Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta at the University of Alabama
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/512817
7 Today, Neillie is cancer-free and running her own wedding planning studio in Birmingham. Mariée Ami, a full-service wedding planning studio where brides are coupled with a personal planner with exclusive access to the best resources for designing the day of their dreams, has been a longtime dream of Neillie's. "I attended my first bridal show at 15, and from that point on I knew I wanted to be a wedding planner. But I put it in the back of my mind for a while because I didn't think it was realistic. After graduating from UA, I worked in corporate event planning before finally pursuing my dream. I jumped in with both feet and six years later, I'm owner of a bridal boutique!" Though Neillie hasn't stayed as close with the Chapter over the years, Kappa Delta remains a strong presence in her life. All of Mariée Ami's business is referral-based, and the connections she has made through KD have proved to be very significant. Not only that, but three other alumnae work at the studio: Mary Virginia Baugh '99, Louise Pritchard '06, and Emma Reich '09. "Planning someone's wedding is such an important job, and I want the bride to feel a personal connection with us. They want to know who we are and where we come from, and associating as a Kappa Delta allows us to better relate to potential clients. I've had the pleasure of planning a few of my sisters' weddings over the years, too." Regarding the First Sorority, First Circle campaign, Neillie thinks it is amazing. "I lived in the same house as my mom, so we could clearly tell it was in need of some serious upgrades. And while there's certainly something to be said for tradition, something can also be said for a fresh start, and there's no better time than the present for this to happen." Neillie lives in Birmingham with her husband, Tom, step-daughters, Sarah Patton and Maddie, and son, Bruce. Since Mariée Ami plans close to 70 weddings a year, Neillie doesn't have much free time, but when she's able, she spends it with her family, usually at the lake. You can learn more about Mariée Ami at marieeami.com, and you can contact Neillie at neillie@marieeami.com. Neillie Kirk Butler '99 and KD Make Dreams Come True (Continued from page 5) Front row, from left: Neillie Kirk Butler '99 and Emma Reich '09. Back row: Mary Virginia Baugh '99 and Louise Pritchard '06. Madeline Griffin '14, Ellie Gilbert '14, France's Harpole '14, and Lyla Brady '14 with the Tuscaloosa Girl Scouts at KD's Halloween party before Sorority Row Trick-or-Treating. President Carlton Middlekauff '12 Jacksonville, Fla. (904) 710-7536 kdpresidentua@gmail.com Vice President Member Education Rosemary Turner '13 Birmingham, Ala. Vice President Membership Virginia Bullock '13 Birmingham, Ala. (205) 876-4665 kdrush2015@gmail.com Vice President Operations Anna Lee Price '13 Alexander City, Ala. Vice President Community Service Allison Counts '13 Mobile, Ala. Vice President Public Relations Caroline Smith '13 Birmingham, Ala. Vice President Standards Liz Alley '12 Auburn, Ala. Secretary Liza Rogers '12 Mobile, Ala. Treasurer Anne Lloyd Bean '12 Atlanta, Ga. Panhellenic Delegate Charlotte Rogers '12 Mobile, Ala. Chapter Officers

