialty clothing, accessories & gifts 203 east 8th street rome, ga. 30161 706.295.4203

Yes

SHE SAID

WE BROUGHT IT TO LIFE

Katherine Birkbeck Photography

CATERING

PLANNING

(706) 234-2244 • www.theseasonevents.com

DESIGN

The Season for Planning THE SEASON EVENTS • TEXT RACHEL REIFF • PHOTOS LINDSEY L ARUE

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 14 years, Lynch and her team has helped orchestrate around 460 weddings.

Thankfully, Lynch doesn’t have to do all this alone. She has assembled a strong and willing team over the past years, with 9 permanent employees and another 40 contracted employees, all proud to help make each event both professional and personal, as only The Season Events can.

“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 constantly improve. 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 four 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 (and last year, we were their counselor).”

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 wedding weekend coordination or an all-inclusive package, The Season Events is prepared to help fulfill their clients’ dreams.

t he pl a n n e r

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

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t he cat e rer

Seasoned to Perfection THE SEASON EVENTS • PHOTOS LINDSEY L ARUE

AFTER 14 YEARS AND OVER 400 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 the eyes as the taste buds. 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 clients’ needs for excellent food and beautiful presentation while also meeting the safety standards required.

Under the direction of Catering Operations Manager Amber Henson and Lead 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.

Henson and Hernandez Lanham have both 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

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Flavors CREATING

TO CELEBRATE

(706) 234-2244 • www.theseasonevents.com

t h e p ho t ogra ph er

Keeping the Story in Focus A N DY C A LV E R T P H O T O • BY PA U L M O S E S

says, “I like spending time with people, getting to know them through taking their pictures. I like the relational aspect of it.”

A PERUSAL OF THE PHOTO GALLERY OF ANDY CALVERT’S WEBSITE will show any perspective bride and groom that he is a photographer who can catch the essence of their special day. The pictures evoke a range of moods: many are lighthearted, fun, and celebratory, while others are poignant, heartwarming, and thought-provoking. The varied combinations of subject, setting, posing, and lighting tell the viewers what they need to know, but leaves them curious, too, wanting to know more.

FINDING HIS FOCUS

Calvert is a man of diverse interests and talents.

Before working as a photographer, he spent several years in the music industry, both in music production (studio recording) and playing in different bands, doing live performances in bars and at other venues. During that time, he toyed with photography, developing a growing interest in it. “Even back in high school I liked playing around with photography,” Calvert says.

“I’ve always liked gear, cameras, cell phones, and gadgets.” Three years ago, he decided to narrow his field of interests and focus on just one area, so he made the jump to photography full-time.

Since then, he has built up a clientele, taking pictures for weddings, sporting events, families, public relations, products, and real estate.

Occasionally, he will even use a drone to get a dramatic bird’s-eye shot. First and foremost, however, his favorite subject is always people. He 14

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MORE THAN JUST SKIN DEEP

The daily bombardment of internet images of the illusive “perfect life” gives many people unrealistic expectations about their own personal appearance. This is any wedding photographer’s ongoing challenge. “In this age of social media, everyone is so self-conscious,” Calvert says.

“They want you to correct all their flaws in the photo. I try to help people feel at ease and embrace themselves as they are.”

One of Calvert’s strong suits is his appreciation for people as they are; this is clearly reflected in his wedding photography, as he works with couples to help them find those ideal poses that show them in their best light.

He likes all kinds of people: the beautiful, the eccentric, and (especially) the ordinary. He explains: “My favorite photos are not of people who are in perfect shape and have beautiful faces; it’s normal people, average people, who have genuine expressions on their faces, people who are happy to be where they are in their lives.”

Calvert has a quiet way about him, an easygoing amiable sociability that puts his customers at ease. He knows if they feel good about working with him, they will be better subjects for his lens.

He says, “A lot of people are self-conscious, and I have to make them feel relaxed, especially on their wedding day.”

BEHIND THE CAMERA

When discussing what makes a good photograph (or photographer), Calvert emphasizes the

importance of context and attitude. “It’s not about the equipment,” he says, “it’s about the person behind the camera, whether using a cell phone or a $5,000 camera.”

