A Designer’s Own Dwelling Choose A Color Scheme That Works For You
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Tennessee Weddings
contents february 2011
HOME FEATURE
40 the designer at home
This year’s designer home features the inspiring interiors of Todd Richesin. Named as part of the Next Wave of interior designers to watch in 2010 by House Beautiful, Richesin’s reputation for eclectic comfort comes as no surprise to the folks who know him.
SPECIAL SECTION 58 real weddings 74 florals by lane baher 72 fine impressions by allison hertz 70 catering by jim hagy
Photography: Ben Finch 6 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
contents february 2011 98
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TRAVEL 28 wHERE TO gO nOw
At Home Tennessee navigates what’s next in the leisure lifestyle
COMMUniTy 38 PUTnAM COUnTy
A rising area of revitalization, culture, and sport, Putnam County dazzles with life
AT HOME wiTH 38 LORi AnnE PARkER
As National Spokeswoman for Go Red for Women, Lori Anne Parker shares her own battle with heart disease and what’s being done to spread awareness.
dEsign 49 LiVing wiTH COLOR
Expert advice on choosing a color scheme that works for you
gARdEn 54 HOME-gROwn
Expert advice for the do-it-yourself bride 8 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
82 EnTERTAining 82 dining OUT: inTiMATE EATs
84 in EVERy issUE
Impress your date with a special evening from our selection of the most romantic dining experiences across Tennessee.
12 PUbLisHER’s nOTE
86 THE PARTy gETs PERsOnAL
76 by invitation—THE sOCiAL PAgEs
The best tips and trends for creating a memorable wedding celebration
FOOd 84 COOking wiTH jAnE gAiTHER
Get your chocolate fix this month with Sweet Heat Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies
sEE & dO 92 AnTiqUEs And gARdEn sHOw OF nAsHViLLE “Elements” brings clean, innovative looks for today’s homes and gradens.
FinAnCE 98 LOVE, MARRiAgE And MOnEy
The responsibility of planning a wedding proves a useful foundation for a couple’s economic future.
22 sTyLE 26 HEALTH & bEAUTy 90 bOOks 94 HAPPEnings 96 sOURCEs
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February 2011 • Vol. 9 No. 11 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Monger - mmonger@athometn.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Donna Hopgood- dhopgood@athometn.com
EDITORIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nikki Aviotti Hodum - naviotti@athometn.com Abigail Yoe -abiyoe@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Hallie McKay- hmckay@athometn.com SOCIETY EDITOR Lesley Colvett - lcolvett@athometn.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jane Gaither, Shana Lusk, Abbey Martin, Cara Seivers CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ben Finch COLOR MANAGEMENT Charles Reynolds - cr@colorretouching.com WEB MASTER Donna Donald - donna@donnadonalddesign.com
ADVERTISING REGIONAL SALES Melissa Hosp - mhosp@athometn.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR- MIDDLE TENNESSEE Stacy Sullivan-Karrels- ssullivankarrels@athometn.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR- chattanooga Susan Philips-sphilips@athometn.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janna Herbison - jherbison@athometn.com Virginia Davis - vdavis@athometn.com Hilary Frankel - hfrankel@athometn.com Cynthia Olive-colive@athometn.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Trip Monger - tmonger@athometn.com
HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155, FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE athometn.com BEAUTY INQUIRIES beauty@athometn.com WEBSITE INQUIRIES web@athometn.com At Home Tennessee does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to - Lindsey Phillips Abernathy, Managing Editor, At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe online at athometn.com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Tennessee is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Lindsey Phillips Abernathy; At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or by e-mail to lphillips@athometn.com.
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publisher’s note
Aisle Be There
A
fter being married for 24 years, it’s sometimes hard to remember the details of our wedding and especially the reception. One thing I do remember about the ceremony is our vows. Of course my husband had to point out that I must have forgotten that “obey” part but I quickly reminded him, I had it removed! Seriously, at 21 promising to love someone through sickness and in heath, in good times and bad and for richer or poorer seemed like a very easy task. What could possibly go wrong? We had the perfect apartment, both had jobs and had healthy parents. We were responsible for no one but ourselves. Over the years, we have had some of the most amazing times together. We started a family of our own and were fortunate to travel and create some great memories. Of course, when God gives you children and the unconditional love that comes with them, you must also bear the burden of feeling like your heart is being ripped out of your chest when you see them hurt or sick. We have gone through a couple large recessions that reminded us of that “for richer or poorer” promise as well. The death of my father and the most recent illness and death of my father-in-law just this past week were reality slaps of the example of the “in sickness and in health” promise. We have had some perfect times and some not-so-perfect times but with great love comes great pain at times; that is when you cling to your spouse the hardest and it brings you closer. God promises never to abandon us and we do the same to our spouse. It’s a bit ironic to me that I am writing this for our Wedding issue. After a long illness, my father-in-law went peacefully to Heaven this week. He and my mother-in-law would have been married 51 years February 6. He was one of the most loving and caring husbands there ever was and I am blessed to have married his son, who learned from the best what it takes to be a husband and father. In good times and in bad, I am lucky to have my best friend of 24 years to be by my side. Best wishes to all you beginning this wonderful journey and congratulations to all of you who are blessed to still be with your best friend.
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contributors’ page Jane Gaither is our kitchen guru and quite possibly the next Food Network Star. Jane lives in Nashville where she is a professional cook, class instructor, and full-time mother. Each month she provides our readers with recipes designed to impress. In this month’s column “Chocolate-The Forbidden Love,” Jane tells us her fix for chocolate cravings. Shana Lusk
Photography by Peyton Hodge
“Southern weddings are famed for many things, not the least of which are their charm, grace, and, of course, hospitality,” says Lusk in her review of wedding planner Tara Guerard’s newest work, “Southern Style: Tradition with a Twist” (page 90). Lusk, a freelance writer whose articles on books and design appear frequently in the pages of At Home Tennessee, also works as an associate designer in Knoxville for Carol Raley Interiors.
Terry White
Marjorie Feltus Hawkins
is a licensed and registered interior designer with more than 30 years experience. In this month’s design feature “Living with Color” (page 49) Hawkins offers a foolproof approach to selecting a color scheme for the home. A principal at Feltus|Hawkins Design, an interior architectural design company, her design philosophy is “Your space is your signature. Don’t scribble!” Since its establishment in 1990, F|H DESIGN has developed relationships with prestigious clients such as The Cliffs Communities, Gaylord Hotels, the Mills Corporation, and Club Corporation of America. Feltus Hawkins Design 5114 Annesway Drive Nashville, TN 37205-2711
Event planner and horticulturist White (“Plant Your Own Bouquets,” page 54) founded the Nashville garden design firm English Garden in 1984. Since then, White has earned a remarkable reputation for designing and decorating some of the most covetable weddings and events throughout the United States. With a clientele that includes fixtures in the music and movie industry as well as the political arena, White is constantly on the go. When not working, White can be found laboring away at his true passion, gardening. P.O. Box 50401 6513 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37205 615. 354.0094
Michelle Meadows and Samantha Reedy As co-founders of Firefly Events in Nashville, a full-service wedding and event planning company, Meadows and Reedy are thoroughly rehearsed on the latest and greatest trends for entertaining your wedding guests in style. In “The Party Gets Personal” (page 66), Reedy and Meadows discuss tips for infusing an event with personality and flair. Firefly Events, LLC 1389 Moonlight Trail Brentwood, TN 37027 14 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
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style
February’s Fabulous Finds
Fortune Necklace Gorjana, Oak Hall 901.761.3580 Melania Jacket Public Figure Dress
Kate Spade, The Mall at Green Hills 615 . 298 . 5478
modcloth.com 1.888.495.9699
Gina Heel
Kate Spade, The Mall at Green Hills 615 . 298 . 5478
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Rocksie Handbag katiekalsi.com
style
One Shoulder Dress modcloth.com 1.888.495.9699
Dina Bag
Kate Spade, The Mall at Green Hills 615 . 298 . 5478
Willow Bangles Gorjana, Oak Hall
901.761.3580
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beauty
“I Do” Beauty
These products are just what every bride (and groom) will need on their big day.
Laura Mercier’s Silk Road Eye and Cheek Palette lauramercier.com
Oscar Blandi Hair Lift OscarBlandi.com
Orly’s Kiss The Bride Nail Lacquer orlybeauty.com
Molton Brown’s Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod bath and shower gel moltonbrown.com
Anthony Logistics for Men “Here Comes the Groom” kit anthony.com 22 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
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self
N
early 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. Eating a healthy diet, practicing weight management and living an active lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. Follow these six tips for a heart-healthy diet.
Heart-Healthy February is American Hearth Month, a movement dedicated to raising awareness for the number one leading cause of death in the United States. In women alone, cardiovascular disease is responsible for nearly a million deaths per year in the U.S., 10,000 of which are in Tennessee. join us in our efforts to spread the news about this vital health risk. Support your local community by attending one of the several events taking place in your area this month.
Text Stephanie Ward
1. Eat a low-fat diet, avoiding saturated and trans fats.
Trans fat and saturated fat are two of the main dietary causes of high blood cholesterol. Elevated blood cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Avoid unecessary fats by using these substitutes: • Use 92 percent lean ground beef instead of regular ground beef. • Choose white meat turkey or chicken without the skin instead of red meats. • Replace potato chips with fresh fruits and veggies. Eat hummus or use a low-fat dressing as a dip. • Use fat-free or reduced-fat butter substitutes instead of real butter. • Choose low-fat or fat-free milk and other dairy products. • Choose egg whites instead of whole eggs.
2. Consume foods with healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fat or omega-3 fatty acids, in small amounts.
Foods rich in monounsaturated fats include olives, peanut butter, avocados and many oils, nuts or seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered a polyunsaturated fat and are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, albacore tuna and lake trout. Omega-3 fatty acids may further decrease your 24 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
risk of heart disease, so choose this type of fat more often than monounsaturated fats.
3. Avoid added sugar and salt.
Limit sugary drinks like sodas and fruit punch, and processed foods like cakes, cookies, pies and candy. Select reduced-sodium versions of foods, and add little salt when cooking.
4. Choose high-fiber foods.
Eat five servings of fruits and veggies per day. Also, incorporate whole grains like old-fashioned oatmeal, brown or wild rice, corn, rye, barley, popcorn and whole-grain cereals and breads into your diet. Beans and lentils are other great sources of fiber.
