V3 Wedding 2013

Nor thwest Georgia’s Premier Feature Reader /

Special Edition

M AG A Z I N E

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EDDING2013 COMPENDIUM

STONE

CREEK INN Set it in stone at the season's top venue

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EDDING2013 COMPENDIUM

5 THE JEWELER T H E F LO R I S T 6 9 THE PHOTOS 12 T H E D R E S S 15 THE MAKEUP 19 THE VIDEO 20 THE RENTALS 23 THE SWEETS T H E FAVOR S 4 2 2 9 THE CATERER 30 THE LIMO

Model Abbie Bannister Cover Model Maegan Leek

GREENE'S JEWELERS

F LO W E R S O F R O M E

Special Edition Staff Writers Neal Howard & Ian Griffin Editor/Designer Neal Howard Ad Design Ellie Borromeo Sales+Marketing +Client Rep./Mgmt.Chris Forino, Shadae YanceyWarren, Ian Griffin Publisher V3 Publications, LLC One West Third Ave. Suite 300 Rome,Ga 30165

A N DY BA X T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y

PERFECT DRESS OF ROME

V3MAGAZINE.COM

S T E L L A B L U / VA N N A H K I T C H E N S

PRECIOUS IMAGES

R E E C E T E N T R E N TA L

S U GA R CA N DY E M P O R I U M

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

L A S CA L A

H E A V E N LY R I D E S

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THEVENUE

S TO N E C R E E K I N N

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the JEWELER

The first thing to know about Greene’s Jewelers is that the family-owned retailer has been in Rome for over 65 years, thriving on a mission statement built around personal service and genuine care for its customers over the long term. If rings could talk, there would be thousands of wonderful proposal stories echoing off the walls at 328 Broad Street, the business address where Greene’s has been entrusted with so many life-altering purchases.

As any man who has been through the process of buying an engagement ring knows, it can be a rather intimidating process. With that in mind, the staff at Greene’s focuses, first and foremost, on educating clients about their diamonds. Prospective gems are placed under a gemologist microscope, allowing the buyer to get up close and personal with the stones.

And by the time a groomto-be leaves the store, he has a much greater sense of confidence in his purchase, as well as having abated some of the anxiety that comes with making such a monumental decision.

The first step in buying the right ring, according to Joyce Greene-Manning, is knowing the “four C’s” of the diamond industry—i.e. carat weight, clarity, color and cut. These four axial factors are all covered by Greene-Manning or a veteran staff member during the inspection of any Greene’s stone, but there is one C that reigns supreme. “The number-one thing we look for in a diamond is the cut,” Greene-Manning says. “And I’m not referring to the shape, I’m referring to how well it is cut. If the angles and proportions are off, it can decrease the [value] of the diamond by 50 percent. We cover every aspect of the diamonds we sell with our customers, so they know exactly what they are buying.”

In turn, Greene’s Jewelers inadvertently provides a fifth C: confidence. It is just this sort of meticulous, precision personal service that makes a visit to 328 Broad such a unique NWGA shopping experience. After all, a proposal is one of the most significant moments in a person’s life. Choosing the engagement rings and wedding bands a couple will share should, therefore, be a highly personal experience,

Diamond in the Rough GREENE'S JEWELERS and hopefully one that becomes a happy scene in your one-of-a-kind love story. For this and several other important reasons, Greene-Manning implores those in the market for diamonds this wedding season to stay off the Internet and visit Greene’s in the flesh. “Girls want romance,” she says, “On top of that, you really have no way of knowing exactly what you’re purchasing when you buy diamonds off the Internet. There are very few perfect diamonds in the world, but when you shop at Greene’s, we focus on getting the diamond that’s perfect for you.”

Atop their vetted and well-documented expertise, Greene’s also carries a great selection of attendant’s gifts (i.e. the now-customary thank-you nod most couples give to friends and family who take part in the ceremony).

From freshwater pearls to engraved pocket knives, there are several affordable options to let your wedding party know just how much you appreciate their support.

With an American Gem Society- and Gemological Institute of America-certified

staff (many of whom have accrued a laundry list of subsequent certifications), Greene’s know-how matches its staff’s enthusiasm for customer service. And as a result, timetested credentials, along with a rich history in downtown Rome, combine to cast it as the most romantic, locally owned choice any bride or groom could make. “Our staff feels that what sets us apart is the genuine care we have for our customers,” Greene-Manning says. “The most valuable thing is not the price of the sale, but that we have been trusted to be a part of one the most special moments in their lives.” VVV vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

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the FLORIST

Denise Mansfield

I will be doing my one-thousandth wedding. I hope to do a thousand more.”

