VIP Clarksville Magazine February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 •

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FEBRUARY 2016 •

in this issue even ts 10

The Great Gatsby New Years Eve Party

Rock the Ribbon for Bella

Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Mayor’s Power Breakfast

Clarksville Association of Realtors Christmas Brunch & Trade Show

Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Title Boxing Club

Go for the Gold

Clarksville Brides Wedding & Event Showcase

Beachaven Vineyards & Winery Holiday Open House

features 37

Picture Perfect Weddings: The Wedding Issue

Wedding & Reception Venues

Here Come the Trends

Alright in Happiness

A Trick of Love

First Sips to Forever

Blindsided by Love

Taking a Shot on Love

Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding Gift Guide

Go for the Gold

Clarksville Brides Wedding & Event Showcase

Beachaven Winery Holiday Open House

depar tme n t s 16

People You Should Know: Clarksville City Mayor Kim McMillan

People You Should Know: Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett

February Calendar of Events

The Good Life: Gratz Park Inn

Give Care Share: American Heart Association

ON THE COVER Jacqlyn & Ross Elliot Photography by Joan Evans Joan of Art Photography

VIP Clarksville Magazine is a registered trademark. The entire contents herein copyright Sixteen Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Sixteen Media, LLC, VIP Clarksville Magazine, its employees and/or representatives. All information printed in this publication is compiled in such a way to ensure complete accuracy. However, Sixteen Media, LLC, VIP Clarksville Magazine and its agents assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, etc. • VIP Clarksville Magazine is published ten times per year by Sixteen Media, LLC. www.VIPClarksville.com • info@vipclarksville.com

FEBRUARY 2016 •

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VoLUMe i

•

iSSUe i

PUBLISHER ASHLEY WATSON

VIP FOUNDER JEFF WATSON

ADVERTISING LYDA KAY FERREE SHANNA MORRIS KAY SITES ASHLEY WATSON

ART DIRECTOR LYDIA BOHS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSON LYDA KAY FERREE STACY LEISER SHANNA MORRIS LIESEL SCHMIDT JESSIE SHIRLEY AVA VIENNEAU WENDY WELCH

DISTRIBUTION CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSON

love the optimism and challenges that seem to come with the beginning of each new year; they offer a chance to start fresh, set new goals, make plans, and embark on new adventures. They inspire us to dream new dreams and envision a future full of possibility, yet they also welcome us to look back on the year just behind us and learn from our mistakes, celebrate our victories, and appreciate the many things that make our lives rich. As we begin this new year, I am excited to see the possibilities that will unfold with every issue of the new VIP Clarksville Magazine. For me, this new adventure is exciting as we endeavor to unite and highlight the people of a beautiful community. Each story we tell is a celebration of what makes Clarksville such a treasure — the unique blend of tradition, culture and values that can often be lost in big city life. I’m honored to work with a fabulous team to bring you a publication that we hope will become a welcome part of your lives. Each issue will feature special people and places that make the Clarksville area stand apart, with coverage of local events; up-close and personal looks at some of the inspiring community members; and fun stories that give shape to every day living. Whether you’re new to the city or have been here for a lifetime, I have no doubt that the pages of this magazine will make you fall in love with Clarksville all over again. Welcome to a new year! I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for this wonderful and charming place; and I’m excited for this opportunity to be a part of it with you, so read on, dear friends — you never know, you just might be a VIP! With warmest wishes,

V I P C L A R KSV I L L E M AGA Z I N E EVENTS@VIPCLARKSVILLE.COM INFO@VIPCLARKSVILLE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VIPCLARKSVILLEMAGAZINE

Ashley Watson VIP Clarksville Magazine is free to pick up at any of our numerous distribution locations. We’ll be on racks at many local restaurants, bookstores, hotels, bank, salons, boutiques — and the list is growing! Be sure to watch our website and Facebook page for a complete list of locations to pick up the next issue. FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville VIPs at the Cumberland Room

John & Salinda Phillips, Leah & Barry Stepp

Story by Stacy Leiser Photography by Christian Christenson

Jenny & Adam York

Jason Spriggs & Shena Vanvalsen

Adam Thach & Tricia Partlow

Brandon Parker & Sara Knight

Nathan & Sarah Hawkins, Mikka & Trevor Hawkins 10

nvision flappers, fire-eaters, aerial performers, jazz bands, contortionists, swing dancers, stilt walkers, magicians and all things old Hollywood,” said a description of The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve party at The Cumberland Room. “In the 1920s, the parties were larger than life. And they were spoken of for years.” The description promised a recreation of the over-the-top decadence of the Art Deco 1920s complete with a secret knock speakeasy, a tea room and other interactive themed areas, creating “a visually stunning experience.” One attempt at decadence fell a little short. According to many attendees, the party got all of the above right on target, but the food was gone and the open bar ran dry before 10 p.m., while it was still thoroughly 2015! People said they had a blast despite the shortage of food and drink. Highlights included an energetic band and an aerial dancer who performed wrapped in fabric suspended in the air. And the best part? Everyone dressed the part! Party-goers took their roles seriously, and the night became a roaring ‘20s visual feast that won’t soon be forgotten.

Michael Santana, Ashley Calvery, Brandon Dunn & Scarlet Martin

Wesley & Tanya Morris

Wendy Betsch & Michael Kimbrell

Julie & Gregg Adams

Justin Young & Mary Grace Williams

David & Morgan Torres

Danny Thomas, Shaun &Amy Welch, Megan Thomas

Misty Donahay & Leslie Reed

Amber Milby, Megan Thomas, Kelly Caltabiano & Leanne Sauls

Rachel & Kyle Adams

Kristy Engle, Danielle Rose & Eddie Carrasquillo

Vinny & Theresa Palandro

Shannon Lieske, Morgan Torres, Sara Knight & Katie Nelson FEBRUARY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Clarksville VIPs at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center

Heather Damer & Amanda Dusenberry

Pat & Doug Williams

Story by Stacy Lieser Photography by Shanna Morris

A Sarah Daniel, Libby & Jimmy Black

Jill Ayers & Terry Sumrell

Cathy Munden & Bobbi Halgrim 12

Debbie Bates & Ann Marie Crozier

n evening of love, love for music and love for a special little girl, brought people together to Rock the Ribbon 4 Bella at Wilma Rudolph Event Center. Belle, (pronounced Bella), is a brave 7-year-old girl who is fighting osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She has spent most of the past seven months having chemotherapy treatments and surgeries to treat cancer that had invaded her upper arm and spread to her lungs. Belle is an energetic girl, accustomed to dancing and playing. Despite having to slow down for treatments, Belle makes the best of her time at Monroe Carrell Jr. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital at Vanderbilt finding adventure in the playroom, in music, in art therapy, and in the many new people she meets. On Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, people gathered at Wilma Rudolph Event Center to enjoy a catered dinner and live music from The Beagles, Mike Robinson and Mike Bryant. The live auction included signed guitars and music memorabilia by Mark Miller of the Sawyer Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Craig Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Kelsea Ballerini, Tracy Lawrence, Chris Young, Luke Bryan, Kellie Pickler and George Strait, as well as Jewelry from McKenzie and Smiley Jewelers. Every attendee, every bidder in the live and silent auctions, every performer and prize donor joined the sponsors of the event to make the evening a blessing for the little girl on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds that night. The sponsors for Rock the Ribbon 4 Bella were Warren Rhoades & Sound Stage, James Corlew Chevrolet, Scott Bryant Insurance, Bryant Equipment Co., Catering by Margie, McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers, Kay Schillo & Tara Szopinski of Crye-Leike Realtors - St. Bethlehem, Budweiser of Clarksville and Bikers Who Care of Clarksville.

Flor Alvarado & Isabel Ferretti

Jenny Williams & Tony Newberry

Mike & Billie Jo Thomas McCaroll

Binh & Chau Chau

Tara & Norman Q FEBRUARY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Clarksville VIPs at Riverview Inn

HOSTS THE ANNUAL

Mayor’s Power Breakfast Story by Stacy Leiser Photography by Wendy Welch

t’s a chance for our community’s most powerful leaders to share their visions for Clarksville and Montgomery County. The Mayors’ Power Breakfast, held 7:30 a.m. January 14 at Riverview Inn, brought both Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and City of Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan to one venue to review their accomplishments in the past year and their goals for 2016. Attendees also got to voice their concerns and speak their minds in a short question and answer session after the mayors spoke. Tommy Bates, Chairman of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, said the annual Mayors’ Power Breakfast is one of the most popular events of the year. Attendees gain valuable insight into each mayor’s perspective. “I really enjoy the Mayors’ Power Breakfast,” said County Mayor Jim Durrett. “It’s kind of like the State of the Union address. It provides the opportunity to tell the citizens of Montgomery County the progress of that has been made in the past year, as well as outlining priorities and new programs for the coming year.” Durrett spoke about the proposed civic plaza downtown, and said Montgomery County is a big community and needs to start acting like it. He voiced concerns about budget cuts at Fort Campbell and introduced the Veterans Network of Care online at www.mcgtnvet.org. Both Mayor Durrett and Mayor McMillan shared their excitement about developments with the new Hankook Tire plant and Google’s plans to locate a global data center here. Public safety was in the forefront of Mayor McMillan’s mind. She offered high praise for the Clarksville Police Department’s new north precinct and specialized teams like the Gang Intelligence Unit. Clarksville Fire Rescue has also expanded, with a new station in the Industrial Park and another in the works on Tylertown Road. “I have always enjoyed being a part of the Mayors’ Power Breakfast because it gives me an opportunity to update the business community on the city’s progress,” Mayor McMillan said after the event. “I believe it’s important for any government to be as open and transparent as possible – especially when it comes to how we are spending taxpayer money – and the Power Breakfast is another opportunity to let people know how the City is growing and moving forward.” FEBRUARY 2016 •

People You Should Know

Clarksville City Mayor

Kim McMillan By Stacy Leiser

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan was elected in 2011, the first woman elected as mayor of a city with over 100,000 residents in the state of Tennessee. She began her political career in 1994, when she was elected to the first of six terms representing Montgomery County and the 67th district in the state legislature. Kim went on to serve two terms as the house majority leader, and remains the only woman ever to have held that position in Tennessee. Kim was born in 1961 in Birmingham, Alabama, and was adopted when she was six months old. Her parents were eager to have children but learned that they could not and immediately began looking into adoption. When they were called and asked if they wanted to adopt a baby girl, “they said, ‘Absolutely’ sight unseen,” Kim McMillan says, “but when they went to the hospital, they took one look, saw that smile and said, ‘She’s ours.’” Kim’s mother was a public school teacher and her father was a speech communications professor. She and her family lived in many different cities, but Kim says she took readily to being the new kid in town, eager to knock on doors and meet new people. It’s an ease with strangers that has served her well for her whole life, particularly during the past 20 years that she has served the public as an elected representative. Kim met her husband, Judge Larry McMillan, in law school at The University of Tennessee. They have been married for more than 25 years and they have two children, Katie, 24, and Ryan, 23.