5. Practice weight management.
If you are overweight, losing five to 10 percent of body weight can significantly lower your blood cholesterol. To lose a pound a week, a person needs to cut back only 500 calories daily. It’s as easy as cutting out a candy bar and a 20-ounce soda!
6. Make healthy lifestyle choices.
Aim for 30 minutes of daily exercise activity. Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, practice stress management and don’t smoke. Visit www.mypyramid. gov for nutrition information compatible with these guidelines.
American Heart Month Events in TN: February 4 National Wear Red Day A number of buildings in Nashville like the State Capitol and the Parthenon, as well as several individual businesses, will literally “go red” as a symbolic show of support for the fight against heart disease. February 5 Memphis Heart Ball The Peabody Memphis 6 p.m.-12a.m. For more information contact Cynthia Brewer at 901.383.5412 Nashville Heart Ball Schermerhorn Symphony Center Nashville 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 615.340.4135. Chattanooga Heart Ball The Chattanoongan, Chattanooga, TN 6 p.m.12 a.m. A black tie event benefitting the American Heart Association. For tickets and other information call 423.763.4412 February 10 Go Red for Women Luncheon Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jackson, TN 3:00pm - 6:30pm, Free Health Screenings, Vendors and Breakout Sessions 6:30pm - 8:30pm Members of the community along with medical professionals, and health and fitness experts offer advice on how to live a heart healthy lifestyle. For more information contact Rosy Roberts at 731.298.6767. February 19 Rutherford Heart Ball Embassy Suites, Murfreesboro – Hotel and Conference Center For additional information contact the American Heart Association at 615.340.4102 or 615.890.4464. February 26 Knoxville Heart Ball Cherokee Country Club Knoxville 6 p.m.-12 a.m. A fun filled formal evening to honor the American Heart Association. For additional information call 865.212.6508.
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travel
Private Escapes for Peaceful Getaways Achieve the ultimate experience in rest and relaxation with destinations ripe in natural beauty. TExT Hallie McKay
O
ff the coast of Florida, St. George Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. The 22-mile barrier island is one of the last inhabited, yet unspoiled, stretches of beach in the country today. Thanks to a few environmentally sensitive site plans, protective covenants have been able to maintain the pristine qualities of beachfront properties in St. George Island. Hidden away from the noisy crowds of vacationers, St. George Island offers a spectacular, natural atmosphere of leisure. It’s calm shores and quaint and luxury accommodations provide the ultimate setting for relaxation or a romantic weekend getaway. Although the island boasts several charming neighborhoods, we recommend booking your stay at Sunset Beach (Resort Vacation Properties, 866.348.6140). Here you’ll find a private community of single-family homes ripe with Mediterranean influence. Terracotta and stucco homes set against a backdrop of white beaches and azure waters provide unspeakable beauty. A gated entrance provides access to the state park 28 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
where you’ll enjoy miles of untouched beach— a characteristic vastly unlike the rest of Florida coastlines. Watch a sunset over the Apalachicola Bay, or take a walk to the newly re-assembled historic St. George Lighthouse. Excellent fishing can be accomplished whether you choose to cast your reel off the Bryant Patton Bridge or rent a boat in one of the area’s marinas. While on the island, dine at the Blue Parrot Café (68 W. Gorrie Dr. 850.927.2987) for fresh and flavorful dishes such as a their fried grouper sandwich or stuffed shrimp. An abundance of shopping and dining options await in downtown Apalachicola. Explore the boutique-style shops of Grady Market (76 Water Street, 850.653.4099), for one-of-a-kind antiques, unique gifts, art and apparel. Be sure to eat at Magnolia Grill (75 Ave B 850.653.8000) where you’ll meet the personable Chef Eddie and his infamous gumbo. Call one of the helpful agents at Resort Vacation Properties to book your trip today. From the rest-seeking traveler to the love-romanced honeymooner, St. George Island provides the ultimate experience in peaceful private escapes. Continued on page 30
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travel
The Highlands, N.C. Abundant in natural beauty and culture, a traveler can discover a unique blend of sophistication and wilderness among the Highlands. Set on a natural plateau of 4118 feet, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains surround you from all sides. Beautiful waterfalls and a variety of hiking trails provide adventure and endless observation. Get lost in the serenity of the landscape or settle in with a good book at a local inn. We recommend the 4 ½ Street Inn (55 4-1/2 Street Highlands, NC 828.526.4464). This quintessential bed and breakfast is run by gracious hosts Rick and Helene Siegel. The owners, along with their friendly black lab Jake, greet guests each morning with a complimentary breakfast.
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travel
Charming and comfortable, it’s impossible to find a better mountain retreat. Just a short walk from the property are several fine art galleries and exceptional boutiques which give numerous options for a day into town. The Bascom Fine Arts Gallery is not to be missed. The gallery is a hot spot of local and guest artists as well as an array of classes. The knowledgeable proprietors can give you advice on where to dine during your stay. Close from the inn are seven restaurants with the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence. The Inn is open April-Nov in 2011 Check in on Sunday-Tuesday with a stay of 2 or more nights, receive the 2 night 50% off, excluding the months of July and October
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COMMUNITYSPOTLIGHT
PUTNAM COUNTY In the heart of the highlands, a story unfolds of pastoral winsomeness with an upbeat and trendy stroke as Cookeville and the three hamlets of Algood, Baxter and Monterey are abundant reserves of art, music, shopping, nature and small town charm. TEXT: Becky Newbold
WHERE TO SHOP
Life pulses on Broad Street in Cookeville where antiques, art, good food and eclectic styles transform the area into a haven for those with a zealous love for the unusual. Try the Antique Vault and Vintage Rose Antiques. Sample the great cup of coffee and sweets at Poet’s On The Square. A neverending fountainhead of creativity, the nearby Appalachian Center for the Arts, training ground for Tennessee Tech students, feeds original works into hot spots like Poet’s and Ebony Eyes Gallery on North Willow Avenue.
YOU CANNOT SAY YOU VISITED COOKEVILLE WITHOUT A DONUT F ROM RALPH 32 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
Formerly bustling 1950s-era downtown buildings have found new life in the renovated district. The Market on the Square, on nearby Jefferson Street, flaunts a medley of finds to get the juices flowing for shopping fanatics.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK While on Cookeville’s west side, dine at Crawdaddy’s Grill at 53 West Broad for Cajun cuisine, either indoors or outdoor. Dolce Cafe offers live entertainment, Italian pastries and a daily selection of exquisite coffee at their espresso bar on 323 East Spring Street. Mauricio’s at 232 North Peachtree Avenue is the place for
good Italian food, music from the 40s and 50s and great atmosphere. “The ambiance is delightful, the service is professional and the food and wine excellent,” Cara Steck of Portland, OR commented in Mauricio’s guest book. Dress is casual and reservations are recommended on the weekends. Call 931-528-2456 or visit online at mauricioscookeville.com. Lifelong residents know the secret of a great day is found within the unassuming walls of Ralph’s Donuts. “You cannot say you visited Cookeville without a donut from Ralph,” one resident said. Another-must have is the banana pudding at Bobby Q’s Barbeque Restaurant. See their menu at bobbyqsrestaurant.org. A dozen flavors at Creme City Ice Cream & Coffee House make children’s dreams come true (and good‚ “medicine” for grown-ups too!). Delmonaco Winery in Baxter is a family-run business with a full line of wines from the dry Chardonnay to the Sweet Whisper Peach, a gold medal winner. The Whistle Stop Red, an off dry, listed for about $15, is created from a blend of Tennessee grapes and boasts an International Silver Medal.
THE OUTDOORS
Eight state parks within 45 minutes of Cookeville showcase Tennessee finest natural areas including the a 136-foot high waterfall at Burgess Falls near Baxter. A 1.5 mile round trip hike provides breathtaking views of four waterfalls on the Falling Water River. Canyon view along the scenic trail, a butterfly garden and playground make this a must stop for families and individuals eager to explore history and nature. More than 300 species of trees and plants grace the grounds and wildlife is abundant. Other parks nearby include Edgar Evans Park and Rock Island. Enjoy water fun and fishing at Center Hill Lake.
COMMUNITY AT A GLANCE
As you travel into Putnam County, drop a line at the Twin Lakes Catfish Farm at 580 Gainesboro Highway at Baxter. A bait and tackle shop awaits at the pay lake and RV camping is available seven days a week. Catching your own not your style? Let the Pippin Family take care of it for you. The restaurant is open six days a week, closed Wednesday. Call 931-858-2333 for more information. Generous fairways at the Mountain Ridge Golf Course in Monterey are perfect for both novice and experienced golfers. An unforgettable mountain view at hole number 14 makes it the signature hole and the back nine are carved out of the mountain landscape. Navigate the rocky bluffs of Mountain Ridge Golf on Hwy 70 West in Monterey. Call 931.839.3313 for more information.
THINGS TO DO
If the romance of trains makes you long for days gone by, stop, look and listen when you visit the Depot Museum on the corner of Broad and Depot Streets as trains are active in the area. Check out an excursion opportunity like the one in early February to Del Monaco Winery. Hosted by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, climb aboard the Murder Mystery Excursion to Baxter for a 168-mile round trip
on stainless steel streamline passenger cars built 60 years ago. (www. tcry.org). Fans of Tennessee Tech’s Golden Eagles take an active role in the school’s athletic programs. Cheer on the purple and gold during the year by following a favorite sport: basketball, football, tennis, soccer baseball, softball, track, cross country or golf. Since 1975, 146 players have been inducted into the TTU Sports Hall of Fame. Tennessee Tech is part of the Ohio Valley Conference. Check out the Golden Eagles online at TTUsports.com.
Take a quilting class at the Purple Mountain Quilt Shop located at 107 W. Commercial Ave in Monterey. Call 931-839-9665 for information or find out more at purplemountainquiltshop.com. Visit the Appalachian Quilt Trail as it meanders through Putnam and surrounding counties. Artwork depicting quilts may be seen on barns throughout Cookeville and Monterey. Continue the quilting adventure by attending the 22nd Upper Cumberland Quilt Festival in Algood in September 2011.
