Tag Archives: Kentucky

Harvest Ahead

HARVEST HOMECOMING’S CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD COURTNEY LEWIS OFFERS A SNEAK PEEK OF THE UPCOMING FESTIVAL SEASON

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN WATSON

HARVEST HOMECOMING 2019 is on the horizon. So, we asked Courtney Lewis, chairman of the board, for a bit of insight and input as to what to expect.

Q & A WITH COURTNEY LEWIS:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PART OF THE HARVEST HOMECOMING VOLUNTEER TEAM?

This year marks my 12th or 13th festival. At some point all the fun runs together.

WHAT DOES HARVEST HOMECOMING MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?

For me, Harvest Homecoming really is about family and friends. We all have a Harvest Homecoming story. A great memory from our childhood or the first time we got to go on the (non-sanctioned) Beer Walk or meeting the love of our lives (not me, but if Mr. Right is ready, I’ll be in downtown New Albany for a couple weeks in October) or taking our children to get their first chicken and dumplings. It’s become a bit of a tradition with my coworkers to spend that Friday afternoon together. It’s like team building for us. I will never forget (thanks to the pictures) those moments. My nieces started volunteering last year, and I couldn’t be more proud of them for taking time out of their teenage lives to give back to their community. They are setting an example, knowingly or not, for their friends. Every place in the world has their thing, but for anyone who grew up here, Harvest Homecoming holds a very special spot in our hearts.

WHY IS HARVEST HOMECOMING BENEFICIAL TO OUR COMMUNITY?

Harvest Homecoming is such a great way to showcase our city and really celebrate the beauty of our neighbors. New Albany’s best assets lie in the people in this community. It feels great to see people come together and enjoy our city during the most beautiful time of year in Indiana. Not only is the economic impact beneficial to our businesses and local non-profits, Harvest Homecoming is able to give back to the younger members of our community through our scholarship programs. As an all-volunteer work force, Harvest Homecoming is also able to continue a rich tradition of giving back to our city and passing those values on to the next generation of pumpkins.

WHAT CHANGES CAN THE COMMUNITY EXPECT TO SEE FOR THIS YEAR’S HARVEST HOMECOMING?

Harvest Homecoming is really evolving and trying new things this year. Parade Day will look different with a day full of family fun in downtown. The Carnegie Center for Art & History will host their annual #IAMPUBLICART event on Bank Street at noon; the parade will kick-off at 3 p.m. (new this year) from New Albany High School, and then we’re going to park the floats around Bicentennial Park so people can get up close and personal with them while we partner with Mayor Jeff Gahan and the City of New Albany for Harvest Kickoff Karaoke in Bicentennial Park.

We’ve got some amazing new partners this year like Samtec Cares, UPS, SoIN Tourism, the Community Foundation of Floyd County and so many more that we’re excited to welcome to our Harvest Family. With the support of our neighbors in the community, we’re able to take our all of our kids’ events and riverfront concerts to the next level.

We have a great team working on the new Samtec Cares Family Stage in the First Financial Parking Lot that is going to be huge for kids of all ages. Vice President Amy Cummins and her team are working with new partners at the Floyd County Library and its branch at the Carnegie Center to fill that space with fun, interactive and educational programming Thursday and Friday during Booth Days, and I think everyone is going to be very excited to check that out.

Make sure to follow Harvest Homecoming on Facebook & Instagram for a full schedule of events.

WHAT IS THE THEME FOR HARVEST 2019?

This year’s theme is CarniFALL, based on our president’s, Art Niemeier’s, love of the Bahamian Festival, Carnival. It’s also a carnival, so look at us being clever. We are so excited to celebrate culture and unity and the joy of being a vibrant community of loving people from everywhere.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HARVEST HOMECOMING EVENT?

This is so hard. I really love all of our events for different reasons. I am so excited about the parade this year. Our Parade VP, Allyson Glass, has really put in so much effort to take our parade to the next level, and I can’t wait to see the community be able to enjoy her hard work. I LOVE Pumpkin Chunkin and what that partnership with Purdue Polytechnic Institute has done to further STEM education and awareness in our community.