With so many hundreds of wedding events tucked confidently under her belt, Mansfield has executed just about every theme you can throw at her, and with a feverish enthusiasm.

When asked about what’s hot for 2013, she ntoes that in the age of Pinterest, trends in the floral-arrangement market are a thing of the past. “Now that brides have access to a world of beautiful and creative things to inspire them, they all want to make their weddings completely unique,” Mansfield explains. “They want their ideas, their visions, and their personalities to shine through in the flowers, and we listen intensely in order to create that wedding magic for her special day.”

Flowers of Rome not only employs an experienced, highly talented, professional and friendly staff, but also one whose arrangements reflect their special brand of TLC. “Every bride is beautiful and unique,” says Mansfield. “It is a joy for us to take part in such a special occasion, no matter what the scale of the event. And we take pride in putting our best into every last wedding.” VVV CONTACT PRECIOUS IMAGES BY PHONE @ 706.378.2121, ONLINE @ FLOWERSOFROME. COM, OR IN PERSON @ 878 SPIDER WEBB DRIVE, ROME, GA 30161

You Set the Trend

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FLOWERS OF ROME

A perfect floral arrangement can turn tears to smiles, can awash the most drab of spaces in radiant color. Such elegance, in fact, is paramount for a lasting impression when it comes to a couple’s uniquely crafted wedding ceremony, and Flowers of Rome owner/ master florist, Denise Mansfield, is positive that she can produce this elegance in its simplest or most extravagant form.

Although just a teenager at the time, Mansfield began her journey toward a lifetime shrouded in petals as a florist delivery girl and design apprentice. Her ultimate goal was to save enough scratch to buy her own shop, and after years of penny pinching and fine-tuning her eye for arrangement, that day finally came eight years ago when she inked the deed at Centre Florist in Centre, Ala. Business in northeast ’Bama has been booming ever since, too, according to Mansfield, but being a lifetime resident of Rome, she says she couldn’t help but to try and duplicate this success in her hometown. And so, earlier this year, she expanded with the grand opening of Flowers of Rome. “I’m thrilled to have Flowers of Rome up and running. In 30-plus years of working in this industry, I am proud to say that I’ve never had a bad day at work. I truly love what I do, and this summer 6

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the PHOTOS

Book it with Baxter ANDY BA XTER PHOTOGRAPHY

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As any professional events planner will eagerly tell you, there is quite a lot of detail in the execution of a wedding that often goes unnoticed by those in attendance. Months, even years of planning, and all for just a few short hours to be enjoyed by everyone involved.

It is for this very reason that wedding-day photographs are so very meaningful to the bride and groom. A skilled photographer has the ability to capture the love, laughter, tears, and irreplaceably candid moments that help us to relive a milestone, irretrievable 24-hour slice of our lives, and Andy Baxter of Andy Baxter Photography takes great pride in doing just that. The Calhoun-based photographer says he places a primary focus on creating the strongest, most trusting, most personal connection he can with his subjects in the brief timeframe given, in order to ensure a relaxed shooting atmosphere. And

Photo Andy Baxter

it is a philosophy that, without question, shines through in Baxter’s finished product.

Andy shot his first full wedding season in 2001, and in the years since, the number of requests for his services have flooded in at such a volume that, at one point in 2009, he was faced with the decision of whether or not to dedicate his business to weddings full time. “I always knew I wanted to do something in the visual arts, but from the first wedding I shot, it just kept building and building. I was overwhelmed with the number of people who chose me to shoot their weddings and family portraits.

“Looking back on how it happened, I think photography chose me as much as I chose it.”

Today, Baxter’s bridal packages range from $1,500 to $5,000 per (based on total coverage hours), yet each includes a fullyedited assortment of photos in digital format, so that the client couple has full rights and

access to the images which capture, frame by frame, the most important day of their lives. And in the digital age, it is important to note that the most savvy photographers depend not only on a deep understanding of highly advanced camera hardware, but also on the highly advanced software with which they will render their images’ final cuts. “I spend countless hours in the studio editing my images,” Baxter explains, “to give them a look and feel that makes them unique.”

