Featured Vendor of the Day Mayumi Hashiyama with Designs by Mayumi

Designs By Mayumi is a by-appointment only floral design studio, with a reputation for quality, ingenuity, and personalized attention. From classic English garden bouquets, to sleek modern display, we will tailor our designs to transform your space into a beautiful, bold, or simply exquisite show of fresh flowers.

Contact: Mayumi Hashiyama
Business: Designs by Mayumi
Offering: Custom Floral Arrangements
Phone: (706) 587-1100
Website: http://www.designsbymayumi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbymayumi

How did you get started in the industry?
I attended and obtained my teaching certificate from the Japanese Ikebana Floral Design School in Tokyo, Japan where I was taught by Tokyo’s Master Designer. I LOVE flowers and have now been arranging for almost 25 years. I began my Columbus, Georgia floral design business five years ago and have enjoyed every moment of it.

Tell us about your family:
I am married to Wayne Coulter, retired owner of Columbus Wholesale Florist Supply. We have a daughter, Nicole Coulter, who is twenty years old. She was born into the floral business and is a fantastic designer herself! :)

What is it about your industry that holds your interest year after year?
I love working with my bridal clients who are all beautiful, intelligent, and bring a variety of floral interests. Each bride is different so it keeps my creativity fresh and keeps my interest year after year.

What sets you apart from others in the industry?
There are many talented floral designers in our area. However, I believe my background study with many of the top floral designers from all over our country and Japan allows me to have design skills that set me apart from what others may offer in our area. I have a genuine passion for working with brides to get exactly what they want on their special wedding day and that is what I believe brings me much of my success.

What would you say is the latest trend in your industry?
Hand-tied wedding bouquets, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon has been pretty trendy this past year. For brides wanting more glamorous bouquets, they are choosing to add floral jewelry such as beads, rhinestone initials, a family heirloom brooch, jewelry, feathers, and anything that makes the bouquet unique to the bride. There has been a continuing popularity for rustic and natural theme weddings for which brides are choosing unique items to add to their bouquets and arrangements such as wheat, berries, pinecones, twigs, burlap, brown pods, etc. Of course, the rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices.

Make sure to go and read the entries from our SHARE the LOVE

blog contest on here and vote for your favorite engagement story!

Patricia Adams & Carl Allen

SHARE THE LOVE CONTEST

Bride-to-be: Patricia Adams
Groom-to-be: Carl Allen

Wedding Date: February 25, 2012

Patricia writes:
“Our story is one that was mapped by the hands of the lord. All the trials and tribulation that we both went through in our lives took us to where our two paths could cross at the right time in both of our lives. I have always dreamed of meeting the perfect man for me. I would pray to the lord and ask him what I was doing wrong in my life that I could not meet that right person. What I discovered was that he had the perfect man for me I just needed to be patient and wait for the timing in both of our lives to be right, so that when we did meet it would be forever. And on August 3, 2010 I met that man. Actually we did not meet in person at first, we meet on match.com. Can you believe that, the lord used a website to bring us together, since we lived only 5 miles from each other and never met? On the first date I knew in my heart he was the man for me. He is someone that treats everyone the way they want to be treated, with great respect and dignity. So for everyone out there still looking for love, it took me 46 years to find that perfect match, so be patient, trust in the lord, and he will guide you to your soul mate.”

Christi Smith & Jon Singleton

SHARE THE LOVE CONTEST

Bride to be: Christi Smith
Groom to be: Jon Singleton

Wedding date: April 12, 2012

Christi writes:

“It sounds cliche' but it's true: Jon and I were each other's first loves and will be each other's last.

We met in elementary school and fell in love in the sixth grade. We were inseparable for two years and then I moved away. In the time before Internet and Facebook and e-mail and text messages (or "The Dark Ages," according to my kids), it wasn't so easy to stay in touch with your puppy love and we had to work hard at it. We wrote letters, long-hand, and mailed them -- via the post office!!! -- to each other; we called long distance and only talked for ten minutes so we didn't make our parents made with huge bills; and we spent a few fleeting moments together over the next several years when I was able to make it back to my home town to visit family. Those memories are the foundation of our life together.

