{SUBMIT YOUR ORDER FORM & WEDDING STORY}

We will email you an order form to reserve your space and a wedding story form to help you write your bridal announcement. Please submit your story by the reservation deadline below and make sure your story is less than 400 words for a 1-page announcement, 600 words or less for a 2-page spread, and no more than 800 words for a 4-page announcement. Anything over will be cut at our discretion.

{SELECT YOUR PHOTOS}

Choose three photos for a 1-page announcement, six photos for a 2-page spread, or 12 photos for a 4-page spread.

{MAKE YOUR PAYMENT}

1-page black & white: $390
1-page color: $490
2-page spread: $790
4-page spread: $1250

A $100 deposit is due with your order form to reserve your space. The balance is due within 30 days of paying your deposit. We accept Visa and Mastercard, or you may pay by check.

Please label all documents with the maiden/married last names.

Reservation, materials and payment deadline: November 15, 2009

For more information on submitting your Wedding Announcement, contact us at 205.879.6922 or weddingissue@gmail.com.

Counting on Kairos

One self-taught chef's vision gives others  hope, a haven and some seriously delicious chicken fingers.

BY SARAH CAMPBELL | PHOTO BY ROB CULPEPPER


    In Greek, two words translate into English as "time." One, chronos, signifies calendars, seasons and other orderly markers of the clock. The other, kairos, refers to God's special moments in life-occasions like a child's birth, a new job, an extraordinary trip or encounter, a wedding. James K. Jones, the chef and owner of Kairos Katering, has seen firsthand the transformative concept of kairos. Though he has always loved to cook (or as he says, "make a mess in my grandmother's kitchen"), it's only recently he's been able to turn his passion into a career, a possibility his earlier decisions nearly sabotaged.         
    At 20, the Phenix City, Alabama, native was arrested and served seven years on drug-related charges. But, kairos: That's when his life changed through Christ, and where, in a prison Bible study, James met his best friend and pastor, Steve Longenecker. Once released, he moved to Birmingham, committed to turning his life around, and became a member of Steve's Grace & Truth Church (housed in the old Ollie's Barbeque building on University Boulevard). He prayed that an employer could look beyond his record. Soon, James found a job waiting tables at Leonardo's, reaching a managerial position before bringing Steve and other church elders a business proposal in 2004: a catering service run out of the nearly unused church kitchen.     
    Kairos Kafe-the part-ministry, part-business offshoot of Kairos Katering-opened for weekday lunch in December 2006. James describes the Greek-influenced Southern food as "kinda like Mee-Maw went to the Mediterranean and brought back some recipes to blend with her own." Mee-Maw and Granny, James' grandmothers, gave their grandson his first kitchens to experiment in, and it's their family recipes (and James' improvisations) that now ground the menu. James has since added a weekday breakfast menu and an evening carryout service, with hopes to expand to dinner and eventually franchise.        
    Now, almost three years later, James sees himself in a position to give back, putting the Golden Rule into practice and feeding the soul as well as the stomach. "We make every attempt to not only give people a chance for employment, but also to empower them to get out of their ‘prisons'-whatever prison that may be," he says. "Some are built with bars of iron and razor wire, some with liquor or beer bottles, some with drugs, some with hatred, some with ‘religious' facades, and some with just not knowing how to deal with the pressures of life and loss." James has hired recovering alcoholics and drug users, ex-convicts and those dealing with mental illness-all hardworking and friendly, and all, like he was and is, grateful for opportunity and purpose. But jobs aren't the only support he offers; James also meets with and counsels his staff personally, while the church provides additional resources. Many of James' employees are devoted Christians. In fact, he often asks job applicants to come to Grace & Truth's "Life After Prison" class (led every Monday by Pastor Longenecker). In his experience, "usually the ones that show up are the ones that really want to do something with their lives."     
    Not everyone who works at Kairos came in need of a second chance, though. Some-like his pastor's wife, Lenora, the dining room director, or James' best friend (and Lenora's son-in-law) Jeremy, his catering director-have never struggled with addictions or spent time in prison. Others, like Branden, the chef's apprentice who came to Kairos at 16, have been mentored by James. "He could have easily headed down that path," James says. "He grew up as I did, without a father or a positive male role model. Over the years he's become like my own son."    
    For a restaurant whose motto is "building relationships around food," it's only fitting that dishes are named after important members of the Kairos team. Most folks James hires stay long-term: When you order Ms. Mary's Associate Burger with provolone cheese and fries, it just might be Mary herself that serves up the dish. Or it may be Branden who prepares his namesake fried green tomatoes. James has been constantly humbled by the community’s embrace, in everything from numerous word-of-mouth recommendations to local cooking spots on FOX 6 to a recent nomination in The Birmingham News for the best chicken fingers in the area.
            The clattering sounds of a busy kitchen all around him, surrounded by people whose lives he’s had a hand in changing, James knows this moment, this thing he’s built, is a kairos one.  