This attention to detail further elevates Andy Baxter Photography’s clout as one of the most revered wedding photographers in all of Northwest Georgia, so be more prudent than your and waste little time saving a place on his calendar before your big day is booked by another client. VVV CONTACT ANDY BAXTER PHOTOGRAPHY

BY PHONE @ 676.878.6366, OR ONLINE @ ANDYBAXTERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

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the DRESS

PrincessPerfect PERFECT DRESS OF ROME

Alison Smith

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A concept derived from the classic princess fairytale, a woman’s perfect dress is to be worn at that very special moment when the stars align and Prince Charming extends his hand for a dance at the royal ball. It wouldn’t be so perfect, however, had the princess’ fairy godmother not created such a ravishing gown just for her.

And it is no secret that little girls living in every corner of the world grow up dreaming of such a day—their very own perfect day—complete with their very own, reallife Prince Charming and perfect dress. On a day so significant for nearly every woman on the planet, there is no bigger decision a bride-to-be must make than picking the right dress, and Perfect Dress of Rome provides 12

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unparalleled service thanks to the dedication of owner Alison Smith. The shop Smith now occupies the 2013 Shorter Avenue space formerly known as The Wedding Belle, which originally opened its doors in 1978 under the ownership of Reesa Milton, a close family friend of Smith’s mother.

Smith grew up around the shop, and even dreamed of managing it someday. “When I was about five, I told Reesa I was going to run her store one day,” Smith says. “I always knew I wanted to be in business for myself, and when the opportunity arose to fulfill a childhood dream, I decided to go for it.”

Nowadays, Smith’s personal connection to the location is coupled with a burning passion for what she does. The result: a huge sigh of relief on your quest for the perfect dress. Ideally, this will be a once-in-

a-lifetime purchase, and Smith of all people understands the sort of pressure that comes with picking the right gown.

But while some brides enter the store with an HD-clear vision of precisely what it is they are looking for, no woman can really know for sure if it will work for her until she tries it on. Luckily, Smith has a fail-safe process in place to bring your dreams to reality. “It’s impossible to know if a dress is the right one for you without trying it on,” Smith reiterates. “I suggest that every bride start by picking out what she likes from our selection, in order to gauge which gowns best fit her body type, as well as her reaction to how she looks in each one.

“From there, it is a matter of knowing your inventory. The most important part of the process is listening to the things a bride does and doesn’t like about the dresses she is trying on. This allows me to put the right combination in front of them until we find the perfect dress.”

Perfect Dress of Rome is also a fullservice wedding boutique. Bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flowergirl dresses, tuxedos, in-house alterations― you name it, Alison Smith has you covered.

This season she is carrying three weddinggown lines: Essence of Australia, Mori Lee, and Jasmine. Smith has great confidence in each designer, and the versatility of each line allows Perfect Dress of Rome to accommodate budgets large and small.

“We know what an important decision this is,” Smith says, “and it is our goal to provide a comfortable and fun environment for our brides. If we can eliminate any of the stress that comes with planning a wedding, we have done our job.” VVV

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Bridal

makeup application Don’t Delay, laDies. Call/Visit Professional makeuP artist & liCenseD esthetiCian, Vannah kitchens, at the numBer/ loCation listeD BeloW to sCheDule your Pre-WeDDing Consultation

2 0 0 B roa d S t r e e t, ro m e , G e o rG i a 3 0 1 6 1 • 7 0 6 . 2 3 4 . 7 9 0 0

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We live in a highdefinition world, ladies and gents.

And in this new world, every bump, blemish and bruise is magnified by the omni-present cell-phone cameras shooting every last second of every last social event we attend.

Sure, you may not be too concerned about the photos posted on Facebook from the baby shower you attended last Saturday, but your wedding and the events leading up to it are a different story entirely.

Enter Vannah Kitchens, area esthetician and makeup artist extraordinaire, to save the day.

Kitchens is the owner/operator of downtown Rome’s premier cosmetics boutique, Stella Blu, and enhancing the beauty of Northwest Georgia brides just happens to be one of her many specialties. “The wonderful thing about makeup in this day and age is that there are no rules,” Kitchens explains.

Vannah Kitchens “When a bride comes in, we are really able to do just about anything she wants. We really have requests that are all over the spectrum, and while most brides come in knowing exactly what they want, we can certainly steer them in the right direction if they are uncertain.”