Sadly, we lost touch, grew up, got married (to other people), had kids, moved on. But we never forgot one another. Luckily for us, the Internet did get invented and e-mail connected people who were miles and worlds apart in mere seconds rather than the days and weeks of regular mail. One fateful day, I typed Jon's mom's name into the oracle we all know as Google and got a hit, a hit that included an e-mail address. I contacted her and told her who I was, she passed that information along to her son, and well, the rest is history.

We've been reunited as friends for almost eight years and we've been together, in love, since May of 2009. Although it was always a foregone conclusion that we would get married one day, we never got around to making it official, calling it an engagement, liking and putting a ring on it, if you will. We've been busy, you know, working, raising our respective children, creating a home, living our life together. Then, two days after Christmas, tragedy touched our lives directly when the father of my two older children unexpectedly died, leaving my son and daughter heartbroken and the rest of us looking at our lives and realizing that we might not always have tomorrow to do the things which are important to us, to sanctify love, to honor commitments, to revisit the promises of childhood and make them the reality of our lives.

On New Year's Eve 2011, standing in our driveway, our family sleeping inside the house, my first and only true love wrapped his arms around me and began an unrehearsed preamble about exquisite plans and beautiful backdrops, perfect rings and sunny destinations, and how none of those things were coming together quickly enough for him, and with that, he asked me to be his wife and share the rest of our lives together. I paused for a moment, not even realizing that that's where he was going when he'd began to speak and needing a moment to catch up, and when it finally dawned on me what had just happened, I said the only thing I could in that moment: Of course I will marry you.

Being engaged is a whole new experience from simply living together and being a family. We've not yet decided how we will celebrate our impending nuptials or where, but we know it won't be a long engagement: Life is too short and we've already been in love for 25 years.”

Debbie Applebee & Joey Keyser

SHARE THE LOVE – CONTEST

Bride-to-be: Debbie Applebee
Groom-to-be: Joey Keyser

Wedding date: December 22, 2012

Debbie writes: “I had absolutely no clue what was going on. I knew he had been acting a little silly when we went out places that sold rings, but I just over looked it. The closer that Christmas got the more excited I got about what "Santa" was going to bring me. So on Friday December 23, 2011 before I went to work I was begging Joey to let me open a present. He said no about a million times and when he dropped me off for work he was asking: “What’s your favorite dinner? What’s your favorite place to go? What would make your night complete?” All I could think of is “I don’t know, I don’t care, and whatever you do for me will be special enough babe". So when he picked me up the first thing he said was "Santa" left you a surprise on your Facebook page. So of course I got super excited and had to look and it was a picture of a wrapped Christmas present. Then again the questions started... “What is it? Where did it come from? Can I open it? Please, please, please.” :) All he could say is “Maybe after dinner”. So when I got home I immediately went to the Christmas tree and found it. I shook it and shook it and shook it. But nothing shook. So it made me wonder. We finally ate dinner and I had almost given up on the fact I could open it that night. Then he brought the box over to me and told me I could open it!!! So when I opened it was a keepsake box with a sweet saying on the outside, I opened it up to find lots of rose petals and a very sweet note that said he was extremely happy I gave him a chance and that I completed him and that he loved me with everything he had. Then he pulled the ring out of his pocket and asked me to marry him!! With my eyes full of tears all I could say "Are you serious"? And he looked at me with the most serious face and said “Yes Debbie, will you marry me?" and of course I said “YESS”!!!

Featured Vendor of the Day is Carty Harike with Tootsie’s Salon & Gifts

For a quality and full service beauty salon, Tootsie's Salon & Gifts of Columbus, GA is the best in town. We have expert and friendly crew ready to serve you.

