W E D D I N G

March 2018
 Special Events
ROCK SPRINGS Venue

CENTER Indoor & Outdoor

Space

Coordination
Services

Event Design

In-House Catering

Offsite Catering
& Delivery

All photos ©Magnolia Photography • www.magnoliaphotographync.com

252.830.8900 • www.rockspringscenter.com • 4025 Hwy 43 North • Greenville, NC 27834

©Cindy Schepers Photography

Picturesque www.cindyshepersphotography.com

Waterfront View

Indoor & Outdoor Space

Full-Service Event
Coordination
©Cindy Schepers Photography 252.752.4915 • www.flowerslanding.com
www.cindyshepersphotography.com Available Guest House 220 Pungo Shores Dr. • Belhaven, NC 27810
Contact Her
Mackenzie Tewksbury | Editor | 329-9585
Elizabeth Semple | Advertising | 329-9513
John Powell | Sales | 329-9632
Jason Scott | Designer
Email: tellher@reflector.com

Her magazine is published by The Daily Reflector

and Cooke Communications of North Carolina.

On the cover
Heather and Jordan Blythe share a loving embrace
in Manteo. Read more about her on page 8.
(Bill Howard)

Meet Her
8 Today means forever

Get Hitched
16 DIY decorations for every season
20 Map of wedding venues
24 Rep Express offers catering, venue
42 Style File

Food
32 Nutrition

Inside
15 Raid Our Closet
28 Carla Cannon
30 Her Panel
35 Puzzles
36 Gardening
38 Her Date Night
40 Coach Chris

4
From the editor
H
appy wedding season!
I was just recently the maid of
honor in my best friend’s magical wed-
ding. I had only been to one wedding
in my short adult life, so I had certainly
never been in a wedding before. I was
very excited for the endeavor, but not
exactly sure what to expect. Everyone
tells stories, but you really don’t know
what it feels like until you’re standing
beside your best friend watching her
say “I do” to the love of her life after
months and months of planning.
I remember feeling the tears well up
in that moment, just as they are now as
I recount that very day.
It was a breathtaking moment for me
and the whole audience, and I thank
my best friend for the opportunity to
share the moment with her and her
groom every chance I get.
Perhaps that’s why this issue was such a
treat to put together, because I have a whole
new perspective on one’s big day. In this is-
sue, us here at Her are excited to bring you
the best wedding content for 2018.
On the cover, the beautiful Jordan
and Heather Blythe share a loving
moment. Follow their wedding story
on page 8. Also, if you have a creative
spirit, we’ve outlined affordable, cre-
ative ways to spruce up your wedding.
Check out 400 Saint Andrews, a
wedding venue operating out of the
old beef barn with Rep Express Cater-
ing and Events.
We’ve also brought you suggestions
on the perfect gifts for your tribe of
bridesmaids, along with some wed-
ding tips from our trusty contributors.
The pages of this magazine are full
of love. I hope you enjoy.
Keep spreading love,
Mackenzie Tewksbury
— editor
Meet our team
Mackenzie is the editor of
Her and Mixer magazines
and a loving mother to a res-
cue pup named Ficklen. She
is also a band T-shirt collec-
tor, coffee shop conneisseur
and die-hard Pirate fan.
Mackenzie Tewksbury
Editor
Juliette Cooke is a photo-
journalist for The Daily Re-
flector and Her and Mixer
magazines. She is also a
loving mother to her rescue
lab, Molly.
Juliette Cooke
Photojournalist
Rick Glosson is a graphic
designer for Her Magazine
and The Daily Reflector. He
grew up in Fayetteville and
has been in Greenville since
he came to attend ECU. He
adores his wife and is father
to three amazing adult chil-
dren. He loves reading, paint-
ing watercolors and having
Rick Glosson
coffee with friends.
Illustrator
Carla is a mother, six-time
bestselling author, break-
through coach and entre-
preneur. She is the founder
of Carla R. Cannon Enter-
prises, LLC and the leader of
the global brand Women of
Standard.
Carla Cannon
Contributor
Mary is a Registered Dietitian/
Nutritionist (RDN) who graduated
from ECU (BS and MS in Nutri-
tion and Dietetics) and currently
works at Vidant Medical Center
in the Cardiovascular and Pul-
monary Rehabilitation and Heart
Failure Programs. Mary currently
serves as Chair of the Nutrition &
Physical Activity Partners Action
Team of Pitt Partners for Health,
is involved in the Pitt County
Mary Gaskins Farm and Food Council and is
Contributor a Certified Health Coach.
Jason is the graphic de-
signer for Her Magazine
and Greenville: Life in the
East and a proud dad. His
dislikes are numerous but
include jazz, cold coffee
and anything Kardashian.
Contact him at jscott@re-
flector.com.
Jason Scott
Layout
Molly is a recent RCC photo
grad, Carolina Panthers fan
and cat enthusiast. Her fa-
vorite thing to photograph
is sports.
Molly Mathis
Photographer
Christina is an advertising
account executive, Her Mag-
azine contributor and Hot Dish
writer for The Daily Reflector;
a Barnes & Noble bookseller;
and an adjunct writing in-
structor. When not working,
Christina enjoys bubble baths,
drinking wine, cooking, eating
and getting lost in the won-
Christina Ruotolo derful world of reading. Reach
Contributor her at cruotolo@reflector.com.
Christy Jones, also known as
Coach Chris, is a Greenville
life and business coach. Con-
tact her at coachchris4suc-
cess@gmail.com or www.
coachchriscompany.com.
Christy Jones
Contributor
An organic gardener of 20
years, Kimberly is enthu-
siastic about nutrition and
seeks to encourage healthy
lifestyles through educa-
tion. To ask her questions
or get advice about horti-
cultural projects, email her
at growinginspiration.nc@
Kimberly Newsom gmail.com.
Contributor
6 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her
 ROUNDED
el l Pr
W

eg
ea

na
Hav

ncy
When diabetes occurs only in pregnancy, called Gestational Diabetes, it
increases the risk of complications to both mom and baby.
Down East Diabetology is the only diabetes practice specializing in the
care of pregnant women, children and young adults. If you have been
diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, we offer medical nutrition support,
glucometer education and medical management to optimize the health of
both you and your baby. Our services will complement your obstetric care,
supporting you during this exciting time. Self-referrals are welcome.