Calvert believes that when it comes to weddings, optimism is everything. A photographer who can diffuse a tense situation among the members of a wedding party can save the day.

“In the photography industry,” Calvert says, “the biggest thing to your client or employer is your good personality, that you are fun to deal with and fun to be around.”

Dealing with a customer’s insecurities, especially during an emotionally charged event, is a challenge for photographers who are just launching their business. Calvert’s advice to new photographers is: “Don’t just think about the money aspect of it; think about being kind and loving to people. Be as fun and as positive as possible.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY

Calvert’s work is narrative in nature. He always tries to capture his clients’ stories, the meaning behind the special events in their lives. “I want to catch the moment, the memory, the essence of the place and time,” he says. “If I can do that, especially on their wedding day, I’ve done my job. It’s about how you interact with people.

Can you pose them? Can you capture the story?

I think a lot of people don’t understand the storytelling aspect of taking pictures. Learning that is always an ongoing process.”

As for Andy Calvert, his story is that he is in this for the long haul. He says, “Most photographers will spend three-to-five years in the business and then get out. They’re just doing it for side cash.” Calvert sees photography differently. “I’ll always take photos,” he says.

For him, this is a journey, an adventure. He just wants to see where it takes him next.

Find Andy's work at andycalvertphoto.com or on Instagram @andycalvertphoto

andycalvertphoto.com @andycalvertphoto

@andycalvertphotography

andycalvertphoto@gmail.com

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t he venu e

A Venue with a View

AT FIRST MENTION OF KINGSTON DOWNS, images of wide-brimmed hats, bowties, and mint juleps might come to mind with Steeplechase, the famous annual equestrian event. But there’s more to this beautiful 5,000-acre piece of Northwest Georgia countryside than that.

Much more. This is a place to unplug, relax and unwind, alone or with family and friends. To walk in the forest. Photograph wildlife or read a book in the shade by the river.

And, a place to hold unforgettable wedding celebrations.

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K I N G S T O N D O W N S • BY PA U L M O S E S

under the stars. It was a honeymoon for the record books. They indulged in all manner of international cuisine (including lots of street food) and absorbed as many colorful cultural experiences as possible. By the end of their travels, the only two countries left on their list were Japan and EVE YARBROUGH P H OTO GRAP H Y Canada, but Marie was ready to go home. Those last two countries would have to wait for another time.

INSPIRED BY A ROMANTIC That was four years ago. Now, two small ADVENTURE children later, Stan and Marie find themselves When the property’s owners, Stan and Marie the proud owners of Kingston Downs. They Bouckaert, got married, they decided to take have leveraged the things they learned on their a hiatus from the demands and stresses of whirlwind adventure into creating a place where corporate life and spend their time getting to people can come and be close to nature and the know each other while exploring other cultures. people they care about. On their website, the So, they put on their hiking boots, strapped Bouckaerts say, “We wanted to create a place for on backpacks, and struck out to see the world others to get away from their everyday life…to for an entire year. In that time, they saw 44 go off the grid, to relax, reflect, gather and play.” countries, walking and hiking every day, staying in hostels, sleeping in tents or in sleeping bags

t he ven u e

SAY TRE E S P H OTOGR APHY

A PLACE FOR CELEBRATION

The gleaming white pavilion is the ideal place for a lovely wedding ceremony. This newly renovated open-air space encompasses 2,500 square feet and can host upwards of 270 guests for ceremonies and receptions. The pavilion is positioned for expansive views of rolling fields and the Etowah River. Charming cottages are available for guests who want overnight accommodation.

As alternative sites for wedding ceremonies, the couple can take their vows beneath an old oak tree, under a handcrafted arbor, before a grand stone fireplace, or on the more intimate river lawn site.

Kingston Downs partners with first-rate caterers and event planners to make any wedding

EVE YARBROUGH P H OTO GRAP H Y V3 wedding compendium 2021

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celebration run smoothly; they work hard to provide a unique and memorable experience that is tailor-made for each couple.