The process begins with a Stella Blu consultation, which serves as a critical test run for the big day. Afterward, Kitchens says, no matter how skilled a bride is with regard to makeup application when she arrives, she will be plenty comfortable with the application of her custom look when she leaves―which, by the way, will be featured front-and-center in nearly every one of the all-too-important wedding photos she will share with family and friends for years to come.

Needless to say, this is a decision that can’t be flubbed. That’s why walking clients through the process just happens to be included in Stella Blu’s remarkably reasonable $65 price tag, to which any member of the bridal party can be tacked on for an additional $40 per.

Kitchens also suggests planning your consultation the same day as an important wedding-related event―a shower, let’s say, or an engagement party― in order to get the most bang for your buck. “The consultation really allows us to perfect the process,” she explains, “so that everything comes out right when it’s time to walk down the aisle. We get to create the

the MAKEUP

Pretty in Blu STELL A BLU

look they want, and if we don’t accomplish that on the first run, we’ll keep trying until we get it just right.”

For the convenience of the bride and the bridal party, Stella Blu services are available both at the store and onsite.

One of the tricks behind Kitchens’ trade is her use of HD makeup products, designed to photograph well in situations where lowergrade cosmetics can reflect the flash from a photographer’s camera. HD cosmetics have saved many a wedding-photo album in the 21st century, and have also proven handy in combating rogue blemishes and bad spray tans.

Kitchens has dealt with every conceivable epidermic crisis that makeup can hope to abate, and the final results have risen to the occasion each time.

“I am extremely passionate about makeup, and there isn’t a more important day to have it perfectly applied than your wedding day. A bride needs someone who knows how their makeup will photograph, as well, because these pictures will last forever. We can help you in every phase of the process, and we’ll make sure you are proud of your weddingday look.” VVV

MODELS (FROM LEFT) Kara Grizzle, Rachel Turner, Sherrell Smith, Kendra Rhyne. HAIR Josh Terr y

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theVENUE

s tone old abulou F C S

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A bride and groom must make many difficult choices as they prepare for their wedding day, but none quite as important as the venue where they will say their vows. Debra Nelson of Stone Creek Inn in Rockmart tries to make that an easy choice for each and every one of her clients by forging an understanding and chemistry that well exceeds standard protocol.

Nelson refers to her clients as “her brides,” and the reference’s sincerity shines through in each service Stone Creek Inn provides. From hosting the initial guided tour of the property to bidding adieu the last, lingering guest at the reception, this attention to detail translates seamlessly from personal service to physical amenity, making it obvious to couples from the get16

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STONE CREEK INN

go that Nelson and her staff are extremely passionate about their craft.

Prior to its opening in 2010, when the Nelsons originally acquired Stone Creek and its surrounding property, there was no talk of turning it into Northwest Georgia’s most complete wedding venue for the dollar.

“When my husband and I purchased this property, it was intended to be a weekend getaway for the two of us,” Debra explains.

“We started renovating room by room, and every time he would ask me if we were finished I inevitably found a new project to work on. All of that hard work was noticed by our friends and family, and that was how our first wedding came to be.”

While Stone Creek’s undeniable, Shirelike beauty is nearly enough to seal the deal for most, the accommodations offered via its

bridal-party packages pony up the remainder of any incentive left lacking. Bridal parties here, in fact, find themselves in an extremely comfortable environment to shake loose those nerves and re-fasten any loose ends prior to the ceremony. A private suite is reserved for the bride, so that every detail of her pre-altar rite can be executed without distraction or interruption, while the groom and his buddies are afforded the same tier of luxury within a real guy’s-guy setting, complete with bar, lounge, TV and pool table.

The families of both the bride and groom are also granted V.I.P. access to the homestead. Meanwhile, children are encouraged to take refuge from the rigor at Stone Creek’s designated play area, which allows their parents and fellow adults to breathe easy in the lounge or on the peaceful

LEFT Drifting lazily downstream aboard the SCI Love Boat, a glowing bridesmaid with bouquet to match drinks in the aesthetic along FIsh Creek.