The Business Luncheon is hands down THE (clap) BEST (clap) luncheon, probably in the world.

I also really enjoy our Riverfront Events from the car show to the concerts and new this year, the Harvest Hops Beer Fest.

With help from our friends at Sounds Unlimited Productions, Alpha Media and Monarch Beverage, we’re working to bring exciting concert experiences to the Riverfront Amphitheater this year. Also, if you haven’t been to the Kid’s Dog Show, I highly recommend it. Super-cute dogs, even cuter kids; it’s the best way to spend a Monday evening at the Riverfront Amphitheater.

WHAT FOOD IS A MUST-TRY AT HARVEST HOMECOMING?

LOL. Literally everything. A couple years ago, myself and a couple of the ladies in the festival started a new tradition called “Smorgasbord Sunday.” I would venture to say the three of us spend 20 to 30 bucks apiece, we all get something different, go in a room at the Harvest Homecoming Office where no one can find us and we pig out. Some of our favorites are Brooklyn & the Butcher’s loaded potato and steak tips, Mason donuts, ribbon potatoes with cheese sauce and beans, and greens and cornbread from Chef Walker.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED HARVEST HOMECOMING?

Be prepared to have fun and be patient. We are so blessed that hundreds of thousands of people choose to visit our city every year during the first week in October, but that also means a bit of congestion. I would make sure you’re following Harvest Homecoming, the City of New Albany and SoIN Tourism on social media so you can plan your perfect Harvest Homecoming visit. We have something for literally every age and interest.

NAHA BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

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July 25 • New Albany

Photos by Kathryn Harrington

New Albany Housing Authority (NAHA) hosted its Back to School Bash on July 25 at 300 Ernie Ave. School-age attendees received free haircuts, school supplies, sports physicals and eye exams, in addition to enjoying food, music and so much fun. Sponsors of NAHA’s annual event included the City of New Albany, Hope Southern Indiana, LifeSpring Health Systems, New Albany Parks and Recreation and Lions International.

Eye on the Prize

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Get glam – and ready for back to school, too – with glasses from Dr. Black’s Eye Associates

Photos by Christian Watson

Styled by Miranda McDonald

Eyewear provided by Dr. Black’s Eye Associates Have2020.com

Outdoor location shot at Spring Hill Apartment LocustSpring@gmail.com

Models: Asher Sigman, Caroline Hilbrich, Linette Colwell, Tyler Bliss and Ruth Hedeman

Tyler Bliss is wearing Maui Jim glasses, $279.

No matter your age, now is the time to keep your eye on the prize – whatever that means to you – and check out the latest in eyewear from Dr. Black’s Eye Associates.

Dr. Black’s Eye Associates features a team of highly qualified ophthalmologists and optometrists who treat patients at several locations in Indiana and Kentucky. They specialize in primary vision care, Dry Eye Treatment, LASIK vision correction, and laser cataract surgery, serving patients from around the egion. The primary office in Jeffersonville includes a state-of-the-art eye surgery center and the Dry Eye Center. Learn more at Have2020.com or call 812.284.0660.

Linette Colwell is wearing Guess glasses, $279.

Asher Sigman is wearing Guess glasses, $149.

Caroline Hilbrich is wearing Guess glasses, $209.

Ruth Hedeman is wearing Ted Baker sunglasses, $259.

Caroline Hilbrich is wearing Tory Burch sunglasses, $219.

Tyler Bliss is wearing Geoffrey Beene glasses, $209.

Asher Sigman is wearing Nike glasses, $189.

Ruth Hedeman is wearing Pro Design glasses, $289.

Linette Colwell is wearing Guess glasses, $259.

Tyler Bliss is wearing Maui Jim sunglasses, $249.

Caroline Hilbrich is wearing Tory Burch sunglasses, $219.

Asher Sigman is wearing Maui Jim sunglasses, $299.

