Nfocus January 2022

JANUARY 2022 Party photos from Symphony Ball, Literary Award Gala and more

Worth the Wait The fabulous weddings of three Nashville couples

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Contents January 2022 | Vol. xxix, No. 1

parties

features

13

45

14

16

21

24

Free At Last The Tennessee Innocence Project welcomes exoneree Amanda Knox

Good Morning, Goodwill The Goodwill Impact Breakfast celebrates the power of perseverance

Show and Tell A conversation between Colson Whitehead and Ann Patchett at the Literary Award Gala Patrons Party

The Next Chapter The Nashville Public Library Foundation honors Colson Whitehead with the Literary Award

The fabulous weddings of three Nashville couples

A New Season The Hillsboro Hounds and The Mells Foxhounds start the season with the Blessing of the Hounds

departments 8

In Our Words

A very special return for the Bal d’Hiver

Susan and Luke Simons receive the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award

28

Chic Awearness puts up a fashionable fight against cancer

30

Opening gala kicks off the inaugural Titans Art Show

32

Merry & Bright welcomes Broadway Dreams to Nashville

35

The Nashville Symphony toasts 75 years at the Symphony Ball Patrons Party

45

It Takes a Village

Teal Tales

Making Spirits Bright

Let’s Hear It for the Band

The Nashville Symphony 75th Anniversary Concert raises $1 million

ON THE COVER

Katie and Tyler Campbell photographed at Ashlawn Estate by Stephanie Sorensen. For more on Katie and Tyler’s wedding, turn to page 45.

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Jessica Van Dyke discusses the good work of the Tennessee Innocence Project

65

Invitation suites that make a wedding truly memorable

70

Goo Goo Chocolate Co.’s new downtown storefront offers a deliciously nostalgic experience

Nstyle

Step Inside

72

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events

74

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

76

Looking back at the Nashville Symphony’s premiere

21

Walls of Fame

Striking a Chord

Behind the Scenes

Pencil In

Looking forward to 2022 with hope

Timeless Tradition

26

39

59

Worth the Wait

10

39

Best Behavior

Nretrospect

LIFE ADORNED

$4—8 MILLION residences in B R E N T WO O D, T E N N E S S E E Gated Community

A N N A BY G R O V E PA R K. C O M

contact BRANDON JENKINS at 615.642.9992

Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Matt Masters, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

C U S TOM C O L L E C T I ON S BY Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

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CANDLE BAR

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Robin Fomusa

marketing and promotions manager

Advertising

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Maggie Bond, Sue Falls, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Jada Goggins, Caroline Poole publisher

advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusmagazine.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR JEZEWSKI at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2022 FW Publishing, LLC.

Your vision, our candles!

From weddings to events, we want to celebrate your vision, your inspiration, your occasion.

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IN O UR WO RD S

A Fresh Start Looking forward to 2022 with hope Happy New Year! Let’s raise a glass to 2022 and hope it treats us more kindly than the past couple of years have. And if it doesn’t, well, we might want to raise our glasses in response to that too.

Despite the ups and downs of 2021, it certainly had a lot of memorable moments. It was wonderful to see many of our favorite events return this fall. We closed out the year with a rather busy November and December. It was nice to have a reason to pull those ball gowns out of the closet again.

In this issue, we’ve got coverage from all of the best end-of-the-year parties. Some old favorites returned, like Literary Award Gala (page 21) and Bal d’Hiver (page 24); some events pivoted to something different, like the Symphony Ball 75th Anniversary Concert (page 39); and

some brand-new events made their debut, like the Titans Art Gala (page 30) and Broadway Dreams’ Merry & Bright (page 32). It was lovely to end the year on such a high note with so many familiar faces.

We’re also thrilled to take you inside three truly spectacular weddings that took place in 2021. We chatted with three Nashville couples about their nuptials and all of the breathtaking details. Read about them all beginning on page 45.