Contact: Carty Harike
Business: Tootsie’s Salon & Gifts
Offering: Precision Cuts, Expert Coloring & Highlighting, Professional Nail Care, Full Service Beauty Salon
Phone: (706) 507-5553
Email is: Tootsiessalon@gmail.com
Website: http://www.tootsiessalonandgifts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tootsies-Salon-and-Gifts/100851293310507

Where are you located?
We are located at 1223 54th Street in Columbus, Georgia, 31904

How did you get started in your industry?
I began my career working as a receptionist at other local salons here in Columbus. I found the atmosphere very enjoyable and decided I would give a career in the industry a try. I attended Columbus Technical College, studying Cosmetology. I opened Tootsie’s in October 2010 and continue to learn each day in this ever-changing industry.

Tell us about your family:
My husband, George, and I just celebrated our one year anniversary. George has a been a huge support and very encouraging to me, my career, and business. My mother, Helen Posey, works as my Salon Manager and Client Coordinator. I have a wonderful team and loving family from both my and George’s family.

Do you have any certifications, awards, etc that you wish to share the details about?
I have a degree in Cosmetology as well as Personal Relations. I have taken advanced cutting classes with Scrupples along with many advanced color and highlighting techniques with Affinage Salon Professional.

What is it about your industry that holds your interest year after year?
I love my career because it's constantly changing. With all the new trends arising every day, my stylists and I are always learning! To be successful in this industry you must be willing to constantly evolve. My stylists and I are continually learning about new products, styles, trends, and fads. We all thoroughly enjoy meeting new people each day and the best part is making them feel beautiful! Everyone deserves to feel beautiful.

What sets you apart from others in the industry?
Tootsie's salon IS different from your normal salon. We not only provide hair services, we also carry gift items (perfect for bridesmaid gifts) and have a Professional Nail Technician on staff. Tootsie's LOVES weddings and caters to wedding parties! We host a party on the bride’s big day to include her bridesmaids, flower girls, moms and grandmothers getting pampered and primped to walk down the wedding aisle. What makes this party special? We close down the salon JUST FOR YOUR PARTY! It’s all about the Bride and we want to make her special in every way we can. Our entire team goes beyond just doing hair and makeup! We love to connect to our clients, their families, and wedding party. We become fully involved and we take pride in knowing we help to make the bride feel so beautiful on the most special day of her life!

What would you say is the latest trend in your industry?
In this industry, a trend can change from week to week so that’s a tough one! Ha ha. Feathers were very popular this past year. I believe “Pinterest” is gaining popularity and will continue to bring more ideas for new cuts and trendy updos into 2012. Additionally, as more individuals learn about the negative impact chemicals & unnaturally made products have on our environment & health, we are seeing an increase in the request for more “organic” and “natural” hair products to sustain the life and health of hair.

For photographs of special occasion & wedding updos, please visit our Facebook page! We are happy to schedule a “trial run” or to book your party for your wedding day. Call Carty Harike at (706) 507-5553.

Enter our SHARE the LOVE contest to get a free men's haircut and style for your special Valentine's date from Tootsie's Salon!!!
http://bitsy.me/SHARETHELOVE

Featured Vendor of the Day is Meghan Guenther with Fresh Press Invitations

Fresh Press Invitations is a custom invitation shop, where we strive to create the PERFECT invitation for you and your event, yet keep it affordable. No job is too big or too small and we love to hear any ideas you may have, crazy or not.

Contact: Meghan Guenther
Business: Fresh Press Invitations
Offering: Custom Invitations
Phone: (706) 464-7343
Website: http://www.freshpressinvitations.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshpressinvitations?sk=wall

How did you get started in your industry?
I was an art student at CSU and planning my own wedding. During the summer, I began to take my first printmaking class, silkscreen, and I fell in LOVE with the medium. I loved learning about papers and printing methods. When I went to pick out invitations for my wedding I quickly discovered that the options were limited and highly over priced, so I had the idea that I could take this new paper affair to another level while creating creative, inexpensive invitations for brides like me, who want something creative, but affordable.