Photo angles abound from this charming waterfront vista, and the adjacent main house accommodates amply with multiple hosting areas. MODEL LISA SHOEMAKER /BELOW The Pole Barn is an ideal site for exchanging outdoor vows or hosting an unforgettable reception―not to mention that it promises guests all the ambience of an open-air celebration with none of the sweat stains, thanks to its quiet-but-effective power-fans churning overhead. / TOP RIGHT Here, on the Stone Creek Inn Veranda, a newly married couple shares an intimate laugh to the tune of birdsong, faintly emanating from a whipporwill nest in the nearby treeline. MODELS ABBIE & JESSIE BANNISTER /MIDDLE RIGHT Another exquisite site, this time overlooking the aforementioned Fish Creek from a pristinely manicured, rolling-hill vantage. MODELS ERICKA & PAUL CHAFFIN

veranda overlooking nearby Fish Creek.

The decision to marry here is an easy one, actually; the real challenge is choosing where to say your vows. Each option is ohso-appealing in its own right, and no matter which you choose, Nelson’s process is custom engineered to comfortably entertain and accommodate your guests at every turn. There are even wheelchair- and power chair-accessible ramps abutting each of the property’s main structures.

Yet another perk of working with Stone Creek Inn: Nelson’s extensive blackbook of preferred-vendor contacts. Once a client’s wedding is booked, she/he is given a direct line to every conceivable wedding service one could ever need to pull off the whole shebang without a hitch—and at insider rates.

From aging homestead to wedding-site paradise, the journey belying Stone Creek Inn has been a true labor of love for Debra Nelson. “I love my brides,” she says frankly.

“I have developed long-lasting relationships with each and every one of them, and while I promise them I won’t try to come along on the honeymoon, I’ll make sure I’m here for everything else.” VVV vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

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Inside the mind of many a bride-to-be, an entire lifetime of planning has gone into the creation of her perfect wedding day.

Vows are sealed with a kiss, the celebration ensues shortly thereafter, and just a few short hours later, her friends and family depart the venue for good, leaving it to the bride and groom to preserve the occasion’s memory.

And while photographs certainly serve to capture these memories in still form, Phil Davis of Precious Images Videography offers the live action equivalent via highquality video.

With over 20 years experience filming wedding ceremonies and receptions, Precious Images Videography was founded

by Davis’s two sons, Lance and Clay, in 1992. Phil joined the family business soon after. His youngest son, Clay, went on to earn a degree in audio/video communications from the University of West Georgia, and his proficiency in video technology and editing software is, ultimately, what has allowed the Cave Spring-based company to

theVIDEO

Phil Davis

Reliving the Dream

PRECIOUS IMAGES VIDEOGRAPHY

emerge as the top wedding-video operation in the region.

“I took over on my own in 2005,” Davis explains, “and, with my staff, have handled weddings large and small while delivering a quality finished product at a very fair price.

That’s what I believe sets us apart from other wedding video services.”

Precious Images Videography has a variety of low-priced packages available through its website, Videothewedding.com, but Davis has been around the block long enough to know that every wedding is a unique affair all its own, and each client couple typically wants to have different scenes take precedence in their videos. For this reason, Davis conducts a thorough consultation with prospective clients in advance. Together, they agree on an existing package or create a custom one that meets every last one of the client couple’s requests.

“We are not happy unless our customers are happy, and that is only accomplished by addressing their wants and needs,” Davis says. “Our videos allow you to relive your wedding day as it happened, and I have had many customers tell me it’s the best money they spent on their wedding. I can’t tell you how good that makes me feel, and it’s what I aim for with every wedding I video.” VVV PHONE PRECIOUS IMAGES VIDEOGRAPHY @ 706.777.8484 / CELL: 706.802.7289, OR VISIT DAVIS & COMPANY ONLINE @ VIDEOTHEWEDDING.COM vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

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the RENTALS When one thinks of a wedding ceremony, he or she might naturally expect it to include a Southern sanctuary filled to the rafters with flower petals and song. But while tying the knot in a house of God will forever be a popular avenue, in the 21st-century wedding industry, it isn’t necessarily par for the course. Outdoor, open-air wedding events have taken a much greater hold on the American imagination in recent years, and planning an occasion of this sort in the year 2013 will require specific tools, specific expertise, and absolute must-have accommodations.

This is where Atlantabased events specialist, Reece Tent Rental (RTR), really steps in to amp up the ambiance by letting in a cool breeze. RTR’s staff has over 50 years combined experience in the business of servicing wedding events large and small, but in particular, Reece specializes in the creation of what can only be called budget-friendly fabulous.

