Bossier Mayor Tommy Chandler

AMBITIONS FOR

BOSSIER CITY Q&A WITH MAYOR TOMMY CHANDLER

For the first time in more than sixteen years, Bossier City has a new Mayor. Tommy Chandler took the oath of office on July 1, 2021, and has hit the ground running. Chandler is tasked with managing an annual budget exceeding $100 million dollars, a municipal workforce of 680 employees and nearly $300 million in capital projects in various stages of completion. Chandler is married to Paula

Kay Chandler, the Office Manager for Dr. Peter Boggs, and he has two children, Thomas Jr. and Shelby. The Chandlers recently celebrated the birth of their first grandchild.

As a life-long resident of Bossier City, Chandler has been active in business and civic organizations. He is a Past

President of Crime Stoppers and has served as Vice President of the Bossier Housing Authority, Vice Chairman of the Bossier Parish Republican Executive Committee and is a Member of the Louisiana Republican State Central

Committee. He attended Louisiana Tech University and

Harding University and has owned his own businesses since the 1990s, most recently owning and operating T.H.

Chandler Enterprises, Inc. SB Magazine recently sat down with Mayor Chandler to hear more about his plans as Mayor of Bossier City. “This is the third day of the third week and we’re just getting started,” he affirmed.

managing an annual budget exceeding $100

What made you decide to run for mayor?

employees and nearly $300 million in capital projects in I’ve been kind of doing this for over 20 or 30 years. I put it in God’s hands. I prayed to God, I said “look, you know, I’m gonna run for mayor at this time.” I already had a job, my business, so I didn’t need the job. I wanted the job to help people and to help make Bossier City an even better place to live and work. Bossier is great, but I was wanting to make it better, and I saw the opportunity and I put it in God’s hands. President of Crime Stoppers and has served as Vice Pres-

How was campaigning for mayor, especially against a relatively popular incumbent?

From the very beginning of the campaign, I started workCommittee. He attended Louisiana Tech University and ing from daylight until way past dark. One time, my camHarding University and has owned his own businesses paign manager had me out until 4 o’clock in the morning since the 1990s, most recently owning and operating T.H. putting out signs. I bet I knocked on 90% of the doors in Bossier - the whole city. And it was good to go out. You know, I got to learn the city a whole lot better too, by getting out and walking and talking to different people. When

SB Magazine recently sat down with Mayor Chandler to hear more about his plans as Mayor of Bossier City. “This is the third day of the third week and we’re just getting started,” he affirmed.

What made you decide to run for mayor?

I’ve been kind of doing this for over 20 or 30 years. I put it in God’s hands. I prayed to God, I said “look, you know, I’m gonna run for mayor at this time.” I already had a job, my business, so I didn’t need the job. I wanted the job to help people and to help make Bossier City an even better place to live and work. Bossier is great, but I was wanting to make it better, and I saw the opportunity and I put it in God’s hands.

How was campaigning for mayor, especially against a relatively popular incumbent?

From the very beginning of the campaign, I started working from daylight until way past dark. One time, my campaign manager had me out until 4 o’clock in the morning putting out signs. I bet I knocked on 90% of the doors in Bossier - the whole city. And it was good to go out. You know, I got to learn the city a whole lot better too, by getting out and walking and talking to different people. When

BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL

you go door to door, you get to see people eye to eye, and they tell you their issues and the different things that they want to happen in Bossier City. And it was good for them to see me too. To know that I was going to work for them. to see me too. To know that I was going to work for them.

How has the transition been from private business owner to government?

As I explained during the campaign, my family and I have always owned and operated our own businesses and I want run the city like a business. I know what it’s like I want run the city like a business. I know what it’s like to manage employees and make payroll. My family has to manage employees and make payroll. My family has owned and operated different businesses in Bossier for owned and operated different businesses in Bossier for over 100 years. I’ve personally had three or four different businesses myself, and all of them have been successful businesses myself, and all of them have been successful and profitable. I bring my many years of business experience with me into government service.

Will you continue to operate your current business?

I would love to do my own business, but I’m gonna give Bossier City 100% of my attention as long as I’m mayor. I sold my building to DavTac. I could still do stuff on the side, but I’d rather put 100% into the city.