Onshore Off-Season 

When the water gets too cold for swimming, other entertainment options heat up.   

BY LANE GREGORY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE GOLDBERG 

    Every summer, folks flock by the thousands to the Gulf Coast, but as temperatures cool, so do the crowds. Though the waters may be a little too chilly for typical beach-lover activities, the Alabama shoreline still offers plenty to do in the off-season (at sometimes drastically reduced rates). We’ve put together a guide of sure-to-please stops, so drive south this winter (no flying necessary) and explore the shore. 

Mobile
Make a culture-filled stop at the Museum of Mobile. Housed in the Southern Market/Old City Hall National Historic Landmark, the museum is a visual masterpiece that provides superb traveling exhibits. This fall, they will celebrate the city’s architectural heritage with “Pillars of the Community: Mobile’s Greek Revival Movement.” Then, take the kids over to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center for a day of thought-provoking fun. With more than 150 interactive exhibits, larger-than-life IMAX films and fun, hands-on educational programs, the Exploreum aspires to increase science literacy for little people as well as their parents. When it’s time for lunch, the Original Oyster House, which overlooks Mobile Bay, will satisfy almost any appetite with its expansive seafood menu. After refueling, you’ll be ready to explore the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial. Even the big kids will get a thrill from this massive ship.  

Fairhope
Fairhope on Mobile Bay is a haven for shops, fine art galleries and specialty eateries. To experience true Southern hospitality, book your stay at The Fairhope Inn & Restaurant (251.928.6226). The charming bed-and-breakfast is housed in a  century-old home. The restaurant offers a fine-dining experience with expertly prepared meals in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Come to Fairhope in February for Mardi Gras—the inn happens to be to be one of the best vantage points for parade viewing—just sit in a comfy wicker rocker on the front porch, sip your favorite beverage with one hand and catch beads with the other.  

Point Clear
The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear offers a dramatic departure from standard Gulf Coast destination. This one-stop beach resort boasts two challenging golf courses as part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, as well as a luxurious 20,000-square-foot European-style spa, exceptional dining options, and a sizeable marina for sailboats, yachts and fishing boats. Don’t skip Sunday brunch, but do call ahead for reservations.  

Magnolia Springs
Take a detour through Magnolia Springs to hit Jesse’s Restaurant, a full-menu eatery featuring aged Angus beef, fresh seafood and an array of New Orleans-inspired dishes. The restaurant shares space with the Moore Bros. Village Market. Whether you need a few essentials or you're shopping for unique wine and food, Moore's has an excellent selection and reasonable prices. Local baked goods, a great meat market and tasty lunch plate specials are a just few of the reasons to drop in. (Interesting cocktail trivia: Magnolia Springs has the last water mail route in the country.) 

Foley
The Magnolia Court Restaurant in downtown Foley is a hot new Southern bistro affiliated with the Hotel Magnolia. Originally built in 1907, the hotel has been completely updated, and the restaurant opened to rave reviews. For dessert—or a special treat any time of day—head across the street to Sweetie Pies (251.943.8119). The shop’s famous pies come topped with no fewer than 6 inches of meringue and are offered in lemon, chocolate, peanut better, coconut and more. Once you’re on a sugar high, you’ll be ready to hit the city’s many antiques stores or the Tanger Outlet Center, which has hundreds of shops ranging from Ann Taylor to Zales and everything in between. Finish off the evening with a friendly bowling game and amazing po’boy at The Gulf Bowl. The alley has the coldest beer in Baldwin County, which you just might need after a full day of shopping. 