VIP: What was your favorite thing to do as a child? Kim McMillan: I loved to arrange performances in the neighborhood. I wrote plays. I made the tickets. I sold them to everyone in the neighborhood. I then cast all the characters in the plays, of all my friends. Of course, I was the director and also the lead. Then we had them in the driveway. I set up all the chairs and we charged a small price for admission to come watch the Kim Ambrester production of whatever play I was doing. That’s how I was able to make a little money when I was a child. VIP: What was your favorite thing to do as a teenager? KM: I started my own babysitting service and party service. I gave parties for every mother who didn’t want to have to arrange a birthday party for their children. I did it for them. I say that it was my favorite thing because I loved being around people; I loved interacting with people; I loved trying to help people and doing what I could to try to make their lives better. I moved around a lot as a child because, as a college professor’s daughter, like a military daughter, we moved around as my father would

get positions at different universities as he proceeded to climb up the ladder toward getting his dream job at The University of Tennessee. As soon as we landed in a new town, in a new state, I would immediately go knock on every door and say, “Do you have any children that I can play with? Can you let them come out and play with me?” I liked moving around because I could meet new people and make new friends. VIP: What’s your favorite thing to do now? KM: Spending time with my family is what I like to do best. Unfortunately for me, now that my daughter has gotten older, she has moved to Seattle, Washington. So what I like to do is wait for the next holiday when I can get her on a plane and get her back here! My son just graduated from college at The University of Tennessee and he is going to law school in the fall. I’m trying to enjoy the time I have at home with him now before he goes on to pursue his career and his life’s journey. VIP: You studied psychology in college, but later got a law degree. What led you to study law? KM: “LA Law” was really popular at the

time. I was walking past the law school at The University of Tennessee, and I thought, “Man, that’s really cool, to do what they do on ‘LA Law,’ on TV.” My whole life, I have wanted to do something where I could give back and help people. I thought being a lawyer, I could really help people, I could really make a difference. VIP: How did you come to Clarksville? KM: Larry is a sixth-generation Clarksvillian. I knew that he always wanted to come back to Clarksville. When we decided we were ready to start having children of our own, I knew I wanted my children to go to school in Clarksville, Tennessee. I knew the school system here would offer them the best opportunities to be successful in later life. I had been to Clarksville enough with Larry to realize it was a wonderful community, and I wanted to live here. Larry said, “How ‘bout we move back to Clarksville?” and I said, “Let’s go!” VIP: Who most influenced the adult you have become today? KM: It has to be my parents. They taught me you can be anything you want to be. It doesn’t matter that you’re a girl. It doesn’t matter that you’re adopted. It doesn’t matter that we’re not wealthy. You can be whatever you want to be if you work hard enough and you’re dedicated enough. They taught me it’s a duty that you have, that once you get to where you have achieved that level of success, you have to give back. That’s why, when I was about to become a partner in my law firm, and it was a lot of money and a lot of prestige, I chose to get into public service. It was like my father was sitting on my shoulder, whispering in my ear, saying, “Okay, you’ve gotten here. Now you have the duty to give back.” VIP: What three attributes describe you?

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KM: Caring, willing to persevere and dedicated. VIP: What’s something most people don’t know about you? KM: I am a true sports fanatic. I used to be a triathlete, and I love to watch all sports. Second only to CNN, ESPN is my favorite TV channel. VIP: What’s a valuable piece of advice that has helped you along the way? KM: When I was getting ready to run for the legislature in 1994, I went to the late Governor Ned Ray McWherter and said, “Governor McWherter, I really want to run for the legislature. People say I’m just a girl and I’m young. They say say I can’t do it.” He said, “Oh yes, you can. You can do it. This is how you’re going to be successful: You have to plan your work, and work your plan, and good things will happen.”

327 Warfield Blvd • Clarksville, TN

931-648-8422

FEBRUARY 2016 •

People You Should Know

Montgomery County Mayor

Jim Durrett By Stacy Leiser

VIP: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen over 50 years here? Jim Durrett: Wow, I think it’s couple things. Obviously the growth: I was raised out on the north side of town out by Ringgold Creek. When I was a kid, that wasn’t in the city limits. New Providence was the city limits. St. Bethlehem, going out there was a two lane road, so obviously the growth is one thing I think is huge. Also, Montgomery County, the way they embrace the military has really, really changed. Maybe that’s due to me becoming older and wiser, but I see so many people that reach out to our military men and women who are stationed at Fort Campbell, and I think Clarksville has become, Montgomery County has become, a really, really patriotic community. I don’t think we were like that when I was a kid growing up. I’ve seen a huge growth in respect for the military men and women in our community. VIP: What was your favorite thing to do as a child? JD: Just anything outside. We grew up by a creek. Playing in the creek, fishing, hunting, anything outdoors. And it’s still like that today. I love to be outside whether it’s fishing, whether it’s hunting, just the great outdoors. I don’t know that I have a favorite spot, probably just being 18

lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Jim Durrett was elected County Mayor in 2014. He and his wife, Mary, and volunteer campaign supporters knocked on 9,000 residents’ doors in an effort to get the word out about the improvements Jim Durrett envisioned for Montgomery County. His proudest achievements as mayor thus far is bringing transparency to the office of County Mayor. Durrett says his parents, Bobby and Robin Durrett, had the biggest influence on the man he has become today. “My mom was such a loving person; she never met a stranger,” Jim said. “And my dad, he served on the City Council for about 26 years. Part of where I am today is his influence, of serving his community.” Mary and Jim Durrett raised their three children, Jimmy, Thomas and Paulina, in Montgomery County, and now have three grandchildren they enjoy.

on the river somewhere, fishing, boating, whatever. Our community is blessed with the outdoor resources that we have. It’s an outdoorsman’s paradise. VIP: Your dad was City Councilman Bobby Durrett, and your mom? JD: My mom and dad got divorced when I was in the fourth grade. We lived out on the north side by Ringgold Creek and we moved into town. My mom worked at the election commission. I can remember as a kid calling the election commission when we had an election, whether it was governor or president or maybe even a City Council race, asking her, “Who won? Who won?” She’d tell me, “I can’t tell you yet!” After she left election commission sheet she continued to work in the polls all the time. She just loved people, and I think I’m kind of that person, too. From a personality standpoint my mom was a huge influencer, and my dad, from a servant standpoint, got me involved in the political aspect of it. VIP: What is a valuable piece of advice that helped you along the way? JD: It really goes back to to my mom: Treat everybody like you want to

be treated. Her great-grandfather, I. H. Lowenhaupt, born in 1867, said in his last will: Greet everybody with a cheery good morning, regardless if they’re black, white, male, female, in all stations of life. He said, “Don’t save all your honored words and smiles for those in the higher walks, but give them to rich and poor alike.” VIP: How would your best friend describe you? JD: I would say energetic, I’d hope they’d say fun, and caring. VIP: What three words would you choose to describe yourself? JD: Caring, serving, easygoing. VIP: You were the director of Clarksville’s Street Department for more than two decades. What’s something valuable you learned from that experience? JD: The Street Department was kind of a complaint department. Most of the time when people called, they weren’t calling to say you did a good job. Probably the biggest thing is just listening to people, hearing them and hearing what they say. Even though you may not give them the answer that they wanted to hear, at least you listened to them, you heard what they said and you responded to them. You have to be approachable. You have to be accessible. Most of the time, when people call a government office, they just want To be heard. So many times you can help them, and that just makes it even better, but the times that you can’t help them, you listen to them and you treat them with respect, and people appreciate that. I also led by example. I got down these in the ditch with my guys and showed them I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty, to do whatever I needed to do to get the job done. VIP: You raised three children. Has it been difficult to balance demanding careers with your family life? JD: Probably this job has been the toughest. The community has a demand for the mayor, whether it’s a ribbon-cutting, whether it’s come to the hundredth birthday party and read a proclamation. The good part about it is my kids are all grown. It’s just me and my wife at home, so she’s the one who gets the brunt of it. It’s a balancing act, because every weekend I could do something related to this job, so you have to be mindful of your family. At the end of the day my wife asks me what was my highlight and my lowlight of my day, and most of the time, I don’t have a lowlight. But it’s a great way to stay connected. VIP: What led you to run for County Mayor? JD: I really have to give the credit to my wife. I was very involved in the community and I was frustrated with some of the things that were going on. I thought we could do better. We talked and talked and talked about it, and she finally just said, “You know, if you want to make a difference, you’re going to have to run. If you’re going to run you need to go ahead and do it now.” And so that’s what I did.