Did you bring in a new team?

I have brought in some new people into open positions and my team and I are working to fill other open positions that were created by retirements. We have retained the employees because Bossier City was strong already and was blessed with many hard working and dedicated employees. They were already here with Mayor Walker, and I’m glad they stayed with me, and I hope they stay with me the whole time I’m here. The people I work with in my office are awesome. They’re the best, and I’m not just saying that, you know. I enjoy coming to work every day. They make my job a whole lot easier. All the workers in Bossier City are great.

What is your working relationship with the City Council like?

Basically, being in Bossier for 59 years I know all the Council members. I’ve always had a working relationship with some of the Council. I know their families. But at the end of the day, we all want the best for Bossier City, so we all are going to work together. We have the same goal.

Will you continue to operate your current business?

I sold my building to DavTac. I could still do stuff on the and my team and I are working to fill other open positions employees because Bossier City was strong already and ployees. They were already here with Mayor Walker, and I’m glad they stayed with me, and I hope they stay with me the whole time I’m here. The people I work with in my of that, you know. I enjoy coming to work every day. They make my job a whole lot easier. All the workers in Bossier Basically, being in Bossier for 59 years I know all the end of the day, we all want the best for Bossier City, so we I was a volunteer and past president of CrimeStoppers. I

You have listed safety as a top priority for your administration. Tell us about your involvement with the non-profit CrimeStoppers.

I was a volunteer and past president of CrimeStoppers. I put five years into it, and I have a long history of personally supporting police and fire. It is a tool that really helps the police catch criminals and will remain strong as long as I am mayor.

What actions will you take to maintain competitive salaries What actions will you take to maintain competitive salaries for the police and fire department and first responders and ensure they have the tools and equipment they need?

What helps sell Bossier City is public safety. I mean, not only police, but also the fire, that’s why a lot of people like only police, but also the fire, that’s why a lot of people like to come to Bossier, because they feel safe in both ways. to come to Bossier, because they feel safe in both ways. Really, we have competitive wages here - one of the top. But yes, I still want to be able to supply all the police and fire what they need to complete their job every day. In Bossier, we issue new equipment when they come here, and we keep things nice and well maintained and I think that’s one of the draws too.

Has there been an uptick in crime in Bossier over the last few years?

I’m so glad you asked about that, I’m so proud of our police department. Our new substitute Police Chief, Chris Estess, during the first or second week of my term increased boots on the ground with more officers on patrol by 10% and in August there’ll be 10% even more boots on the ground. I’m so proud of them because they’re getting a lot of things done and they’ve already saved the city some money, cutting out some things they didn’t really need. But our police department and fire department are strong. They were strong before and they’re getting stronger now. It is safe in Bossier City right now and it is my priority that it stays that way.

Really, we have competitive wages here - one of the top. But yes, I still want to be able to supply all the police and fire what they need to complete their job every day. In Bossier, we issue new equipment when they come here, and we keep things nice and well maintained and I think that’s one of the draws too.

Has there been an uptick in crime in Bossier over the last few years?

I’m so glad you asked about that, I’m so proud of our police department. Our new substitute Police Chief, Chris Estess, during the first or second week of my term increased boots on the ground with more officers on patrol by 10% and in August there’ll be 10% even more boots on the ground. I’m so proud of them because they’re getting a lot of things done and they’ve already saved the city some money, cutting out some things they didn’t really need. But our police department and fire department are strong. They were strong before and they’re getting stronger now. It is safe in Bossier City right now and it is my priority that it stays that way.

What are your plans for investing in roads, and how do What are your plans for investing in roads, and how do you plan to approach traffic complaints and issues sur-you plan to approach traffic complaints and issues surrounding the flow of traffic and condition of the roads? rounding the flow of traffic and condition of the roads?

To tell you the truth, having traffic is really a good prob-To tell you the truth, having traffic is really a good problem, because if you didn’t have traffic, you’d have a dead lem, because if you didn’t have traffic, you’d have a dead town, and so I’m glad we got a lot. We just need to work town, and so I’m glad we got a lot. We just need to work with the synchronizing of the lights and managing traffic with the synchronizing of the lights and managing traffic flow better. There is a study in progress on how to best ad-flow better. There is a study in progress on how to best address traffic flow. dress traffic flow.