How many years have you been in business?
2.5 years

Tell us about your family:
Married five wonderful years to my husband, Shannon. Two years ago, the greatest thing to ever happened, the birth of our son Tanner. Tanner is too young to understand my business at this time but he does enjoy all the supplies and equipment that I used.

Do you have any certifications, awards, etc that you wish to share the details about?
Bachelors in Fine Arts, where I was technically trained in printmaking and graphic design.

What is it about your industry that holds your interest year after year?
I love that even though our lives have become so digital that we still are so traditional when it comes to invitations. Even though the style of the invitation has evolved, I enjoy that we are still turning to snail mail to invite guest to celebrate with us.

What do you love about your industry?
I love how invitations set the tone for your whole wedding. I think people often over look this detail, but your guests can tell a lot about your wedding just by that little piece of paper that they receive in the mail.

What sets you apart from others in the industry?
I truly strive to offer creative, beautiful, yet affordable invitations. I also love to build relationships with my brides and grooms and get a good understanding of your style and wedding. My clients are never just another customer.

What would you say is the latest trend in your industry?
Letterpress is definitely a big trend at the moment and I hope it stays. Even though I no longer own my letterpress, the art of letterpress is truly beautiful and sacred.

What is the most unusual request you have ever been asked to do by a client?
I get a lot of request for unusual invitations, but honestly I love those jobs the most. Something that really makes me think about how I am going to create that is why I love what I do.

Has working in the wedding business for a living changed the way you feel about or perceive weddings now?
Yes, I think I enjoy them more now. Being in the wedding industry, I like to keep update on all trends, not just invitations, and I really love when people put their own personality to in their wedding. Instead of trying to convey someone else's ideas.

Enter our SHARE the LOVE contest to get two free Valentine's Day cards and more from Fresh Press Invitations!!!
http://bitsy.me/SHARETHELOVE

Featured Vendor of the Day is Debbie Blake-Knox with Moonstone Wellness

Moonstone Wellness offers convenient daytime, evening and weekend appointment hours. 

Contact:       Debbie Blake-Knox

Business:      Moonstone Wellness

Offering:       Massage & Aromatherapy

Phone:         (706) 566-8792

Email is:       debbiebkmw@gmail.com

Website:       http://www.moonstonecolumbus.com/

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/moonstonewellness?sk=wall

 

How did you get started in your industry?

Worked at Duke University as an Aquatic Therapist and Personal Trainer specializing in deconditioned and injured adults.  My fascination with how the body heals and how the body breaks down became a curiosity – I worked backwards – from gym, to pool, to massage table…looking for where the most therapeutic work can be done. I absolutely love the potential for healing and relaxation that massage and bodywork offers us! I especially like the challenge of combing therapeutic modalities in a relaxing environment – gives the client more bang for the buck!

How many years have you been in business?

Massage and Bodywork Therapist since 1997

Tell us about your family:

Moved to Columbus in 2003 when my husband got a job at TSYS.  Our two sons attended high school in Columbus. The oldest son is getting his Masters in Accounting and enjoys spending my money – Youngest is studying Computer Science at CSU and is asked to help with Moonstone Wellness business activities a lot!  Massage therapists are not known to be very “high tech” and Debbie admits to being about as “low tech” as it gets! Now that both boys are in college – my massage schedule has opened up and become more flexible.  I am now available to offer a good variety of evening, daytime and weekend sessions.  Please note that during college basketball season – massage appointments are rarely offering if the Duke games are being televised in our area.  Massage appointments during March Madness get very tricky!

Do you have any certifications, awards, etc that you wish to share the details about?

