By Kevin Myrick , Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer

Jennifer Scott, surrounded by friends and family in the bed of a pickup truck, speaks to the crowd of participants before the Heart of the Community walk this morning. (Picture By Kevin Myrick, RNT)

The Heart of the Community Walk kicked off this morning with the nearly heartbreaking story of Jennifer Scott, who seven hours after giving birth to her triplets suffered heart failure. She survived and so have others thanks to the hard work of doctors and nurses, and she was this year’s honoree for the for the walk, which took place regardless of the weather.

“They say there’s a 30 percent chance of death in my case,” Scott said to the crowd this morning surrounded by her children Ryland, Parker, Kate and her husband Dr. Ryland Scott. “That means there’s a 30 percent chance I wouldn’t have been standing here in the rain this morning on a pickup truck sharing my story.”

Walk organizer and Redmond Regional Medical Center quality analyst P.J. Miller said the Heart of the Community Walk raised an estimated $16,000 this year for the organization.

The organization in the past has in the past provided Automated External Defibrillators to Rome and Floyd County Schools, exercise equipment at Ridge Ferry Park, and added six rooms to the Heart House on Redmond’s campus providing housing for family members of those with heart conditions free of charge.

Sound & Entertainment Provided By: Scott Productions

For those of you who attended The Northwest Georgia Bridal Showcase, there was plenty to see for brides-to-be on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at The Forum. The annual event spotlighted a range of wedding items, from the latest in dresses to all-inclusive wedding packages.

Over forty vendors were on hand to offer attendees a look at the products and services available on wedding essentials. The area’s finest vendors were showcased and available to answer questions: photographers, entertainment, invitations, florists, salons, event locations, caterers, planners, videographers and so many more! Several unique services were present to show brides how a wedding can personalized: Calligraphy by Anita offering hand written calligraphy and Lovely Doves of Rome who features dove releases.

Designed to help couples easier plan their big day, services and business from Rome and all around were on hand to answer questions and offer advice on how to plan weddings that fit their own personal styles. Nearly everyone with a sweet tooth took advantage of the wedding cake samples provided by several local bakeries including The Honey Moon Bakery, My Tiers of Joy, and Special Cakes by Sara.

Bringing more fun to the showcase was Ashley of Atlanta Rock Photography. Ashley setup a “self portrait” studio so everyone could express themselves in front of the camera. Ashley was one of several featured photographers including: Highlights Photography, In Focus Studio, Patrick Blount Photography, Rainwater Photography, and The Reason Photographers.

Emceed by Jim & Karli from the “Morning Q”, attendees saw an unforgettable fashion show hosted by local bridal shops: The Top Hat Formal Wear and The White Dress. The runway featured an array of beautiful wedding & bridesmaids gowns, tuxedos, bouquets, and children’s formals. 

Thousands of dollars worth of door prizes were given away during the fashion show including a beautiful strand of pearls by Massey’s Jewelry. Two anticipated awards were announced at the conclusion of the fashion show. Our “Bride’s Choice Award” by popular ballot went to the Harvest Moon Cafe and our “Best In Show” went to Sincerely Yours.

The Reason Photographers: for any exhibitor searching for ideas for their booth or if you are considering participating in the 2010 Showcase, here is Chris & Allie. As a newcomer to the NWGA Bridal Showcase they went all out dressing up their 10X10 space and even created a time lapse video to show off all the work they did. Enjoy:

The Northwest Georgia Bridal Showcase
Produced by Scott Productions

Be sure to review our exhibitors below for all of your wedding needs!