Elberta
If you need a great burger and love a real dive, don’t skip Pirates Cove. The hotspot is famous for its cheeseburgers (they say the secret to the recipe is a dash of vermouth), but you may have to share a bite with the local dog mascots. Come by land or sea and tie up just off Arnica Bay. All pirates welcome! (Closed on Mondays in winter.) Then head just outside of town to Sweet Home Farm (251.986.5663) to explore the delicious world of locally made cheeses. The small farm features a cottage store, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, where you can purchase such unique cheeses as Bama Jack.  

Pensacola
Venture into Florida to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum and watch the Blue Angels practice at the Naval Air Station. The team visits the museum to answer questions and sign autographs after select practices, so check the Web site for practice schedules. If you plan on staying in for the night and cooking, stop at Joe Patti's Seafood for the freshest and least expensive seafood around. They also have a great deli and fine wine store, and they bake bread all day long. (Quick tip: If you plan to pick up a loaf for dinner, buy two. The first one will never make it home.) 

Perdido Key
Right on the sugar-white sand beaches of Perdido Key sits the long-time landmark Flora-Bama Lounge & Package—even after Hurricane Ivan tried to blow her away. At Christmas, co-owner Joe Gilchrist and a team of volunteers feed military personel from the Pensacola Navy base a home-cooked dinner, while local musicians keep them entertained. Then on New Year’s morning, the Flora-Bama sponsors the annual Polar Bear Dip. Participants run into the Gulf—regardless of the temperature—and get completely wet to earn home-cooked greens, black-eyed peas with grits, a cold beer and good luck for the New Year.  

Orange Beach
Though it may be best described as a heart attack on a plate, the mere thought of Tacky Jacks farmer's omelet with sausage, bacon, eggs, potatoes, ham, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and American and cheddar cheeses can motivate even the laziest vacationer out of his warm, comfy bed. Located just past the Orange Beach Marine Police dock (so you better behave) in Terry Cove, Tacky Jacks is easily accessible by boat. After you’ve fueled up for the day, head down to The Wharf along the Intracoastal Waterway to cruise dozens of great shops offering everything from fine handmade jewelry to haute couture. Tired of shopping? At The Wharf, you can bike, boat, golf, fish, dance, swim, sun, catch a movie or live concert, get a massage and enjoy a gourmet meal. Or for a change of pace, visit the Orange Beach Art Center and its glass blowing studio, The Hot Shop (Alabama’s only public-access glass blowing studio). Check the Art Center’s schedule for intimate concerts in the main gallery, and be sure to snag a souvenir from the Hot Shop’s gift shop. For non-shell-shaped souvenirs, visit Merrill Miller's Interiors or All Things Nautical (251.981.6602). The shops offer local art and authentic nautical antiques, respectively. Finish off the day with lively cocktails and excellent service that won’t break the bank at Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar. They serve up a variety of delicacies, including sushi, fresh local seafood, steaks, savory chicken and much more. For a true dive experience, visit Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster House. What the restaurant lacks in ambiance it makes up for in food: The fried crab claws are divine and the shrimp and oysters receive rave reviews from all who eat there.  

Gulf Shores
A trip to the coast would not be complete without a stop at Lulu’s at Homeport. Owned by Jimmy Buffet’s little sister Lucy, the restaurant is right on the Intracoastal Waterway, so you can watch barges full of everything from coal to tennis shoes pass as you sip your margarita or slurp a bowl of Lucy’s famous gumbo. While you’re in the neighborhood, play a round at one of the Alabama coast’s many golf courses. Craft Farms features two Arnold Palmer courses (Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend) just minutes from the beach.   