Wherever this new year finds you, I hope you are safe and healthy.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t express a heartfelt thanks to you for your continued support. The past two years have been challenging in myriad ways, but the encouragement and enthusiasm of our readers has been unwavering. Thank you. I wish you a truly lovely new year.

BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Justice for All Jessica Van Dyke discusses the good work of the Tennessee Innocence Project Growing up, Jessica Van Dyke always wanted to be an attorney, and today, she serves as the executive director and lead counsel for the Tennessee Innocence Project, the state’s first full-time innocence organization. The nonprofit represents incarcerated Tennesseans who make claims of actual innocence. In other words, they assert that they did not commit the crime for which they were convicted. Started as the Innocence Clinic at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2000, the Tennessee InThe Basics nocence Project officially launched as a nonprofit Name: Jessica Van Dyke in February 2019 with Profession/Title: Executive the goal of identifying Director and Lead Counsel, Tennessee Innocence Project wrongful convictions, exHometown: Coffeyville, Kansas onerating the innocent Zip Code: 37210 and pinpointing areas of improvement in our legal Years in Nashville: 16 system. Potential clients Number of people who have go through an application applied to TIP: Nearly 300 inquiries by mail in the first two process before the organiyears (not including phone calls zation partners with pro or emails) bono attorneys across the state to handle cases, and it stays involved in every case it works. Without the Tennessee Innocence Project, there are no resources for those unjustly convicted.

A UT Law graduate, Jessica worked in the school’s Innocence Clinic before going into practice as a civil defense attorney. But that passion for criminal defense work never wavered, and she slowly built a practice. She and other like-minded What is one thing you want everyone to know lawyers decided to launch the Tennessee Innoabout the Tennessee Innocence Project? We give hope to innocent people behind bars; no cence Project to do more for the innocent people other organization in Tennessee provides this behind bars who weren’t being served and were service. Tennessee was one of the last states to being left behind. As a young nonprofit, the biggest establish a full-time innocence organization, but challenge is educating the public about its work we’re catching up! and needs. One way Jessica and her team grow What has been the biggest accomplishment awareness is through events, such as an annual since launching the organization? Getting our fundraising dinner. (See our coverage on page 13.) first exoneration! And building an incredibly talThe event also raises valuable funds for resources, ented team committed to fighting injustice. Our like investigators and experts. We caught up with work is always a group effort.

Jessica at the courthouse, where she shared more How can people support the Tennessee information about the organization, how she reInnocence Project? Learn about our mission and charges and more.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

our work. Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Attend an event. Make a financial contribution. It all makes a big difference.

What’s next for the organization? We’ve just added some incredible board members and experienced staff. Continued sustainable growth is our goal.

What’s your favorite restaurant? Talk about a difficult question to answer. Arnold’s is still a favorite; you can’t go wrong with anything they serve. My favorite ambiance can be found at Ellington’s in the Fairlane Hotel.

For some peace and quiet, where do you like to go or what do you do? Work-life balance remains a personal struggle. I really enjoy gardening and spend a lot of time working in my yard.

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Like everyone else, the pandemic caused me to take on some home improvement projects.

I also enjoy visiting the smaller towns around Nashville, checking out antiques and seeing more of our state.

Who has influenced your life the most? At every juncture — high school, college, grad school, law school — I’ve had incredible mentors, and most of them were women. I was raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs at any given time. My high school debate coach was hell on wheels, but she exposed me to a lot of new experiences. Since then, I’ve continued to have women who gave me a chance and supported me.

What’s your favorite local event? Anything at the Ryman.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I don’t know if it is advice, but the Kansas state motto is “ad astra per aspera,” [or] “to the stars through difficulties.” Even though I’ve been firmly rooted in Tennessee for years, it always stuck with me.

What’s one thing you want to cross off your bucket list? I’d love to travel to Finland or Norway to see the Northern Lights — somewhere remote and off the grid.

What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? This city accepts and welcomes all.

It welcomed me, and I hope that never changes.