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Population: 700,000 Nearest Cities: Nashville, Crossville, Chattanooga Average Temperature: Winter: 48/27 Summer: 86/63
Long Branch Lakes
LIVABILITY Long Branch Lakes
Creeks, covered bridges and an equestrian center all on 5,000 acres beckon to Long Branch Lakes in Spencer, just one hour from Cookeville. Amenities in this gated community include hiking trails, heated pool with waterfall, tennis courts, boat docks, basketball, sports fields and a General Store. Adjacent to 22,000 wooded acres of Fall Creek Falls State Park, the scenic beauty of the Cumberland Plateau awaits you.
“You’ll find an extraordinary quality of life within the community of Cookeville-Putnam County and the Highlands region. As you can see, the area is home to excellent medical, educational and cultural facilities. All of this, combined with reasonable living costs make it the ideal place to live, work, play, raise a family and retire. “
Image courtesy of Long Branch Lakes
Cumberland Cove
Amazing views of North Carolina from the Bluffs of Cumberland Cove in Monterey Tennessee make home your new favorite vacation destination. Mountain streams, caves and trails meander through the highland forests and wildlife is abundant. Take a hike, ride a bike or explore the Bluffs your own unique way. Natural massive rock cavern displays are just minutes away in this peaceful section of eastern Tennessee.
White Plains
Centered around the White Plains Golf Course in Cookeville, custom homes in this upscale community offer the allure of a calmer lifestyle in a peaceful atmosphere. The 18 hole course, par 72, is open year round as well as a driving range, practice putting green and pro shop. To-go orders are available, but you will want to savor the flavors of the Plantation Grill in the new clubhouse (opening this spring) or outdoors on the deck. See their menu online at www. whiteplainsgolf.net.
Cumberland Cove
Images courtesy of Cookeville-Putnam County CVB
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at home with
At Home With Lori Anne Parker
A
As an artist, writer and editor, Lori Anne Parker fills her life with what she loves to do on a daily basis. The Nashville resident creates art during her day job at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Sharing her thoughts through her creations is what she says is the most important thing to her. Her position at the Frist Center allows Parker to share her love of art with the community. “As an artist and writer, one of the most important things to me is making art a shared moment,” she says. She is also sharing with the community another of her passions, heart disease prevention for women, as the American Heart Association recently named Parker a spokesperson for its Go Red for Women Campaign. As a spokesperson Parker has the opportunity to spread the word about heart disease and the importance of taking care of one’s heart. I always stress that second point as much as the first, because I don’t only want to talk about heart disease and the dire statistics, but really get the idea across that there are so many things people can do to take care of their health,” she said. Parker ’s personal story uniquely qualifies her to be a voice of the movement for heart health. At age 38 she suffered a heart attack. She wrote off the symptoms, pain and vomiting, as the flu and went to bed. She continued to work the next day despite having searched the internet for women’s heart attack symptoms and having realized all the symptoms she had experienced were those
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of a heart attack.She continued her daily activities until four days later when she had another heart attack. Parker then went immediately to the hospital, where doctors performed emergency triple coronary bypass surgery. They diagnosed her with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, a rare heart condition usually only diagnosed in autopsies. Two of the main arteries to her heart were actually splitting apart. I felt so weak and small after my surgery, but as I got better and stronger, I realized I could still rely on my body, that there was an ‘after ’ to the experience in which I was healthy again,” she said. Parker has spent the past year recovering. She launched a new project, The Watersketch Prospectus, to help her through her time of healing. After surgery, she found she couldn’t paint with oils or in large formats because she had restricted arm movement to allow her sternum to heal. From these limitations came a series of watercolor works on paper, painted over the course of a year under a few rules the artist set for herself. She would paint each week and the work would be completed in 90 minutes. She posted the paintings on Facebook, Twitter and her website (lorianneparker. com) and e-mailed them to friends at the end of the week. “As I look back over the weeks, I can ‘read’ the Prospectus as a type of journal, Parker says. “I can tell from the works, for instance, weeks when I was feeling really upset about what had happened to my heart, weeks when I was frightened, etc.” It was her art that ultimately led to Parker being selected as a Go Red for Women spokesperson. A cardiac nurse practitioner, who was also the wife of Parker ’s surgeon, suggested that she donate some of her art to the Nashville Heart Association gala. When Parker dropped off the paintings, a receptionist mentioned the Go Red casting call that was
at home with scheduled for the next weekend at Macy’s in Cool Springs. There Parker shared her story with the selection committee. “When I found out that I had been selected as a finalist I was very surprised and excited,” she said. “After the phone interview round, when I found out that I was chosen to actually be one of the women, I was elated!”Go Red for Women spokeswomen travel the country and speak to women about the importance of heart disease awareness. “One of my primary messages to women is to learn all you can about heart health and act on it,” she says. “You can’t do any activities or achieve any of your goals without your heart.” Parker will be involved in several Nashville area outreach events with the local chapter of the American Heart Association during February, American Heart Month. She explains, “I will be teaming up with Christy Shuff, the owner of Rumours Wine Bar in the 12th South District, on an Art for the Heart collaboration to heighten awareness locally about the risk of heart disease in women.”Events include a wine social on Jan. 31 that will feature an on-site exhibition of Parker ’s Atrial Articulations, an artist’s reception on Feb. 12 and two dinners on Feb. 14 and 24. The artist/spokesperson says a percentage of proceeds from the events and art sales will be donated to the local Go Red for Women effort.
feature
Seasoned interior designer Todd Richesin (seated) and partner, Bobby Brown, are adding a third interiors business to their portfolio this year – a retail branch. The shop, called “Upstairs,” will be located on Kingston Pike in Knoxville.
A DESIGNER DWELLING Based on expert interior and exterior design, this Knoxville home could just as easily be
on a knoll in the European countryside. And what’s even better are the trinkets, treasures, sculptures and paintings that have been hand-picked from all over the world and harmonized with each other to produce an extravagant and wonder-filled, yet very cozy, home.
W
TEXT Cara Sievers| PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Finch
hen interior designer Todd Richesin and his partner, Bobby Brown, were looking for a new home in West Knoxville seven years ago, they weren’t just looking for any old house. They searched high and low for the perfect shell for their treasured collections of antiques and fine art. “What we were looking for in the home-hunting process was a place that would have enough age to have a little patina because I don’t think
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that’s something you can fake in even the most expensive new construction,” says Richesin. “It’s just about impossible to fake time.” They ended up in a textbook example of a French Norman house – a square box with a slate mansard roof. The brown brick home, built in 1969, contains three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and approximately 4,800 square feet of living space, which is just enough for Richesin, Brown and their two cats, Jackson and Venice.
feature
A rich stucco treatment covers the old 70s-style paneling that once surrounded the couple’s cozy den. Anchored by an Oushak Persian rug and flanked by two unique and captivating portraits, the window looks out into the courtyard.
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feature
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(Right) The foyer is framed by a classic iron stair rail, forged by a local blacksmith, and plays host to some of the homeowners’ favorite pieces. Opposite Page: Richesin’s favorite room, the living room, is full of light and cheery tones. Buttery yellow and smoky blue plaid drapes frame the designer’s favorite painting, a rustic scene of a boy who has just been chopping wood.
“We were looking for the best house for our things,” explains Richesin, adding that although they have a lot of European antiques, a lot of American pieces are mixed in. “The look we went for on the inside wasn’t distinctly French. I would say it’s more Continental; but the outside is definitely French and we kept that in mind when remodeling the inside. I think the most beautiful houses are the ones where the outside marries well with the inside.” Richesin was careful in the renovations to make the interior finishes appear as though they had developed piece by piece over time just like his collections. For example, he used three counter surfaces in the kitchen so it didn’t look like they did a massive remodel and just added a giant group of new cabinets and countertops. Furthermore, Richesin added French details throughout the home to make sure the exterior made sense. He and Brown had a local blacksmith forge an iron stair rail based on photographs of several that they loved in France. Additionally, the decorative papers on the ceilings, the upholstered walls and the lighting sources all carry a heavy French influence. The real distinction of the home, however, is its contents. Richesin’s amazing ability to find, restore and utilize pieces from several countries and varying eras is what gives the home its luxurious and warm feel. “The way a home feels is paramount to me,” says Richesin. “Interiors should be inviting. A room should be a place you want to come in, you want to sit and down and you want to enjoy. The way I do that is with an interesting mix of new and old, with beautiful textiles, with properly scaled furniture and with a furniture layout that makes sense,” says Richesin, who has been designing interiors for nearly 20 years.
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He admits that one of the best things about designing his own space is the ability to test out new concepts. Another difference between working on his own home and a client’s is that he doesn’t have to defend his shopping philosophy. “Clients do not understand the concept of buying something just because it’s wonderful – they want to know exactly where it’s going to go. It’s hard to tell my clients to ‘just buy it and we’ll figure out how we’re going to use it later,’ but that’s how some of the best spaces come together,” Richesin explains. “We’ve done our entire house that way – with the artwork, the furniture and the accessories. That’s why everywhere we go in our home, we are surrounded by things we love and can tell a story about almost every single piece.”
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Behind the bed in the master bedroom, a traditional sky blue and golden toile covers a niche created by white columns added to the room during the renovation. Travel books hide under a gilded antique chest with gorgeously detailed inlays. 44 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
The dining room boasts the rich wood tones of a Mexican Alfonso Marina dining table and a walnut Austrian Biedermeier chest. Hand-printed Fortuny draperies don the windows and the walls, upholstered in an embossed velvet, lead the eye to a grand wallpapered ceiling done in a ScalamandrĂŠ pattern made for one of the mansion restorations in Newport.
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feature “Clients do not understand the concept of buying something just because it’s wonderful – they want to know exactly where it’s going to go. It’s hard to tell my clients to ‘just buy it and we’ll figure out how we’re going to use it later,’ but that’s how some of the best spaces come together,” Richesin explains.