For example, says operations director Christopher Reece, “Vintage is making a huge comeback. Saloon scenes with huge, oak whiskey barrels and rustic décor are very popular themes for outdoor weddings

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their big day and that we want to make it perfect for them. We start by getting a feel for what they want and go from there.

We can pull off just about anything, so it’s important that we listen to their vision and help them to achieve it.”

From the subtlest of themes to the most extravagant, Reece Tent Rental vows to go the extra mile. Along with tents and lighting, they carry dance floor kits, plush seating, decorative accessorizing, linens and more.

And if, by some odd chance, there is an item or service you should request that RTR doesn’t already provide, Christopher Reece assures his company will go out of its way to connect you with someone who does. “From start to finish, we make ourselves available to our clients and we aren’t going to rest until you’re happy. When it’s all said and done, we know we have done our job by the smiles on the wedding party’s faces.” VVV

Take in the Air

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REECE TENT RENTAL

these days. We still have plenty of traditional outdoor weddings, but the requests for those vintage themes have become more and more plentiful the last few years, and we have adapted to meet those needs.”

From stained wooden flooring that really “completes the feel,” to the obstruction-free installation of chandeliers and/or fatherof-the-bride lighting, Reece and crew are equipped to handle any rental request, wedding or otherwise. “The most important message we can convey to a new client,” Reece explains, “is that we understand it’s

PHONE REECE TENT RENTAL @ 404.355.1392, OR VISIT ONLINE @ REECETENTS.COM

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“This is the kind of jeweler that’s involved in and cares about their community and the people in it -- and particularly those who stop in for a visit that quickly becomes a lasting relationship.”

- Jimmy and Candace Story Married March 26, 2011

Forever Begins Here 312 Broad Street, Historic Downtown Rome www.fgkjewelers.com 706.291.8811

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the SWEETS

Sweetest. Reception. Ever.

SUGAR CANDY EMPORIUM

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One of the biggest trends in the wedding industry over the last few years has been the ever-sopopular addition of the candy bar to the reception repertoire.

Yep, that’s right. You read it correctly the first time: the candy bar—finding an increasingly visible niche at receptions across the South. We all have at least one sugar weakness, and thankfully for wedding guests in 2013, the fine people at Sugar Candy Emporium are more than equipped to please even the most discriminatory sweet tooth.

When one thinks of candy, it’s hard not to flash back to the deliciously tripped-out, Gene Wilder-era world of Willy Wonka. The joy of a simple chocolate bar or enormous lollipop brings out the child in all of us, and the dazzling spectrum of colors dawning the walls inside Sugar Candy Emporium’s downtown Rome location allude to endless wedding-related possibilities.

Co-owners Eric and Stacey Jackson first hatched the idea for Sugar a few years ago, after visiting a similar candy retailer in New York City while on family vacation. “We went to Central Park, stayed at the Waldorf, went to the Empire State Building and so much more,” Stacey says. “But if you ask

the kids about the trip, all they’ll tell you about is the candy store.”

No kidding. Believe it or not, the threestory sweets shop was so awe-inspiring that soon after returning home from NYC, Stacey and Eric decided to try their hand with a similar business model here in Rome. Oh, and how sweet it is. Success, we mean. Because since opening shop at 4 East Third Avenue in 2011, the Jacksons have already seemingly managed to elevate Sugar to mainstay status in the minds of local candy connoisseurs aged 1 to 100.

Putting together a wedding is, as many of you know, a tedious, highly stressful undertaking for those involved in the planning process. The staff at Sugar Candy Emporium, in response, prides themselves on making the addition of candy bar to your wedding event as sweet as it is easy.

While the shelves at Sugar are deliberately filled with sweets you won’t find at your local grocery store, dont worry, the Jacksons also have all your mainstream favorites on tap.

Brides and grooms can let their imaginations run wild, or simply list their irrevocable favorites and let Sugar take care of the rest. “We try to offer things you can’t find anywhere else,” Eric reiterates with regard

to Sugar’s specialty selection, “From the chocolate-covered bacon to the ‘Just Married’ sweet tarts (white hearts with the words ‘Just Married’ imprinted on each), we feel you can’t go wrong because of the quality and originality of the products we carry.”

Sugar’s services can range from a doit-yourself budget, by which Sugar’s staff simply helps locate the candy you want, to a less restricted budget, by which Eric and Stacey can go full tilt with container theme coordination, ribbons, candy, the works. They make goodie bags for younger guests and outof-towners. They’ll even take care of setup and breakdown at the reception.