What working relationship will you have with the school board regarding education since there are no formal reporting requirements between the Board and the Mayor’s office?

The school board is its own body. I know the Superintendent Mitch Downey. We grew up together. I know a lot of school board members, but if they need some help, I’d like to give them some of my advice or help them out any like to give them some of my advice or help them out any way what I can. Education in Bossier City is really great. way what I can. Education in Bossier City is really great. That’s another reason why people come to Bossier is for That’s another reason why people come to Bossier is for the quality of education. We are blessed with great teachers and support workers too. There’s a lot of them that get a ers and support workers too. There’s a lot of them that get a lot of accolades at the end of the year for all the things that they’ve done, and I’m very proud of them.

What measures are you taking to ensure the Bossier water is safe and the water systems are secure?

Bossier City water quality is very high but I want to make sure it stays high and safe for our residents. The city is continuing a study related to a nano filtration system that is going to help a study related to a nano filtration system that is going to help us improve water quality. We want the neighborhoods to have us improve water quality. We want the neighborhoods to have a better water system coming to them. I’m committed to help the Public Utility and Engineering departments to maintain the safest, high quality water for Bossier City. to me now and they to me now and they sound excited that sound excited that there is a new admin-there is a new administration they can istration they can work with to bring in work with to bring in new business. There new business. There are several new busi-are several new businesses coming into nesses coming into the East Bank District the East Bank District which is bringing new which is bringing new life to our old down-life to our old downtown area. But we have town area. But we have ideas, like curb ap-ideas, like curb appeal. Getting the city peal. Getting the city cleaner and keeping it cleaner and keeping it cleaner. That’s going cleaner. That’s going to bring more people to bring more people to town. Improving to town. Improving the flow of traffic will the flow of traffic will help people get in to help people get in to shop more. That’s a shop more. That’s a high priority for me. high priority for me. I believe in curb appeal and we’ve already started cleaning a lot of streets. All the major streets or roads in Bossier are state roads or highways but a lot of time we can’t wait on the state to clean them up, so we’re gonna clean it up ourselves. When you clean the roads, people take more pride in their city. If you notice also outside our city hall, there were some old brown dingy bushes and so we cut them all out and now we got some nice flowers. It looks a whole lot different than it did last week, and it’ll get even better once the flowers start blooming and will give a breath of fresh air to city hall.

I believe in curb appeal and we’ve already started cleaning a lot of streets. All the major streets or roads in Bossier are state roads or highways but a lot of time we can’t wait on the state to clean them up, so we’re gonna clean it up ourselves. When you clean the roads, people take more pride in their city. If you notice also outside our city hall, there were some old brown dingy bushes and so we cut them all out and now we got some nice flowers. It looks a whole lot different than it did last week, and it’ll get even better once the flowers start blooming and will give a breath of fresh air to city hall.

You have promised to be resourceful with tax dollars and You have promised to be resourceful with tax dollars and not to raise taxes, as well as to lower taxes by cutting waste-not to raise taxes, as well as to lower taxes by cutting wasteful spending. What is your plan to ensure that the Bossier ful spending. What is your plan to ensure that the Bossier City tax structure is both business and resident friendly? City tax structure is both business and resident friendly?

When more business and more people come, taxes aren’t When more business and more people come, taxes aren’t going to need to be raised because we’ll be making more going to need to be raised because we’ll be making more money by expanding our tax base. And it’s gonna help our money by expanding our tax base. And it’s gonna help our police department and fire department and all areas, all police department and fire department and all areas, all departments of the city. departments of the city.

You’ve also talked about eliminating waste or not funding You’ve also talked about eliminating waste or not funding pet projects, right? pet projects, right?

We’ll cut that out. Like I said I’m going to run it like a business. We’ll cut that out. Like I said I’m going to run it like a business. You gotta look over that stuff, and if something isn’t working, You gotta look over that stuff, and if something isn’t working, we need to do away with that and work with what will work. we need to do away with that and work with what will work.

Do you have specific initiatives in mind to help grow business in Bossier?