FEBRUARY 2016 •

FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2

(931)-649-7699

Blues In The Night

5-8pm Strawberry Alley Downtown Clarksville (931)-614-0255

Groundhog Day

Mardi Gras Open House Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Center of Tennessee 2-7pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Blues In The Night

8pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Surrender of Clarksville 10am-2pm

154th Anniversary Fort Defiance Interpretive Center 120 Duncan St., Clarksville,TN (931)472-3351

Little Red Riding Hood 2pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Chocolate Affair for Family 2-4pm Wilma Rudolph Event Center 1190 Cumberland, Clarksville, TN 37040

Art Walk Clarksville

Educating Our Entrepreneurs Inaugural Event-Area Chamber of Commerce 7:30am-2pm Old Glory Distillery Company 451 Alfred Thun Road, Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-245-4342

Polar Plunge

3-5pm ASPU Foy Fitness & Recreation Center 601 College St., Clarksville, TN 37044 www.apsu/recreation (931)-221-7564

Valentine’s Dinner Bash 6-9pm Miss Lucille’s 2231 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37043 (931)-645-1865

Blues In The Night 7pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Blues In The Night

6-8pm

8pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Clarksville Carnivale

Chocolate Affair Gala

7-10pm Belle Hollow 2231 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37043 (931)-645-1865

Blues In The Night 2pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Blues In The Night 8pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Enchanting Tales: Clarksville 4pm George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall Austin Peay State University

Crime Stoppers-Blue Jean Ball 6:30-10pm Riverview Inn 50 College St., Clarksville, TN 37040 (931)-320-5762

Martini Night-Valentine

8pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

VALENTINE’S DAY 7th Annual Valentine’s Day Afternoon with the Arts 1-4pm F&M Bank-The Franklin Room 50 Franklin St., Clarksville, TN 37040 www.artsandheritage.us (931)-551-8870

Blues In The Night 8pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

2016 Bridal Fair

12-4pm Governor’s Square Mall 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., Clarksville, TN 37040

ASPU The Gov’s Connection 10am-1pm ASPU Morgan University Ballroom Contact: Alumni Relations Office

The Mountaintop Beach Haven Winery Valentines Day Champagne Release 1-4pm Beach Haven Winery 100 Dunlop Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040 (931)-645-8867

PRESIDENT’S DAY

Blues In The Night

7pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

The Mountaintop

7pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Home and Garden Show

5-7pm Overtime Sports Grill 3025 Mr. C Drive, Clarksville TN 37040 (931)-896-2729

9am-6pm Wilma Rudolph Event Center 1190 Cumberland, Clarksville, TN 37040

Business After Hours

Blues In The Night

7pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

Blues In The Night

8pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 (931)-649-7699

9am-6pm Wilma Rudolph Event Center 1190 Cumberland, Clarksville, TN 37040

Home and Garden Show

ASPU Symphony Orchestra 4-6pm ASPU Mabry Concert Hall 601 College St., Clarksville, TN 37044

ASPU Symphony Band 7:30-9pm ASPU Mabry Concert Hall 601 College St., Clarksville, TN 37044

7pm Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St., Clarksville,TN 37040 FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville VIPs at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center

Christmas Brunch & Trade Show Story by Stacy Leiser Photography by ashley Watson

undreds of local real estate professionals gathered for a pre-Christmas party at the beautiful Wilma Rudolph Event Center. The Clarksville Association of Realtors’ Christmas Brunch and Trade Show is the group’s largest gathering of

the year. “This is the biggest event they do to celebrate the agents and everything they do for the community,” said Anastasia Williams, a real estate agent with Keller Williams. “It’s one I make sure to go to every year.” Williams said she likes visiting with friends at the brunch, including her assistant, Taylor Moore, and fellow real estate agent Geraldine Freeman, but she also likes meeting new people and being exposed to new businesses and products through the trade show. “I enjoy being able to fellowship with people I don’t see on a regular basis,” Williams said. “We also got introduced to a lot of companies we wouldn’t see otherwise.” Another big draw of The Clarksville Association of Realtors’ Christmas Brunch is gifts, lots and lots of gifts. It’s a festive occasion, after all! There are so many door prizes that every attendee is sure to take home something exciting. The Clarksville Association of Realtors is a non-profit community organization that advocates for professional growth and development of its members. The Association promotes private property rights, home ownership, and the highest standards of the real estate industry, including the Realtor Code of Ethics. Current officers are President Kayla Goad Levan, President-Elect Debbie Reynolds and Treasurer Charles Pecka. For more information about the Clarksville Association of Realtors, located at 115 Center Pointe Drive, call 931-5523567 or visit clarksvillrealtor.com.

Ashley Raygoza, Ross Morford & Kourtnee Taylor

Rachel Bellamy & Susan Hufford

Marcia Campbell & Casey Tenholder

Theresa Nichols & Carrie Brock

Diane Martin, April McKaskle, Katie Owen & Joann Garcia

Jason Hass & Mason Boisseau

Phil Cornett, Joy Cooper-Sensing & Ken Watts

Renee Reneau & Jenny Robinson FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville Association of Realtors Christmas Brunch & Trade Show

Brian Michon, Brittany Mondau, Dana Collins, Matt Poag, Richard Schatz & Brittney Seay

Kayla Goad-Levan & Charles Pecka

Christy Kitchens & Kriste Simmons

Sara Wells, Deb Hulick & Emily Grey 24

Shayy Bulger-Little, Katie Shogan, Brandon Tomlinson & Tracy Mann

Angie Smith, Will Harvey & Brandy Jones

Mandie VanBuren & Billie Jo Thomas

Terry Mulcahy & Sheldon Huber

Chris Fuentes & Terina Garrison

Valerie Dirks & Barbara Ungetheim

Gina Dalton & Ronald Sloan

Anastasia Williams, Geraldine Freeman & Taylor Moore

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville VIPs at Title Boxing Club

Business

Melinda Shepard & Yvonne Pickering

Billie Jo Thomas& Jill Ayers

AFTER HOURS Story & Photography by Shanna Morris

he Clarksville Area Chamber Business After Hours monthly took place at Title Boxing Club in January. Title Boxing Club hosted an athletic eventful evening with a power hour boxing class that is like no other workout. When you think of a business event you have visions of laptops and suits. At Business After Hours at Title Boxing Club this was replaced with hip-hop music and workouts. This energetic event was accompanied by Dickeys BBQ and cocktails. Guest and members mingled while sipping on drinks and checking out Individually Designed supplements by ID Life and services by Aqua Med Spa. The evening was full of extraordinary health and fit tips for all attendeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Title Boxing Cub definitely got local business professionals looking forward to the next event.

Norman Quirion, Rose Melta, Theresa Nicholas & Patty Stafford

Marcia & Nathan Clark

Jennifer Bayer, Rusty Richards & Della Weinheimer 26

Randy Butler & Wayne Oldman

Ernie Wickham

Kay Gazdik & Sheri Tittle

Pete Stumpf & Chuck Amen

Norman Quirion & Tom Denney

Kris Bender, Tyler Thompson & Michele Davidson FEBRUARY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Clarksville VIPs at Belle Hollow

Story & Photography by Jessie Shirley

Tara Quirion, Erica Garcia, Tammy Cunningham & Cheryl Crowley

Jason & Cortni Roy

Christie Ferrell, Britney Campbell & Kasey Hempel

Bob Fort, Flo Jones, Christy Brawner & Edgar Fierro 28

Leah Carman, Katie Cunningham & Ali Alberstadt

hat is 2016 going to look like for you? That was the question posed at Go for the Gold at Belle Hollow, the event center in Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. A crowd gathered there on a cold Thursday night in late January, ready to be challenged and inspired for the year to come. “It was an incredible event,” said Sam Holt, who attended with his wife, Jane Holt. “I’m pretty impressed with Jason. His speaking was very powerful.” Jason is Jason Roy, a musician who performs locally and is the founder and lead singer of the phenomenally popular Christian band Building 429. For the past 15 years, he has been touring with his band and speaking to groups around the country. Roy’s latest release, Unashamed, released in September and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Album chart. Roy has twice won BMI Song of the Year honors for his original songs, “Glory Defined” in 2005 and “Where I Belong” in 2013. Sam Holt said Roy connected with the group by being open about the struggles of his own life, rather than speaking to them from a remote position of “famous musician.” Roy used to play regularly at Grace Community Church, and still plays there occasionally, despite a busy touring schedule with Building 429. “He said it was a very long, hard road, and God has gifted him with the challenge to play music,” Holt said. “The whole point of it was life throws us a lot of curveballs, but you’ve got to strive and go on and do the best you can with what God’s given you.” Holt said he was inspired by Roy’s words. “He follows Christ in a way that, few have that much faith.”

Jennifer Harper & Casey Jenkins

Chase Knott & Devon Rodriguez

FEBRUARY 2016 •

The Good Life Gratz Park Inn: The Pinnacle of Hospitality

Horses. History. Hospitality. Story by Lyda Kay ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady Photography courtesy of the gratz Park inn

uring Thanksgiving weekend I had the pleasure of re-visiting Lexington, Kentucky, a charming city with an abundance of attractions and an easy drive to horse country. I had not been to Lexington in a decade or so. Much has changed since then, especially downtown with an ice skating rink and several popular eateries including Sawyer’s which “Southern Living” claims has THE best hamburger! I wanted more time to explore the city, but I was torn because I had an instant love affair with my host hotel—the Gratz Park Inn. The weather was dismal—rainy and chilly, typical of many Thanksgiving weekends, and I was in the perfect place to relax, read, sip coffee from the coffee bar with lots of Irish crèam, play “My Funny Valentine” on the baby grand piano in the intimate lobby, and visit with the staff to learn more about the hotel and the city’s attractions. The staff is friendly, accommodating and efficient. They are called Certified Southern Ambassadors, hospitality professionals who have been schooled about the hotel’s past (Each employee must know at least one historical fact about the hotel). I have always been a fan of historic hotels and inns. When I arrived, I saw a tall, energetic woman whom I correctly surmised was the General Manager. She has an air of authority, yet she is so approachable and hospitable. Zedtta S. Wellman is the General Manager/Innkeeper of The Gratz Hotel. She was busy supervising the decorating of the hotel for the Christmas holidays, but she was not too busy to stop and welcome me to the hotel. She goes above and beyond 30

the guest room a European flair, while equine-themed artwork reflects the city’s reputation as the Horse Capital of the World. This year the guest rooms are being refreshed with new carpets, furniture and bathrooms.

Distilled Restaurant and Bourbon Bar Upscale farm-to-table menus re-imagine classic Southern favorites for modern palates. Chef/Owner Mark Wombles presents what he calls contemporary Southern cuisine. He likes to source ingredients close to home and keeps over 100,000 bees on the hotel’s roof, using their honey for sweetening signature dishes and drinks, His honey topped my delicious homemade breakfast yogurt-fresh fruit parfait served with coconut almond granola and a croissant. A Sunday brunch is offered from 9am until1 pm. An Ahhh Shucks Monday special dinner focuses on shellfish and is served on the patio in the spring and summer. Every Thursday night the theme is Fried Chicken and Champagne. “I brought this concept back to Mark from Europe,” Zeddta told me. “In Europe I was served Bubbles and Bangers.” The bar in Distilled offers an extensive selection of “America’s Native Spirit.” Mark’s employees are trained to introduce bourbon to the guests and take them on a journey to bourbon.