No matter how much you have to spend, this fun industry trends allows every budget to sweeten the pot without breaking the bank. “We have put together candy bars for just about any occasion and are capable of handling any number of guests,” says Stacey.

“We want to lend to the sweet memories our clients will have of their wedding day for years to come.” VVV

PHONE SUGAR CANDY EMPORIUM @ 706.622.2280, OR VISIT THE JACKSONS IN PERSON @ 4 EAST THIRD AVENUE, ROME, GA 30161 vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

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the FAVORS

Do Them a Favor EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

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Most brides begin dreaming of their wedding day as little girls. The dress, the venue, the flowers, the music and―um, hold on a sec―the chocolate-covered fruit?

Sure, that last detail may sound a bit out of the ordinary, but trust us, Katie Patel of Edible Arrangements can deliver a wedding so good you’ll want to eat it—literally.

From individual arrangements made custom for each guest to the main centerpieces at your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and/or reception, the deliciously innovative minds at Edible Arrangements are here to add that everelusive wow factor to your wedding event.

Patel brought Edible Arrangements to

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Northwest Georgia 12 years ago. A longtime admirer of the franchise, she says their business model was such a perfect fit that she couldn’t believe no one else had beat her to the punch. “I first found out about Edible Arrangements from my husband’s friend, who lives up north. It’s such a beautiful, healthy and delicious option, I wanted to share it with the community here in Rome.”

With concepts tailor-made for nearly every occasion, Edible Arrangements succeeds,

first, by using the finest fruits and ingredients in perfect cohesion with forward-thinking design.

When flipping through the Rome location’s store catalog, it doesn’t take long to become joyfully overwhelmed with the range of choices.

Patel’s focus this time of year, however, is geared toward enlightening NWGA brides and grooms as to the many elements of surprise Edible Arrangements can bring to any type of wedding event. “It is such a nice touch to have one of our arrangements waiting on guests when they arrive at the hotel or [when they come to see the bride before she begins getting ready],” says Patel. “We can cover every event from start to finish, and our favor boxes are a fantastic way to say thank you to everyone who has attended the reception.”

Edible Arrangements’ favor boxes are extremely affordable, and for those in search of a deceptively decadent way to give members of the wedding party (and their guests) something their taste buds will never forget, Patel promises something mouth-watering for even the most wacked-out of palates.

In all honesty, as a client, the only dilemma you’re likely to face is one you’ll just have to find a way to get over: the arrangements themselves being too pretty to eat. VVV PHONE EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS @ 706.235.0711; VISIT ONLINE @ EDIBLEARRANGMENTS.COM; OR SEE KANDI PATEL IN PERSON @ 315 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, ROME, GA 30161

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From our family to yours.

• Wedding Rings • Bridal Jewelry • Bridal Party Gifts • Custom Design • Engraving

• Fine Jewelry • Special Orders • Watch Repair • Pearl Stringing & Design

Katherine Birkbeck Photography

3335 Cobb Pkwy . Acworth, GA 30101 770-529-9994 . www.atkinsjewelry.com

“The wedding of our dreams was brought to life by

Holly and her team!

Organized. Thoughtful. Fun. We cannot say enough wonderful things about The Season!”

-Anna Sargent Miller

Holly Lynch 706-767-0606 www.theseasonevents.com 26

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Your Wedding.

Our Passion.

The Perfect Match.

CATERED EVENTS & PRIVATE DINING 413 broad street rome ga 30161 / www.lascalromega.com / 706.238.9000 / 706.238.9011 28

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the CATERER

Refuse to Snooze

L A SCAL A RISTORANTE ITALIANO

P

Playing second fiddle to the anticipated union between two love-struck souls, there is another critical wedding theme that connects each and every event leading up to the ceremony itself: food. Be it a shower, luncheon, rehearsal dinner or reception, your guests are certain to arrive hungry and expecting to eat.

Luckily for those looking to quiet these hunger pangs, La Scala Ristorante Italiano makes the hunt for a top-tier caterer both painless and delicious. Co-owners Anthony Barba and Kenny Tribble purchased the highly revered restaurant from Anthony’s father, Piero Barba, in 2010, and after doing,

the two agreed to focus on further diversifying their menu while, of course, keeping this staple of Rome fine dining rich with the Mediterranean heritage first instituted by the elder Barba.