252.689.6303
www.DownEastDiabetology.com
845 Johns Hopkins Dr., Suite B, Greenville, NC 27834

ARLINGTON
With this VILLAGE

I thee wed!

Since 1969

321-7000
RobinsonJewelers.com

Real Service. Real Jewelers. Robinson Jewelers.

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 7

Today means
forever
By Mackenzie Tewksbury | Photos by Bill Howard and Matt Neal

I just remember staring into each

other’s eyes and just thinking,
'This is the rest of my life.'
On
the quaint island of Manteo,
North Carolina on Oct. 28,
Jordan and Heather Blythe
said “I do,” promising a life-
time of love together.
The couple lives in Green-
ville, but married at Roanoke
Island Festival Park in Manteo,
where Heather watched her
Pinterest boards, late nights
and hours of planning come
to life before her very eyes.
Blythe spent most of every
day between her engagement
and her wedding day meticu-
lously crafting each detail of
her day herself — whether it
was stamping invitations with
a wax seal or wrapping green-
ery around objects to create
the dreamcatchers that hung
from the ceiling.
“It all paid off. All of the
stress of doing everything was
worth it. I never thought I’d
say that,” Blythe said.

9
 "Growing up, it’s almost this little girl thing.
I wanted the first moment he laid his eyes
on me to be this breathtaking moment when
I was walking down the aisle."

Husband for the first time

Instead of a first look, Blythe decided on
a first touch. She and her husband-to-be

It was a whirlwind of emotions. We’ve lived shared their first touch moments before
the wedding, and Heather said it was a
together, we’ve been dating a while, we’re feeling almost indescribable.
obviously comfortable with each other. But
there was so much nervousness. It’s not like
meeting a new person, but it is. It was like,
'Today, he’s going to be my husband.’

10 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

 A vision come true
Heather had a vision —
things she knew she wanted,
things she knew she didn’t
want. When the day came,
she hoped the details she
had described and pictures
she had shown wedding
planners would be enough
to bring her vision to life —
and it was.

“It’s a lot easier to rent

that stuff from people,
but the time we spent
together making it before
“It was surreal that all of it came together in a perfect way. So many
the wedding was fun and
different elements that you’re hoping will come together...and you’re
it meant more because I
just hoping from talking on the phone with people that it will. You’re
knew that my mom made
putting your wedding day in their hands.“
something, my grandma
made something, and my
uncle, dad and Jordan
made something.”

A family affair
Most of the decorations and
details were made by her,
her family and her friends,
including the large arbor the
couple shared their first kiss
in front of. Her father and
new husband made it, and
to Heather, it made it that
much more special.

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 11

Moments before
her entrance
Heather said if there is one
thing she remembers the
most about her wedding
day, it was sitting in a room
with her father moments
before it was time to walk
down the aisle.

I will never forget waiting in the room

with my dad. It was quiet, just me and my
dad, and I just kept thinking, ‘This is my
wedding day.’’ Blythe said “I was told that
it was time to go when I heard the knock on
the door. It felt like an hour.

12 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

 TOTAL
ACCESS
CALL TODAY 329-9505
t

)PNF
%FMJWFSZ
t

%BJMZ
&FEJUJPO
t

-PDBM
3FUBJMFST
t

"DDFTT
PO
3FnFDUPSDPN







J1IPOF
"QQ

Offer includes daily access to electronic edition. Offer valid to households without an active subscription. Mail subscriptions excluded. Payment for services must be applied prior to
start of subscription. NC sales tax and fees apply. Requires automatic draft from debit or credit card. Any past due balance may be deducted prior to subscription starting. The Daily
Reflector reserves the right to re fuse service to any customer. Contact Customer Care at (252)329-9505 or customercare@nccooke.com.

910-289-4286
SOUTHERN. HOMEMADE.

Catering • Cake
DECORATIONS

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 13

 “Your Personalization
Destination”

252-756-9500 Mon. – Fri. 10-5:30

Sat. 10-4
3110 S. Evans St., Suite C. www.bostonbagsandtags.com

We cover rustic to elegant and everything in between. If you are looking

for an outdoor venue offering you views of the countryside and the feel
of the farm but close to everything!

Please contact us for all of your event needs.

862 Laurie Ellis Road • Winterville • 252-531-3329 or (252)531-3258 • brocksberries@gmail.com • www.brocksfarm.com

14 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

 style

Raid our If you’re a bride-to-be, chances are you’ve got a fabulous group of women who have
been helping you make your dream wedding come to life since the inception. They
won’t expect it, but they deserve some love, too!

closet
If you’re unsure of what to include, these items from Boston Bags and Tags in Green-
ville can help. Some ideas to get you started: cups for mimosas at the bachelorette
party or a tote to carry all your wedding accessories on the big day! As an added plus,
the matching cups and bags will look adorable in bachelorette party photos.
Oh! And of course, don’t forget about your flower girl!

Maid of honor/

▲
mother of groom/
mother of bride
bags: $9.99

Cups: $12.99
▲

Flower
girl bag:
▲

$7.99

▲ Bridesmaid
flute: $4

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 15

Affordable, easy
wedding decorations
for every season
By Christina Ruotolo
The Daily Reflector
F or the last twenty years, I have
worked, organized, managed, at-
tended, DJ’d, cut bridal cake, offi-
ciated and been a part of the wonder-
ful world of weddings. I have worked
dollar wedding look on a dime-store
budget. Armed with my vast library of
wedding knowledge, I have developed
three affordable and easy items you can
use for wedding decor that will work
Here are two natural ingredients to add
to your wedding decor.