Hotel Packages to please the hotel guests as does her staff. It is obvious that she likes to accommodate her guests’ needs and she has a love affair with the inn and with Lexington, Kentucky. Cozy conversation groupings are in the sitting area at the inn to ensure patrons enjoy the lobby’s fireplace and baby grand piano. Nearby is a small Business Center with complimentary Internet and library and a coffee bar with a nice variety of coffees and teas. Other offerings include a 24-hour Fitness Center and complimentary parking. Zeddta has a gift of knowing what her guests like. Shortly after my arrival and our conversation, she sent a lovely gift box to my room filled with some of my favorite things: a cookbook from The Glitz (more on this later); a miniature pink poinsettia; attractive snowmen mugs; and a variety of coffees, teas and chocolates. I was ready to move in!

History of the Gratz Park Inn

The inn offers several packages including Dinner under the Arbor, Picnic in the Park, and wedding packages. If you visit the hotel’s website you will see lovely brides on the covers of prominent magazines. This is the hotel’s Wedding Book. These are brides who have stayed at the Gratz Park Inn or rented the entire restaurant and Bourbon Bar. Intimate weddings are held under the arbor or in the library. There are several nearby churches where weddings are held. Some weekends the entire inn is filled with wedding guests. Around the corner from the Gratz Park Inn is The London Catering Company, the largest catering company in the country. It is located in an old mansion 1 1/2 blocks from the inn. Many of the brides have their wedding receptions there. Some take a carriage there from the inn. Others ride a limo, and last year one wedding party rode bicycles from the Gratz to the reception at The London Catering Company.

Gratz Park, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, is named for Lexington businessman and attorney Benjamin Gratz, who bought a home in 1824 on Mill Street in Lexington. He was a Transylvania University trustee, a City Council member, and a founder of Lexington’s first public library and the Lexington Ohio Railway. He was one of four gentlemen who purchased the land for the Lexington Cemetery. Gratz, who lived near the inn, took daily walks in darkness (due to his blindness) and he was instrumental in improving and preserving the green space which is now Gratz Park. His home is now a private residence. The renowned hotel, a pet-friendly hotel, has been awarded “Best Hotel in Lexington” for seven consecutive years by the Lexington Herald-Leader. Guests from across the nation stay at the hotel. Horse racing enthusiasts, business travelers, and tourists return each year. Some stay for a month to several months at a time.

Guest Rooms There are 41 rooms including 6 suites at the Gratz Hotel. One is a Presidential Suite which some guests reserve for a month or longer. Such was the case when I was a guest next door to this suite, which has a Ralph Lauren look. One female guest from California, a horse lover, is a regular who stays three months every year. She arrives in the evening and requests tea in her room, and she loves fresh flowers. She requests that the temperature in her room be set on 66 no matter what the outside temperature is. She leaves early in the morning. The rooms are individually decorated. I stayed in a cozy room with barrel windows and shutters and a Weightless Sleep Bed. The French room has an iron bed and blue is the prominent color scheme. Sumptuous fabrics, antique-reproduction furniture and an array of Italian toiletries give FEBRUARY 2016 •

The busiest times of the year for the Gratz Park Inn are mid-March through November because of the wedding activities and the horse races. Upcoming events at the Gratz Park Inn include Valentine’s Day activities in February; March Madness basketball and racing season starts in April. “Many brides marry in April because Lexington is beautiful then,” stated Zedtta. “The mountains are coming alive and the trees are getting green.” What sets the Gratz Park Inn apart, I asked Zedtta. “Our guest services,” she promptly replied. “They make everybody feel welcome. You can go anywhere and have a bed and TV. Our staff and the intimacy of the hotel set us apart from other inns.”

The Good Life

Centennial Anniversary This year the Gratz Park Inn will be 100 years old. Special plans are being made for a big birthday party in late May.

“The inn is a legend. She deserves all the respect she can get. She def initely is a Southern belle!” —Zedtta S. Wellman general Manager/innkeeper of the gratz Park inn

What to Know Gratz Park Inn 120 West Second Street, Lexington, KY 40507 Phone: 859.231.1777 (inn), 859.255.0002 (Distilled Restaurant & Bourbon Bar), 800.752.4166 (Toll Free) Email: z@gratzparkinn.com Websites: www.gratzparkinn.com & www.DistilledAtGratzParkInn.com Social Media: Facebook and Pinterest

Attractions in the Horse Capital of the World and Area Attractions American Saddlebred Museum, The Arboretum, ArtsPlace, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Explorium of Lexington, Keeneland Race Course, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington Cemetery, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques (Nonesuch, KY) www.VisitLEX.COM | 800.845.3959

SIDE TRIP: Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques Zeddta recommended I make time to visit the Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques (established 1974) about 30 minutes from the Gratz Park Inn. You will enjoy the picturesque drive through the lush Bluegrass countryside lined with stone fences and horse farms to the village of Nonesuch, Kentucky. More than 50 themed showrooms await you in a meticulously renovated 1930s schoolhouse. Irish Acres contains 32,000-square-feet of artfully displayed European and American furniture, crystal, silver, china, international giftware, jewelry, and boutique items. Sisters Emilie Hannigan McCauley and Jane Hannigan DeLauter attended design school in Atlanta. They also studied at Parsons School of Design, in Paris, and took a chateau architecture course in the Loire Valley before returning to their home state to open a design studio. The gallery, located in an old school building in Nonesuch, Kentucky, was purchased at auction. “In 1984 our parents purchased the old building and took two years to renovate it. I moved down in 1985 to do the finishing touches and my sister and I opened the gallery in 1986. The following year my sister joined me in the business now called Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques located at 4205 Fords Mill Road.” Jane is in charge of the retail operation, which closed on December 31, 2015 and will re-open in April, 2016, Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. Lunch will be served from 11am-2pm by reservation. Tip: Don’t miss The French Room, the pride and joy of the sisters’ late father. The sisters grew up on fine food. “The best meal we had at home was the Saturday morning breakfast with fried country ham, fried potatoes, homemade biscuits and homemade gravy,” said Emilie. “My

first fine dining experience was at Justine’s in Memphis when I was 10 years old. I still remember surprising the tuxedo-clad waiter by ordering Oysters 222, Steak Diane and Cherries Jubilee!” Emilie supervises The Little Restaurant called The Glitz (the retail shop sells a silver Glitz pin). What a perfect word for this charming restaurant which was named by the sisters’ mother. “My favorite dishes to prepare are the seasonal soups, and I love to make our Silver Queen Chowder in late August,” said Emilie. “We use foods of local people like apples from a nearby orchard for the popular Spiced Apple Refresher, which is sold in the retail shop (I purchased several bottles of it!)” Be sure to purchase the Lunch at The Glitz cookbook. The signature dessert is called Nonesuch Kiss. This dessert is based on a childhood dish Emilie was served at the Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg, Kentucky about 30 minutes from the gallery. “I had a strawberry dessert in a baked meringue shell (a meringue kiss or an egg kiss) with vanilla ice cream and sweetened strawberries and it was the best thing I ever put in my mouth! I never forgot the texture of that meringue or kiss.”

FEBRUARY 2016 •

CeLeBRaTe The SToRY By Liesel Schmidt

s everyone knows, weddings are a celebration of love, a formal declaration of commitment, an occasion marking the beginning of a new future. No matter the couple’s personal style or the size of their celebration, the defining forces behind it all are love and true unity; and as two lives are joined to become one, the important thing to remember through it all is that this day of Happily Ever After isn’t the end of a tale...It’s the very beginning. So often wedding become all about the details: the dress, the food, the flowers. But it’s the story of the two people who meet at the altar that matters — the story that tells who they are, both apart and together; the story that gives us a glimpse of what makes them soul mates, ready to take on the challenges of life together. The story that tells us how they compliment one another and strengthen each other. This wedding day is their time to tell that story, to welcome their friends and family to share in their happiness at having found one another, to take their very first steps as a couple whose dreams of the future are unimaginable apart. As wedding season begins, welcome it with arms open — whether you’re single and dating, newly engaged, or have been married most of your life. Look

on this upcoming time of excited bridal shower invitations, elegantly-worded wedding announcements, and wedding gift registries with fresh eyes: these are a reminder of hope; a confirmation that real love does exist; a point of proof that, in the midst of life and all of its challenges, there really is someone out there willing to face them with you. This is the meeting point of two hearts becoming one, so save the date and be inspired. Fall in love with love all over again. Read on to the stories we tell here in this first annual Bridal Issue and get to know some truly captivating couples. They’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you cry, they’ll make your heart swell with joy. Each of them offers a peek at how unexpectedly love can find us, if only we open our hearts to the opportunity. Once you’ve had your fill of cake and champagne, take a look at our bridal checklist and get some ideas about your own big day from some of the area’s best. There are tips for timelines and great guides for great style, whether you’ve got an unlimited budget or keeping things small. The time to start planning it all is now, so that when your own walk down the aisle finally arrives, you’ll have a story to tell that’s everything you’ve ever imagined — and maybe even ready for the pages of a magazine.

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville VIPs at Jame E. Bruce Convention Center

Clarksville

BRIDES

Wedding & event ShoWCaSe Story by Liesel Schmidt Photography by Shanna Morris

Julia Pendleton & Jody Acevedo — J.Botanica

N Erin Compton & Jan Robinson — Brio Strings

Chris Harris & Rob Wright — Dinner 4 Two

o bride wants to walk down the aisle alone, but it’s also important to have someone to walk beside you as you plan your big day. Whether you’re looking to be a hands-off bride or seeing to every last detail for yourself, bridal shows are the perfect place to find exactly who — and what — you’re looking for. It’s a gathering place to meet full-service wedding planners who can bring your vision to life, take a sneak peek at some of the year’s hottest dress styles, get close ups with some of the area’s best photographers, sample some goodies, and even score some great deals to keep the day of your dreams on track, on time, and looking beautiful. Showing off Clarksville in all its wedding finery during the Clarksville Brides Wedding & Event Showcase on January 24, 2016, the Wilma Rudolph Event Center was certainly the place to be for any future bride, a blissful blend of premier planners; caterers; entertainers; bakers; florists; boutiques; and all things bridal in the Clarksville area. The guest list was full, the champagne was bubbling, and hundreds of wedding hopefuls found true love as they met with vendors and experts, sharing their stories and toasting their futures as they said “I Do” to the perfect plans for the perfect day.