One of my biggest passions is selling Bossier City to new businesses and helping our existing businesses grow and prosper. I’m excited because a lot of people are coming in

How will you handle the city budgeting process? How will you handle the city budgeting process?

I’m proud that the City Council unanimously approved I’m proud that the City Council unanimously approved our Director of Finance, Angela Williamson. I am begin-our Director of Finance, Angela Williamson. I am beginning the process of working on next year’s budget. The ning the process of working on next year’s budget. The budget process for 2022 is gearing up. It’ll start going be-budget process for 2022 is gearing up. It’ll start going be-

fore the council in September. All the departments are fore the council in September. All the departments are getting their budgets together already, and then I’ll meet with every department one-on-one. We’ll probably meet once or twice or three times or even more, to break down their budget and get everything to what everybody needs and cut out what they don’t need.

How will any funds received through the federal govern-How will any funds received through the federal government CARES Act be allocated? ment CARES Act be allocated?

I think we have half of it and then the other half is gonna come next year. We basically need get the council involved. come next year. We basically need get the council involved. They already got it before I got sworn in. They’ve got some ideas. I want to sit down with them to kind of iron it out. That money can only be spent on certain things, so it’s limited. Yes, the youth in Bossier City. What we’re planning on and play sports in other cities. And also, to have other kids gonna bring a lot of travel ball, and we hope to get a lot

Do you have any other specific areas of focus?

Yes, the youth in Bossier City. What we’re planning on doing is getting a lot more things for the youth to do, like travel baseball, a lot of sports activities, so that kids stay here in Bossier instead of having to go out to other places and play sports in other cities. And also, to have other kids come in to Bossier, enjoy our facilities. The construction at Tinsley Park should be finished here pretty soon, that’s gonna bring a lot of travel ball, and we hope to get a lot more things out of the tennis courts. I just want to get a lot more things for the kids to do, more activities. I would love to have travel soccer, even travel fishing, pickle ball, all of that. I want to get an assortment of things in here.

You campaigned on the promise of new ideas and the You campaigned on the promise of new ideas and the ambition for Bossier City to be a model city for growth ambition for Bossier City to be a model city for growth and prosperity in Louisiana. Can you elaborate on what and prosperity in Louisiana. Can you elaborate on what this means to you and your plans to achieve this? this means to you and your plans to achieve this?

Right, when people drive through Bossier City, I want Right, when people drive through Bossier City, I want them to be able to look at our city and like what they see so them to be able to look at our city and like what they see so they will want to stop or come back to see us. I want Bossier they will want to stop or come back to see us. I want Bossier City to be a billboard, the whole city, where our people are City to be a billboard, the whole city, where our people are proud and people from other areas want to come see us. proud and people from other areas want to come see us.

What plans do you have for working with Shreveport? What plans do you have for working with Shreveport?

Well basically you know, Shreveport and Bossier City, Well basically you know, Shreveport and Bossier City, we’re so close together, we both need to work together to we’re so close together, we both need to work together to improve both cities because that helps everyone in the improve both cities because that helps everyone in the area. I’ve already talked with Adrian Perkins a few times area. I’ve already talked with Adrian Perkins a few times and I look forward to working with him and the Shreve-and I look forward to working with him and the Shreveport City Council on issues that impact us all. port City Council on issues that impact us all.

Overall, what do you think is the key to a stronger Overall, what do you think is the key to a stronger Bossier City? Bossier City?

Growing that tax base is really going to be the key. Every-Growing that tax base is really going to be the key. Everything kind of fits together when you improve that curb ap-thing kind of fits together when you improve that curb appeal and you make it easy for business to do business here, peal and you make it easy for business to do business here, and you have traffic flow better - all of these things coming and you have traffic flow better - all of these things coming together. I’m happy to be working for Bossier City and work-together. I’m happy to be working for Bossier City and working for the citizens. I’ve loved Bossier City my whole life and ing for the citizens. I’ve loved Bossier City my whole life and I wake up every day and try to make our city a better place. I wake up every day and try to make our city a better place.