weddings in every season at locations
all over the country. I have been able
to live vicariously through each bride’s
wedding and enjoyed seeing all the in-
credible decorations, food, party favors,
music and traditions that go into to mak-
ing each wedding a memorable event
for not only the bridal party but for the
guests as well.
Did you know that over two million
weddings occur in the United States
every year with the average wedding
in North Carolina costing $27,808,
which breaks down to about $199 a
person or 140 people? For the majority
of people planning their wedding, this
figure is way beyond what they can
afford. But they still want that million
no matter what season or state you get
married in.
Add natural wonder
Nature provides us with a bountiful
backdrop and an array of beautiful that
adds a natural beauty to your wedding
for limited funds. Many people dream
of getting married under a hand-carved
arch beside a German castle or in a white
gazebo overlooking a mountain back-
drop, or under a flower filled arbor with
the smell of fresh flowers haloing you and
your partner in beauty. Well, sometimes
our dreams do not meet our pocketbooks
and we have to scale back our Cinderella
picture, but we can still add beauty to our
decor that will give you natural grandeur.
Pine cones
Between fall and winter, conifer
trees drop their pine cones all over our
yards and they end up staying there for
months on end. Why not grab handfuls
from you or your friends yard or go to
your local craft store other times of the
year, and buy a few bags of them. They
are a versatile and wedding friendly that
adds rustic elements to your special day.
Use small pine cones to hold place cards,
or add larger ones to floral arrangements
for texture. They are also easy to spray
paint to coordinate with your wedding
colors or attach them with a bit of super
glue to heavy rope and hand as garland
around the cake or hang vertically for a
unique effect. For pennies on the dollar,
you can add a bit or warmth and natu-
ral wonder to your special day. The best

Now Accepting
New Appointments
We Accept Most Insurances

At Vinson Dental, our Winterville location is

convenient for all your family’s dental needs. We
offer comprehensive dentistry to patients of all ages.
Please visit our website for more information, or call our
office to make an appointment today!
t
8IJUFOJOH
t
%FOUVSFT
t
$PTNFUJD
%FOUJTUSZ

t
1SFWFOUJWF
$BSF
t
#SJEHFT
t
3PPU
$BOBMT

t
7FOFFST
t
1BSUJBMT

t
0SBM
4FEBUJPO
t
*NQMBOUT
t
(VN
%JTFBTF

t
&YUSBDUJPOT t
$SPXOT

Corner of 14th and Charles
252-353-6006
www.shenandoahgraphics.com

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 17

part is, after your wedding
you can take the pine cones,
slather them with peanut
butter, roll them in bird seed
and throw them in your back-
yard. The birds and wildlife
will thank you.
Foliage
Instead of spending some
green, why not add some
free greenery to your next
wedding. North Carolina is
home to thousands of magno-
lia trees filling front and back
yards with glossy, deep green leaves
that make the perfect addition to a table
centerpiece, food display or floral ar-
rangements. Pull off single leaves and
use a paint pen to write guest names and
use as place cards, make a wreath with
leaves fanning the edges out or bunch
them around large pillar candles. You
can even line them down a table making
a natural table runner for a more dra-
matic effect. Magnolia leaves add south-
ern grace and elegance to your wedding
and fit into any decor and theme any-
time of the year.
Add floral elements
Many people are under the assump-
tion that flowers for a wedding are ex-
pensive, but if done correctly, you can
get a diamond look for a cubic zirconia
price. Whether you hire a florist or do
them yourself, the sky is the
limit when it comes to flow-
ers. A few things to keep in
mind: you can vary vase
lengths and heights to cre-
ate one-of-a-kind unique ar-
rangements that add dramat-
ic or simple touches — from
table-long displays to small,
intimate vases of single flow-
ers. Each will help set the tone
and add to your special day.
Here are four flowers that are
cost effective, beautiful, and
available all year long.
18
Roses
Roses are only expensive around Val-
entine’s Day, topping triple digit pric-
es, but during the rest of the year, you
can buy a dozen roses for less than $20.
When you use a florist who goes through
a wholesaler or you go directly to a floral
wholesaler, you can buy roses for around
89 cents each and they come in a pack
of 25, so if your wedding is small, you
can save a bundle. Roses are timeless and
classic and always in style. Deep crimson
red for winter events, hot pink for spring
events, yellow for summer and salmon
colored or purple for fall.
Baby’s Breath
This is quite possibly the most underrat-
ed and most inexpensive of all flowers. It
comes in huge white bundles and has the
ability to add volume to your bouquet and
Her — March 2018
helps shape your centerpiece or
boutonniere by adding soft ro-
mance to any wedding decor.
The estimated cost of this white
beauty is only about $7 a bunch
and each bunch has around
25+ stems. If you are having a
summer wedding at a farm or
in a barn, you use simple ma-
son jars as vases, adding lace
or burlap in a wide strip on the
middle of each vase. Fill with
water and Baby’s Breath. It’s
clean and simple. For a spring
wedding add some to your up-
do for the wood fairy look. Or for a winter
wedding, fill a glass vase with pearls or
silver or gold bling and add large bunches
of snowy white flowers. It gives you an in-
expensive holiday bling. Baby’s Breath is a
magical flower that can stand alone of be a
helper in other arrangements. The possibil-
ities are endless.
Mums
These small, delicate looking but sturdy
flowers come in a variety of colors from
red, yellow, burnt orange, purple, white,
lime green and many other colors. We usu-
ally associate mums with fall for their vi-
brant blooms that remind us of fall foliage
but mums are found all year long and can
be used in table decor, bouquets and used
in hair wreaths and other unique items.
In the fall, mums only cost a few dollars
per potted plant or you can buy them by
the stalk with 5-6 flower stems
on each stalk. Your florist can
also tint them to match your
event. One idea is to take the
lime green mums and hot
glue them to a Styrofoam ball
or you can use an oasis ball
which is malleable green foam
that you can soak in water and
put the stems in. Add the flow-
ers until you can no longer see
any of the ball and then, glue
pearls or colored accents in the
center of each flower. You can
give this to your flower girl to
www.reflector.com/her
carry instead of a flower basket. It’s fun,
unique and beautiful.
Carnations
This is one of my favorite flowers. When
I received my first communion as a child,
each student was given a single white car-
nation. I never forgot that flower. Some
people believe that yellow carnations are
given in friendship, pink or red are con-
sidered a love flower, and white is for pu-
rity or good luck. The edges of the flowers
curl into more curls and waves of color. It
has a sturdy stalk and is a perfect choice
if you are having an outdoor wedding.
They come in packs of 25 and cost about
30 cents per stem. For a charming addition
to the entrance of your wedding, take an
old metal watering can, paint the word
welcome on it with white paint and fill it
with Baby’s Breath and pink carnations. Set
next to your sign-in table and water your
event with love. Another really unique
way to use carnations in your wedding is
to give each guest a single carnation with
their name on it as a favor. Just like the one
flower I got when I was little, give back that
magic to your guests. It’s a meaningful and
affordable way to say thanks for coming.
Let your love shine bright
My last affordable and most roman-
tic way to add dramatic beauty to your
wedding day is to add light. Candles
and candlelight hearken back to a time
when we had no electricity and candles
were used for our only source of light.
They were valued and cherished.
Candles now symbolize the spark that
loves brings us. We add candlesticks to our
holiday meal table, to our date night din-
ner table and we arrange them around our
bubble baths. When you add light, you add
love and warmth to your special day. I love
taking bright, white floating candles and
putting them in large tubular vases. The
candles bob on the top of the water and the
light moves and sparkles. You can also take
lanterns and hang them from large tree
branches or line your ceremony walkway
for an opulent and fairytale look. Mix silver
candelabras, tall tubular vases for candles
or add fat chunky, colored candles on ped-
estals. Just double check with the facility
you are using because some businesses
only allow candles that have glass around
them for safety. You can always add verti-
cal dangling twinkle lights to add behind
the head table or behind food stations.
No matter how you decorate your wed-
ding day from simple and elegant to bold
and dramatic, your guests will share in
the beauty of your vision. Make memo-
ries, smile, laugh, dance, take lots of pic-
tures and have fun! Your wedding day is
the beginning of your forever with your
partner. I wish each and every bridal cou-
ple many beautiful years of wedded bliss.
Christina Ruotolo, 39 is a freelance writer
and advertising account executive for The
Daily Reflector and a monthly contributor
to HER magazine. She is also a duly ordained
minister through the American Marriage
Ministries since 2012, a bridal consultant,
wedding planner and event manager.