Bill & Shellene Keiffer — Wallﬂower Photography

Marcia Clark — Gunn Farm Weddings 38

William & Melody Nalley — Sango Event Center

Nicole Gordon, Jessica Ellis & Lindsey Heggie — Isabella-Sophia

Jessica Hangge, Rebecca Hangge & Kelsey Hangee — Rodan + Fields

Katie Cunningham, Matt Cunningham & Tammy Cunningham — Old Glory Distilling Company Jessica Sheperd & Sara Sheperd — Burdoc Farms

Deanne Compton & Alannah Witherspoon — Plexus

Cameron Buchner, Jordan Rye, Victoria Jackson & Kristen Pavone — Eden Day Spa FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville

BRIDES

Wedding & fashion Showcase

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Wedding & Reception Venues Story by Lyda Kay Ferree The Southern Lifestyles Lady

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

Image via Cheekwood Special Events & Weddings Facebook Page (Tec Pataja Photography)

here are so many choices for brides and grooms to make regarding their wedding and reception venues. Both the ceremony and reception may be held in a church and the cost may be relatively low. Church ceremonies may be the favorite venues for many brides and grooms, especially when the church is as stunning as the chapel at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Tennessee boasts a carillon, a lovely addition to a wedding, and a beautiful century-old home adjacent to the church called Chevy Chase, which is perfect for a wedding reception. Barns, a relatively new and popular venue for couples, may offer an outdoor ceremony or an indoor ceremony in a barn, on a covered patio or near a pond. Some barns offer bed and breakfast amenities as well. Vineyards are unique settings for ceremonies and receptions. The Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia offer an expansive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and historic Springtree Farms, framed by the grandeur of the Cumberland Mountains, has a Knoxville, Tennessee address. Then, of course, what’s not to love about Napa Valley with its charming inns and romantic hot air balloon rides!

Did you know that there is a European castle outdoor venue called Castle Pines Farm in Luray in Chester County, Tennessee, complete with a drawbridge and a moat? Other outdoor venues include Dixon Gardens in Memphis and the Memphis Botanical Gardens where many weddings are performed. Some couples prefer an historic setting like Annesdale Mansion in Memphis, which exudes Old World romance and charm. A hidden crown jewel of Memphis architecture, it is an 1850s Italianate villa located in the Annesdale Snowden Historic District in Midtown Memphis. Another historic venue in Memphis is the Woodruff Fontaine House in Victorian Village, “a wedding tradition since 1871.” And the Hunt-Phelan House, a Greek Revival property on Beale Street, is another historic wedding venue. Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art is a very popular venue for weddings and wedding receptions in Nashville. In Murfreesboro couples book weddings at The Oaklands Mansion. Every year this mansion hosts a renewal of vows ceremony (or saying them for the first time) for couples on February 14. “For generations, couples in love have enjoyed the romantic setting of Oaklands’ formal parlor,” said Raina van Setter, Special Events Coordinator. “We invite you to join us on February 14th and become a part of Oaklands’ history.” Valentine packages are also offered. The Tanglewood House in Clarksville hosts weddings. Be sure to see their 1790s cabin that Andrew Jackson stayed in prior to the building of The Hermitage. Destination weddings remain popular, especially on beaches in and near Destin, Florida and on tropical islands.

“We believe in picking a wedding date based on the SEC football schedule.” First Presbyterian Church “White House”

Image via The Jackson Sun (Photography by Pam Dietz) 42

- Quote from The Sweet Tea Society

Distinctive Receptions

One theme for a Southern reception is a Crawfish Boil Bash whether the bride and/or groom hail from Louisiana or not (they can pretend). One bride grew up cracking crawfish claws on her parents’ back porch. The groom spent summers on a bayou fishing boat, trawling for the day’s fresh catch. They met at Louisiana State on the first day of classes, two English majors united by a love for Tennessee Williams and tradition. They have big plans to celebrate each anniversary with a crawfish boil bash surrounded by family and friends…and topped off with homemade pies. One of the most unique rehearsal dinners took place inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium’s South Zone Club in Oxford, Mississippi. The bride and groom are huge Ole Miss fans. Their parents went to Ole Miss, the couple graduated from Ole Miss, and all four of their siblings graduated from or are about to graduate from Ole Miss, so Oxford and the Rebels have always had a very special place in their hearts. When the couple got engaged, they knew they would marry in the charming city of Oxford. But they took their passion for the university to a higher level—literally—when they welcomed friends and family to gather with them for a December rehearsal dinner inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium’s South Zone Club. After walking down a path lined with live Christmas trees, guests stepped onto the elevator for the ride to the club facility. There, a grand kissing ball hovered over a serpentine bar. The snowy winter night theme continued further inside. But the show-stopping feature of the space was the floor-to-ceiling view of the goalposts and the turf. As guests mingled, they often paused to look at the field, where a slideshow or photos of the couple created by John Love of Nashville played on the Jumbotron. Many well known Southern golf courses, including Augusta National, have creative ways to keep guests entertained, depending on their venue and the vibe of their celebration. Lawn games are always a hit, and guests enjoy golf cocktails like the Arnold Palmer, which is a yummy concoction for a summer sip. Low Country-themed ceremonies and receptions might feature a lounging garden inspired reception, complete with beautiful furniture, plenty of texture, greenery garlands and funky details. A gospel choir could encourage guests to sing along!

The Tanglewood House

Image via The Tanglewood House website

Top 10 Wedding Venues

Today’s brides have so many choices in venues, offering unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day. In years past most couples married in a church and had their reception either at the adjoining church hall, a local banquet facility or at their dad’s Moose/Elk/Italian club. According to Valerie Berrios of “Bridal Guide” the top 10 wedding venues are as follows: Church Hall or Member Hall Private Home Park/Garden/Vineyard/Restaurant/Hotel-Ballroom Country Club Beach Museums, Aquariums, Zoos, Libraries Banquet Hall Barn Tent TIP: Choose your date carefully. Years ago a popular West Tennessee bride scheduled her wedding and reception on the evening of the Miss America Pageant. Several guests only stayed briefly at the lovely reception because they did not want to miss the televised pageant despite the lovely music of a Memphis trio. There are pros and cons to each venue. Ultimately, the bride and groom must determine what best fits their wishes, personality, and of course, budget.

Dixon Gardens

Image via Dixon in Memphis Flickr Page (Photography by Christen Jones Photography) FEBRUARY 2016 •

Here Come the Trends Bridal Styles Walking Down the Aisle in 2016

By Liesel Schmidt

omething old, something new...despite the fact that weddings are so steeped in tradition, there’s nothing that says you have to follow the rules anymore. Weddings are far from staid or stuffy these days, and it’s become a multi-billion dollar industry that creates trends all its own, commanding an impressive display of everything from fashion to food, all in one meticulously-planned day that will be remembered for years to come. So just what’s bringing the bling in 2016? “As far as jewelry goes, most brides choose to wear a classic pair of diamond studs or diamond drop earrings, depending on the hair style they’ve chosen,” says Pamela Smiley, Vice President and Marketing Director at McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers. Sometimes simplicity speaks volumes, and that’s being reflected in engagement rings as well. “More classic, traditional rings are in demand, and many brides are wanting thinner, simple bands with their 44

diamonds rather than choosing something more ornate.” While white gold and platinum rings might once have ranked at the top of the list, they seem to be taking a back seat to yellow gold and even rose gold, though many of the most popular designs incorporate a mixture of rose gold with white, according to Smiley. Not even the center-mounted stone is set in stone anymore as the desire for alternatives like sapphire and morganite has been on the rise. The color wheel is spinning on everything, it seems; and white isn’t necessarily the color of choice, even for the bride. “Colors like champagne, light gold, and blush are really popular right now,” observes Lisa Forest, owner of Wedding Belles. For Forest, keeping up with the times keeps her in business, so the encyclopedic bridal magazines that tempt the eyes of millions of women all over the country are her playbook. “Everything in bridal wear right now is lace and bling, and many of the

most in-demand dresses have sleeves or straps, which makes for a more conservative look,” she says. “Everyone also wants a beautiful back — the backs of the gowns have become as important as the front.” Never to be forgotten is the man of the hour; and, according to Forest, blue might just be the new black... “Navy is the color for men this year, so almost every tuxedo company has added a navy tux to their line.” Other trends to track? “Slim fit is still the most popular fit for tuxedos, though not everyone chooses to stay with all the traditional pieces and opt for a slightly more casual look with just vests and pants,” Forest says. For the final touch, bow ties are making a strong showing; and color-coordinated socks kick things up a notch. While bridesmaid’s dresses are notorious for being unflattering and cringe-worthy, Forest predicts that the upcoming bridal year could be an exception to the rule. In fact, with styles in everything from strapless to halters and colors that may span various shades of the same color family, the dresses walking down the aisle in 2016 are being given the

priority of being tasteful rather than becoming a bitter pill to swallow. Even tiny details are front and center: “Flower girls and ring bearers generally steal the show, so whatever they wear is going to be a hit. The most popular dresses for flower girls are colored and very simple,” Forest continues, “and little boys in knickers or wearing suspenders and bow ties offer that classic touch.” Regardless of what colors may be on the hot list or whether lace is in or out, the true focus of a wedding is love — and that’s something that will never go out of style. Wedding Belles is located at 543 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. For more information, call (931) 603-9696 or visit www.weddingbellesclarksville.com. McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers is located at 2794 Wilma Rudolph, Clarksville, TN 37040 and 2321 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37043. For more information, call the Wilma Rudolph location at (931) 5530555 or the Madison Street location at (931) 553-8790. Visit www.mckenziesmiley.com.