SECLUDED YET ACCESSIBLE

A tour of Kingston Downs gives the visitor the distinct impression of having escaped the harassing perplexities of life. It feels somewhat like abandoning civilization (or at least the negative aspects of it) and stepping back to a simpler time. To a quieter place, one that moves at a slower pace. It evokes those sensations that only the remoteness of country living can provide. Despite this welcome feeling of seclusion, Kingston Downs’ location is wonderfully convenient for travelers. It is a mere 45-minute drive from either metro Atlanta or Chattanooga, and for those who live beyond driving distance, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is only 70 miles away.

MORE THAN A VENUE

The Bouckaerts have a custodial philosophy about Kingston Downs. The way they see it, they hold the property in trust. They have a strong sense of duty regarding this bucolic place, as something to be preserved, kept safe

E V E YA R B ROU GH P H OTOGRAPHY

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for future generations to enjoy. They take that responsibility seriously. Stan says. “We want this place to be something meaningful.” It’s their wish that this sense of meaning will outlive them. That way, this landscape with its thriving ecosystem of fields, forests, and river, will be as stunning many years from now as it is today.

Marie says, “Kingston Downs is more than a horse venue. Think of it as a getaway, a place for people to escape their everyday lives and relax.” This is a place where people can hike 15+ miles of trails, fly fish, mountain bike, float down the Etowah River, or stroll through the 29 acres of wildflowers. There are even several cozy cottages for quiet getaways.

All these things taken together make the rolling hills of Kingston Downs a fantastic place to make any couple’s wedding day dreams come true.

If you are interested in booking Kingston Downs for your wedding or upcoming event, visit their website at www.kingstondowns.com

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t he d ress

All About the Dress P E R F E C T D R E S S O F R O M E • BY TA M MY B A R R O N

IT’S THE MOMENT, YOU KNOW THE ONE. The music has shifted, your friends and family rise from their seats. In a perfectly synchronized turn, everyone looks to behold you, the bride. After months of planning this is your moment, and the dress must be perfect.

For over forty years Perfect Dress has worked to help their customers find the dress of their dreams, and over the years they have always strived to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the modern bride. To this end, owner Alison Smith recently undertook a complete remodel and expansion of her store in order to redefine exceptional service. Perfect Dress has doubled its size to provide an elevated experience for the modern bridal party; now featuring separate departments and fitting rooms for men’s formal wear, bridesmaids, and an exclusive bridal suite.

The Wedding Party

Offering more than just dresses, their tuxedo business has gained tremendous traction with the expansion. “Men come to us for professional advice and personal attention to look their very best,” says Smith. Three fitting rooms in the tuxedo department makes it easy to accommodate the busiest of schedules; allowing fittings and alterations to be streamlined and stress-free.

“Additionally, we book wedding party events to include bridesmaids, mothers, and any flower girls or ring bearers. With eight consultants and a full-time seamstress, we are prepared to give everyone the attention they deserve,” adds Smith.

A Bridal Suite

The newly expanded and exclusive bridal suite includes a private entrance, elegantly furnished waiting area, and expansive fitting rooms. As these fittings are by appointment only, brides can expect personalized attention 20

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t he dre s s

from a dedicated attendant in a calm environment, private from distractions from the rest of the store. Smith ensures that this time is all about the bride, saying, “Finding the perfect dress is a big decision that you’re trying to make. You are going to wear it one time and you want it to be perfect.

In order to deliver this to our brides, we will only see two brides at any given time and guests are limited to four people; because the last thing you want is distraction when you are trying to make such a big decision.”

Every appointment begins with a conversation to acquaint the attendant with the bride and her vision for her wedding. “This is a personal experience; we want to get to know our bride. We ask her to describe the feel of her wedding, what does she want the reaction to be when she walks down the aisle? With each dress she tries on we discuss the fit, the design, what she likes and doesn’t like; from there we get a clear picture of what she is looking for and how best to cater to her preferences,” says Smith. With over 200 dresses and details of cut, fit, fabrics, and colors, deciding on the right dress could be overwhelming without the help and expertise of the attendants at Perfect Dress. They know exactly how to ease the pressure and make the process pleasurable and fun.

Infallible Attention

Perfect Dress chooses to be an appointment only business because “in many boutiques that welcome walk-in appointments, the client can often feel lost in the chaos of other shoppers. They leave dissatisfied or worse, empty-handed. That is not the experience you get here,” explains Smith.