Richesin’s favorite room in his home is the living room, which boasts tones of red, blue and gold. Surrounded by large windows on three sides, the living room is filled with light throughout the day. A brilliant, but muted, yellow on the walls and cheerful plaid draperies help bring the sunshine indoors. Three custom-painted coats of arms – one for Richesin, one for Brown and one for the cats – hang on the south wall of the living room. The couple had these painted on vinyl rolling window shades by Knoxville artist Robin Surber when they used to live in a warehouse condo downtown. The living room also houses Richesin’s most beloved piece of art – a simple painting of a boy that came from a Knoxville antique dealer. “He has this incredible light and life,” says Richesin. “When we bought it, it was filthy, it wasn’t in a frame and there was some damage to the canvas.” In fact, when they took it to be restored, it was so black with filth that only the boy’s face was visible. “Now, you can see the background, which shows that the boy has been chopping wood – it’s just so beautiful and bright.” Richesin says the dealer who sold him the painting when it was in such disrepair has a new-found desire to buy it back, but it’s definitely not for sale. In the evenings, Richesin and Brown spend most of their time in the den, another cherished space. “It’s so cozy, you just want to curl up there,” says Richesin, and it’s easy to imagine doing so next to the antique Parisian fireplace from the mid-1800s. The mantle bears two English garden elements and a clock covered in old-fashioned book paper that
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they found in an estate sale in Sweetwater, Tenn. The painting above the mantle, which is the first good piece of art the couple ever bought, shows a group of men in a parlor. “Everybody’s having such a good time. We just loved the feel of it – it’s almost as if you can smell the smoke in the room,” Richesin describes. Across the den is an 18th century French buffet that houses cable boxes, sound equipment and what-not; and pulling the whole room together is an Oushak Persian rug from the 1880s that, until now, had never been down on anyone’s floor. And for a change in scenery, large glass doors flanked by rich gold and red toile curtains lead out into the courtyard. The gardens are a continuation of the home, hosting many “rooms” of their own. Approximately two of Richesin and Brown’s three-and-a-half acres are graced with manicured Italian gardens, mimicking the landscaping they fell in love with in Italy. Whether in the shade garden, on the croquet lawn, by the pool or even in the horseshoe pit, each area has an element that attracts visitors to it, and a carefully planned vista that leads to the adjacent space. It seems that all of the spaces in the home are that way – drawing you in and inviting you to discover more. It’s almost as if Richesin and Brown are curators of a world of treasures that, for one reason or another, haven’t received the appreciation they deserved. Add that to incredible design talent and you end up with this place – a treasure trove of history, whimsy, beauty and awe.
Clockwise from top left: A wrought-iron gate opens the entrance to their home; The designers favorite painting, a rustic scene of a boy; Collection of paintings and prints; European architecture black and white engravings; A look into the foyer’s persian rugs and antique paintings; a cherry Sheraton chest from the early 19th century; an obelisk bookcase from Chelsea House; chest from Baker’s “Centennial” collection with antique lamps from Italy and a magnificent French antique gold clock.
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design
Living with Color TexT Marjorie Feltus
D
epending on your personality, selecting a color scheme for a room in your home can be either a fascinating, exciting experience or a daunting, intimidating task. There are virtually limitless options out there – if you can dream a hue, it can be created. Some like to refer to a set of rules or guidelines when choosing the “right” color, and others let their emotions lead them to the color that feels “right.” I recommend a combination of the two when selecting a color scheme. February 2011 • athometn.com | 49
design
Here are a few pointers to consider regardless of how you approach designing a room: • First, let emotion be your guide.
Choose colors that speak to you and make you feel good; these are shades you’ll want in your surrounding environment. Vibrant color schemes and plush textures give guest • Open your closet for inspirarooms a unique personality that sets it apart from tion. Select colors forof your home the rest the house.
just as you pick them for your wardrobe. What looks good on you?
• Let your geographic region
influence your color palette. Consider colors that are native to the region or that reflect the surrounding environment. • Go back to school. Remember the color wheel and ROYGBIV? It’s a handy tool for selecting complementary colors. • Learn the difference between warm and cool shades. Warmer colors create more intimate spaces, while cooler hues reflect peaceful and serene feelings. • If you like to follow trends and themes, go ahead and let the experts inspire you. However, don’t forget that your home is a direct reflection of you, so make sure
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you’re going to be comfortable – physically and emotionally – with the colors you select. • Don’t be scared of color. If
you’ve always wanted to try a bold, red accent wall but it scares you, warm up to the idea with some red hues in your accessories. Or, choose a more subtle shade of the color you’re eyeing. • Don’t forget that paint is inexpensive and far from permanent. If you paint a color that is all wrong, just add a couple coats of something new and it’s ancient history. • If you are afraid to commit to a specific color, paint your walls something neutral and bring in color with accent pieces like flowers, pillows, furniture, art and window treatments. Those are easily changeable with the seasons or whatever whim you might have. • If the process still seems overwhelming, consult a professional for assistance. A good interior designer will walk you through the process, taking great care to listen to and accomplish your vision.
Marjorie Feltus Hawkins is a licensed and registered interior designer with more than 30 years experience. A principal at F|H Design, an interior architectural design company, her design philosophy is “Your space is your signature. Don’t scribble!”
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garden
Home-Grown Text Terry White, owner of The English Garden, Nashville
F
uture brides ask from time to time about the difficulties involved in growing the flowers to use in their own wedding. It isn’t that difficult if you have a tinge of a green thumb and you plan ahead.
The first thing you should do is some research on what blooms naturally in your area at the time of your wedding. These will be the materials and plants that will offer the greatest chance of success. Forcing flowers to bloom outside of their natural time is more labor intensive, complicated and usually involves access to a greenhouse. Springtime is abundant with tulips, daffodils and blooming branches. You can plant tulips and daffodils the fall before your spring wedding and have great results. I recommend tripling the amount of bulbs you think you will need and planting one-third of them every two weeks during the advised planting time. This will give you more chances of abundant blooms at the time you need them. Iris is another favorite that is fairly easy to grow. It is hard to exactly time when anything will bloom as it depends on so many different climatic elements. Late frosts are quite common in Tennessee and they will delay most early spring bloomers. If you have the blooms that you need coming on a little early, you can always harvest early and refrigerate them to stretch their shelf life. Another trick is to cut forsythia or any kind of blooming fruit tree after they have budded a little and bring them indoors when it is still cold outside. This will cause them to bloom earlier. Be sure to take several cuttings a week apart as it is hard to predict when they will pop and show color. A warm sunny area in your house will force these branches to think that it is spring and pop indoors.
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For early summer and through the first of August, Annabelle hydrangeas are a proven performer. They start blooming in Nashville in late May as light green, become white by mid to late June, then turn back to green for the latter part of the summer. New plants put in the ground in the fall will yield 3-8 nice blooms the following May. The number of blooms will depend on the maturity and age of the new plant. Roses are a bridal favorite, but it is a little more difficult to start out with new rose plants the fall before and assure enough blooms will come on at the right time. It is better to identify friends and relatives who have existing rose gardens and ask them for a commitment to let you cut. Most roses have a “big bloom” period in May and June and will throw only a few blooms throughout the rest of the summer. The “Knockout” variety will throw blooms most of the summer but are limited to pinks and reds and have very short stems generally. Sunflowers and lilies are great summer flowers for July and August weddings. Sunflowers are grown from seed and planted in early spring. It is best to start your seeds indoors in the winter and plant seeds a week apart over a period of four to six weeks to ensure blooms and mature plants at the time of your wedding. Day lilies are a popular flower in the Tennessee garden, but not the best choice for cut flower work. They tend to close after cutting and are not long lasting. Asiatics and Rubrum types come in many different colors and are not difficult to grow. The best way to start on this adventure is to bond with a good greenhouse in your area and let them know what you are wanting to accomplish so they can guide you. Tennessee has such an abundance of natural plants and the flowers. Friends’ gardens are the best resources when the bride is not too specific about particular flowers and will have a fun time
garden harvesting. My botanical name for garden and roadside flowers is “Roadsidia.” Beware of seed packet and catalog photos that show you what you will have. Read the labels about size of bloom and height of plant as the photos make tiny little flowers with no stems look so incredible. Most seed packets will give you an estimated germination to flowering time frame which you should also take with a grain of salt. Follow these guidelines, be flexible and you could have a great time planning and harvesting your own wedding flowers:
Plan ahead: At least a year Over plant Space out planting times every week to two weeks Have a back-up plan and enjoy!
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At Home Tennessee Weddings
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Simply Southern
Laura Brakebill and Travis Lee June 12, 2010
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HOw tHey met Travis and Laura met through Laura’s cousin when Travis was a junior in high school and Laura was a freshman. At that time, it was only a “meet and greet,” nothing special . Four years later, the two were reunited after being set up through their mothers who worked in the same office. tHe prOpOsal The Saturday before Easter 2009, Travis and Laura were at his mother’s house when Travis surprised her with the proposal. tHe bid day The couple wanted something simple and Southern at a place they knew they could re-visit often so they chose a Coffey Ridge Farm in Niota, owned by a relative of Laura’s. The.colors were pastel pink and light khaki. For flowers, Laura picked hydrangesas because they reminded her of her grandmother’s flower graden. The two were wed on top of a hill, encompassing spectacular views of the Hiwassee River Gorge, Smokey Mountains and Starr Mountain.
Something Blue
shoes and a blue garter.
The bride donned blue
It’s all in the Details:
photography Ben Finch Photography 1111 Guille St. Athens, TN 37303 901.569.8031 benfinchphotography.com
Photography by Ben Finch
bakery/ Catering The Bakery 204 N Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423.746.9020 dress David’s Bridal 1812 Gunbarrell Chattanooga, TN 37421 423.855.5300
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Kerried Away
Kerri Zelenik and Lucas Burton June 5, 2010
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HOw tHey met Although they both attended Vanderbilt University, Kerri and Lucas didn’t meet until several years after graduation. Lucas was in medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, when he decided to take a rotation at Vanderbilt. Lucas met Kerri through friends on his first night back in Nashville. The two immediately hit it off, and after his few months at Vanderbilt were complete, they spent the next two and a half years dating long distance.