Ruth Hedeman is wearing Ted Baker glasses, $249.

Linette Colwell is wearing Michael Kors sunglasses, $229.

Caroline Hilbrich is wearing Kate Spade glasses, $259; Asher Sigman is wearing Guess glasses, $14; Linette Colwell is wearing Guess glasses, $279; Tyler Bliss is wearing Geoffrey Beene glasses, $209; and Ruth Hedeman is wearing Ted Baker glasses, $249. All eyewear available at Dr. Black’s Eye Associates.

Art for All

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The Kentuckiana area is lucky to have an amazing
event once a year known to bring more than 250,000
attendees from all over the world. If your mind went
immediately to horses and giant hats, think again.
When the leaves change and the weather cools, the
St. James Court Art Show is what attracts people
from near and far.

The one-of-a-kind experience for art lovers in
the heart of Old Louisville is a juried show that now
has more than 700 exhibitors who sell their wares
and high-level art.

Howard Rosenberg, executive director of the
St. James Court Art Show, said the event is special
for many reasons. “The setting is unique,” he said.
“There are very few art shows in the country – I don’t
know of any of them – that are right smack dab in
the middle of a historic landmark neighborhood.
It also gives people an opportunity to see some of
the finest art in the country.”

And it’s free.

The show was started in 1957 by St. James Court
Association President Malcolm Bird as a way to
make money. The association was out of funds,
and it had looming debt because of recent fountain
repairs. The show was originally open to all and
was just an exhibit. Art was hung on clotheslines
from tree to tree.

Over the years, the show grew and expanded in
the neighborhood, adding Belgravia Court, sections
of Third Street and the West End Baptist Church. The
neighborhood impact average of St. James Court Art
Show is about $56,000 annually, which surrounding
schools and churches each raise – on average – by
using their parking lots for St. James Court Art
Show visitor parking. The money raised from the
actual show has helped fund historic preservation
of the neighborhood, which has spurred housing
restoration in the area. “It grew because it became
such an iconic art show, but it also grew because it
benefits the other neighborhoods to participate,”
Rosenberg said. “They’re all part of a consortium
that makes up the art show as participants. It’s grown
because of the level of art, because of the demand,
because of it being so special.”The St. James Court
Art Show also focuses on ensuring diversity of artistic
medium, making sure that it’s not just oil paintings
or watercolors. There are 17 different mediums,
including jewelry, clay, wood and more.

The jurors of the show select artists based on
photos of the art, with no idea who the artist is,
Rosenberg said. So, entry is entirely based on the
quality of the art. “Then, during the show, another
group of jurors – people from the art world – visit
and assess the artists themselves,” Rosenberg said.
“Are they engaging? What do people think of the
art? Are they actively participating? Not like a car
salesman trying to sell something, but are they
engaging people?”

The show annually awards $50,000 in scholarships
to area high school students. Several of are as high
as $15,000 individually. So, visitors are not only
supporting artists who are supporting themselves,
they are also supporting the next generation of artists.

Rosenberg has lived in Old Louisville off and on
for 37 years, and has been a volunteer and organizer
of several projects in the area. He said he likes the
way the St. James Court Art Show showcases the
neighborhood.

“Because of the setting, because of Central Park, I
think that that’s what’s so special about it,” Rosenberg
said. “The fact that it continues to improve and
expand, and new artists are brought in. The fact
that there’s a scholarship program for students. It
brings the neighborhood together and showcases
it in a special way.”

This year’s St. James Court Art Show is Oct. 5, 6
& 7 in Historic Old Louisville. It’s open 10 a.m. to
6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday. Admission is free, but please leave your
dogs at home. For a complete list of artists and
vendors, pick up a free program available at the
welcome tents at St. James Court and Magnolia
Avenue, Fourth Street and Magnolia Avenue, St.
James Court and Hill Street. Or just ask a volunteer,
who will be happy to help you.