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Alight in Happiness

By Liesel Schmidt

eing the wingman for a buddy doesn’t usually land you a date with the woman you’re talking to, but for Anthem Doolan, deflecting the focus only put him more in the spotlight. And in the end, rather than being the opener to hand off the game to his friend, he wound up meeting the woman he would fall in love with and marry three years later. For the now 30-year-old Army soldier, finding the woman of his dreams on a night out with the guys may not have been something he thought possible when he met Ashley Crandall, now a 29-year-old registered nurse. But while the couple might have had met under the glow of neon lights, the stars seemed to align to bring them together on many other “chance” occasions, working their magic to build a relationship that made them both believe beyond the shadow of a doubt that they were, indeed, meant for one another. “I literally 46

felt like I had met my other half!” Ashley recalls. That feeling was deepened even further when she met his daughter, who would later be the flower girl at their wedding. “I really knew he was the one for me when I saw how much he loved her.” After three years of dating, Anthem asked Ashley to marry him, “in a very private, romantic way at home, just us and the dogs,” she says. Three months later, the two halves officially became whole on August 15, 2015, when Ashley and Anthem exchanged vows at the historic Tanglewood House in an intimate, outdoor ceremony set amidst the lush — and slightly rain-dampened — foliage of the estate. As he anxiously awaited his bride in his dress uniform, Anthem and his five groomsmen watched Ashley walk through the greenery, dressed in a fit and flare gown of tulle and lace, escorted by her father while a string quartet played in soft accompaniment to the breeze.

It was a breathtaking venue, one that easily could have been overtaken by ostentatiousness or bling in light of the occasion; but the laid back nature of the newlyweds was never lost. “Comfort has always been my top priority, so when I chose my dress, I just looked for something that I felt beautiful in — something I didn’t think I would trip over!” Ashley laughs. Not to be forgotten was the traditional something old, new, borrowed, and blue. Having chosen to borrow a bracelet from a bridesmaid, Ashley’s something “old” was a pearl necklace and earrings that Anthem had once given her as a Christmas gift; her something new was the dress and wedding band; and though her more formal shoes were peep-toe slingback heels covered in crystals, they were soon swappedout for some blue: light blue Chuck Taylors that were far more in keeping with her love of comfort. The blushing bride was attended by five bridesmaids, fittingly dressed in blush-col-

ored halter-top organza gowns. After dining on a buffet-style dinner on the grounds, the happy couple “cut” into a large container of vanilla ice cream, which they chose in lieu of having a traditional cake, offering their guests the chance to satisfy their sweet tooth to their liking at a bar of customizable syrups and toppings. Cake lovers were not forgotten, however, and chocolate and vanilla cupcakes brought even more bliss to the celebration. After the evening was brought to a close, the newly-married Doolans were literally sent off with a sparkle as guests held up sparklers to light the way to their waiting car. Having honeymooned in Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and Grand Cayman Islands, they now look forward to settling into life in Clarksville as they await the arrival of their first child together.

PLANNER The Tanglewood house on-site Coordinators PHOTOGRAPHER Wallﬂower Wedding Photography FLORAL DESIGN The Tanglewood house BRIDE’S GOWN david’s Bridal CATERER The Tanglewood house MUSIC Brio Strings ensemble Clarksville, Tn

FEBRUARY 2016 •

A Trick of Love

By Liesel Schmidt

t isn’t every day that you can say you took a shot at love, but for Ross Elliot, the analogy couldn’t be more fitting. Dressed for the occasion as a sniper, the self-employed construction contractor tagged along with some friends to a Halloween costume party at a local bar, fully aware that the girl behind the bar was, in fact, someone that his friend had been trying to set him up with. Not that he was in any way averse to the idea. In all actuality, he couldn’t have been any more game; and so, after chatting over the Budweisers she’d served him in her “I don’t do costumes” tee-shirt, Ross asked Jacqlyn Smith the question that would forever change his future: “‘Would you like to go do something with me sometime?’” Jacqlyn laughs. “My response was only one word — ‘yup’ — and then I wrote my number on the back of his credit card receipt. He called three days later.” Two years later, 37 year-old Ross asked the 48

woman who didn’t do costumes to do something else she never thought she’d do — get married. “When we met, I wasn’t really looking to be in a committed relationship, and I actually even stuck my nose up to the thought of it,” Jacqlyn recalls. “I was independent, stubborn, and happy to keep it that way; but Ross accepted the challenge to change my mind and far exceeded any of my expectations and standards. He’s breathtaking.” The way he proposed to the now 28 year-old realtor at Byers and Harvey, Inc. was breathtaking, as well, enlisting the help of his mother on Christmas morning in 2014 to put his plan into motion. Having given her future daughter-in-law a gift that was completely unexpected, Ross’s mother watched as Jacqlyn unwrapped one box only to find another — a little blue box containing a ring made with the stone from her very own original engagement ring, a fitting touch that made the piece even that much more special. “I

think I said yes even before he actually asked!” Jacqlyn says, recalling only tears of happiness, kisses, and hugs as she accepted his proposal in front of Ross’s parents and his young son, Oliver. Once again making October a month to remember, the happy couple exchanged vows on October 24, 2015 in a lakeside ceremony at the Lighthouse Wedding and Event Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Wearing a fit-toflare, vintage inspired gown of satin and goldlace overlay, Jacqlyn’s Something Blue was, in fact, her father — who escorted her down the aisle to meet the new man in her life wearing his military dress blues. Her Something New was a bouquet charm with two very special pictures: one, a picture of her dancing with her late mother at her sister’s wedding, the other of her grandmother and late grandfather on their wedding day. “It was incredibly meaningful that a part of them was with me that day, since

they could only attend in spirit,â&#x20AC;? she says. As he waited for his bride to join him on the dock to be married under the romantic twinkle of white fairy lights draped over a pergola woven with ivy, Ross wore not the sniper costume that had helped him home in on his target three years before, but a dark grey tuxedo, looking far more ready for the mission at hand. After the ceremony came to a close, the guests convened to a cocktail hour as they awaited the arrival of the newlyweds, who joined them in a buffet-style dinner of rosemary roasted chicken, beef tips over egg noodles, and fall-inspired side dishes that warmed up the evening and added to the rustic charm. The Something Old and Borrowed came into play later on in the celebration when the happy couple cut into their cake, a three-tier confection of white and strawberry layers filled with lemon and raspberry, frosted in a rich white butter cream and adorned with a 125-year-old plum and gold brooch, an heirloom borrowed from some very dear friends. Having danced their last dance and ready to make their escape, the newly married Elliots were sent off to their honeymoon in Grenada under the glow of sparklers, laughing as they welcomed the life that lay ahead, a life that may require a few costume changes and a willingness to take a shot every once in a while.

CEREMONY, RECEPTION VENUE & CATERER The Lighthouse Wedding & event Center hendersonville, Tn PHOTOGRAPHER Joan evans - Joan of art Photography Clarksville, Tn Laura Kay Photography FLORAL DESIGN american flower gift Clarksville, Tn WEDDING CAKE faboo Cakes hendersonville, Tn

FEBRUARY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

First Sips to Forever

By Liesel Schmidt

hough he might not have had to take the last train to Clarksville to meet to woman he would spend the rest of his life with, native Georgia boy Ian Michel did have to put up with a bit of coffee for his first date with Jamie Settle, a pretty girl from Clarksville and a fellow student at Auburn University who had captured his interest during a trip to Smith Lake with some mutual friends. For a self-admitted coffee hater such as Ian, choosing a coffee shop as the site for a first date was nothing if not ironic; but in the end, it proved well worth it. “Our first date was at a coffee shop called The Overall Company in Opelika, Alabama,” Jamie recalls. “It’s funny to look back on, though, because Ian hates coffee! We stayed there for three hours talking; and he did get a drink, but he barely touched it the whole time. When we left, he admitted he hated it! We still laugh about that!” Coffee-flavored kisses would come later, 50

perhaps; but those hours of conversation they spent on their first date led to many more afterwards, as the couple slowly came to realize that they shared not only a mutual love of Auburn football, but a love of family, a desire to honor God, and feelings for one another that were strong enough to stand the test of life and weather the daily grind. After two years of dating, Ian proposed to the woman whose steam for life had captivated his heart, asking her to be his wife and make his all his dreams take full flight. Ten months later, on September 19, 2015, Ian, now a 24 year-old pilot, watched as Jamie walked down the aisle to take his hand in marriage. Wearing a classic white tux, the excited groom’s heart soared at the sight of his bride, who wore a vintage inspired gown with an illusion lace bodice and full tulle skirt. Carrying a bouquet of peach and white roses with an “old” brooch from her grandmother pinned to

the ribbons, 25 year-old Jaimie borrowed nail polish and wore a brand new pair of earrings, adding that traditional touch of blue to the occasion with her bridesmaids‘ dresses — French blue halter-neck organza gowns that complimented her overall vision of Southern elegance and refinement. Refinement aside, there was no shortage of fun during the festivities following the ceremony, which was held at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville. After the exchange of vows, the happy couple joined their friends and family to continue the celebration at an outdoor reception on the grounds of the historic and picturesque Governors Club, where they offered guests a true taste of the South with a buffet-style dinner of Cajun shrimp and grits; sirloin; and comfort food sides that reflected their love for iconic Southern cuisine. Sweetness abounded in the cake — a tiered vanilla cake filled with layers of Italian cream,

raspberry puree, and chocolate ganache frosted with white butter cream icing and “an incredible, warm caramel pecan sauce that guests drizzled over the top of it — I still dream about it!” laughs Jamie, a youth minister at Young Life. The cakes themselves had quite the story to tell: Made by his aunt and uncle, former renowned professional pastry chefs in the DC area, the tasty confection was baked in DC, then flown in on dry ice to be assembled and frosted upon their anticipated arrival in Nashville. Not to be forgotten, of course, was the groom’s cake, a traditional carrot cake decorated with the Auburn Tiger and an airplane — quite fitting for a young man burning with War Eagle pride and a passionate love of flying. After dancing the night away to songs played by locally loved Joel Brown Band, the newlyweds kissed their guests goodbye and swept off under the glow of sparklers, leaving behind a sweet reminder of the occasion with little jars of homemade hot pepper jelly made by Jamie’s grandmother. A unique touch, to be sure, but certainly one reflective of their own uniqueness as a couple. Having winged their way to a honeymoon in Italy, the newly-married pair now look forward to a future full of love, adventure, travel, and many more conversations and coffee-flavored kissed as they build their new life together in Roswell, Georgia.