Nationally Certified in Massage and Bodywork with additional training in therapeutic and relaxation modalities.  Certified Clinical Aroma therapist offering private consultations, personalized mixing and blending of products and Aromatherapy Classes.  Reiki Master and Karuna Reiki offering private energy treatments and Reiki classes.  I am available for public speaking, small group or workplace wellness presentations or speaking at your church event.

What do you love about your industry?

I have been passionate about my industry because it offers me many options – I have had the opportunity to take advantage of additional education and training – and more importantly – been in job placements that have offered me the work experience to match my training.  Education is key… experience and learning from your clients is a blessing!

What sets you apart from others in the industry?

I have a genuine respect for each client and a genuine passion for massage therapy.  I made a conscious decision years ago to charge for my time – instead of on a per service basis.  I do not charge different prices for different modalities – or extra for special services such as hot steam towels, aromatherapy oils, hot stones etc.  I am experienced in combing different modalities in one session and am happy to do so.

What would you say is the latest trend in your industry?

Spa therapies have been gaining in popularity the last ten years for sure – but because of the recession – I have found that clients are now expecting both a therapeutic and a relaxing benefit from their session.  Value – it is all about value – they have invested their time and their money in my services.  The upward trend in Mind, Body and Spirit modalities – reveals that the general public is increasingly willing to address their emotional health as much as their physical health – and place a high importance on both – supports my favorite quote:  “Take time for yourself…you are the most important thing on the list.”  By Maryanne Radmacher

Enter our SHARE the LOVE contest to get a free couples massage and more from Debbie!!!  
http://bitsy.me/SHARETHELOVE

SHARE THE LOVE - CONTEST HAS BEGUN!

Go to http://bitsy.me/SHARETHELOVE for more details!

JE Hedges Photo Booth at Mike Badger & Jessica Clifton’s Engagement Party!!!!

JE Hedges Photo Booth had the wonderful opportunity to be there for Mike Badger and Jessica Clifton’s engagement party this past Saturday, January 14th. The RiverMill was breathtaking adorned in lights and feathers! Their engagement story is one comparable to those in the movies! The groom, Mike Badger, is a talented graphic artist. He wrote & illustrated a lovely book entitled “Badger the Bear” as a way of proposing to his bride-to-be, Jessica Clifton. One night, after Jessica arrived home, she found the book which had been left for her as a gift. At that moment, Jessica read all about a bear named “Badger” who flew a plane (named Jesse) through some dreadful weather. Jessica was thrilled to see the couple’s dogs appear as some of the characters in the book. In the story, Badger faces adversity, but overcomes it, just to make a special delivery! In order to find out the story’s ending, Jessica was instructed to open her front door. On the doorstep stood Mike, dressed as a human bear mascot, holding an engagement ring! The creativity and imagination inspired in this proposal / love story gives one goose bumps all over! JE Hedges Photography LOVES magical love stories like this one! The couple’s engagement party décor encompassed a human bear mascot, as a reminder of the magical moment that Mike proposed. The couple will have this book, for years to come, as a keepsake to share with family and friends. It was a wonderful experience to witness this couple’s love and see the excitement of their families as they unite as one.

February Issue of Columbus & the Valley Magazine... A view of the most awesome brides in our city... OUR BRIDES!

Love is definitely in the air at JE Hedges Photography! You can see it through the pages of the February 2012 issue of the Columbus and the Valley magazine. Within the pages of the annual wedding gallery featured each year, JE Hedges Photography proudly has 17 of the 2011 brides featured and they all look radiant!

As you continue reading the magazine, be sure to take a moment to check out our ad on page 22, featuring our beautiful couple, Megan Smith & Steven Sanders, who were married at Philadelphia Baptist Church on 05/14/2011. Their wedding reception was held at the Chattahoochee River Club with our good friend, Designs by Mayumi, creating the most beautiful floral arrangements you have ever seen!