St. James Court Art Show
Oct. 4, 5, & 6

Historic Old Louisville

For GPS, use 1402 St. James Ct.
in Louisville

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday & Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

stjamescourtartshow.com

Free Admission

Rain or shine

No pets allowed

TO HAVE & TO HOLD (AND THROW) (category)

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Creatively inspired by Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany

By Morgan Sprigler

Wedding Season is upon us and the DIY options are endless. Crafting for a wedding not only helps cut down costs but adds a personal touch that won’t soon be forgotten. Can you picture yourself and your soon-to-be being showered in flowers as you exit your ceremony as husband and wife? If so, this is the DIY craft for you! Start saving all of the flowers you receive during your engagement to help out the budget and add that personal touch.

SUPPLIES:

• Dried flowers

• Essential oil of your choice

• Cardstock

• Wooden sign

• Paint marker

• Sheer bags

• Basket

• Twine

• Glue gun

Materials provided by Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop 420 New Albany Plaza | New Albany benfranklinartsandframing.com

STEP ONE

Gather flowers! I used a combination of flowers, leaves and herbs I found in my garden. Petals from my rose bushes, ivy from my flower beds, basil and lavender from my vegetable garden and hydrangeas from my hydrangea plants. I love the idea of repurposing flowers from your engagement parties, showers or bouquets you’ve received from friends and family over the course of your engagement. All you need is a little sunlight to dry

STEP TWO

Make floral confetti. Combine all of your petals, leaves, etc. in a large bowl and add your essential oils. I went pretty heavy with my oil, as I love all things that smell great! Once you feel like all of your “confetti” is coated in oil, allow everything to dry overnight.

STEP THREE

Make cones to hold your confetti. Starting in the bottom corner, roll your cardstock to create a cone shape. Glue the ends down to hold the cone together. If you find that there is an opening at the bottom of your cone, simply apply a dot of hot glue and pinch the ends together. Cut and tie a piece of twine around the middle, if you wish.

STEP FOUR

Fill your bags (to have) and cones (to throw)! Fill your cones and your sheer bags full of floral confetti. The cones can be used during the celebration, and the bags can be used as gifts for your guests to use in their homes as potpourri.

STEP FIVE

Create your display. I found all of my supplies at Ben Franklin in New Albany. They have an amazing selection of baskets, bowls and trays that could be used to display your creation. I also found a distressed wooden sign that I used to write, “To Have and To Throw.” So cute!! Assemble however you would like.

Congratulations to all of you newly-engaged couples! This is such an exciting time in your lives. Enjoy every single moment! Wishing you so much love and happiness!

XO,

Morgan

Here Comes the Bride, Er, Bridal Dress

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Laurel Wreath Bridal Owner Laurie Haag shares what’s hot this season?

By Mandy Wolf Detwiler

Photo of Laurie Haag by Naomi Ruth Photography

Photos of wedding gowns courtesy Madi Lane

Haven gown available at Laurel Wreath Bridal.

Finely with skirt available at Laurel Wreath Bridal.

So you’ve got the ring on your finger. Your next step is to most likely pick up a bridal magazine. Maybe two. But don’t get your heart set on the first couture piece you see – chances are you won’t find it in Kentuckiana and if you, do the price is likely scary enough to scare the curl out of your hair.

Still don’t be defeated, says Laurie Haag, a wedding planner and owner of Laurel Wreath Bridal. These books are designed to give you an idea of what you want, be it a mermaid train, the poofiest dress found or sleek and sophisticated.

Haag dislikes being asked what’s hot in the bridal world, because that depends on location. Here in Southern Indiana, we’re still pretty traditional

Finley cape full length
gown available at
Laurel Wreath Bridal

“Bazaar magazine might say that suiting and blazers or these super really avant-garde bridal separates with detachable crazy trains are what’s going to trend for 2020,” Haag says. “I can 100 percent tell you the brides in the Midwest and in our area aren’t going to connect to that. They could say that’s what is the trend or what we’re moving toward. I always say that’s not for every bride in every area of the United States.