Celebrate With Us!

Tastings, Pairings
& Case Orders
Bartending & Off-Site
Services available for
8*/&
t
#&&3
t
#"3
t
#*4530 your Special Day.

Gift Cards & Custom

Gift Baskets!

&
8BUFS
4USFFU
JO
8BTIJOHUPO
/$
t
XBTIJOHUPOXJOFDSBUF!HNBJMDPN

Specializing in Skincare,
Makeup, and Spray Tanning
Kimberly Horton
LICENSED ESTHETICIAN

252-217-1889
www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 19
illustrated Saint Anne,s
Chapel

The best is
yet to be
Green Roof Farm

,
If you re getting
married, look no farther than
eastern North Carolina! From the
countryside to the city-feel, these
places are sure to make for a
beautiful wedding.
 Big Mill B&B

,
The Robin s Nest
The Martinsborough

Longstraw Farms

21
 The Martinsborough
The Martinsborough: This premier wedding venue is located right in
Uptown Greenville in the beautifully renovated Jefferson Blount-Har-
vey building. Whether your wedding is casual or lavish, folks at The
Martinsborough have it taken care of. Weddings are customizable with
Scarborough Fare Catering and guests have the option to rent tables,
chairs, linens, china, glassware and event tents.
330 Evans St., Greenville. 252-714-4948.

Big Mill B&B

Big Mill B&B: This farmstead bed and breakfast is an intimate place to
say “I do!” All inclusive packages are $2,100, can accommodate up to 15
people and include: one night’s stay at the Inn, wedding officiant, bridal
bouquet, wedding cake, champagne, professional photography.
1607 Big Mill Road, Williamston. 252-792-8787, info@bigmill.com

The Robin,s Nest The Robin’s Nest: In the middle of nearly eight acres of garden and
ground, this Greek Revival home is a great choice for your wedding.
The company can provide event planning, decorative design and set
up, floral arrangements, vintage and custom rentals, dining ware rent-
als and linen rentals.
3674 Mobley’s Bridge Road, Grimesland. 252-717-9351.

Saint Anne,s Saint Anne’s Chapel: Saint Anne’s Chapel is full of eastern North
Carolina charm and offers a beautiful, reasonable space for a wedding.
Chapel Located in Tarboro, the property features two changing suites with
bathrooms, large front porch, barns, woods and meadows for photo-
graphs and landscaped grounds for outdoor weddings.
3244 McNair Road, Tarboro. 252-641-0262.

Green Roof Farm Green Roof Farm: This farm boasts impressive family history and
provides a beautiful, rustic location for a wedding as it sits on about 100
acres of farmland. Guests will get the freedom of enjoying the venue
from Friday through Sunday when renting with Green Roof Farm. All
outside vendors are allowed.
1822 Old Market Road, Fountain. 919-724-7548, laurendaigle22@gmail.com

Longstraw Longstraw Farms: Located right outside of Greenville, Longstraw

Farms is a quaint outdoor wedding venue with country chic details.
Farms With big entrance doors, church pews and burlap decor, it’s got every-
thing it needs to be rustic yet elegant.
3977 Jolly Road, Ayden. Contact: 353-531-7949,
longstrawfarmswedding@gmail.com

22 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

 business

Rep Express offers

venue, catering,
hospitality
By Mackenzie Tewksbury
Photos contributed by Rochelle Brown

T ucked quietly off of Greenville Boulevard in what’s

formerly known as the old beef barn, now boasts a rustic
red barn, perfectly equipped for anyone’s dream wedding.
Rochelle Brown, executive officer at Rep Express Catering and
Events, has been operating the business out of the old beef barn
for the past three and half years. Only now, it’s not the old beef
barn, but a renovated building known as 400 Saint Andrews.
It didn’t happen overnight, as renovating the old beef
barn took some work. Once the carpet was stripped and the

24
 I have over 65 years
of chef experience in
this kitchen and it
shows. Everything is
hand-made, everything
is scratch-made. I
know absolutely every
ingredient that goes
into our food.

original flooring was revealed, she added her own touch to

the interiors. And if by magic, it is now a trendy wedding
venue that can seat up to 400 guests.
And it’s one that has history.
“Every day we have people call and say they got engaged
here 25 years ago, or their parents or grandparents got
married here. There are so many memories here. That’s kind
of neat. The historical value and the sentimental value this
location provides is neat,” Brown said.
Brown has had clients who have gotten married at the barn
to “keep it in the family,” because they are children of parents
who got married at the old beef barn, and stories just like
that are a dime a dozen. She said she enjoys the challenge of
upholding that tradition at 400 Saint Andrews. The company
also uses the plantation at Greenville Country Club for brides
who are looking for a more traditional vibe, and they hold
smaller non-wedding events in the venues as well.
Rep Express wasn’t born in the most traditional way,
Brown said. It started as a corporate delivery company

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 25

 VWPeel Associates, LLC
Wedding App Development

Let us design your custom

wedding app. Sharing your wedding
just got a whole lot easier!