What is truly a compliment is the article “Forecast Showers”, on page 27, which is all about our brides. How fabulous is that??! We are so thrilled to have an article showcasing the showers of three of our not only absolutely gorgeous, but incredibly cool, brides. The first bride interviewed is Betsy Rowell who married Jackson Massey on 7/23/2011 at Smiths Station Baptist Church. The article shows a great picture of Betsy and her girlfriends in colorful crazy wigs for a night out on the town during her Bachelorette Beach trip. Can you say BEACH BLAST?! Betsy had several fun showers and parties that you just have to read more about. The second bride interviewed was the captivating Whitli Grover who married Zackery Cook on 07/02/2011 at the Victoria Belle Mansion. Whitli & Zack chose to keep their parties simple yet memorable with an Engagement Party which included family, BBQ, and a video of the couple. In addition to their Engagement Party, they celebrated with a Bridal Shower that included close family and friends and let’s not forget about the “Bachelorette Weekend” at her parents’ mountain cabin. Everyone had a blast with lots of cozy, fireside fun! The third interview was of one of our most sweetest couples of 2010, Ashlee Avera & Jason Tate, married on 11/06/2010 at Northside Chapel. Ashlee calls her couple's shower “small and intimate” and describes the shower in detail. Ashlee was thrown a “Tree-Trimming Christmas shower”. TRULY UNIQUE! What a wonderful way to get a couple prepared for the holidays and you can NEVER have enough holiday décor! Be sure to read all the details in the article because this is surely a shower you will want to plan too! I mean… let’s face the facts here also... Can a girl really have too many showers? :) Ha! All three of these couples were amazing to work with and each of their families have become like family to us. Such awesome people!

One of the most touching stories you will ever read is showcased on the inside back cover of the magazine. It will tug at your heart! One of our brides, Katy Carroll who married Rollins Moncus, on April 18th, 2009 at Sweet Home Plantation in Pine Mountain has had one incredible journey the past three years. Katy, who was an extremely healthy and active woman, even participating in Aflac's Iron Girl triathlon, returned from her honeymoon only to discover a lump in her breast. It unfortunately turned out to be breast cancer. Katy was in her early 20’s and being diagnosed at such a young age was devastating. Not only was she concerned that this horrible disease and treatment would put a strain on her new marriage, she knew chemo has a potential to destroy a woman’s reproductive capabilities. Her and Rollins had always dreamed of starting a family. With the cancer in an aggressive state, there was no time to freeze Katy’s eggs should anything adversely happen. Katy & Rollins just had to put their faith in the Lord and accept that He held the answers. Katy went through months of chemo and cancer treatment losing all of her long beautiful hair and keeping Katy from being as active as she wanted to be. Rollins was the best husband any woman could ask for. He was Katy’s biggest cheerleader every step of the way. Katy fell in love all over again for it’s in times like these that you truly see what a person is made of. Rollins is every girl’s dream of a Knight in Shining honor. The love, care, and concern he not only expressed through words and encouragement, but also through his actions, left no question… Rollins didn’t see this “lump” in the road as a strain, but an opportunity from the Lord to bring them a special closeness and bond that was stronger than they could have ever imagined. With answered prayers, the support of her wonderful husband, the love of her family, friends, and an entire community rallying behind her… Katy fully recovered from cancer with no damage to her reproductive organs. With the Lord’s blessings, Katy and Rollins are expecting their first child, a baby girl named Lola Kathryn in mid April. Katy and Rollins are scheduled for a maternity portrait session with Julie in February so they can cherish the fact there is indeed “LIFE AFTER CANCER”.

Whew! We weren’t kidding when we said you could see JE Hedges Photography throughout this entire issue were we? We were blessed and honored to work each of these brides and look forward to capturing many more special moments in their lives in the future. We love our clients and are so proud of them; we wouldn’t have it any other way! Julie absolutely enjoys what she does and means it when she says it’s not just her desire to be your wedding photographer… but your FAMILY photographer as well.