“There are some things that are kind of trends that I can see coming up,” Haag says. That includes add-on bridal capes –– not the long, winter styles designed to keep a bride warm, but light and gauzy capes that simply adorn the shoulders.

“It’s a short, beautiful capelet over a plain gown,” Haag says. “The capelet has the detail, the lace and the beading. (We also see) capes that attach to the front of the gowns and act as sort of the veil.”

Made of organza or tulle, these longer capes serve as both a stunning addition to a gown and take the place of the veil if a bride doesn’t want to wear one.

Henley with cape available at Laurel Wreath Bridal.

Feather details along the bottom of gowns are popular, but so too are more structured gowns of yesteryear.

“They’re trying to say that high-low hems are trying to make a comeback,” Haag says. “I’ve not seen it in Bridal Market, but it might eventually.” The aforementioned bridal event happens at the end of September and sets the tone for buyers for 2020.

“Traditionally, most bridal boutiques are doing their buys for the next season at the end of August/beginning of September, and that’s when the designers are doing their new visions that the brides are going to be able to get their hands on,” Haag says.

Haag says “illusion lace, sometimes labeled as “tattoo lace” on the sleeve or top is very “now” and “we saw a lot of Mikado satin at the last market, so I’m sure that’s going to carry over as well.”

Does fabric make a difference anymore? Haag said no, “and I’m a big proponent of not really trying to follow trends anyway. … We always say in our bridal appointments that people should have an open mind.”

Some brides come in with poof, glitz, Pinterest and “Say Yes to the Dress” on the brain, but once she starts exploring, “they’re not connecting, they don’t look that good on them and we’ll say at some point in the appointment ‘Hey, you want to try something a little more unexpected?’” Haag says. “At that point we’ve won their trust and they’re like, ‘Ok, sure!’ and that’s the bride that’s going to walk out with the most straight, sleek, no-embellishment, super body conscious beautiful gown, and it takes them by surprise.

Henley full length gown available at Laurel Wreath Bridal

“We can talk about trends, but I feel like every bridal, their dress shopping is a journey and they need to be open-minded.”

Haag suggests brides not get overwhelmed and to visit as many local high-end boutiques as it takes to find the one that makes her eyes sparkle, “and she almost doesn’t want to take it off,” she says. “That’s the one.”

So You’ve Been Asked to Be a Bridesmaid … Now What?

No, lime green doesn’t look good on everyone. And no, you can’t cut every dress short and wear it again (although I did once!).

Says wedding planner Laurie Haag: “We tend to recommend that the bride picks the color that she wants, maybe the stylistic look of what she’d like her bridesmaids to look like –– not that she should get any opinion from her bridesmaids, and we all know that bridesmaids are of varying ages, sizes various stages of life (like bridesmaids who are expecting or will have just had a baby and are more body conscious), you really try to keep that process simplified. We would hope that bridesmaids realize and understand that we think of bridesmaids as they’re going to be framing the photos. They’re going to be side by side with the bride in the total bridal party. They’re the frame to make the bride and groom shine.”

Halo and Haisley gowns available at Laurel Wreath Bridal.

Haag recommends the bride choose a couple of dresses, a couple pairs of shoes and have their bridal party come to a consensus. Letting bridesmaids choose their own, say blush and back, is an invitation for disaster as there are many interpretations of both colors.

“You give bridesmaids total control, and it just gets crazy,” Haag says.

Ivaine gown available at
Laurel Wreath Bridal.

INTERNATIONAL BRIDAL STYLE COMES TO LOUISVILLE AND SOUTHERN INDIANA

In addition to a wide array of dresses, headpieces and accessories, Laurel Wreath Bridal is the exclusive carrier of Madi Lane gowns, which are pictured in these pages.

Laurel Wreath Bridal

203 W. 1st St.

New Albany

812.946.2038

LaurelWreathBridal.com

Shelby and Jamison Valvano

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May 11, 2019

PHOTOS COURTESY ALEXANDRIA KAY PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDRIAKAYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE: Noah’s Event Venue

REHEARSAL DINNER CATERING: Susie Phelps and Sue Ann Everitt were the caterers. They used to have a catering company but don’t anymore and are friends of the family.