01MK7553 04/21 When morning came to Louisiana, we were wide awake. Ready for what’s next. And as we begin anew, Blue Cross stands ready to support you.

bcbsla.com

MeaganeaganNesbNesbititandandCoCoululsoson nWhiteWhite

JULY 3, 2021 • SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

Saturday, July 3, 2021, over 350 family and friends gathered to the sounds of saxophone player Curtis Mills, at Silverlake Ballroom in Shreveport, Louisiana, to witness the nuptials of Bride Meagan Christine Nesbit to Groom Coulson Hewitt White. Meagan and Coulson vowed their love and commitment to each other with Dr. Gevan their love and commitment to each other with Dr. Gevan Spinney of First Baptist Church of Haughton officiating. The Bride’s late uncle, Alton Ray Anderson, was a longtime resident of New Orleans and his love for New longtime resident of New Orleans and his love for New Orleans traditions and culture inspired the bride to have a New Orleans influenced wedding. Longtime friend, Kate Posey, played piano and floral designs were by Eddie Colvin. Guests enjoyed a feast of Louisiana cuisine prepared by Upper Crust Catering. Windstorm band entertained guests with standing room only on the band entertained guests with standing room only on the dance floor. Caricature artist, Art by Sam, created memorable keepsakes for each guest. Brittney, of Dirk Guidry Art, shared her talents while painting a live scene of the Art, shared her talents while painting a live scene of the reception. Meagan and Coulson exited the reception with guests following in the traditional second line dance. Guests following in the traditional second line dance. Guests sent the happy couple off with sparklers and fireworks. sent the happy couple off with sparklers and fireworks. In keeping with the New Orleans tradition, an inspired Lucky Dog cart provided guests with a Bellevue Meat Lucky Dog cart provided guests with a Bellevue Meat smoke Dawg and a New Orleans praline. Father of the Bride, Chris Nesbit said it best, “Marriage Father of the Bride, Chris Nesbit said it best, “Marriage is not a party. Marriage takes two people who will share good and bad times and love each other when they are unlovable. But July 3, 2021, family and friends came together to celebrate Meagan and Coulson and we had a grand party.”

Vendors:

Coordination: Delia Jeffcoat Events Invitation Suite: Kelly Avery Venue: Silverlake Ballroom Florals: Eddie Colvin Catering: Upper Crust Videographer: Roger Braniff Photographer: Kaitlin Haley Photography Cakes: Moore Cakes Please, Judy Moore Furniture Rentals: Perennial Jane Wedding Gown Designer: Serge Jevaguine Gown Shop: Stanley Korshak, Dallas Bridesmaid Gowns: Bella Bridesmaids Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse Rentals: Pelican Events Cookies: Custom Cookies by Alex Auvil Graphics: Superior Graphix Hair: Maranda Turner and Jodi Walker Makeup: Kaitlyn Nunnery Eyelashes: Kelly Dick RN

At Crash the Wedding, you will be treated as an actual wedding guest during a faux-wedding reception, complete with a bride and groom, wedding party, and all the bells and whistles! Crashers will be wined and dined and see 30 of Shreveport-Bossier's most trusted vendors in action at this annual event unrivaled by any bridal show in Louisiana!

GUESTS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH

G Cash Bar Available G Complimentary Valet Parking G Passed Champagne upon Arrival G Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres G Swag Bags G Amazing Giveaways

FEATURING

crash theWedding GOOD NEWS BAND TICKETS: $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite For more information, contact Jennifer Terrell 318.425.4251 or jenniferterrell@petroleumclub.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 6:30-9:00PM, 16TH FLOOR 416 TRAVIS STREET, SHREVEPORT