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tHe prOpOsal One winter evening, Kerri was told by her mother that she was going to a dinner for one of their family friends and should expect a car to pick her up. Once in the car, the driver said they would be making a stop at the Hermitage Hotel. When they arrived Lucas was there waiting at the front door. Thrilled and stunned, Kerri followed Lucas out to the veranda where he presented her with a letter detailing his affection. Amid a few tears, Kerri opened a large box with a change sorter inside. “He always said for years that he wanted me to have the gift that keeps on giving and there it was...a change sorter,” exclaims Kerri. “I said thank you but was a bit confused at this point.” Lucas then told her to pull the ribbon on top the package, from which Kerri saw the ring attached at the end. And at that moment Lucas got down on one knee. “I still have the change sorter and every time I sort change I think of the night we got engaged. It will always be a wonderful memory,” says Kerri. wHere tHey wed Kerri and Lucas were wed in a traditional ceremony at Scarritt-Bennett Center’s Wightman Chapel near Vanderbilt University. They chose a classic black and white theme with shades of pink and touches of silver for accent. The bride wore a Kenneth Pool strapless drop-waist ball gown in ivory silk that sparkled as she walked down the aisle.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids wore dresses designed by Kerri, who owns Kerried Away Couture in Nashville.
It’s all in the Details: photography Divine Images Photography 615.758.7700 Florist Sage Florals Rachel Short 615.818.8102 bakery The Bake Shoppe 1418 Church Street Nashville, TN 37203 615.321.2394
Catering A Catered Affair 1418 Church Street Nashville, TN 37203 615.321.2394 dress Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Department Atlanta, GA
Something Old
A broach from each grandmother, which were pinned to her bouquet.
Photography by Divine Images Photography
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Nuptials in Nashville
Amy Mueller and Matt Owen December 10, 2010
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HOw tHey met Matt and Amy met at Wake Forest University while they were both student teaching at the same high school. After college, Matt moved to Nashville while Amy went to North Carolina to teach. The couple continued their relationship longdistance for a year until Amy finally moved to Nashville to join Matt. “We racked up hundreds of emails in the year we were apart, and kept all of them!” says Amy. tHe prOpOsal Matt popped the question on Easter, but it wasn’t your traditional one-knee event. Asking Amy was a bit of an adventure with her own personalized hunt for Easter eggs filled with candy and chocolate; the last egg carried the ring. wHere tHey wed Amy and Matthew wanted to introduce family and friends to their new city with a location that was classic Nashville so they picked The Loveless Barn at the Loveless Cafe. “It was both casual in terms of food (fried chicken) and traditional, and fit us perfectly,” says Amy. The couple chose fall hues for their color scheme, with dark green and gold being not only reflective of the season but also their alma mater, Wake Forest. To keep the big day especially memorable, the couple repeated traditions from their parents’ weddings. They used a Bible passage from Matt’s parents’ wedding and lit a unity candle like Amy’s mom and dad. “The best part of the ceremony, though, was seeing her walk down the aisle,” says Matt.
The Dress
The bride dressed in a floor-length gown which she previously wore at her prep school graduation in Maryland. “Mine was a BCBG wedding dress that I loved, so when I realized it still fit, it was an easy choice.”
It’s all in the Details: photography Jason Reusch Photography 615.270.9123 Flowers Bouqets & Baskets 7091 Old Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37221 615.662.7755
Photography by Jason Reusch
bakery/ Catering TomKats Catering The Loveless Barn 8400 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37221 dress BCBG, owned by the bride
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weddings
Taking on the World
Megan Taylor and Jerry Arrington, Jr. October 16, 2010
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HOw tHey met The couple first met during a dinner held in honor of Jerry’s brother, Terry, who had just completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Chattanooga’s Erlanger Hospital, where Megan also worked. Jerry lived in Augusta, GA, at the time, but distance didn’t seem to matter. “As soon as we met we hit it off,” says Megan. tHe prOpOsal After a romantic dinner at the Melting Pot, the couple headed downtown where Jerry took a knee in snow-covered Coolidge Park. Sweet and heartfelt, Jerry told Megan that in 32 years, he had never met anyone more perfect for him than she and he knew it the first night they met. “He ended his proposal with an emphatic ‘from here on out, it’s me and you against the world, babe!’” says Amy. tHe dress The bride wore a dress by Maggie Sottero which she accented with an heirloom brooch from her grandmother’s wedding in 1955.
Something Blue
shoes and a blue garter.
The bride donned blue
Where They Wed
Chestnutt Hill Estate
It’s all in the Details:
photography John Bamber Photography 379 2nd Avenue, Suite 1, Dayton, TN 37321 423.618.8441 bamberphotography.com
dress Ever After Bridal and Formal Wear 251 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 423.478.5493
Florist Designs by Melia 1080 Harbor Landing Drive Soddy Daisy, TN 37379 423.619.0661
Photography by John Bamber Photography
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weddings
Timeless Tradition
Jessica Travis and Benjamin Shannon July 17, 2010
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HOw tHey met The couple met at school during Tennessee Tech’s annual “Meet the Eagles Picnic for Athletes” Jessica was a cheerleader and Ben was in charge of organizing everything. “I was in my uniform greeting everyone when Ben came over and introduced himself to me. It was on from there!” exclaims Jessica.
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tHe prOpOsal Ben planned a romantic surprise for Jessica with a dinner at St. John’s Restaurant in downtown Chattanooga. The restaurant staff joined in on the surprise as they played the couple’s song while the waitress brought a dozen roses over to their table. “My ring was tied in lace ribbon around the roses, and when I looked up Ben was on one knee!” says Jessica. Awaiting the couple after dinner was a horse and carriage that took them for a romantic ride through downtown. “It was a truly unforgettable evening,” says Jessica. wHere tHey wed The big day was nothing short of a fairytale wedding. Family and friends gathered and the bride and groom were all smiles as they said vows. “All the nerves that had been building inside of me went away when I saw Ben staring at me with his handsome smile,” says Jessica. The couple wanted a classy, traditional wedding so they chose Second Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga to say their “I Do’s” and the Silver Ballroom at the Sheraton Read House to celebrate. The bride wore an elegant ball gown while the groom chose a red-carpet style black tux with bow tie. “Ben likes to think he’s Robert Redford,” jokes Jessica.
Something Old
“My something old was a necklace my Mamaw Jo gave to me when I was born; I had it wrapped around my bouquet,” says the bride.
It’s all in the Details:
photography John Bamber Photography 379 2nd Avenue, Suite 1, Dayton, TN 37321 423.618.8441 bamberphotography.com
Party Time
“My Uncle Tim was so excited for the reception as soon as the wedding ceremony was over he left and missed out on the family photos!” - Jessica
Photography by John Bamber Photography
Florist Humphreys Flowers 1220 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 423.629.2525 humphreysflowers.com
bakery Sweet Angel Cakes 423.991.4945 mysweetangelcakes.com Catering Sheraton Read House 827 Broad Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 423.266.4121 dress Monica’s Bridal 147 North Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37404 423.752.0072
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weddings
Navy Nuptials
Jean Hamaguchi and Andrew Davis May 29, 2010
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HigHsCHOOl sweetHearts It was love at first sight for Jean and Andrew who met during the summer of 2001. “He literally swept me off my feet and into my friend’s pool at our first meeting,” laughs Jean. Despite significant periods of long distance due to Andrew’s service in the Navy beginning in 2003 and his tour in Iraq, the high school sweethearts remained together throughout college.
Official Welcome
“Supposedly it is tradition that during the sword arch at the last crossing, and after the requested kiss to pass, the Navy man is to swat the bride on the tush and shout, ‘Welcome to the Navy mam!’ Everyone loved that!” Jean says.
tHe prOpOsal The proposal was perfect with dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and a gorgeous view of the sunset over the river. Andrew handed Jean a red photo album with pictures and notes of their time together over the years. On the last page, Andrew popped the question while getting down on one knee in front of the entire restaurant who happily cheered for the newly-engaged couple. wHere tHey wed The two were married on Memorial Day by Andrew’s uncle at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson. The bride wore an all silk gown with a removable Chantilly lace coat. Jean donned the coat at the church, then removed it later in the night for dancing. Her bridesmaids were dressed in navy blue and her groom in his Navy uniform. The couple exited the church under a sword arch.
It’s all in the Details:
photography FrozenZen Photography 217 East Deaderick, Suite 105 Jackson, TN 38301 Florist Kent Freeman 2175 N. Highland Jackson, TN 38305 731-668-1188
Videographer Catering CrossRoads Carolyn Porter Production 132 Oak Street Medina, TN Bradford, TN 38316 porterc1@hotmail.com 731-618-1413 731-742-2793 Cake Pat’s Cakes dress 11 West Airport Road Wedding Atelier New York, New York Milan, TN 38358 731-686-8605 646-638-3263
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weddings
Catering to Your Vision Everything you need to know about choosing a venue from Jim Hagy owner of Chef’s Market Cafe & Take Away in Nashville.
At Home Tennessee: Jim, as owner of Chef’s Market you have catered and helped plan countless weddings. Is there any advice you would like to share with brides? Jim: Definitely! Selecting a venue for your wedding reception is a huge decision that requires serious reflection. Many brides fall in love with a venue and hurriedly make a commitment only later to discover there were many drawbacks to their decision. Choosing your husband was about falling in love, but when selecting a venue don’t let your emotions guide you. Get all the facts. Talk to other brides who have used the venue. Do your research. AHT: So what would be the first step in selecting a venue? Jim: I would recommend you start the search as early as possible. This will open up your options. You don’t want to find the right venue and then find out it’s booked. Set your date or date range as soon as possible. AHT: What then? JimYou need to keep five key elements in mind during the selection: • Your budget • Your estimated number of guests • Style of service (i.e. plated seated, cocktail butler passed, etc.) • The flair you want your reception to have (i.e. sophisticated upscale, shabby chic, country charm, etc.) • Location as near to your ceremony as possible With these facts in mind, make a list of all the venues in your area that fit these elements. Get help from a wedding planner or caterer as to what options are available, ask your friends or search the Internet. With venue list in hand and while constantly referring back to your key points, visit and interview the venues. You will probably circle back around a particular venue several times and there will come a point when you want to pounce…. but don’t! AHT: Shouldn’t you sign then? Jim: The anxiousness of the search will make you want to lock down a site, but I recommend that you ask them to put in on “red hold” for at least a week. During this time, have your caterer produce a proposal for food and service with the location in mind. Talk to your florist and band or DJ. Question them as to any additional expenses or logistical issues you might expect at your dream site. Many times potential problems will be flushed out and avoided in this process.