Bon Secour
Find fresh local seafood at Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar (251.949.5086), a fun out-of-the-way eatery on the road to Bon Secour, where many of the local shrimpers in the Gulf unload their catch. With its 45-foot-long outdoor oyster bar, it’s no surprise some locals refer to it as “the pearl of Bon Secour.”

Dauphin Island
Take an educational excursion to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Though it’s primarily a research lab for Alabama’s universities, the Estuarium, which focuses solely on the Mobile-Tensaw Estuary System, is open to the public.   

A Place to Call Home 
Country music star Sara Evans finds family, friends and fans aplenty in the Magic City. 

BY ABIGAIL B. MILLWOOD | PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP | STYLED BY ROSE NGUYEN AND MINDY SANTO 

    You may expect that a day in the life of a typical Mountain Brook mom would look vastly different from that of a multi-platinum-record-selling, Country Music Award-winning singing sensation, but for Sara Evans, they’re one and the same. From whipping up bacon and eggs for her family of nine to singing to a sold-out crowd, it’s all in a day’s work for this superstar, who’s happy to call Birmingham home.
    Sara moved to the Magic City last July after marrying former University of Alabama football player Jay Barker. Though her career was rooted largely in Nashville, she decided to bring her three children to Birmingham so the family could be closer to Jay’s four kids. “It was the best decision I ever made—for mine and Jay’s relationship and for the children,” Sara says. “It’s an amazing place to raise kids. It’s like Mayberry!” Though she and Jay have celebrity status, the pair are down-to-earth and can often be seen playing with the kids in the front yard of their Crestline home. “Vince Gill told me that the best way to get around people trying to find things out about you is to put it out there,” Sara says. “People are used to seeing me walking down the street to take the kids to school. It’s no big deal.”   
    While she may spend three or more days a week jet setting, Sara maintains that life as a country music star isn’t so different from everyone else’s: She packs the kids’ lunches the night before, gets them up in the morning to see them off to school, and spends a little quality time playing Legos or watching Taylor Swift on YouTube with her 4-year-old before dropping her off at preschool. Then she squeezes in a few radio interviews, a photo shoot or two and some songwriting before the kids come home in the afternoon, fired up for whatever sport is in season at the time. “In spring we juggled five baseball teams,” Sara says with a laugh. “It takes constant scheduling and staying way, way ahead of the game.” 
    When she’s not bustling from one child’s activity to another, Sara explores the city’s other offerings. “I love the shopping and restaurants and all the villages. Everything is so quaint and traditional,” she says. “They’ve done a great job in Mountain Brook of keeping things very Norman Rockwell.” Her own home is the perfect blend of old Southern charm and modern sensibilities. Sara joined forces with friend, neighbor and interior designer Lisa Flake to give the house a polished yet comfortable look that equally suits a country star and her rambunctious brood. She and Jay are currently in the middle of transforming the pool house into an office, complete with a baby grand piano. “That way, when songwriters come down, we can go there and escape the chaos but still be home,” she says. 
    With Christmas just around the corner and Sara’s plans to release a new album next spring, chaos is plentiful in the Barker household, but it’s also a time of tradition and excitement. “I grew up with a mother who was a phenomenal cook,” Sara says. “She does a humongous Christmas breakfast, starting to cook the night before. She makes cinnamon rolls, sausage gravy, biscuits—you can’t imagine the food.” Sara keeps the tradition alive, preparing all of her childhood favorites for the whole clan. “Last Christmas we had all seven kids, so my mom gave me the recipes and told me exactly how to do everything,” she remembers. “Then, since everyone got new bikes, we went on a nine-man bike ride through Crestline Village on Christmas Day. When the neighbors see us coming, you know they’re thinking, ‘Oh no, here come the Barkers!’ ”
    Though she’s from Missouri and lived many years in Nashville, Sara is happy to have found a home in Birmingham, where family and friends are bountiful. “I love Alabama and love living here,” she says sincerely. “I feel like I’m from here, and I’m overwhelmed by how gracious people have been.” Luckily for Sara, the city seems to have fallen just as in love with her. “I’m never leaving this house,” she says. “I’m never leaving ever.”