Lauren Roppolo & Braylon Ash

MAY 28, 2016 F rom the Event Designer/ Coordinator: When I asked Lauren, as I do all of my brides, to describe her wedding vibe in three words, she quickly replied, “ Elegant, modern and southern.” While designing her reception, I knew I wanted to include elements that were timelessly southern, mixed with modern industrial touches and a clean, neutral color palate. Magnolia leaves, a recognized southern staple, and boxwood were the base for the lush greenery that covered much of the reception. Hand-crafted industrial light boards with exposed Edison bulbs, greenery and ribbon chandeliers over the dance floor and rusty lanterns shipped up from New Orleans were large focal points that created the modern southern atmosphere. We also added smaller touches that made a big impact, such as wrought iron candelabras, floral arrangements in antique brass goblets and beautiful hand-written signage from All Things Taylor-Made. The Vendors: • Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Hillary Moss Photographer: Lauren Rinaudo Photography • Floral Design: Adcock & Associates by Jemi Adcock • Invitations: Mint Julep Paperie • Band: The Mix • Fireworks: Durrs Pyromania • Wedding Gown: Low’s Bridal and Formal (Brinkley, Ar.) and A&Be Bridal Shop (Dallas, Tx.) • Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids • Jeweler: Everett Jewelers • Hair: Cheveaux by Robbie Meshell • Makeup: Unfleeting Beauty by Lindsey Blount • Caterer: Chef Holly Schreiber at Sainte Terre • Cake: Sweetie Cakes

sbmag.net

Mary O’Brien and Zackary JordanJUNE 18, 2016

Mary Morgan O’Brien and Zackary Joseph Jordan were united in marriage on June 18, 2016 at St. Mark’s Cathedral. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend M. L. Agnew. Mary Morgan is the daughter of Leigh Ann Lindsey O’Brien and Morgan Patrick O’Brien. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Arthur Lawrence Lindsey, Jr. and the late Dr. A. L. Lindsey, Jr., Edna Marie Whitmeyer O’Brien Allen and William Joseph O’Brien, Jr..Zack is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Damon Jordan and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Don Wayne Jordan, Mrs. Joseph Carnahan LeSage, Jr. and the late Joseph Carnahan LeSage, Jr..The Vendors:• Photographer: Brian Lewis Floral Design: Debbie Morgan of The Red GeraniumBand: Windstorm Wedding Gown: Allure Bridal Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Squires Jeweler: McCary’s Bride’s Hair/Makeup: Adrienne Connelly of Chemistry Hair Salon Bridesmaids’ Hair/Makeup: Chemistry Hair Salon Caterer: East Ridge Country Club Bride’s cake: Kathy Cubley Groom’s cake: Silver Palate Cakery Emily Evans and Bryan Overdyke

MAY 28, 2016

On Thursday, May 26, wedding guests arrived in Napa to kick off the weekend with a Welcome Reception at the Silverado Resort. The following evening, wedding attendants and family were wowed by the rehearsal dinner setting at Merryvale Winery hosted by the groom’s parents. Eighty guests dined at the long table in the cask room complete with candelabras and beautiful florals. (Robin Williams also had his rehearsal dinner there!) The afternoon wedding ceremony took place at St. Helena Catholic Church officiated by Father Peter Mangum. Following the ceremony, guests were bused to Inglenook Winery for wine and cheese tastings. The festivities continued at the Silverado Resort and Spa with a cocktail hour that led into the reception. The outdoor reception was picturesque with florals cascading down the trees and fabric draping creating quite the ambiance. Guests feasted on farm-to-table dining and Napa Valley wines to celebrate the occasion. The Vendors:

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Quintana Events •

Photographer: Adeline & Grace Photography •

Videographer: Justin Clough Productions •

Floral Design: Poppystone •

Band: The All-Stars (San Francisco, Ca.) •

Cocktail Hour Venue: Inglenook Winery •

Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza for Stanley Korshak •

Bridesmaids Attire: Lilac Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaids •

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Custom Linen suits from John Pickens •

Jeweler: McCary’s

contact

us

Morgan Davis and Daniel Simpson

OCTOBER 29, 2016

Although Morgan and Daniel were students at LSU at the same time, they had to go all the way to China on an MBA study abroad trip to meet! It wasn’t until after graduation when Morgan moved to New Orleans and Daniel moved to Shreveport that the romance started. After two and a half years of long distance dating, Daniel popped the question and Morgan said “yes”! When starting the wedding planning, they immediately called event planner, florist and family friend Kendall Bailey. With his help, Morgan’s dream wedding became a reality. Morgan wore a silk white French Chantilly Lace gown over silk satin organza, and a silk illusion veil edged with Chantilly Lace, both designed exclusively for her by Patti Flowers of Dallas. The sheer illusion bateau neckline was adorned with delicate organic lace petals. The ceremony was held at the beautiful flower adorned First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. A lovely candle lit reception followed in a lavish clear tent on the grounds of David Tom’s Academy 265. Dancing the night away as the star shone in the crystal clear sky, the newly married husband and wife ended their perfect day surrounded by family, friends and love.