Happy New Year highriS E liV ing on WES T End

1 Bed | 1 Bath | 939 SF | $359,000 Windsor Tower - Unit 208

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PA R T I E S

Free At Last The Tennessee Innocence Project welcomes exoneree Amanda Knox

Ted Simon, Stephen Ross Johnson and Amy Johnson

Danielle Irvine, Ashleigh Karnell, Alex Agee

Kim Dano, Perian Strang, Stephanie Ditenhafer

Michael and Mary Katherine Curcio, Jessica Van Dyke

Jasmine Valentine, Jocelyn Hicks

Barry Scheck, Amanda Knox

T

he Tennessee Innocence Project may be a young organization, but they’re already pros at throwing fabulous events. Bestselling author John Grisham spoke at their inaugural fundraising dinner in 2019, and they somehow managed to top that this year by welcoming one of the world’s most famous exonerees, Amanda Knox.

The evening kicked off with cocktails and mingling at Montgomery Bell Academy. VIPs had access to a private reception with Amanda and Innocence Project co-founder Barry Scheck. Amanda’s husband, Christopher Robinson, and her 4-month-old daughter, Eureka, were in attendance, as well as her lawyer, Ted Simon, who traveled down from Philadelphia for the event.

The theme of the evening was “Continuing the Fight,” and much of the program focused on the accomplishments of the Innocence Project, both on a national and state level, and how much work there is left to be done. There have been 2,900 innocent people exonerated in the United States since 1989, but only 25 of those cases were in the state of Tennessee.

“This means Tennessee didn’t have an in-state Innocence Project organization to ensure we get it right — until now,” Barry told the crowd. “Tennessee needs to catch up, and you can help.”

The organization led an impromptu giving challenge, encouraging attendees to donate via a QR code. The goal of $35,000 was obliterated when first-time attendees Joanne and Mark Hazelwood made a pledge to donate $1 million to the Tennessee Innocence Project over the next 10 years.

The evening concluded with a candid and emotional conversation between attorney Amy Mohan and Amanda, in which Amanda opened up about the trauma of being wrongfully accused and convicted, the four years she spent in an Italian prison and how grateful she is for the work of the Innocence Project, even more so now that she’s a new mother.

“If someone hadn’t saved me, my daughter wouldn’t exist,” she said through tears.

She concluded her passionate remarks by imploring the crowd to invest in the nonprofit. “This is a concrete, real way you can impact real people’s lives.”

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Sunny Eaton, Jason Gichner

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PA R T I E S

Good Morning, Goodwill The Goodwill Impact Breakfast celebrates the power of perseverance

S

upporters of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee gathered around the table bright and early on a crisp November morning for the annual Goodwill Impact Breakfast as part of the organization’s 2021 Impact Week with the theme of Celebrating the Power of Perseverance. Co-chairs Carrington Fox and Cristina Oakeley were excited to be hosting the in-person event this year and planned a fantastic morning fundraiser supporting Goodwill’s mission of “changing lives through education, training and employment.”

Guests enjoyed a light breakfast of biscuits, quiche, asparagus and tomato halves with orange juice and plenty of coffee while listening to guest speakers and the presentation of awards.

Keynote speaker Reggie Ford, author of PTSD: Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction, spoke about his past and making the right choices to change the story others expect from you.

“You can live your stories, or you can live your lives to change your stories,” proclaimed Reggie, who referred to everyone as authors of their own stories.

To kick off the awards ceremony, which was emceed by NewsChannel 5 anchor Rhori Johnston, John Stone was named Pioneer of the Year after 26 years of service on Goodwill’s board of directors, an honor for which Mayor John Cooper sent a video message of congratulations. Andrea Alexander, better known on Instagram as Goodwill Shawty, was named Ambassador of the Year. This year’s David B. Lifsey Scholarship recipient was Hillwood High School junior Derek Nicholson, and the Achiever of the Year was awarded to the brilliant Shaheera Alnatshia, both of whom are shining examples of the power of perseverance. Finally, the Lavoi-Katz Award was given to Pam Berry, Goodwill’s Nashville Career Solutions Center’s unofficial “Manager of Joy” because of her infectious and persistent smiles, laughter and positivity while on the job as a member of the housekeeping team — truly a living Goodwill success story.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Reggie Ford

