Melynda Whetsel was the design coordinator for the Knox Heritage event held at The Standard last month.
Every year, one of the Knox Heritage “Summer Suppers” — a series of fundraisers for the preservation-minded non-profit — is at a secret location.
The ticket-buyers are simply told to show up at a certain spot for cocktails and they then are led to the ultimate destination. This year, we were told to show up at 11 a.m. at the large parking lot on West Jackson Avenue and, after a drink or two, we were led across the street to 416 West Jackson Avenue to The Standard, a new event space recently completed by developer David Dewhirst.
It was fun to be among the first to see it. At the time of the Summer Supper last month, there only had been one wedding held there. But I predict that with its exposed brick, huge skylights, multiple windows and general urban vibe, it will be very popular. With all those textures and light, it will make for gorgeous wedding pictures.
The Standard can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and it also features a bridal changing suite complete with a shower, a “man cave” for the groom and his guys, a catering kitchen, dance floor, plentiful parking and all the tables and chairs one would need.
Come have a look. But first, we will start in the parking lot where cocktails were served under a big tent as a hot jazz combo provided tunes.
There were 60 guests and 27 hosts involved with this event.
Mickey Mallonee, right, was the lead host. Here she is with guest Pandy Anderson.
My husband, Alan Carmichael, right, with our friends Dawn and Richard Ford.
The jazz was nearly as hot as the temperature!
Alice and Charlie Mercer
Yum, yum! The Bloody Marys were awesome.
Mike and Jane Fowler
Barbara Apking, left, and Sheena McCall
Fran Scheidt, left, and Georgiana Vines
Two of my accident-prone friends, Gay Lyons, left, and Regina Dean. Gay cut her head when she fell in her kitchen. Regina broke her arm when she took a spill.
Before long, Mickey led the way just across the street.
And more of our hosts greeted us as we entered. Isn't it pretty?
One of two available dining areas in The Standard.
The tables were lovely with those lush centerpieces.
Isn't it fabulous?
Here's an even closer look.
Two of the hosts were Ken and Tammy Knight of the Crowne Plaza, which provided all the food.
A view from above
I think this fountain will be in a few wedding photos!
Here's the other room, which was not being used. It can accommodate 500 guests comfortably. Or the spaces can be combined for a larger crowd.
Mickey made a few remarks and was joined by Scott Schimmel, the chairman of the Knox Heritage board.
The breakfast pastries were fab.
I loved the extensive fruit selection.
Of course, it's not brunch without grits.
These crepes contained ricotta and chives. My friend Gay, something of a foodie, went back for seconds. Now that is high praise!
If you weren't in the mood for breakfast food, there were heartier selections such as this salmon with herb butter, which is what I had. It was terrific.
Two kinds of little tartlets made my husband a happy fellow.
The hosts. From left, Jennifer Holder, Michele Hummel, Bob Whetsel, Melynda Whetsel, Ken Knight, Tammy Knight, Peyton Hairston, Lisa Sorensen, Bruce Anderson, Karen Eberle, Lorie Matthews, Chris Kahn, Narda Cappucilli, Monique Anderson, Mickey Mallonee and Scott Schimmel.
Tracy Morrow, left, and Angie Campbell
Alicia Merrifield and J.J. Rochelle (despite what his nametag says!)
I had some friends on the host committee who know I prefer pinot grigio to some other white wines. Notice my initials on this label? Thanks, buddies!
Connie and Lanny Owen
John Sanders and Joy Lauderdale
Ruth and Don Horton
Kara McFarland, left, with her husband and his parents. That would be Joe, Patty and Scott McFarland.
Pat and Morgan Fitch
Some of us decided to go down and check out the man cave.
It actually is a boiler room!
Allyn Purvis Schwartz checking it out.
Jennifer Holder, too!
There's even a little fridge down there.
On our way upstairs to check out the bridal area, we passed this wall. Wouldn't it look great in wedding pics?
Brides and their attendants need lots of mirrors and good lighting.
I guess a shower could come in handy for some. Hmmm.
A view of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church out one of the windows. (That's where Alan and I got married in 1984!)
When we got back to the main area, dancing had broken out. Here are Angela Masini, left, and Sheena McCall.
David and Lorie Matthews
From left, David and Marlene Nicholas, Carol Davis, Catherine Braden and Barbara Apking
Allyn Schwartz and Sam Maynard
Michele Hummel, left, and Lisa Sorensen
Cathy Briscoe, left, and Angie Campbell
These are the die-hards: the last ones to leave. From left, Chris Kahn, Allyn Schwartz, Cathy Briscoe, Monique Anderson, Jennifer Holder, Mickey Mallonee, Angie Campbell, Melynda Whetsel and Gay Lyons
The Summer Supper series is sponsored by Home Federal Bank. The bank's trademark red rocking chair makes an appearance at each one! (And Gay makes an appearance at a lot of them, too!)
It was a great party and it was great fun hanging out with you, Cynthia, and all the “die-hards!!” The Standard is anything but a standard event site! I started planning an event, In my imagination, while there! Great photos, again!!!
Allyn: You are a great sport to put up with me! Thanks so much for letting me use you when I need a model – like in that wall shot! Appreciate you. It was a fun day.
Lovely party in a great venue. Fabulous job, committee! Had lots of fun at the all girl after party, too.
Gay: The after party may have been the best part! (Although I’m sure Alan was enjoying himself when he left to go to the golf course!)
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