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AHT: Great information! Any other recommendations? Jim: Let’s talk bar. Ask the venue if they allow you to bring in your own alcoholic beverages. You can save tons here. A good caterer will be able to provide licensed and insured ABC certified bartenders along with ice, glassware and mixers. We will even assist you in calculating the amount to buy and give you tips on which stores have the best deals. Here’s a story for you. At a wedding last year at a luxury hotel here in Tennessee (which will go unnamed) the father of the bride had asked that the hotel’s catering supervisor contact him when the bar tab reached $15K. One hour into the event, (a four-hour event) the hotel had to inform him he had reached his budget. The rumor is he dropped his double scotch on the hotel’s marble floor and the bill ended up four times the first-hour tab. The lesson here is if you can’t have a “host supplied bar” at least have the venue give you a set price per person. Better to have a set price than to be surprised with a heart-attack-inducing bill at the end of the evening. AHT: Any other advice? Jim: Yes…after all is said and done and you have the best laid plan; think through the possible glitches or problems that might pop up. For instance one of my brides had selected a Southern antebellum home. It turned out behind a line of trees, 20 feet from the outdoor ceremony site, was a high school stadium and there was a high school band competition all day. It was loud… hair-pulling loud! When I arrived the bride was in the mansion thrown across an antique sofa, circa 1800, in full wedding dress and beyond distressed. It reminded me of Scarlett in Gone with the Wind, but with marching music in the background. She was upset and rightly so; I mean who wants to hear a high school band’s rendition of The Beatles’ greatest hits through their wedding ceremony? Jim Hagy is the owner of Chef’s Market Cafe & Take Away, a full-service catering company celebrated as the Nashville leader in culinary skill and presentation. They offer a team of culinary, design and logistical experts whose creativity, ingenuity and flexibility have crafted one of Middle Tennessee’s most acclaimed café concepts and have successfully orchestrated catered events both large and small, from formal corporate galas to casual in-office get-togethers and outdoor affairs. www. chefsmarket.com.
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O
A Fine First Impression TEXT Allison Ertz
tion. “There are other great books out there as well. No rdering a simple white or ecru wedding bride should be without an etiquette book,” according to invitation may not seem like that great of Stovall. a task, but there is actually more to the “The invitation is one of the few things that will last past process than meets the eye. There are the actual wedding day, so many of our brides are chooscertain rules of etiquette to follow, on top ing engraved invitations with a crest at the top, followof the whole creative process that is involved. And then ing in the tradition of their mothers and grandmothers,” there is the question of going with something contemStovall told me. porary versus sticking to a more timeless and traditional Letterpress is a printing method that has been populook. With all of the different options that are lar in California for years and is gaining available today, the best thing a bride can “Once we meet with popularity as a trend across the country do is set a budget, start early and partner a bride a few times, currently. As its name suggests, the type up with a local stationer. is literally pressed into the page. Invitawe start to get a bet“We have brides who come in to start tions that are engraved or printed by looking at wedding invitations more than ter sense of her style, thermography have raised lettering. The a year out,” April Brady, who works at which helps us help her letterpress method creates the opposite R.S.V.P. Stationers in Memphis and has been in the wedding business for over ten design everything from effect. Popular ink colors right now are black, charcoal gray and taupe; brides are years, said. This is good for both the bride her save the date cards choosing to stick with neutral colors that and the stationer, as it gives them time will not ever go out of style. Also, accordto her invitations to her to build a relationship. “Once we meet ing to Brady, “Brides are choosing ecru with a bride a few times, we start to get a programs.” paper over white, although both are classic better sense of her style, which helps us and beautiful.” help her design everything from her save the date cards to Another popular trend according to Stovall and Brady, her invitations to her programs.” Your local stationer can is to have a calligrapher design the invitation then have be of much better assistance to you when she knows your the art flat printed. The effect is quite stunning, as each tastes and your budget, as well as your time frame. She is calligrapher has a different style and can create special efaccustomed to dealing with wedding etiquette and design fects that are unique to the bride. details on a daily basis and will be your greatest asset as No matter what look or budget a bride has in mind, you navigate through this process. working with a local stationer is the best option. It may Baylor Stovall, who has been in the wedding invitation be tempting or seem more convenient to order wedding business for 21 years and has owned The Stovall Collecstationery online, but by taking the time to build a relation in Memphis for the past 11 years, shares some advice. tionship with a local expert, a vision can truly become a “I tell brides to invest in a wedding etiquette book, such reality. as Crane’s The Wedding Blue Book.” Stovall, an expert in the wedding business, is an editor of the most recent edi-
RSVP Stationers, Memphis 901.683.6809
RSVP Stationers, Memphis 901.682.3822
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Egg Press Menage, Memphis
The Stovall Collection 901.767.8808
Fancy Florals
home and garden weddings
TEXT Lane Baher
Among the many decisions you will have to make in the planning process is the verdict about your flowers. Flowers play an integral part in every wedding. They help set the mood of the ceremony and reception site, and enhance the style of the bridal party. Flowers add color, texture, fragrance and a sense of continuity between multiple venues. How do you and your floral designer work together to achieve all this? As a floral designer, I have worked with many brides and their families. Here is what I advise them about the important steps of incorporating flowers into the wedding plans.
First: Think carefully about the
venues. The ceremony site and reception site should help dictate the type and use of flowers or vice versa. There is some leeway in which flowers suit different sites, but the style of the venue must be taken into consideration. (use the museum picture with modern flowers in tall glass vases and the colorful table arrangement with the massed flowers around the candle as contrasting reference examples)
Second: Use the expert experience of your floral designer to advise you about color, texture, flower avail-
ability and cost, and overall flower design. Most designers will be happy to help guide you to determine particular flowers, color combinations, greenery, size or containers that will suit your wedding. As for the personal flowers for the wedding party, once again the wedding style will determine the type of flowers used. (use simple, modern two color corsage and classic colorful garden bouquet as reference examples)
Third: Carry your design style,
flower choices and colors throughout all the wedding flowers: personal flowers for the wedding party, ceremony site and reception site. This insures continuity of design, is much more pleasing, and will make a bigger overall visual impact.
Fourth: Be very aware of the
lighting in the venues you choose. Many churches will not allow flash photography inside. If the church sanctuary is dimly lit, some flower colors (particularly purple and blue) will photograph as dark holes in an arrangement or bouquet. Trust your designer to help you make the best choices of flower combinations for the particular sites. Photography Courtesy of Erin Brown February 2011 • athometn.com | 73
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food
DINING OUT
Intimate Eats
When it’s romance you’re after, setting is everything. Numerous restaurants offer inspiring menus, but it’s those slight gestures like the accompaniment of a live piano or the twinkling of candlelight that make the night memorable.
Felicia Suzanne’s
Elegant in both atmosphere and menu, Felicia Suzanne’s has been a fixture on the Memphis dining scene since its opening in 2002. Known for upscale Southern cuisine, Chef Felicia Suzanne Willett stands out by incorporating influences from her travels and flavors of the Delta, Creole, Cajun and Low Country into her cooking. For dinner, favorites include Duck Two Ways or the Pecan-encrusted Redfish from the Gulf. If available, order the Praline Pain Perdu for a special treat. Felicia Suzanne’s opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and also 11:30-2:00 on Friday. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 901.523.0877. 80 Monroe Avenue Suite L-1 Memphis
Pasta Italia
“Bellissimo!” and “Just as good as the real thing” are among the comments reviewers made while raving about this extraordinary restaurant located on the square in Collierville. Pasta Italia offers a cozy and warm atmosphere accompanied by upscale authentic Northern Italian cuisine. Their menu includes homemade pastas and ravioli as well as fresh fish, lamb and poultry. With a wide selection of Italian wines as well as a small assortment of California wines, and a delectable dessert menu, you are sure to leave satisfied, commending the chef with “Bravo!” Open Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 pm; Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 pm 101 N Center St Collierville, TN 38017 901.861.0255
Restaurant Iris
The warm and cozy dining room at Restaurant Iris, located in a historic home in the heart of midtown, provides the perfect atmosphere to share a romantic evening with someone special. Whether you try the five course “dégustation” menu or order the oysters three ways served with chef Kelly English’s famous bread pudding, you can be sure that the staff will do everything to guarantee that you and your date enjoy a memorable meal. This midtown favorite is open for dinner Thursday–Saturday, 5-10 pm. 2146 Monroe Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 901.590. 2828 Looking out the front windows of Pasta Italia
Naples Rich in history and tradition, Naples is a cozy restaurant located on the corner of Knoxville’s Kingston Place with nearly 30 years of experience serving a wide range of Italian specialties. Red walls and traditional checkered tablecloths evoke a family spirit, but a couple may find their perfect date spot tucked away in one of the few booths. The award-winning restaurant boasts an extensive menu for mouthwatering dishes like its signature Lobster Ravioli. Naples’ wine list boasts a varied selection of Chiantis and “Red Wines of the World” as well as quite a few California, French and Austrian wines. Open for lunch and dinner. 5500 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865.584.5033
Baudo’s Restaurant This family-owned Jackson establishment features a wide range of Italian classics, all prepared to order. Baudo’s, an authentic Italian restaurant with an excellent wine list, is the perfect place to take a date. From a variety of pasta with homemade sauces to steaks and fresh fish, Baudo’s is sure to have something on the menu for everyone. Look online for weekly dinner specials that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re not too full after dinner, venture next door to continue your date night at Harvey’s South Street Comedy Club. Serving lunch daily, 11 am -2 pm (excluding Saturday) and dinner Monday-Thursday, 5-10 pm and weekends, 5-11 pm. 559 Wiley Parker Jackson, Tennessee 38305 731.668.1447
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Restaurant Iris’ Cajun-cool atmosphere
Flat Iron Grille
For an exquisite meal, look no further than Flat Iron Grille in Jackson. Dim lighting and intimate seating set the mood for romance while a knowledgeable staff strives to meet your tastes. Entrees include Pecan Crusted Chicken with Tomato Basil Relish, Santa Rosa Pasta, and Grilled Lamb with Mustard Sauce. Along with an assortment of wines, the extensive bar menu features cocktails such as the Flirtini, Planters Punch, and PearA-Dise. The Flat Iron Grille is open Monday through Thursday 11:00-10:00, Friday-Saturday 11:00-midnight and Sunday 11:008:00. 1160 Vann Drive Jackson, TN 731.668.3528
food Whitfield’s