Co-chairs Carrington Fox and Cristina Oakeley, Fred McLaughlin, Christine Skold

Tony Lester, Blake McMeans, Harlin Hickerson

Wendy White, Tammy Henry, Rachel McKenzie, Michael Mott

Pamela Bright, Paulette Allen, Shirley Spruill

Reggie Ford, Deante Hughes, John Byers

John and Monica Loar, Samaria Leach, Amber Payne, Ro Coleman

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John and Mary Stone

Happy New Year

2021

­

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PA R T I E S

Cathy Johnson, Jerry and co-chair Wanda Lyle

Kevin Crumbo, Colson Whitehead, Katie Crumbo

Show and Tell A conversation between Colson Whitehead and Ann Patchett at the Literary Award Gala Patrons Party

E

xcitement ran high when, in 2019, the Nashville Public Library Foundation (NPLF) first announced that New York Times bestselling author Colson Whitehead was to be honored with the organization’s prestigious Literary Award.

The pandemic prevented the event from taking place in 2020, but as things began to look brighter in 2021, plans shaped up for a very special weekend to recognize the prolific writer.

The wait only heightened everyone’s anticipation to meet and hear from the two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Book Award recipient — among his many accolades — at the Patrons Party. After showing proof of vaccination, guests headed straight to the second floor of the Nashville Public Library’s downtown branch, where the Courtyard Gallery and Nashville Room were abuzz with activity as people gathered around the famous author and caught up with local literary star and host for the talk Ann Patchett. When Kristen Winston’s scrumptious buffet opened, it signaled it was time to fill plates and find a spot for the program. Big Events’ Martha and Malcolm Greenwood placed rows of ghost chairs facing the stage at one end of the Grand Reading Room and tables and chairs at the other.

After words from NPLF President Shawn Bakker and Brock Kidd, the crowd greeted Colson and Ann with thunderous applause when they took the stage. The discussion between the two friends was a perfect example of why the party is called “the best book club in town.” Colson talked about mining history to tell stories, switching from serious topics to humorous ones and finding inspiration for his recently released Harlem Shuffle in heist movies and The Twilight Zone.

He said there are so many different ways to write about New York that a sequel to the novel is in the works.

As with every year, the evening ended far too soon. For a parting gift, patrons received copies of Colson’s Pulitzer Prizewinning The Nickel Boys and Harlem Shuffle, which they most certainly opened before the following night’s anticipated Literary Award Gala.

Don and Tracy Hardin

Mimi and Charlie Vaughn

Sally Levine, Barbara Chazen

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS continued on page 18

Claudia Schenck, Co-chair Gail Williams, Elizabeth Sherrard

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PA R T I E S

Jerry Johnson, Marnique and Jarrett Strickland, Shawn Bakker

Sylvia Rapoport

Annette Eskind, Jamie Eskind, Jude Eskind, Billy Eskind

Richard and Sara Bovender, Ben and Kaaren May, Jean Ann and Barry Banker

Tyson and Lindsay Moore, Michael Peacock and Tara Scarlett

Michael Shane Neal, Mattie Neal, Brant Phillips

Herbert and Michelle Brown

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Kate Ezell, McLean Barbieri

Happy New Year!

Thanking all my clients for the trust you place in me as your Realtor®.

The 2021 Nashville market was a wild ride and I’m very proud 58% of these closed sales either triumphed in multiple offer situations or by sourcing pre-market homes for my clients. If this new year finds you in the real estate market, I would love to put my experience, negotiation skills and valued ‘realtor to realtor’ relationships to work for you. May 2022 bring you cherished new memories in your beautiful homes!