Check out our website

for more information at
www.smartphoneapps.us
252-508-8393

operating out of the Greenville mall nearly 11 years ago,

and not many even really knew they were there. They then
moved into Arlington Village for eight years doing strictly
catering, just trying to help the business as much as they
could.
“It was just an innocent, honest, ‘Let’s do this,’” she said.
But soon after that, clients starting asking for wedding !
 


!



!
 





 



services. With no real experience in weddings, Brown and !





 


her husband put their clients first — if their clients wanted
weddings, that’s what they’d get.
“It’s trial by fire, baby. We had no experience doing wed-
dings. It was really just our customers coming to us saying
they want a wedding, and listening to what they want and
making sure that’s what is happening,” Brown said. “That’s
how our company was really built.”
And now Brown marvels in the fact that she’s able to play
a role in someone’s happily ever after, and it’s a sentiment
she echoes to her team, as well.
“I tell my staff every single day, ‘You are in someone’s
memories forever. You have control and you’re responsible
for what they remember about this day,”’ Brown said. “That
is not a responsibility we take lightly.”
Even though they’ve added weddings to their repertoire,
they haven’t lost their taste for delicious food. Brown’s
mother, “Chef Jen” is the brains behind all of it, along with a
trusty team of chefs following her lead.
“I have over 65 years of chef experience in this kitchen
and it shows,” Brown said. “Everything is hand-made, ev- (910) 546-6368
erything is scratch-made. I know absolutely every ingredi-
ent that goes into our food.” GYPSY ROSE Studio One
Brown said the company has multiple partnerships with
Tues-Wed 10-7pm, Thur-Fri 10-8pm, Sat 9:30-4pm & Sun 12-4pm
local and regional services, so they can provide the couple
with everything they need for the wedding, creating a one- NOELLE Cut & Color
Owner/Colorist/Stylist Up-Dos For Special Events
stop-shop feel for the couples. gypsyrose.glossgenius.com Lash Tinting
So, with a veteran team, Brown and her family continue Gypsyrosestudio1@gmail.com Waxing
to march towards providing beautiful wedding venues and
upholding history and tradition for Greenville families.

26 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

 1806 SW Goldsboro St. Wilson, NC
252-237-0113
www.wilsonbotanicalgardens.org

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 27

 advice

The Fairytale Marriage

DOESN’T EXIST By Carla R. Cannon
"The Trailblazer" | www.CarlaCannon.com
Her Contributor

Yes, you read the title correctly and I repeat: the

fairytale marriage doesn’t exist. Often times as wom-
en especially, we tend to spend more time ensuring
we experience the perfect wedding day rather than
preparing spiritually, mentally, financially and even
physically to be a wife.
Being a wife is more than having a ring on our
finger. Being a wife is a major responsibility and mar-
riage is indeed for grown folks. I have yet to take that
road, however, after years of studying human activity
I have learned what to do and not do from my peers
as well as family members.
Here are some of the things for you to keep in mind
when preparing for your ideal wedding or mate:

Get rid of your list

The Law of Attraction states that we attract what
we are rather than what we desire. Therefore, focus
on becoming the list of all you desire. If you desire
someone in great shape physically, grab a gym
membership and get to shedding those pounds
yourself. If you want desire someone with a great
credit score, work on paying off creditors, saving

28 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

money and paying your bills on time.
Again, we attract what we are, not
what we desire.
Gain a second opinion
Just as you would not allow a sur-
geon to operate on you without receiv-
ing a second opinion to ensure surgery
is needed, the same is
true for marriage. I am
not a fan of a couple get-
How are you choosing to decorate? Are there any colors be necessary depending
ting eloped. The reason
being is certain people that you must include or dishes that you have to have? choices however, it’s im-
are in our lives to prevent
us from making decisions
that can affect and infect us for the rest have children), career choices, as well you can live with. Another advan-
of our lives. It’s a great idea for your
family, spiritual advisors and friends
to meet your mate a few times before
you decide to take that next step. Often
times others can see what we can’t.
Focus on life after the wedding
The wedding is only for one day
but marriage is to be for a lifetime.
as their goals, dreams and visions.
Having these conversations up front
help prevent heartache in the end.
Date for all four seasons first
Now I am not saying this is a re-
quirement but you should definitely
consider it. We all have heard of peo- being pursued, dated and the process
ple who believe in love at first sight of courtship.
Once the wedding is over, life gets
who get married after only a date or
real. So many people I know share
two and go on to remain married for
how they regretted not going through
over 30 to 40 years. You don’t want
pre-marital counseling prior to getting
to just be married; but happily mar-
married to know what to do when
ried. I know too many couples who
certain issues arise. Have important
even now are still together but sleep
conversations such as their thoughts
in different rooms in the house, or
on parenting (or if they even desire to
even two separate houses altogether.
Now, there may be some
cases in which this may
on each of your career
portant that you identify
if this is an option that
tage of dating for all four seasons is
it gives you time to get to know the
person. You learn how they handle
disappointments, death, surprises and
more. It truly takes a lifetime to get to
know someone but it’s always a great
start to not rush the process but enjoy

A mammogram
more likely to get it
right the first time?*

I’d call that Genius.