WEDDING VENUE: Noah’s Event Venue

WEDDING DRESS: Sher’s Bridal Boutique

HAIR/MAKEUP: Molly Johnson at Tranz4mationz Salon

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Men’s Warehouse

CAKE/BAKERY: Sweet Treats by Jennifer (Jennifer Schindler)

FLORIST: Bride’s grandmother, Deborah Bartley, did all of the flowers throughout the wedding and reception

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alexandria Kay Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY: Braden Lee Renfro

MUSIC: Spin Around Sound (John Cortie)

HOW WE MET: Jamie (Jamison) and I have been best friends since we met in the fourth grade and remained friends all throughout elementary, middle and high school until we finally started dating junior year of high school – and the rest was history. I always knew he was the one.

Our wedding was…filled with so much love and happiness. It was a dream come true and I truly have my incredible parents to thank for that.

Marriage is…about becoming a team. You’re going to spend the rest of your life learning about each other, and every now and then, things blow up. But the beauty of marriage is that if you picked the right person, and you both love each other, you’ll always find a way to get through it. Marriage is commitment and never-ending love. It’s the most special kind of friendship.

Jamie and Michael Deerr

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June 15, 2019

PHOTOS COURTESY KRIECH-HIGDON PHOTOGRAPHY KRIECH-HIGDONPHOTO.COM

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE: The Loft on Spring in New Albany

REHEARSAL DINNER CATERING: Stumler Catering

WEDDING VENUE: The Frazier History Museum

WEDDING DRESS: Sher’s Bridal

HAIR: Kelsey Shaugnessey (Downtown Style) & Kelly Gedling

MAKEUP: Kadey Welch

NAIL SALON: Diva Nails

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Men’s Warehouse

WEDDING CATERING: Masterson’s Catering

CAKE/BAKERY: Sweet Stuff

FLORIST: The Desired Effect, LLC

PHOTOGRAPHY: Kriech-Higdon Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY: Colburn Video

MUSIC: A Class Act DJ

TRANSPORTATION: Xtreme Transportation

RECEPTION CHAIRS: Fifty Chairs

HOW WE MET: We went to middle school and high school together but were introduced by some mutual friends our junior year of high school at Floyd Central in 2010, when Michael was on the football team and Jamie was on the volleyball team. Our first date was to Harvest Homecoming, and the rest just fell into place from there. We dated all through high school and college, when Michael went to Purdue University and Jamie attended the University of Indianapolis. We then both pursued our doctorate degrees: Michael obtaining his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Sullivan University, and Jamie earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis this past May.

Our wedding was…a weekend we will always remember, thanks to everyone who celebrated with us. From the rehearsal dinner at the Loft on Spring to the picturesque rooftop at the Frazier History Museum. We were surrounded by family and friends who had watched us grow over the last nine years into the couple we are today. Although we worried about rain, the clouds parted after a few sprinkles earlier in the afternoon for an absolutely perfect outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking the Ohio River.

Marriage is…a new adventure with your best friend every day. We both spent many years in different cities dating long distance, so getting to finally live in the same city/house makes all the years leading up to this point worth it. It’s falling more in love with the little things each and every day, learning to enjoy the phase of life you are in right now, and overcoming each new challenge together.