PLANNER Leigh Barker - a delightful day -

ENTERTAINMENT Joel Brown Band nashville, Tn

PHOTOGRAPHER Christina deVictor - Someplace Wild -

INVITATIONS grammarcy

FLORAL DESIGN Jessica frame - fresh by Carryann BRIDE’S GOWN glitz Bridal nashville, Tn CATERER The governor’s Club nashville, Tn

HAIR STYLIST Kelly anne o’neill MAKEUP ARTIST Kara gaylor GROOM’S CAKE nashville Sweets CEREMONY VENUE Woodmont Christian Church nashville, Tn

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Blindsided by Love

By Liesel Schmidt

hough most people would hardly consider a minor hit-and-run accident a good thing, for Lauren Austin it was actually the best thing that ever happened to her. After all, had it not been for the reckless driving of an impatient guy in a beat-up old Chevy pickup truck, the 25-year-old registered nurse might never have met the man she would one day call her husband, never realized that love really could hit you when you least saw it coming, never fathomed that her knight in shining armor would turn out to be a guy with a badge. The love story between Lauren and Adam Post, a police officer with the City of Clarksville, officially began two days before Valentine’s in 2014, a time when so many anticipate that Cupid’s arrows will work their magic. Rather than arrows, however, love literally struck when 26 year-old Adam responded to the call alerting him to the fact that there had 52

been a non-emergent accident being reported, and that he was needed on the scene. Needless to say, filing the report wasn’t the last time that Adam saw Lauren. In fact, using the magic of modern technology, Lauren did a little detective work of her own, tracking him down on Facebook to show true Southern grace and thank him for being such a fine example of the city’s police force. And, of course, to extend an invitation to meet sometime for a friendly drink. From there, the case never ran cold; and as the months went on, the reckless driver in the beat-up Chevy proved to be their very own Cupid in disguise. Just two days before Christmas that very same year, Adam dropped to one knee in the middle of the winter wonderland on Franklin Street to propose to the woman who had stolen his heart, offering her a ring under the glow of the Christmas lights in hopes that she would become the one who never got away. Not that

everything leading up to that moment had run smoothly. Rather, it had met quite a few speed bumps along the way as the plans Adam had put in place for that special day seemed to run off the road right before his very eyes, due to rainy weather that had shut down the lights at the Riverwalk, the very place he had chosen to propose. In the end, the magical moment came like an unexpected Christmas gift: “Adam had no idea how the proposal was going to unfold until he got down on one knee,” Lauren laughs. Over the next year, the engaged couple looked forward to the day when forever would truly begin. As friends and family watched with joy, Lauren and Adam exchanged vows in the sanctuary of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Clarksville, once again basking in the glow of fairy lights from the evergreen trees that waited for Christmas. Wearing a demurely elegant fit and flare dress of ivory lace, Lauren

walked down the aisle to meet her intended, who had traded in his blues for a classic black tuxedo and bow tie. As her something old, Lauren chose to pin one of her grandmother’s antique brooches to the bouquet that she carried; she borrowed her sister’s veil; and had the words “Mrs. Post 12/12/2015” embroidered in light blue thread onto the underskirt of her new dress. After the ceremony, Lauren and Adam celebrated with their guests at the Sango Event Center, tucking into a buffet style dinner of smoked pork loin and smoked chicken. Paying homage to a Tennessee icon, the newlyweds danced their first dance to Elvis’s “Falling in Love With You” before mixing things up a bit with funky line dances and a karaoke session that lasted long into the night. “The reception was amazing,” Lauren recalls. “It was the perfect mix of a wedding celebration and a party.” When the festivities came to a close, the happy couple were sent off amidst the well wishes of their loved ones, ready to head off to their honeymoon under the warmth of sunny skies in Cancun, Mexico. Though that initial meeting might have taken a few bumps, Lauren and Adam welcome the road ahead, knowing that their meeting was no accident — and that even great struggles will never wreck their love.

OFFICIANT Michael Bayne - grace Community Church -

HAIR STYLIST Sara hendrix - Bella by Sara -

PHOTOGRAPHER Courtney Zenner Photography

MAKEUP ARTIST nicole gordon - isabella Sophia -

FLORAL DESIGN Sango Village florist BRIDE’S GOWN The White Room CATERER Choppin’ Block DJ dJ don Raymond

CAKE Caroline funk - The Mixing Bowl BARTENDER Marcus Scott VENUE Sango event Center

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Morning Vows

By Liesel Schmidt

hey say that weddings can be the place for new romance to begin; and for Clarksville residents Jessie Hoaglin and Clifford Shirley, it was no mere urban legend. Not that their meeting was entirely, unforeseen, however, as Clifford’s sister had made no small secret of her long-standing desire to see her brother pair off with her friend Jessie. Fortunately, fate agreed; and the two were brought together in a magical setting that was the very beginning of their very own journey to Happily Ever After. “He finally made a move and asked me out at her wedding; and the very next morning, we went to breakfast for our first date,” Jessie recalls. Over the next year and a half, Jessie and Clifford dated long distance, finally closing the gap when Clifford got down on one knee to propose on a mountaintop in Max Hatch, NC, at sunrise, knowing that the breathtaking vista surrounding them already claimed a piece of 54

Jessie’s heart and hoping that it would prove to become a special part of their shared history. Much like their very first date, the big day was celebrated over a post-ceremony breakfast with their friends and family on the morning of May 9, 2015, convening to the covered area of the courtyard of the historic Knox County Courthouse in Knoxville after an exchange of vows amidst the natural beauty of the magnolia trees and brick columns on the courthouse grounds. Much in keeping with the couple’s desire for their day to be casual and fun, guests dined on a buffet of breakfast sandwiches; fruit; and hash browns, opting for Krispy Kreme donuts in lieu of cake and serving Diet Coke and chilled bottles of Yoo-Hoo to toast their future happiness. The entire event was, in fact, very much a reflection of Jessie and Clifford’s fun-loving nature and their priority of keeping things light. No Bridezilla herself, Jessie, an assistant at a

Clarksville real estate company, wore a simple sleeveless silk dress with a borrowed veil and shoes and an “old” blue pair of earrings that had been a gift from her mother back in her high school days. Each of her 12 bridesmaids chose their own dresses in shades of tan, while the eight groomsmen attending Clifford were equally given carte blanche in selecting grey suits to match the groom’s, which was, according to Jessie, “one that I had always loved on him.” Rather than donning the cowboy boots that have long been his trademark, Clifford, who works for a charitable organization called Young Life, surprised his blushing bride — and everyone else — by wearing a brand new shoes to wear down the aisle, putting a new foot forward into his new life with the woman of his dreams. With plans to make a quick getaway to their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, the newlyweds escaped after only an hour, be-

ing sent off in a shower of birdseed that seemed to get everywhere. “I got a mouth full of birdseed, which made us start laughing at what a bad idea it is for people to throw things at the bride and groom!” Jessie says. “It’s funny, though, because those ended up being some of our favorite pictures from the day.” With birdseed still lodged in unmentionable places, Jessie urged her new husband to pull into Clifford’s favorite stop — a Chick-fil-A, where they could both shake out their clothes and get drinks for the road. Much to their surprise, their presence did not go un-noticed; and the evidence could easily gone viral: “Everyone at the Chick-fil-A laughed and applauded us as the bride and groom who came there for their first meal together as a married couple,”Jessie laughs. “Someone even posted a picture of us online that they had taken of us while we were in line ordering!” As the Shirleys begin their new life together, they have much happiness to look forward to, many breakfasts to share and memories to make, remembering their wedding with fondness and welcoming a lifetime of mornings when the words “I love you,” are part of the most important meal of the day.

PLANNER abby Stridde Knoxville Tn PHOTOGRAPHER Jennifer Crook Photography FLORAL DESIGN Jordan Burkhead from elder floral designs nashville, Tn

INVITATIONS Minted BRIDE’S GOWN BhLdn by anthropologie WEDDING CAKE Krispy Kreme doughnuts BRUNCH Brown Bag Catering

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Taking a Shot on Love

By Liesel Schmidt

or some guys, flirting with the cart girl at a golf tournament might be par for the course; but for Graham Sleigh, he was lining up the shot to get a date with the woman he would one day call his wife. Obviously, it wasn’t a swing and miss; and after only a week of dating, Lydia Gennett knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that she’d found her hole in one. “Being with Graham gave me a feeling that I’d never had before,” Lydia recalls. “He made me feel so special and so respected, and that was exactly the kind of man I was looking for.” Over the next year of dating, the couple’s undeniable bond strengthened and grew into deep love; and one late November day in 2014, Graham, a 25 year-old employee at the Clarksville Department of Electricity, proposed to Lydia, asking her to be his partner in the game of life, promising her that his heart would be hers forever. Twelve months later, the happy couple 56

took their turn at the tee on November 20, 2015, confident that their aim was strong and true. With friends and family gathered to celebrate their union, Lydia walked down the aisle at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksville to meet the man who had captured her heart, wearing a white vintage style dress with a high-neck lace bodice and a full-trained chiffon skirt that reflected her classically elegant style and spoke to her love of tradition. Donning some brand-new underpinnings in blue, the 25 year-old occupational therapist borrowed an old handkerchief from her mother, wisely prepared for her tears of joy. Anxiously awaiting his bride, self-described outdoor enthusiast and avid hunter Graham stood at the ready in a classic black tux, eyes dancing in excitement as he spoke his vows to the woman he loved, pledging to take every next swing right along with her. The festivities commenced at the Belle Hollow, where the newlyweds offered their

guests a full bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres before cutting into a four-tiered confection of moistly layered cakes flavored with vanilla bean, champagne, salted caramel, and carrot cake fillings. As a fitting touch respective of his deep love of “all things hunting,” the groom’s cake was a rich chocolate cake with chocolate ganache shaped like a shot-gun shell. After showing off their moves on the dance floor, Lydia and Graham bid their guests adieu, sent off into the night with sparks and warm wishes of a lifetime of happiness. Having chosen to postpone their honeymoon until November 2016, they will celebrate both their wedding and their one year anniversary in Turks and Caicos. And undoubtedly, there will be much to celebrate...As they build their new life together in Clarksville, the couple looks forward to strengthening their bond, improving their game, learning together how to overcome the rough shots and turn the trials into triumphs.