Detects 41% More Invasive Breast Cancers ‡

Detects Cancer 15 Months Earlier ‡
Reduces False Positive Recalls By Up To 40% ‡

2101 W Arlington Blvd Ste 100, Greenville | 252.752.5000 www.elizabethrichards.com

easternrad.com | M - F 8am -5pm Tues until 7pm 310 W. 9th Street, Greenville (Inside Jefferson’s)
*Compared to 2D Mammography alone †Based on a ProVoice survey conducted by AlphalmpactRx ‡Based on articles in JAMA
252-355-3141

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 29

 panel

How did your

partner propose
to you? We had never discussed getting
married. We were on our way to
dinner one evening and he had
an engagement ring behind a
glass of wine. Needless to say,
there was a discussion then!
Connie Moore Corey

At home on Christmas Eve.

He got on one knee. No formal proposal! We just talked about
the next step in our relationship and de-
Dede Smalls, 48, Winterville cided that since we were truly committed
to life together the honorable and obvious
thing to do was get married.
Mary Anne Pennington, 73, Winterville

We dated for six months, he was get-

ting ready to go off for boot camp with
National Guard. Going down Highway
11, he told me to look in glove compart-
ment and ring was there. He did ask my
Daddy before asking me. Not very ro-
mantic, but been going strong 46 years.
Jeannie Clayton, 68, Ayden

My husband officially pro-

We were in the car getting ready
posed to me at a fine Italian
to go to his daughters' Christmas
restaurant, namely, Eddie
play at church. My husband pulled a
Romanelli's in Wilmington
black box out of his coat jacket and
with a Bailey's box. It was
proposed. We had only been dating
a delicious evening spent
six weeks. That was 26 years ago!
with family and friends and
Susan Leggett, 59, Greenville of course I said, "Yes!"
Lien Hou, 44, Grimesland

30 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

 Ours was small and I loved it. I prefer a more intimate
surrounding with close family.
Dede Smalls, 48, Winterville

I think think this depends on the nature of the bride and Big wedding or
groom. We have a large family and friend basis, so we had to
do all or none. We decided since this was neither of our first small wedding:
marriages, we would make it a huge celebration. what's better?
Connie Moore Corey

Having had both a big wedding and a small wedding I

vote for the small one. It was easier to plan, less expensive,
relaxed and intimate permitting us to interact with everyone
at a luncheon following the ceremony. Of course the
experience of a big, traditional wedding made me know
exactly what I wanted the second time around!
Mary Anne Pennington, 73, Winterville

We had a small wedding at my home Church, four

bridesmaids, a friend sang two songs, very short ceremony.
Many years ago, there were not venues, huge receptions. I
didn’t want for my parents to be burdened with a lot of bills
for our wedding.
Big, $50,000, or small $500 weddings, you are married, and
get the same certificate.
Jeannie Clayton, 68, Ayden

Small wedding is better. More intimate.

Susan Leggett, 59, Greenville

Rented a bigger venue.

Dede Smalls, 48, Winterville

That’s a tough one. Our wedding was perfect for us. I can’t think of anything we would
have done differently.
What is Connie Moore Corey
something you
wish you did at Our ceremony included everything we wanted but I wish more photos had been
taken because some older people important to me were not photographed and died
your wedding, shortly after our wedding.
but didn't? Mary Anne Pennington, 73, Winterville

There was no music and dancing at our wedding, would have liked to have had first
dance with my hubby, and to dance with my Daddy.
Jeannie Clayton, 68, Ayden

Eat! We were so excited and talking to people that we never ate.

Susan Leggett, 59, Greenville
National
Nutrition
Month
By Mary Gaskins
Her Contributor
National Nutrition Month® is a cam-
paign by the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics (AND) which focuses on the
importance of making informed food
choices and developing healthy eat-
ing and physical activity habits. It also
promotes the Academy and its 100,000
plus members as the credible source of
scientifically-based nutrition informa-
tion. March 14 is Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist Day, which is celebrated to
increase awareness of registered dieti-
tian nutritionists (RDNs) and to recog-
nize their commitment to helping people
enjoy healthy lives and tasty foods.
"Go Further with Food" is the theme
for National Nutrition Month 2018. The
foods we choose daily make a difference
and managing food resources at home
and within the community can help peo-
ple adopt healthier eating styles, while
reducing food loss and waste - saving
both nutrients and money, because eat-
ing healthy has numerous benefits, but
does not have to cost too much.
To help you "Go Further with Food"
try to:
32
1. Include a variety of healthful foods
from each food group daily.
2. Consider the foods you have on
hand before buying more.
3. Buy only the amount that can be
eaten or frozen within a few days. Plan
ways to use leftovers.
4. Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat
slowly and enjoy your foods.
5. Use good food safety practices.
6. Find activities you enjoy and work
toward a goal of 150+ minutes of activity
per week.
7. Speak with a RDN for personalized
nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle,
preferences and health-related needs.
To celebrate National Nutrition
Month® 2018 and thanks to funding
and support from Share Our Strength,
Nutrition & Physical Activity Partners,
a subgroup of Pitt Partners for Health,
will offer Cooking Matters At The Store
tours. Tours will begin in March and
will be offered throughout 2018. It will
teach participants about reading food
labels and shopping for healthier foods
on a budget. Participants completing a
Her — March 2018
tour will also do the $10 Challenge to
practice what they learned by purchas-
ing healthy foods/meals for $10 or less!
And, yes! It can be done!!
For more information or to set up a
tour for your community group, please
contact 252-847-8265.
Healthy lifestyles and behaviors are
commitments, so use this year’s Na-
tional Nutrition Month® theme, "Go
Further with Food”, to get moving, re-
duce food waste and add nutritious and
flavorful foods to every meal! Be sure to
visit www.eatright.org or Pitt Partners
for Health Facebook page for more in-
formation and resources.
Mary is a Registered Dietitian/Nutrition-
ist (RDN) who graduated from ECU (BS
and MS in Nutrition and Dietetics) and
currently works at Vidant Medical Center
in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Reha-
bilitation and Heart Failure Programs. Mary
currently serves as Chair of the Nutrition &
Physical Activity Partners Action Team of
Pitt Partners for Health, is involved in the
Pitt County Farm and Food Council and is
a Certified Health Coach.
www.reflector.com/her
Black-Eyed Pea Soup with
Collard Greens and Sausage
Prep time 10 minutes | Cook time 35
minutes | Serves: 6
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup peeled and sliced carrots
• ½ cup sliced celery
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
• 1 (14 ounce) package smoked
sausage, sliced – use a lower
sodium and/or lower fat variety as
desired
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can low-sodium or
unsalted diced tomatoes
• 6 cups tightly packed chopped
collard greens, tough stems re-
moved
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed
peas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
In a dutch oven or large soup pot,
heat oil over medium heat. Add
sausage slices, onions, carrots and
celery and cook for 7-8 minutes or
until vegetables are tender, stirring
frequently. Add garlic and thyme
and stir to combine.
Add chicken broth and tomatoes
with juice. Increase heat to high and
bring to a boil. Add chopped collards
and stir well to combine. Reduce
heat to maintain a gentle simmer,
cover and simmer for 20 minutes or
until collard greens are tender. Stir in
rinsed black-eyes peas, season with
salt and pepper and cook for an
additional 5 minutes