Aaron & RuthAnne Burns

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May 11, 2019

PHOTOS COURTESY KATIE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHIE KATIEMARIEPHOTOGRAPHIE.COM

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE: Groom’s grandmother’s house, Ruth Kaiser

REHEARSAL DINNER CATERING: Groom’s mother’s cooking: DeAnn Burns

WEDDING VENUE: St Louis Bertrand Catholic Church

RECEPTION VENUE: Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown

WEDDING DRESS: Essence of Australia purchased at Rebecca’s Bridal Boutique with alterations by Therese Grant

CUSTOM WEDDING VEIL : Made with fabric from the bride’s mother’s wedding dress by The Hat Girls

HAIR: Jessica Kelley with Creations Hair Design

MAKEUP: Charolette de la Torre

GROOM’S ATTIRE: Bonobos suit with alterations by Ace Custom Tailors and Johnston & Murphy shoes

WEDDING CATERING: Breakfast buffet catered by The Hyatt’s culinary staff and donuts by Adrienne’s & Co

CAKE/BAKERY: Fun-fetti cake from Winnie’s Decadent Desserts & Deli

FLORIST: Top Knots Florals

PHOTOGRAPHY: Katie Marie Photographie

MUSIC: The Cincinnati Sinatra

TRANSPORTATION: Kentuckiana Express Shuttle-Limo, LLC

HOW WE MET: In February of 2017, RuthAnne was brought on as an administrative assistant at Neace Ventures. She was warned that Aaron was a know-it-all and a bit of a jerk and that their personalities would clash; however, the two quickly bonded, if for no other reason because their desks were 5 feet from each other. Although they thought, without ever even talking about it, they would never date the other, they were both smitten.

After several months of working together, Aaron was convinced he must pursue RuthAnne. He awkwardly revealed his feelings for RuthAnne at her favorite lunch spot – Chic-fil-A. Eleven months later, they were engaged. Twelve months after that, they were married.

Our wedding was… Beautiful. We had hoped for everything to go perfectly, but we couldn’t have anticipated just how great everything went. The Mass was solemn and respectful of the sacrament taking place. The sermon pulled no punches in communicating the significance of the contract we were entering into with each other. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. The music was both classy and fun. Friends, family and benefactors alike all had an amazing time celebrating with us. The only bump in the road was that the wedding rings were left at the hotel, and one of the groomsmen and bridesmaids drove like maniacs between the church and the hotel in order to make it back in time for Aaron to get to the sacristy behind the altar.

Marriage is… a sacrament. First and foremost we hope to help make each other holier and more virtuous people. We want to get each other to heaven. We pray we will have many children. We hope to avoid some of the trappings of modern life. We would like to spend less of our lives in front of screens and more time in good books, nature and prayer.

Letter from the Editor | August/September 2019

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I love my husband so much.

It’s that “when I see him across a room talking to other people and watch how he makes others feel good and laugh, I am so proud he’s my partner and grateful that he makes me feel that good, too” kind of love.

On the other hand, I also – just before writing this letter – blocked my husband from calling or texting me because we were having a text-based parenting disagreement that was quickly escalating, and we both needed to focus on work.

Before you judge, keep in mind that he knew where I was and how to reach me if there had been an emergency. And I have no qualms about the fact that I essentially put us both in the penalty box by disabling his ability to contact me and eliminating my ability to reach out to him.

We both needed to take a breather, rethink how we were acting toward one another and, most importantly for the moment, get back to work.

Then, a few hours later, I removed the block, he called and I said, “Hey honey. What’s up?” And we talked about what was up, which included business, our daughter and who would grab a gallon of milk and kitty litter. Eventually, that night we both apologized, got on the same parenting page and we’re back to being happy husband and wife.

That is marriage – at least it’s ours: an imperfect relationship of highs and lows that always comes back to knowing we have each other’s backs and love one another to our cores…even if that sometimes means quarrels and heat-of-the-moment fights that later seem silly and futile. There’s no one I’d rather have by my side than Jason. I am eternally grateful to have met my match in love and in life.

Extol’s Wedding Issue is a celebration of marriage — but it’s also an edition dedicated to the vendors who help couples celebrate the special day as uniquely as they are. It’s one of my favorite annual issues we publish as a magazine because it’s a reminder that life is precious and fleeting and not to be taken for granted, whether you’re married or not.

As always, thank you for taking the time to pick up Extol. Your support means everything to us as we continue our goal of being a magazine on a mission and celebrating Southern Indiana.

Truly,

Angie Fenton

Editor in Chief

angie@extolmag.com