Enjoy the savory creations of classic American cuisine with a touch of Southern flavor at this chic upscale restaurant while listening to the serenades of the live piano bar. In addition to their extensive wine list, every Monday and Tuesday Whitfield’s features half price bottles of wine. Open daily at 5 pm, happy hour until 6:30 pm, and the live piano bar Wednesday-Saturday, 7-11 pm.106 Harding Place Nashville, TN 37205 615.356.5450
Table 3
Located in the Green Hills Mall area of Nashville, Table 3’s cuisine combines the elements of classic French bistro and brasserie in a setting of contemporary design with a traditional feel. In addition to its rustic dining experience, Table 3 offers an inviting separate bar area and a market with house-made breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee for those seeking a quicker alternative to sit-down dining. Open Monday-Sunday, 11 am-11 pm, with brunch served on Sunday. 3821 Green Hills Village Drive Nashville, TN 37215 615.739.6900
Acorn
Ranked by local voters in the top three best restaurants in Nashville, The Acorn prides itself on its Southern hospitality set in a trendy upscale atmosphere in the West End of Nashville close to downtown. It offers contemporary American cuisine that incorporates local ingredients to create a refined take on traditional comfort food. It is equipped with two full bars in addition to its main dining room. Make sure to ask about The Acorn’s monthly wine special. Open Monday-Saturday, 5-10 pm. 114 28th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37203 615.320.4399
Cozy Dining at The Copper Cellar
The Copper Cellar
Escape from the bustling college town to the dimly lit Copper Cellar. This underground restaurant boasts antique furniture and a menu that has all the ingredients (literally) for a unique and romantic dining experience in Knoxville. Be sure to check out their weekend prime rib specials for an exceptional meal at a reasonable price. Open for dinner Monday-Thursday, 5-10 pm and weekends, 5-11 pm. 1807 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37916 865. 673.3411
St. John’s Restaurant
At St. John’s Restaurant in downtown Chattanooga, Chef Daniel Lindley wows patrons with marvelous dishes such as the ravioli appetizer or the smoked duck breast. Other famous concoctions include carrot cake soufflé. Bathed in candlelight, the clean and modern dining room gives off an enchanting, romantic ambiance. Chef Lindley makes an effort to use as many local and organic ingredients as possible and provides an excellent wine list to compliment any dish. St. John’s is open Monday-Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 1278 Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-266-4400
Autumn Pear Salad from Whitfield’s
Boccacia
Chattanoogans describe Boccaccia as a hidden treasure: nestled away, it is hard to find, but well worth the search. From the moment you step inside this quaint and romantic dining room you know you are in for a treat. Boccaccia serves authentic Italian food in smaller portions, so eat as the Italians do and order several courses - you won’t be disappointed. Start with the bruschetta and continue on Boccaccia’s culinary adventure with their famous lasagna or other fresh pasta dishes and finish with the rich and delicious crème brulee. Remember to make a reservation, especially on the weekends, as the dining room is intimate. Serving dinner Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9 pm and Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 pm. 3077 Broad Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-266-2930
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food
Chocolate- The Forbidden Love TexT Jane Gaither
A
long about the beginning of February, when I start to receive stacks of spring catalogs in the mail featuring strappy sundresses and bathing suits and magazines promising me seven tried and true steps for a firm rear end by spring break, I catch what can only be described as “chocolate fever” it lasts through Valentine’s Day and leaves in its wake tiny bits of gold and silver foil crumpled in my purse and coat pockets and a convalescence period involving many remorse-filled, difficult runs. I cannot resist dark chocolate and it cannot resist me, or my thighs anyway, and like a forbidden lover it shows up everywhere, demanding my attention and begging for one more secret tryst. My darkest moment came last year, two days before Valentine’s Day. I made a special journey to buy a Valentine’s gift for my husband, driving to a designer chocolate shop that specializes in a deep, dark chocolate truffle with a smooth dark chocolate center punctuated with tiny candied bits of cherries and a hint of spicy heat prettily boxed and tied with a ribbon with “Je t’aime” and “Mon Cheri” woven into its design. Feeling pleased with myself for going out of my way during my lunch hour to bring him such a delightful gift, I drove off toward home and promptly became stuck in one of those snarled up traffic jams that tests both your sanity and any unresolved anger management issues that you’ve repressed. Finally, after over an hour of suffering in the traffic jam with a cold cup of coffee, a nearly dead cell phone battery and no lunch, I broke down, untied the ribbon, lifted the lid and ate all six truffles. As soon as I finished the traffic started to move again. After an afternoon of waffling, as a penance for myself, I confessed it all to my husband who acted completely unconcerned about my gobbling up his gift. “It’s Valentine’s Day on Sunday?” he questioned. If your busy schedule prevents you from visiting the confectioner’s shop, this recipe will fulfill your or your sweetheart’s chocolate craving and add a little heat to a cold winter’s night. 84 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
Sweet Heat Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies Ingredients: ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces ½ cup dried cherries 2 Tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy) ½ cup unsalted butter 3 large eggs ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup all purpose flour 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 10 x 10 pan with nonstick spray. 2. In small saucepan, heat kirsch with cherries for 1 minute until liquid starts to bubble. If kirsch flames, cover the pan with the lid. Remove immediately and allow cherries to cool and absorb the kirsch. 3. In a double boiler over simmering water, melt bittersweet chocolate with butter until smooth. Remove from heat, add cayenne and let rest for 5 minutes. 4. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk eggs with sugar and salt. Add about 1 Tablespoon of warm chocolate to egg mixture and whisk in quickly. 5. Add remaining chocolate to the egg mixture and whisk quickly to incorporate. 6. Add flour, stirring until blended. 7. Add cherries and chocolate chips into the batter and spread into prepared pan. 8. Bake for 35 to 38 minutes until brownies are set and center is soft when gently pressed. 9. Cool for 10 minutes in pan before removing. 10. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
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entertaining
The Wedding Party Making memorable moments is easy with personal touches and accents to engage your guests.
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s any bride, event planner or caterer Handwrtten Signage will tell you, the majority of planning a wedding entails entertaining the Incorporate a personal touch into your big day with guests. From the food to the décor to handwritten signage or menus the music on the dance floor, hardly a detail is left unattended when planning a memorable affair. The most meaningful celebrations focus on personal touches and activities that encourage guests to participate in your big day. To get the scoop, At Home Tennessee sat down with talented duo Samantha Reedy and Michelle Meadows of Firefly Events in Nashville to discuss the hottest trends and traditions in wedding entertaining. “Start by compiling a list of things unique to you and your fiancé as well as to your families and Photo Courtesy of Brandy Guimbellot location,” says Stephanie “These should be charactrueconnection.etsy.com teristics that make you different and set you apart from other couples.” A list will help you decide what personal traits you most want to incorporate into your party. AfPersonalized Favors ter you’ve narrowed down the major elements that set you apart, Stephanie also recommends making Most couples welcome out of town guests by leava list of foods, movies, activities, animals, vacaing goodies for them at the hotel. Create a basket tions and places you both love. with local treats and a map of the area that highNow use these lists to infuse your event with lights spots frequented by you and your fiancé. accents of who you are as individuals as well as a couple. Once identified, personalities can easily be translated into your décor, cuisine, favors and accessories. For instance, if one or both parents of the couple are from New Orleans, serving Cajun foods is an excellent way to share a bit of family history with guests. Is one of you a golfer? Instead of a traditional groom’s cake, consider a display of golf ball cupcakes and set up a putting green for guests to practice their skills during cocktail hour. To get the most out of your big day, check out our selecPictured: Gift basket with party favors courtesy from tion of tips from the experts. Nico and Lala in Nashville. 615.678.8420
Edible Treats
entertaining
Give guests a taste of what you crave with edible wedding favors. The girls at Firefly Events recommend handing out such favors as midnight snacks at the end of the reception. Pictured: Personalized treats from Noshville Photo Courtesy of Evin Photography
Photo Booths Have guests stop by the photo booth to snap silly pictures of themselves. Then they can paste one or more of the pictures into a book and write comments to the newlywed couple. It’s a modern-day guestbook that really captures the fun and memories! http:// photoboothnashville.com/. If a photo booth rental isn’t in your budget, consider making your own photo area using a cute backdrop with empty oversized frames and Polaroid cameras for a similar effect. Photo booth Nashville Photo Courtesy of Evin Photography
Name Hangers for the Bridal Party
On your wedding no detail is too small to be overlooked. You searched tirelessly for that perfect dress, now it should rest on a hanger equally as superb. We introduce to you Anne Hartshorn of LilaFrances. This Nashville based designer creates functional works of art by twisting individual hangers into personalized shapes that are both stylish and unique. As a personal touch, they look great in wedding gown photos and add a memorable detail to your big day. Hartshorn’s hangers make terrific bridal gifts and can be used for years to come. Priced from $15.00 to $25.00 each, go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilafrances to purchase yours today. Pictured: LilaFrances Hangers Photo Courtesy of Root Photography February 2011 • athometn.com | 87
entertaining Sample Menu from delishnashville Grilled Lamb and Fig Skewers with Spicy Mint Jam Ingredients Mint-pepper jam: 2/3 cup peach jam 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes 1/4 cup fresh mint, minced
Lamb: 1 Tablespoon ground cumin 1 Tablespoon ground coriander 3 pounds boneless leg of lamb, fat trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes 12 fresh figs 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic 1 Tablespoon salt 1 Tablespoon black pepper metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes) Directions Make mint-pepper glaze in small saucepan over medium heat. Stir together jam, vinegar, red pepper flakes and lemon zest. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in mint and set aside. Toss together lamb, figs and olive oil. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper and combine. Thread lamb cubes and figs onto skewers. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Arrange skewers on the grill and cook to slightly less than desired doneness (cubes will continue to cook after being removed from grill), turning once and brushing with glaze during last 30 seconds of grilling on each side, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
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entertaining Curried Chicken Salad on Endive
Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3/4 cup mayo 1/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup cashews, chopped 4 green onions, chopped 2 Tablespoon curry powder 1 Tablespoon honey 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 6 endive heads Directions Preheat oven to 350[b]. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Bake chicken for about 20 minutes. Let cool. Shred chicken and mix it with the rest of the ingredients except endive. Refrigerate until cold. Cut the ends off the endive. Wash. Top the endive with the chicken salad.