Inspired by Eating Well

Per 1 cup serving:
220 calories; 7 grams fat; 14 grams
carbohydrates; 5 grams fiber 7
grams protein; 20 mg cholesterol;
665 mg sodium

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 33

 DJ GOOD
VIBRATIONS
Parties, Weddings,
Business Functions

DJ Services for Weddings with a wide selection of

songs in Country, Beach and Pop Genres. 20+years
of Wedding Music services from small to large
gatherings, indoors and outdoor venues.

Booking late summer and fall Weddings plus

receptions now. Call today to reserve your date now.
Limited open dates available for remaining 2018.

Good Vibrations DJ & Audio PA Services

instagram.com/dj_good_vibrations/
Kenneth Smith 252-531-3891

34 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her


CLUES ACROSS
1. Elaborate silk garment
5. Fleet
11. Egyptian deity
12. Hundredth anniversary
16. Chew the fat
17. Doctor of Medicine
18. Large, edible game fish
19. Revitalization
24. Personal computer
25. Unfettered
26. Clumsy persons
27. Japanese classical theater
28. Part of a ship
29. Rate of movement
30. How much
31. Image taken with a camera
33. Sharp mountain ridge
34. Czech capital
38. One who treats poorly
39. By right
40. Relating to odors
43. As soon as possible
44. Israeli Olympic swimmer
45. Scored perfectly
www.reflector.com/her
Level: Intermediate
13. Blood type
14. Clever reply
15. One who travels by luxurious boat
20. Once more
21. Rural delivery
22. Mexican dish
23. Nigerian City
27. Is not (Span.)
29. Italy’s longest river
49. Financial ratio (abbr.) 30. Grand __, vintage
50. Unpleasant emotion 31. Monetary unit
51. Sign of the zodiac 32. The man
53. Promotional material 33. Basics
54. Your parents’ parents 34. Poster
56. Monetary unit 35. Small remains
58. Farm state 36. Gelatinous substance
59. One of Hollywood’s Bridges brothers 37. A narrow opening
60. Not the plaintiff 38. Artificial intelligence
63. “Night Train” novelist 40. Algerian coastal city
64. Martens valued for their fur 41. Canned fish
65. Discount 42. Milligram
44. Carrot’s partner
CLUES DOWN 45. Single-celled animals
1. Bone in the lower back 46. Movie theater
2. Goddess of wisdom 47. Necessitate
3. Comedic honors 48. A state of not being used
4. A way to grasp 50. Small folds of tissue
5. Apex 51. Gallium
6. British soldier 52. Trauma center
7. Manganese 54. Commands to go faster
8. Indicates position 55. New England’s football team
9. Decompressions in scuba diving 57. Pianoforte
(abbr.) 61. Unit of loudness
10. Soon 62. Atomic number 13
Puzzle solutions on page 41
Her — March 2018 35
 garden

Cultivating Love
By Kimberly Newsom
Her contributor

“Remember that children, marriages and flower

gardens reflect the kind of care they get.”
— H. Jackson Brown Jr

M arriage is a promise.
A promise of commitment, caring, attention and
time. The promise of love can be symbolized in
multiple ways: a ring, diamonds, a locket, initials carved
into a tree, a tattoo. Whichever item is chosen the symbolic
significance lies in its permanence and longevity. Our hope
is to internalize these symbolic traits into our own hearts
and our relationship. There is another way to plant commit-
ment in the heart beyond jewelry and body art. A garden
can be a symbolic gesture that grows and matures alongside
your love and marriage for decades to come.

36 Her — March 2018 www.reflector.com/her

Garden furnishings and decor
Traditional marriage ceremonies
often accept gifts to the bride and
groom and the guests are provided
with access to a gift registry, possibly
filled with china and housewares they
may never use. There are alternatives.
Several popular companies known for
wedding gift registries also sell garden
furnishing and outdoor products.
Frontgate, Crate & Barrel and West
Elm are a few examples. They offer
multiple items to furnish your garden:
• Furniture • Lanterns
• Art Pieces • Grills
• Planters • Entertaining &
• Fire pits Dining Equipment
• Outdoor rugs
www.reflector.com/her
Perennial plantings
Plants are an expensive investment
when you are first planning your
landscape. It often takes years to
establish a beautiful home garden.
Why not add perennial plants to your
gift list that can be obtained either
by mail-order of from local nurser-
ies? You could opt for donations to
a garden fund or give your guests a
specific list to purchase from. Some
beautiful and long-lived perennials
include:
• Peony • Bee Balm
• Iris • Gardenias
• Daylily • Hydrangeas
• Daffodil • Tea Roses
• Black-eyed Susan • Shrubs and Trees
610-D Old Tar Village Road in Winterville, NC
252-321-5200 t
XXX$PBTUBM3JWFSTDPN
Her — March 2018
Wedding garden plan
Some couples have chosen to draw
up a landscape plan for their home,
listing the plants by name and quanti-
ty as a gift registry and host a plant-
ing party after the ceremony in place
of a reception. A wedding is a time of
new beginnings and so is the planting
of a garden. Each new plant and sap-
ling is just starting out and with each
passing year a garden can remind the
couple of their vows as the seasons
pass. They may not notice the growth
of their marriage throughout their
day to day living, but on a spring
morning filled with garden blooms, it
will be hard not to notice how much
they’ve grown.
37
date night