Perfect Dress has nearly 95% closure rate because of the infallible attention they dedicate to their brides. Brides leave feeling cared for and confident that on their special day, and in that moment, they will look perfect.

Visit Perfect Dress of Rome at 2013 Shorter Ave find them on Facebook @PerfectDressofRome or call ahead for an appointment 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 & Mother’s Dresses • Tuxedo Rentals Veils, Jewelry & Accessories • Gown Preservation 2013 Shorter Avenue • (706) 234-5532 • By Appointment Only • www.perfectdressofromega.com 22

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Haircuts | Creative Color | Extensions 113 Broad Street in Downtown Rome @canvasonbroad | 706.528.4558 V3 wedding compendium 2021

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t he ha ir

A Formula for Beauty

MANY BUSINESS PARTNERS TEND TO BE OPPOSITES—one optimist and one pessimist or one introvert and one extrovert—but not this pair. Allison Terry and Autumn Atkison, co-owners of downtown Rome’s new hair salon Canvas on Broad, are both extroverted optimists.

Listening to them talk is a little like watching a high energy open mic act: a tumble of words, loads of personality, and lots of good laughs.

And they even look the part; Atkison with her thick, scarlet curls, and Terry with her pink tresses. No wonder so many customers become regulars right away.

A PLACE TO LOUNGE, LINGER AND LEARN

Canvas on Broad, which opened in February 2021, is a good place to get pampered. For starters, customers can receive haircuts, color, hair extensions, makeup, facial waxing, and styling. Customers come here to be spoiled, 24

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C A N VA S O N B R O A D • BY PA U L M O S E S

but also to learn how to take care of their own hair. “The whole point is to make them feel good about themselves,” Atkison says.

When it comes to helping a bridal party look their best on that special day, the stylists at Canvas on Broad show their expertise. They can look at a bride’s face and tell what hair color will look good with her skin’s undertone and her eye color, and what will compliment her facial features without washing her out.

t he hai r

As for the current hairstyle trends among brides, according to Atkison and Terry, it is more natural, more textured, and looks loose and effortless (though they are quick to point out there is nothing effortless about it). Terry says, “Hair color these days is very lived-in, grows out natural, with lightness at the bottom and sun-kissed around the face.” Atkison adds, “It looks very soft and subtle. Like it’s natural, but it’s a 1000% not!”

PUTTING THE PARTY INTO BRIDAL PARTY

A popular choice for brides is to rent out Canvas on Broad’s entire space for their bridal party on that special day. Available options include hair, makeup, catering (they have a full kitchen), and drinks such as mimosas. If the bridal party does not need the whole salon to themselves, they can come while it is open to the public. Either way, they can get ready for the wedding in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

Terry says, “I have the most fun here that I’ve ever had working anywhere. We have a ball!” Atkison agrees: “When people come here, they can tell it’s a lighthearted atmosphere. We know how to have a good time.” They strive to provide their customers with what they call a

AUTUM N ATKISO N

ROOM TO GROW

“positive, inviting mental space.” That is, a safe, fun environment for everyone.

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES

ALLIS ON T ERRY

appointments. For instance, Terry says, “There’s no point in spending money on hair color and then going home and using a cheap shampoo on it. You’re wasting your money, and you’ll just rinse out your hair color.” She adds (without joking), “Don’t buy your shampoo where you buy your food! And a more expensive drugstore brand still isn’t good for your hair, it’s just a marketing thing.”

Atkison and Terry’s passion for educating others is not limited to their customers. The ongoing process of teaching their in-house hair stylists is vital to keeping the business current and relevant in an industry that constantly evolves. They point out that every three months or so there is a new trend or technique, and it is important to these salon owners that their work remains innovative, that they provide the best customer service possible, and that they continue to build a reputation as an exceptional salon.

However, the stylists do not simply cut people’s hair and send them on their merry way; they educate them about their hair’s unique texture and needs, and what is the best way to nurture and protect it between salon

People who are used to the cramped confines and dated décor of many hair salons will be pleasantly surprised by Canvas on Broad’s expansive dimensions and chic look. “We had an interior designer come in,” Atkison said, “but we did get lucky with this space. It had beautiful bones.” The previous tenants, The Spires at Berry College, did extensive renovations, so the salon inherited many beautiful details they did not have to change, like gleaming hardwood floors, a modern fireplace, and freshly painted walls. Terry says, “We knew we had to have it as soon as we walked in here.”