The Vendors:

• Venue: David Tom’s Academy 265 Florist: Kendall Bailey of Kendall and Company • Pelican Tents and Events • Brian Lewis Photography • Hitched Film • Southern Fork Catering of the Jason Brady Restaurant Group • Band: Musical Fantasy • Bride’s Cake: GeorigeGirl Cakery •

• Groom’s Cake: Alyson Foreman Wedding Dress, Mother of Bride, & Mother of Groom’s Dresses: Custom designed by Patti Flowers of Dallas • Bella Bridesmaids • Drake Valet

Sherricka Fields and Vernon JonesAUGUST 22, 2015

Carol Nunley, a Shreveport, Louisiana Accredited wedding / event planner and designer, is known for creating your event with passion, and personalization. As an independent planner, Carol work one-on-one with her clients and provide a unique experience with all the pampering and respect they deserve. Preparing for your special day should be fun and exciting. Her wedding and event planning service will be a welcomed relief to the sometimes hectic details. Carol is a Certified Sandals / Beaches Resorts / Grand Pineapple Specialist. Sandals is the luxury resort with more included than any other resort. Sherricka and Vernon Jones of Shreveport, La., were married on August 22, 2015 at four o’clock in the evening at Brown Chapel of Centenary College. After finishing active military duty and seeking degrees in paramedics and kinesiology, Vernon met Sherricka while she was pursuing her career in finance.Sherricka’s ballet students performed a number at her wedding that Sherricka choreographed herself. The Vendors: • Wedding Planner/ Coordinator: Carol Nunley at Circle of Love• Photographer: Ephraim Fields & Jeremy Brown• Videographer: Nicoby Watkins• Wedding Gown: Happily Ever After• Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids• Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Al’s Formalwear• Hair: Yoloanda Gales of Benote’ Salon• Makeup: Pavunae Jones of Pretty Please Cosmetics• String Quartet: Four Seasons Quartet• Wedding Decor: Patricia Jenkins, Bernadette Stroud Love in Bloom Donna Brian D onna Brian, MWP™ is known as the only Master Wedding Planner in Louisiana. Donna, and her team of event professionals, is an award winning, full service wedding and event certified planners. Having been in the industry for more than 18 years, she is sought after for her expertise and trend setting ideas. She has won numerous awards including the Miss Dorothy Heart Award. This award demonstrates a “passion for the wedding industry” and is nominated by her peers in the Association of Bridal Consultants. Other awards include Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year, Voted Knot Best of Weddings, Knot Hall of Fame, Locals Love Us and Brides Choice Award. She is a certified Sandals Wedding and Honeymoon specialist and will recommend what Caribbean property will meet a couple needs. She loves planning destination weddings for domestic and international locations.Donna is dedicated to making her client’s events unique, personal, and unforgettable with providing exceptional customer service. She is passionate about weddings, and strives to make dreams come true For more information or to book your wedding, honeymoon or event call us to schedule an appointment 318-469-2044 .

• Sara Morgan and Cole Davis MARCH 5, 2015S ara and Cole wanted to create a “wow factor” for their wedding guests throughout the course of the evening. Their desire was to host their ceremony and reception at an upscale outdoor venue while incorporating traditional flair. The ceremony took place on the rooftop where the floral design was elegant and the ballroom was illuminated with candles throughout. Guests were then treated to a magical fireworks display during the reception. It was definitely an evening to remember.Wedding by MOONLIGHT & LACE and photography by OLIVIA LOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Featuring Vendors:• Videographer: Braniff Productions• Floral Design: Kyle Loyd at Colony House of Flowers• Fireworks Display: Pyromania Fireworks, LLC• Band: Earshot Graffiti• Wedding Gown: Martina Liana at Happily Ever After• Bridesmaids Attire: Joanna August at Bella Bridesmaid• Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Squires• Hair: Shannon Lare at The Ritz Makeup: Bel Viso Makeup Artistry

Advertise, collaborate, inspire with SB Weds. We’d love to partner with you.