The resulting impact of this diversification agenda was immediately identifiable, too, and quickly bled over into more and more catering jobs upon request. Both owners already brought with them years of catering experience, but the unbelievable number of jobs solicited that first year—wedding season, in particular—would prompt them to invest in all the tools necessary to pull off any future request imaginable.

“When Kenny and I decided to really push our catering services,” the junior Barba explains, “the first step we wanted to take was to let people know that La Scala offers much more than the traditional Italian cuisine we are best known for. We want our clients to feel comfortable steering the menu. If they want it, we have the tools and experience to provide it.” From roasting a ginormous, luaustyle pig to breezing through the motions of a themed, five-course, black-tie event

without a single slip, the La Scala team can deliver whatever a client dares to dream. The process, Barba explains, begins with a free consultation. “We like to start by asking a client’s approximate catering budget. If we know what they are looking to spend, we can find the right combination of dishes to please their palates and their wallets.” Once the consultation is complete and the trial menu decided upon, clients are treated to a “tasting dinner” where they apply their taste buds directly to La Scala’s first draft. Reviews are then compiled, adjustments noted, and ultimately, a final cut is made. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Barba says, the end result is a customer on cloud nine.

“We take great pride in producing quality dishes for our catering customers,” Tribble adds, “and we make sure the food is spot on, regardless of the number of guests. If we are cooking a steak for one person or 200, you are going to get a consistent filet each and every time.”

This scrutinous attention to detail is a labor of love for Barba and Tribble. “We focus on flavor, presentation and service,” says the former. “We refuse to put out a bland dish, and our setup is as extravagant or as downhome as the client requests. When you couple that with our elite service staff, you have a winning combination.” VVV vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

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the LIMO

s asy ider R E

w

We’ve all seen it a thousand times over while staring at the silver screen: The bride and groom rush out of the chapel doors after saying their vows, where they are showered with dry rice and cacophonated by cheers of good will as they dive headlong into an elegant stretch limousine idling curbside.

Now, granted, if there is a single day in your life that you should be allowed to pretend you’re living in a movie without fear of reproach, surely it should be the day of your wedding.

This is where Nick and Elizabeth McLemore of Cave Spring’s flagship luxury-car service, Heavenly Rides, can help deliver your very own Hollywood moment. Behind the wheel of the company’s lone, state-of-the-art Chrysler stretch limo, Heavenly Rides can get you from point A to point B in big-spender fashion without breaking the bank.

Ironically enough, the McLemore’s idea was born while searching for a local car service on their eighth wedding anniversary, only to find out there was no such service available in the Greater Rome area. “We were shocked when we found out that the closest limo service to our region was in Marietta,” Nick says. “It was something we felt this area needed and 30

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HEAVENLY RIDES

something we believed we $100 per hour. The only real could be successful with, by stipulation is the four-hour providing an elite vehicle, minimum lease required to top-notch customer service, secure a slot in the Heavenly and very affordable rates.”

Rides schedule book, while, In December 2012, Nick conversely, the McLemores and Elizabeth at last took can be scheduled to man the the big plunge known as wheel for up to 24 hours, if American entrepreneurship, so desired. purchasing the first vehicle Harkening back to her (shown above) in what own wedding day, Elizabeth they aspire to become a says she wishes she had been full luxury fleet. Complete offered this kind of flexibility― with fiber-optic lighting, any flexibility at all, for that three televisions, a minimatter―with regard to her Nick & Elizabeth McLemore bar and a mind-boggling wedding-day transportation. stereo system, this limo “I look back on my wedding is sure to impress. It is also available for day and remember going from place to place any wedding-related event, and with room in this line of cars with my bridesmaids to get to seat 8-10 passengers comfortably, anything ready. It would have been so much more fun from your engagement party to being dropped and convenient had all of us been able to ride off at the airport for your honeymoon departure together.” is accommodated with ease.

Wherever you may need to go when the To boot, Heavenly Rides will ensure all big day finally arrives, Heavenly Rides has amenities outlined prior to the date of service, thought of it all. They’ll even throw in the and will even stock the bar with your favorite quintessential tin cans and bumper streamers. beverages upon request.

All you’ll have to preoccupy yourself with is They also simplify tipping your driver by saying “I do” and high-tailing it out of Dodge factoring gratuity into their low-ball rate of once the reception has wrapped. VVV