Painting
with Love
By Mackenzie Tewksbury
Photos by Juliette Cooke

Sick of the same old thing? Dinner and a movie is classic “date night,” but
sometimes, it's fun to do something a little different! Here at Her, we've got you
covered. Look here for a creative date night idea that will sure to have you and
that special someone smiling and having fun whether it's a first date or 100th.
 men always tend to have a great time,
whether they admit or not.
“It happens all the time. They seem
like they’re being dragged in here,
but by the time that they’re done,
they’re actually being dragged out,”
Bucci said.
Bucci said it’s a fun, low-pressure
way to get to know someone and have
an effortlessly good time with some-
one, making it a quintessential date
night idea.
“It makes a great first date because it

A
brings people together, you get to talk.
You really learn about someone. You
can joke around and you get to loosen
up and have some fun,”
t the Painted Peacock, cus- Bucci said she’s even seen men
tomers can expect a creative plan proposals out of the studio, not-
atmosphere mixed with a fun, whimsi- It makes a great first date ing moments where boyfriends came
cal vibe. in to paint a plate that read “Check
The paint your own pottery creative because it brings people yes or no,” or painting special phras-
studio offers over 300 styles of pottery for es on a small box used to hold an
customers to paint, from kitchenware to together, you get to talk. You engagement ring.
Christmas ornaments. There is no expe- “Someone had their first date here
rience necessary -- the staff is welcoming really learn about someone. You and they proposed here. Another one
and help painters through the process proposed and had a puppy outside.
while showing customers different can joke around and you get to That was the works,” Bucci said.
techniques to make sure they walk home The Painted Peacock is located at 631
with a piece they are proud of. loosen up and have some fun. Red Banks Road in Greenville. They are
“I think a lot of people are intimi- open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to
dated by art,” owner Susan Bucci said. 9 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
“We have techniques that have wow Walk-ins are welcome.
factor to them, but they are achievable.
We have art for everyone. Child, adult,
experience or no experience.”
And the fun doesn’t stop at painting,
either. Customers are allowed to bring
beer, wine and snacks any time they
are painting. The business also recently
debuted a “Brunch and Boards” event,
where customers can come in and
paint whatever they like on hand cut
wooden boards while enjoying snacks
and mimosas.
And while the business sees mostly
women, Bucci said she sees a good
amount of dates come in to paint, as
well. And almost like clockwork, the

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 39


advice
W ell ladies, it is March. Can
you believe that we are
already three months into 2018?
Time is flying! Normally, March is
the month where we are review-
ing the goals that we set forth in
January and we are preparing to
transition into the next quarter.
This month, I want to share with
you five tips I have found have
helped me with transitions in my
life. When I speak of transitions, I
am talking about simply moving
from one place to the next. This
could be a new job, a new venture,
a new skill and even a new rela-
tionship. Life is all about move-
ment and being able to be fluid.
Here are the tips I know for
sure will help you if you find
yourself in a transition or about
to go into one.
Most times, we have heard the
adage “out with the old and in
tip1
with the new!” While this has
some validity, I want to encour-
Out with the old, age you to keep some of the old
in with the new because it could help you with the
but keep some of
the good parts new. In other words, don’t throw
away everything, because all you
have experienced was not all bad.
Life doesn’t always guarantee
tip2
a smooth ride but sometimes,
you must just trust the process.
Trust the process
You may not always get it right
40 Her — March 2018
tips to handle
transition
and it may not always feel like
you are going in the right direc-
tion but trust the process.
Sometimes, you may have
to shift and change directions.
Don’t always look for perfection
but be okay with progress. You
tip3
Change Direction
may start out one way but in if you must
the middle of the transition find
that another way may work out
better…change if you must.
It is important that you remain
aware that transition is difficult.
Change is not easy. There will be tip4
challenges. There will be mis- Don’t take it
personal
haps. Don’t take it personally.
You are human and that’s a fact.
Depending on your personality
make up, you may not be one to
readily ask for help. We all need
tip5
help at one point or another in
our lives. Do not be ashamed
during a transition if you need as- Get help
sistance to ask for it. It is better to
have a helping hand than a hand
over you because you refused to
ask for what you needed.
Take these tips and transition
well…you are well on your way
to a great 2018!
Christy Jones, also known as
"Coach Chris," is a Greenville life
and business coach. Contact her at
coachchris4success@gmail.com.
www.reflector.com/her
 Solutions from page 35
First comes love, then comes marriage,
then comes happily ever after

Let Us Help You Find

Your Forever Home

211 East Arlington Blvd.

Greenville, NC
215-0015
Elite Properties

DREAM - BELIEVE - ACHIEVE

Tired of Corporate America?
Want to be your own boss?
Looking for time freedom?
We can make it happen!
Angela Fontana - Changing Lives

3FE
#BOLT
3PBE
t
"SMJOHUPO
7JMMBHF
(SFFOWJMMF
t

t
XXXJUTTFXXSJHIUDPN
(252) 717-2474
.POEBZ4BUVSEBZ
 angiefontana777@gmail.com

www.reflector.com/her Her — March 2018 41

 style file

Heather Blythe
26, Greenville
Hometown: Wilson, N.C.

Wedding venue: Roanoke Island Festival

Park, Manteo, N.C.

Flowers: Flower Girls OBX

Dress: Halo Gown - Blush by Hayley Paige

Wedding planner: Southern Hospitality

Wedding and Events

Hair and and makeup: Glimmer Hair and

Makeup, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Photographer: Matt Neal and Bill Howard

Band: Jeremy Russel

Calligraphy: Kustom Krafts, Wilson, N.C.

42
 WINTERVILLE GREENVILLE
3750 Sterling Pointe Dr. MALL
(beside New River Pottery) (near the food court)
252-756-5304 252-756-1900
www.shimmerboutiqueonline.com/
www.facebook.com/theshimmerboutique
www.instagram.com/theshimmerboutique