Hip Cocktails:
The use of Ginger is becoming a major trend in cocktail ingredients.
Moscow Mule
1 ounce vodka 1 teaspoon sugar syrup fresh lime juice ½ cup ginger beer 1 sprig fresh mint 1 slice of lime Directions In a Collins glass, pour vodka over ice. Add sugar syrup and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and mix. Garnish with lime slice and mint.
“Mocktail” Mule
4 ounces fresh lemonade 2 ounces white cranberry juice 2 ounces ginger beer (non-alcoholic) 1 slice of lemon 1 sprig fresh mint Directions In a Collins glass, pour lemonade, cranberry juice, and ginger beer over ice. Stir and garnish with lemon slice and mint.
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books
Southern Style: Tradition with a Twist
S
TexT Shana Raley Lusk
outhern weddings are famed for many things, not the least of which are their charm, grace, and, of course, hospitality. However, for many modern brides, the task of blending the time-honored customs of a traditional Southern wedding with contemporary styles and trends can present a bit of a challenge. In her book, Southern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South, Tara Guerard guides brides-to-be through the process of creating a beautiful Southern wedding full of modern taste and style. As the premiere wedding designer in the Southeast, Guerard has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with readers on this topic. The book features 12 of Guerard’s favorite weddings and provides an exclusive behind-thescenes look at every event. Each section showcases a unique type of wedding and gives readers how-to tips and advice on planning their own unforgettable day. From choosing a venue to selecting a dress, Guerard covers all the details of planning the nuptials, complete with a resources section for further exploration. One of the highlights is certainly Liz Banfield’s beautiful photography, which will truly be an inspiration to any future bride. It should also be noted that while the book is geared toward weddings, it could be useful in planning other events as it includes many helpful tips for general entertaining. Whether you are planning an extravagant event or a simple ceremony with only a few guests, this book will introduce you to many creative new ideas that can add a chic touch to the classic Southern wedding. 90 | At Home Tennessee • February 2011
CUSTOM CATERING
2120 Merchant’s Row #1 Germantown, TN
901.752.1996 www.ziparos.com
“Why trust an Ordinary Caterer for an Extraordinary Event?”
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Photography: creationstudiosgallery.com
see & do
Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville “Elements” brings fresh new feel to Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville
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he 21st annual Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville will take place February 11-13 at the Nashville Convention Center. This year’s theme “Elements” will celebrate clean, innovative looks in today’s homes and gardens. The event will bring together internationally renowned experts and more than 150 exhibitors in the fields of antiques, decorative arts and horticulture, amidst spectacularly landscaped gardens. In addition to amazing contemporary and classic items for sale, the 2011 Antiques and Garden Show Lecture Series will feature acclaimed New York designer Charlotte Moss and Sarah Champier, personal flower arranger to Prince Charles. “We are delighted to welcome to the Antiques and Garden Show our superb lecturers who are leading voices in what’s hot in home, garden and floral design,” said Kathy Rolfe, co-chair of the 2011 event. “The show attracts thousands of attendees of all ages each year, and we want to inspire people to transform their living spaces.” The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville provides funding for the operations and continued preservation of the Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art. The show also supports Exchange Club Charities, Inc. – a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to children in need. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www. antiquesandgardenshow.com or call 615.352.9064.
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happenings
February 2011 Every Friday Alive After Five - Relentless Blues Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville 865.525.6101 knoxart.org/events
Through January 30 A Midsummer Night’s Dream-Opera A Cappella Playhouse on the Square, Memphis 901.726.4656 playhouseonthesquare.org Through February 25 Art Making in the Lobby: Southern Sweet Poetry Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville 615.244.3340 fristcenter.org February 3 Opus One at Bridges: Opera Swings Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis, 901.537.2525 memphissymphony.org February 3 Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Germantown Performing Arts Centre Main Stage, Germantown 901.751.7500, GPACweb.com February 3 and 4 Bernstein and Dvorak Masterworks Concert Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga, 423.267.8583 chattanoogasymphony.org February 3-6 Winter Heritage Festival Great Smoky Mountain
Heritage Center, Townsend 800.525.6834 smokymountains.org
February 4 Kurt Elling Nashville Symphony, Nashville, 615.687.6400 nashvillesymphony.org February 5 Romantic Broadway Knoxville Symphony Orchestra 865.291.3310, knoxvillesymphony.com February 5 Architecture Tour of the Frist Center Lobby, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville, 615.244.3340 fristcenter.org February 5 27th International Blues Challenge Orpheum Theatre, Memphis 901.525.7800, orpheummemphis.com February 8 Ferdinand the Bull Orpheum Theatre, Memphis 901.525.3000, orpheum-memphis.com February 9 Dine and Discover: Peter Sarkisian Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville, 865.525.6101, knoxart.org/events February 10 The Art of Boxed Wine TPAC’s War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, 615.782.4040, tpac.org
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February 11 Valentine’s Dinner At the Memphis Zoo Teton Trek Lodge,Memphis 901.333.6500 memphiszoo.org
February 18 Wild Game Dinner 2011: fish. fowl. Figaro! Clarke Opera Memphis Center, Memphis, 901.257.3100 operamemphis.org
February 11 and 12 Valentine’s with Gladys Knight Nashville Symphony, Nashville, 615.687.6400, nashvillesymphony.org
February 18-19 Shen Yun Performing Arts TPAC’s Jackson Hall, Nashville 615.782.4040, tpac.org
February 11 and 12 Big Band Fever Pops Concert Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, 423.267.8583, chattanoogasymphony.org February 11 and 13 Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville Nashville, 615.353.1282 antiquesandgardenshow. com February 11-20* Regions Morgan Keegan Championships Memphis, 901.754.4400 memphistennis.com February 12 Breakfast with the Penguins Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, 800.262.0695 TennesseeAquarium.org
February 21 Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville 865.291.3310, knoxvillesymphony.com February 24-26 Broadway Rocks Nashville Symphony, Nashville 615.687.6400, nashvillesymphony.org February 24-27 11th Annual Saddle Up! Pigeon Forge mypigeonforge.com/saddleup February 25-27 Spring Awakening Pigeon Forge TPAC’s Jackson Hall, Nashville 615.782.4095, tpac.org
February 12 Dinner on Stage Orpheum Theatre, Memphis 901.525.3000, orpheum-memphis.com
February 27 James Taylor James Taylor Orpheum Theatre, Memphis 901.525.3000 orpheum-memphis.com
February 17 String Theory at the Hunter Hunter Museum of Art, Chattanooga, 423.267.0968, huntermuseum.org
Through March 6 10 Under 30 Pigeon Forge Dixon Art Galleries, Memphis 901.761.5250, dixon.org
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sources 40 Todd Richesin Interiors 10005 Casa Real Cove Knoxville, TN 37922 865.675.5828 toddrichesininteriors.com 49 Living With Color Marjorie Feltus Hawkins 1207a Mcgavock Street Nashville, TN 37203 615.244.4328 feltusdesign.com 86 The Party Gets Personal Event Planner窶認irefly Events 1389 Moonlight Trail Brentwood, TN 37027
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finance
Love, Marriage and Money The responsibility of planning a wedding proves a useful foundation for a couple’s economic future. Text Fred Hiatt of Red Door Wealth Management
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lthough it may not sound very romantic, finances are actually very closely tied to weddings and to marriage itself. Planning a wedding, when done right, can help prepare couples for the financial challenges of marriage such as setting and sticking to a budget, researching options and managing issues that arise. My wife, Kim, and I were fortunate enough to receive our own lesson in economics as part of our wedding planning process 16 years ago. Let me tell you about it. During Kim’s upbringing, her father made sure she understood and respected money. Under his tutelage, she always balanced her own checkbook, paid her own bills and saved for a rainy day, while the majority of her peers freely spent their hard-earned money with reckless abandon. Years later, after she met and eventually agreed to marry me, we were faced with wedding planning, in which I, of course, had no experience. I assumed that I would get to sit out a while because dress shopping would surely be the first step, but her family actually started by setting the budget. I was immediately called to duty. As anyone who’s planned a wedding will tell you, not setting a budget is risky business. Be honest with yourselves about it up front or risk being shocked and stressed toward the end. Kim’s father offered us two options. The first option was an elopement after which we, the new couple, would use all the money from the budget to start our life together. And the second option was a traditional wedding, with the budget spent on all the trimmings. Whichever option we chose, the budgeted amount would remain the same, and we would be responsible for it. As most couples do, we chose the second option and started planning the wedding, and then the real work began. As promised, budgeting fell to us, and Kim was the perfect person for the job. After all, her father trained her well, and as a result she was completely comfortable and competent with this project. Regardless of a couple’s financial background, planning and budgeting for a wedding can help build a foundation
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for their economic future. Placing the responsibility of planning and budgeting in the couple’s hands — all while offering your mentorship— is a great gift. It will give them the opportunity to make real-world decisions about handling money, cutting certain expenses, sacrificing when needed, but still producing wonderful memories. My in-laws gave my wife and me the learning experience of a lifetime, and I certainly urge other parents to consider doing the same for their soon-to-be-wed children. This early experience Kim and I had with budgeting and allocating finances certainly helped us to maintain open communication when it comes to money throughout our marriage. With monetary matters being the most frequent argument among married couples, it is so important to set some parameters on the front end. Whether the couple sits down by themselves, with parents or with a financial planner, there are certain questions that every bride- and groom-to-be should answer before marriage: • How will we pool our finances? Will we have a joint account, separate accounts or a combination, where we each put a certain fixed amount into the joint account for bills, food, etc.? • Which of us will be responsible for paying bills, saving money and our financial health? Will we do it together? If so, who is responsible for what? • What are our financial priorities? Paying down debt? Fueling our 401(k)s? Setting aside cash for a travel fund? Whatever it is, couples need to agree. It is crucial once you get married to set a monthly budget and talk openly about it —regularly — including whether needs are being met, whether you are both accomplishing your goals and feeling comfortable with where the money is going. Finally, be flexible. Be open to change now and throughout your marriage. Needs and priorities change as lives evolve, and what works now may not work at your 10th, 20th and 50th wedding anniversaries. Fred Hiatt is chief operating officer at Red Door Wealth Management in Memphis. 901.681.0018, reddoorwealth.com