Having so much room to work with is a real plus for this hair styling duo; they have opened their salon to subcontractors who provide luxury beauty services such as eyelash extensions and microblading (semipermanent eyebrow tattooing). They are still looking for more beauty professionals with creative ideas, so the salon will just get better and better.

Visit Canvas on Broad at 113 Broad Street in Downtown Rome, find them on Facebook @canvasonbroad or call ahead for an appointment at 706.528.4558

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t he f lowers

The Flowering of Society B U S S E Y ' S F L O R I S T • BY D E M A R C U S D A N I E L

The wedding industry was also drastically impacted by the pandemic as couples were forced to postpone, cancel, or alter plans for their longawaited day. With the mandatory quarantines and reductions in crowd numbers, many were forced to make changes that they never imagined nor considered. “The biggest change that we have noticed is people realizing their true priorities during the pandemic. Some of the rescheduled weddings have been much grander, while others have been much simpler. Most importantly, the weddings have captured the personality of each individual couple,” says Bussey.

One of the most popular wedding flowers for 2021 are peonies. Peonies are well-known perennial flowers native to Asia, Western North America, and Europe. These imperial flowers date back to 1000 BC in the gardens of China and by the eighth century, they had reached Japan who are now major producers of the peony.

LIKE MANY INDUSTRIES, the floral industry had to adjust their way of doing business during the pandemic, and Bussey’s Florist was no exception. Isolation from loved ones caused many to search for new ways to express their feelings while remaining distant.

Kim Bussey spoke to how some people used alternate means of showing love. “Flowers are a way of expressing emotions and connecting when you’re not able to physically be there. This has never been more evident than during the pandemic. We found a lot of people discovering the joy of giving a gift of flowers that hadn’t necessarily thought of that as an option in the past. For us it was gratifying to be able to be there for our customers when they couldn’t be there for each other.”

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t he f l owe r s Bussey says that while peonies are the most requested flower for weddings, it is the way Bussey’s uses different combinations, colors, and textures of flowers that is the most important factor in bringing the bride’s visions to life.

“We spend a great deal of time consulting with and getting to know our brides,” she says. “As floral artisans it is our job to guide our clients in making decisions to achieve the look they desire.”

Bussey says their mission is “bringing beauty into all of life’s moments. This is never truer than with our wedding clients. From our initial planning meeting, through our consultations with brides, to the wedding day itself, our goal is to make it a beautiful experience for all involved.”

Bussey’s Florist and Gifts, a family-owned flower shop since 1976, has two locations: 7 Central Plaza in Rome, GA and 302 Main Street in Cedartown, GA. Both stores offer luxurious, upscale flowers for all occasions. They provide delivery nationwide and have won many awards for their work.

Find Bussey's Florist at busseysflorist.com or call at 706.234.1040

Todd and Kim Bussey V3 wedding compendium 2021

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Vision to life

Bringing your

ROME LOCATION 500 E 2nd Ave Suite 7 Rome, Georgia 30161 706-234-1040

BUSSEY’S FLORIST & GIFTS CEDARTOWN LOCATION WWW.BUSSEYSFLORIST.COM

800-292-0913

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

868 Spider Webb Drive • @bakeandbloomrome • 706.622.0116 V3 wedding compendium 2021

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t he cake

B A K E A N D B L O O M • BY PA U L M O S E S

The Baker's Art of the Unexpected

ENTERING BAKE AND BLOOM FEELS A LITTLE LIKE STEPPING INTO A CHILDREN’S BOOK where some magical character lives inside a wedding cake. The first impression is the aroma: sweet, seductive, delightfully mouthwatering.

(If bakery owners Rebecca and Corey Lance could patent that smell they would never have to work again.) The space is cozy, bright, mostly white-and-pink, and spotless. A glass display case shows off a colorful array of handmade treats, and a counter is topped with artistically rendered wedding cakes that speak to the shop’s eclectic reputation.