PHOTOGRAPHER danna nicholson Photography Charlottesville, Tn CATERER The Belle hollow Clarksville, Tn INVITATIONS Wedding Paper divas WEDDING CAKE Caroline The Mixing Bowl Bakery Clarksville, Tn RECEPTION VENUE The Belle hollow Clarksville, Tn MAKEUP ARTIST Bella by Sara Clarksville, Tn DJ adam elliot

FEBRUARY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Start planning your honeymoon. Select and order bridal gown! Create wedding website. Arrange wedding day transportation.

4-6 months before... Finalize guest list. Send save-the-date announcements. Reserve any rental items needed for ceremony/reception. Shop for wedding invitations. Finalize a date, time, and location for rehearsal dinner. Choose ceremony readings, and reach out to readers. Arrange room blocks at hotels for out-of-town guests.

o you’ve met the man of your dreams, and he’s finally popped the question. What comes next? There are so many things to do, so many little things to remember as you get ready for your big day; but knowing when to do them all — and how to do them all — can sometimes be the very trip-up that makes you feel like your dreams for a perfect day are going to unravel, leaving you in a puddle of butter cream-covered white tulle wondering when your bridal glow will come from something other than stress. Fortunately for you, some of the best wedding experts have designed the perfect guide to ensure that you can walk sure-footed in the months ahead as you get ready to take your trip down the aisle, giving you time lines and checklists for everything from when to send out your save-the-dates to when you should hand out your last vendor check. Follow this list, and the only thing you’ll be blushing over is how good you look shoving cake in your groom’s face.

Meet with your officiant.

2-4 months before... Mail invitations. Shop for your wedding rings Go cake tasting and order wedding cake. Obtain marriage license after 90-day mark. Find makeup artist and hairstylist, and make your day-of and trial-run appointments. Purchase favors and gifts for wedding guests and wedding party. Schedule bridal shower. Look into joint bank accounts, insurance, and merging assets.

9-12 months before...

6-8 weeks before...

Set a budget and determine how costs will be divided.

Send rehearsal-dinner invitations.

Select a date and reserve venues.

Reserve tuxedos for groomsmen.

Start the guest list to help determine cost estimates.

Finalize the menu and flowers.

Find an officiant.

Meet with vendors to work out details.

Start a folder for receipts.

Build music selection.

Select wedding party.

Consider liability insurance for reception location.

Take engagement photos. Hire a planner or day-of coordinator. Book a florist, photographer, videographer, and DJ/band.

2-6 weeks before... Print seating cards and programs.

6-9 months before...

Create seating plan and wedding-weekend timeline.

Find a caterer if your venue doesn’t offer one.

Write vows.

Choose bridesmaids’ attire.

Finalize all details, and confirm with vendors.

Have bachelor & bachelorette parties!

Have final dress fitting.

1 week before... Expect lots of last-minute things to come up, so try not to save anything that could have been finished sooner. Confirm arrival times with vendors and wedding party. Set aside checks or tips to distribute to vendors. Delegate tasks to wedding party. Confirm honeymoon arrangements and pack for your honeymoon. Check in with photographer and go over shot list.

day bef ore... Take the day off work. Check into your honeymoon flight. Give rings to best man. Attend rehearsal dinner. Give marriage license to the officiant. Massage/Manicure/Pedicure. Give wedding party gifts.

WEDDING DAY Eat a light and healthy breakfast and lunch, and drink plenty of fluids. Wear a button-down shirt for hair and makeup appointments. Arrange for transport of gifts. Enjoy!

After the wedding... Get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved. Preserve your bouquet. Write and mail thank-you notes. Complete name change. Meet with photographer to finalize albums/videos. Pay all remaining balances to vendors.

Check over your list regularly to make sure you’re not forgetting anything, that you’re on time and on-budget. Whether you’re having 30 or 300 guests, your wedding is a day that should be celebrated well and enjoyed. And while you may not be following strict rules about how or where you’re getting married, knowing some of the basics can help you feel more prepared so that your day to say I do won’t leave you wishing for a do-over. Here’s to a beautiful wedding and a happy future. Raise your glass and let your new life begin! FEBRUARY 2016 •

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Give | Care | Share

HeartSmart By Liesel Schmidt

he heart. It’s the symbol so closely associated with love and one of the most iconic images used for Valentine’s Day. But far more importantly, the heart is the very source of life, the organ that works so tirelessly in keeping the body running, the one that so often gets overlooked until something goes noticeably wrong. Far too frequently, however, even the signs that should alert us are misunderstood or dismissed, excused as something minor as we go about our daily lives in hopes that if we don’t see it, it’s not there. Especially if those warning signs and red flags don’t look exactly like the ones so regularly drilled into our heads: pain on the left side, tingling in the arm, shortness of breath, and a heaviness in the chest. It’s not following the rules, so no need to make a fuss, right? Wrong. According to the American Heart Association, some of the most important warning signs are often disregarded, marginalized, or even misdiagnosed simply because they don’t fit the symptoms most commonly associated with heart disease. Heart attacks in women present themselves in ways unlike those in men, and people who have long been healthy and fit assume that they are immune to the possibility that maybe, just maybe, their heart might fail them. Not even age is a factor as younger and younger people experience heart attacks and succumb to other forms of cardiac disease. Unfortunately, assumptions that someone doesn’t quite fit the bill of what we normally consider to be the “ideal” candidate for developing heart disease is one of the biggest reasons that heart conditions have become such an issue, and women are one of the greatest victims. “Each year, one in three women die of heart disease and stroke, 62

F.A.S.T.

The threat of stroke is also on the rise, so knowing the signs and the proper way to respond is crucial. In fact, the AHA has developed an easy-to-use acronym as a guide: using F.A.S.T. as both a prompt and a warning. Use this AHA guide, from www.heart. org to quickly recognize a stroke...

F A S

Face Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Arm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to see if the sentence is repeated correctly.

Time to call 911 If the person shows any of these symptoms — even if the symptoms go away — call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately. For more information on heart disease and ways that you can donate to research, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

killing approximately one woman every minute,” says Mya Anderson, Health Strategies Specialist at the American Heart Association. “Here in Tennessee, an average of 24 women die from heart disease and stroke each day.” True, the calling card symptoms are certainly ones to be aware of, but there are also a few others you might not recognize. According to the AHA, most heart attacks cause noticeable discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, though that discomfort might seem to stop for awhile only to return later on. Most commonly, the discomfort experienced feels like “pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.” Also not to be ignored are feelings of discomfort in the arms; the back; the stomach; the neck area; and even the jaw, as those can be indicative of a heart attack. Even without any type of discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath; breaking out in a cold sweat; feeling lightheaded; vomiting; and nausea might be symptomatic of heart attacks, so being aware of how you’re feeling could mean the difference between life and death. Be aware of your own symptoms, but also know what to watch for in someone else, as well. If someone is in full cardiac arrest, they will suddenly be unable to respond to being tapped on the shoulder; and they will show no signs of being able to take a normal breath, even when their head has been tilted up for more than five seconds after the onset of symptoms. Being able to respond to the signs by calling for help is imperative, so never ignore the people around you if they appear to be in distress. As you consider your health, never forget that being smart about your heart really is at the heart of the matter.

FEBRUARY 2016 •

Clarksville VIPs at Beachaven Winery

Holiday Open House Story by Stacy Leiser Photography by Shanna Morris

t was an all-day party at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery’s Holiday Open House. Held just 12 days before Christmas, the event drew wine enthusiasts, holiday revelers and Christmas shoppers alike. Although the event typically draws more than 500 people, it has an intimate, family feel. In addition to live Christmas music, the Holiday Open House featured delectable hors d’oeuvres handmade by the winery’s staff themselves, and of course plenty of selections from Beachaven’s range of wines. Ed and Louisa Cooke own the 30-year-old winery, which will be celebrating its three decades in 2016 in a variety of ways. A 30th-anniversary coin is now available for purchase for $30. All year, coin holders enjoy 10 percent off regularly priced purchases and get invites to special events. At Jazz on the Lawn, Beachaven’s free outdoor concert series that runs May-October each year, coin holders get VIP parking. They’ll also get special perks at the multi-winery 30th birthday bash planned for June. The first VIP event is planned for Valentine’s Day. Coin holders are invited to attend a champagne tasting 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, and take home a signature Beachaven champagne flute for free. The public is also invited to attend for $5 per person. Beachaven is Clarksville’s only winery, and its wines win awards across the region year after year, as well as bringing home medals from the Indy International wine competition. Their selection includes dry, semi-sweet and dessert wines.

Shirley Wimmer & Madalyn Ketron

Ashley Burchett & Whitney Wilson

Eric Gilliand, Ava Vienneau & Jane Carpenter

Jennifer Lietzau & Dave Behrmann

Tammy Branter, LaDonna Loving, Karen Jackson, Darlene Rasca & Joy Huggins

James Parker & Ellen Beach FEBRUARY 2016 •

Beachaven Vineyards & Winery Open House

Ed Cooke & James Parker

Kathy Mathis & Greg Palevo

Carol Keel & Stephanie Craft

Rebecca Langford & Lindsay Head

Charles Beach & Beth Tanner

Ed & Louisa Cooke

Carolyn Schillinger & Cathy Lowe

Paula Loss & Donna Harrison

Rick & Joanie Weeks

Sara Leslie, Ansley & Brian Knopf

Brittany Sellers & Steve Baird

Gary & Rita Bodensterne

Jeremy, Wilson & Natalie Michael

Donna & Jerry Burdick, Al & Ellen Hartman

NOW SERVING: • Active Duty • Single Soldiers • Military Retiree • DoD Civilians • Federal Agency Civilians MONTHLY RENT INCLUDES: • Basic utilities* • 24-hour emergency maintenance • Pet-friendly community • Free use of community center amenities ***

CALL TODAY!

888-310-9934

FEBRUARY 2016 •