{atlanta creates}
The face and heart behind Chaviano Couture is seriously as stunning as the gowns themselves. Photographers from all over crave to shoot Annette Thurmon’s beautiful pieces, just as brides from all over desire to wear them. Annette shared a bit of her process with us, from design to culmination of her gowns, as well as the charitable spirit behind Chaviano Couture. A portion of her gown sale proceeds are donated to missions and charities around the world. Kindness is beautiful.
Name and age: Annette Thurmon, age 29
Current neighborhood: Marietta, Georgia. Closer to the Kennesaw side.
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO
What brought you to (or kept you in, or brought you back to) Atlanta?
Met my husband who is from Georgia, moved here right after the wedding and have loved it since.
How do you pay the bills? What is your “slash”? (i.e. teacher/ amateur cupcake baker)
Graduated with a Bachelor in Nursing and currently still work here and there as an ICU nurse at Northsdie Hospital.
What do you create?
I love to create beautiful wedding gowns.
What do you collect?
Hmmm…do pictures count? I don’t think I really collect anything.
Your favorite artist now and as a child:
I loved Bob Ross, does that count? Loved watching him paint on T.V.
Last memorable home-cooked meal:
Love when I go home to MO, and my grandma cooks some authentic Cuban food, vegetarian for me… Went there for 4th of July
An only in Atlanta moment:
Can I say traffic?
A favorite local business:
Gail K- they have hands down the best fabric selection in the South and have been family owned for years! If you want to go somewhere that looks like the big fabric shops of NYC you’ve gotta check it out!
Favorite way or place to unwind:
I love just chilling at home. It’s comforting to be at home, with hymns playing, candle lit, and read.
Longest plane ride:
that would have to be 15 hours from TelAviv, Israel to Atlanta. I thought I was never going to get off the plane. Did I mention I was in the middle seat and have long legs?!
If you were an animal, which would you be?
100% a cat, because I love mine and wish I could sleep all day and just eat like they do.
If you were a color in the biggest crayola box, which would you be?
I would be aquamarine. Because I love the ocean, and the color is so calming and beautiful! I never get tired at looking at this color. Makes me happy.
Latest great adventure:
I went to Montana not long ago on a girl’s trip. We went white water rafting and zip lining, and did a ropes course, and other fun out door things. I felt pretty adventurous over those few days for sure!
Favorite US city? Favorite international city? (And why?)
U.S. City…I loved Chicago. Really pretty with lots to do, and really clean with lots of flowers. International city would have to be…I think Rome. Loved seeing all the old architecture and the people were very friendly.
If you had to move to another country, which would you choose, and why?
Trying to decide this right now in real life actually.. I would say maybe somewhere with a beach? Or the beautiful country and have a farm with lots of animals.
Coolest thing you’ve ever been for Halloween:
I actually don’t celebrate Halloween, I know, I’m weird.
What occupation did you want to do as a child?
Well, at first I wanted to be a whale trainer, loved watching Flipper, then It changed to lawyer until I realized that wasn’t for me so I chose nursing, and now I design wedding gowns, so it’s safe to say I try to be well rounded.
What is your favorite dessert?
Love key lime pie, if that’s not an options do Sour Patch Kids count as dessert?:)
What is your favorite artifact, heirloom, or art piece in your home?
I have my mom and grandma’s garters from their wedding, and a few old decorative pieces from Cuba from the 50’s.
What song do you love most (or what’s on your playlist now)?
I usually play a Pandora station called Hymns for worship radio. It’s beautiful hymns and peaceful songs. I used to listen to much more crazy music, but realized it wasn’t helping me, so I’ve switched and love this much better.
If you were going to write a book, what would be the title and what would it be about?
I did write a book! It’s called “A lifetime of happiness” and talks about how to make a marriage successful. I’m all about helping brides after the wedding too! Marriage is so important and many take it for granted.
Sweet or savory (or your favorite brunch menu item)?
I love Kettle corn popcorn. I eat it all the time! Seriously, I have bags of it at home. But for brunch I love biscuits and gravy (vegan for me) and pancakes.
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Read more about Annette and Chaviano Couture on Style Me Pretty Living.
“Atlanta Creates” is a project intiated by Buffy Dekmar Photography to build creative community and share the faces and personalities behind creative businesses in Atlanta.
Follow this project on Instagram (@buffydekmarphoto + @dekmarfilms + #atlantacreates) and Pinterest. You can also send us your nominations for creative people you’d like to see featured here!
Buffy Dekmar Photography // Contax 645 & Nikon F5 // Fuji Pro400H // Richard Photo Lab