It's a wedding cake…no, it’s a sculpture. It’s both!

Rebecca and Corey Lance

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Rebecca Lance is an artist, that is clear from her work. Even the shop’s walls show her talent. On one wall she painted a scrolly Bake and Bloom logo. On another, she painted a tossed pattern of kitchenware, everything from mixers to oven mitts, each object created in an iconic thickand-thin French style. “Everyone asks if it’s

wallpaper,” Rebecca says, “but it’s hand painted.”

Rebecca’s wedding cakes reflect the same kind of creative flair. Her designs are unexpected, even eccentric, like something that would not be out of place on display in a modern art gallery.

“Of course, I can do a plain white cake,” she says, “but I like to use different textures and colors. We like to do fun stuff. We’re open to unusual requests.”

From cakes to cameras to cakes again

For Rebecca Lance, owning a bakery was a dream that came and went and then came back again. As a young married couple, she and Corey lived in a loft apartment in downtown Adairsville, where she tried to start a baking business, following the cottage industry model (that is, baking at home). “Then she got pregnant, and the smell of cake made her sick,” Corey says, “so we put that on hold. It wasn’t meant to be.”

Still wanting to do something creative, Rebecca founded Rebecca Marie Photography.

t he cake “I stumbled into it,” she says, “but that was never the plan.” The Lances worked that business for eight years. “Then,” Rebecca says, “we ran into a friend at a store, and he mentioned that I had made a cookie cake for him in high school. He said, ‘You need to make me one of those again.’

So random. That week I made a cookie cake and posted it on Facebook.” From that posting, other people asked for cookie cakes, so in August of 2018, the Lances started a new cottage baking business.

Putting his hands up, Corey says, “This was not my thing. Not at all!” Rebecca nods and explains, “I roped him into it. I was busy doing all the baking and decorating. It became too much, so I taught Corey how to bake.” He picked it up fast. He often baked until 4 or 5 A.M., then Rebecca would start decorating. Corey says, “We were passing each other in the hallway.”

At first, they only made cookie cakes, but soon customers were asking for other things, such as cupcakes, decorative cookies, and wedding cakes.

Corey says, “We were working from home, loading cookie boxes in our car and making deliveries.” Rebecca adds, “Our kitchen and dining room were constantly covered in cakes and bags and boxes.” The Lances did that for two years as the business grew. Finally, they got to the point where they were having to turn customers away because of the workload.

Something had to change.

In August of 2020, the Lances opened Bake and Bloom at their current location, 868 Spider Webb Drive, Rome, Georgia. Corey says, “We looked at each other and decided this must be something bigger than we thought, so we took the plunge. And here we are.” One career built on the another to give this enterprise a kick-start.

“Rebecca’s photography gave her a big following on social media,” Corey says, “and that’s what made this business successful.”

Rebecca does all the decorating, a staff of five employees do the baking, and Corey takes care of all the behind-the-scenes business issues.

And, yes, they still deliver.

Many regular customers come in and say, “Here’s our theme. Just let Rebecca do whatever she wants.” They know when they pick up their order it will be a surprise, but a pleasant one.

As wedding photographers, the Lances tasted many wedding cakes made by other bakeries, and sometimes those cakes were stale and dry.

Rebecca says, “All our cakes are fresh and moist.

We make them on the day of or the day before our

customers’ events.” Quality, taste, and freshness are important to the Lances. Rebecca says, “I love to see people on Facebook say, ‘That cake was so good,’ and I can say, “Hey! That’s my cake!’”

Visit Bake and Bloom at 868 Spider Webb Drive, find them on Facebook @bakeandbloomrome or give them a call at 706.622.0116

A pleasant surprise for the customer

When it comes to wedding cakes, many customers come to Bake and Bloom unsure of what they want. Rebecca walks them through the options: flavors, fillings, frostings. She makes a variety of cupcakes that reflect the customer’s choices and then hosts a cake tasting. From there, the customer can make an educated decision about what to order.

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A secluded property with woodlands, fields, trails, and Etowah River access, perfect for outdoor play, events, and weekend getaways.

www.kingstondowns.com • gore springs rd se, rome, ga 30161 venue tour by appointment • info@kingstondowns.com