Melanie Baker’s 2021 Transactions:

210 Burlington Place $3,400,000

707 Brass Lantern Place* $3,400,000

1404 South Street $2,950,000

120 Woodmont Blvd #402N* $2,325,000

3808 Whitland Avenue $2,200,000

144 Alton Road* $2,000,000

1370 Leatherwood Road $1,995,000

4504 Harpeth Hills* $1,895,000

2401 Fairfax Avenue* $1,750,000

1870 Traditions Circle* $1,572,205

1856 Traditions Circle* $1,408,220

900 20th Avenue #1411* $1,375,000

1921 Warfield Drive* $950,000

548 Little Channing Way* $950,000

10 Compton Trace $945,000

11 Thorndale Court* $887,000

1906 Beechwood Avenue* $874,977

1051 Harwick Drive $850,000

3615 Meadowbrook Avenue* $807,500

728 Summerly Drive $765,000

3910 Valley Road $755,000

9715 Capstone Court* $739,900

400 Beauchamp Circle*

1616 West End Avenue #2411* $716,500

1350 Rosa L Parks Blvd #419 $675,000

4412 Glendale Square* $639,900

626 Eastboro Drive* $539,900

103 Nichols Court* $399,900

600 12th Avenue S #1104 $425,000

$720,000

1498 Touraine Place* $298,000

It was a pleasure working with each of these local agents on my 2021 client transactions: Jessica Averbuch, Wendy Baker, Wendy Warren Bradley, Richard Bryan, Richard Courtney, Britt DePriest, Steven Dodson, Kimberly Dougher, Alison Douglas, Angelynn Edwards, Happy Fulk, Zach Goodyear,Courtney Jenrath, Jennifer Love, Michele Maldonado, Tara McGuire, Beth Molteni, SJ McNally, Sarah Jane Nelson, Angela Peach, Mike Post, Caroline Rosenberg, Kelly Rowland, Kyle Shults, Will Shults, Damon Smith, Shane Tallant, Doug Tulumaris, Mary Beth Thomas, Cherie Van Huss and Avery Wagar. *Buyer Representation

M E L ANIE BAKER Affiliate Broker, CRS, ABR, SFR, E-PRO Mobile: 615-300-8155 | Office: 615-383-0813 | Email: melanie.baker@zeitlin.com Follow me on Instagram! @MelanieBaker_RealEstate

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s o m e w h e r e , a m o n g t h e a g i n g oa k t r e e s , a m i d t h e r o l l i n g t e n n e s s e e c o u n t ry s i d e , l i e s a p l ac e t h at s i n g s a t i m e l e s s s o n g . a p l ac e t h at i s q u i e t a n d s e t a pa rt. t w e n t y o n e exqu i s i t e h o m e s i t e s st retch e d ac ro s s t h e poet i c la n d s c a pe o f b re n t wo o d t e n n e s s e e .

Life Set Apart

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PA R T I E S

Michael Shane Neal, André Churchwell

Lee Pratt, Clare Armistead, Seema Prasad

Shawn Bakker, Colson Whitehead

The Next Chapter The Nashville Public Library Foundation honors Colson Whitehead with the Literary Award

Caren Gabriel, Russ Hatke

A

David and Kerri Powell, Adam Ross

Co-chairs Gail Williams and Wanda Lyle

fter two long years, the Nashville Public Library Foundation (NPLF) was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to honor bestselling and Pulitzer Prizewinning author Colson Whitehead with the 2021 Literary Award. Co-chairs Wanda Lyle and Gail Williams had initially planned to welcome the author in 2020, but after pivoting to a digital format last year, the two women decided to postpone Colson’s recognition so that he could be celebrated in person, and it proved well worth the wait.

The weekend’s festivities, which included a public lecture and the Patrons Party, culminated with the Literary Award Gala at the Nashville Public Library’s main branch. Guests sipped blood orange margaritas as they mingled in the lobby before making their way upstairs for dinner. Martha and Malcolm Greenwood of Big Events transformed the Grand Reading Room for the affair, relying on rich jewel tones to set a sophisticated tone. Deep aubergine tablecloths with gold embellishments and lush purple centerpieces were the perfect décor for the crisp late-fall fête.

After dinner, NPLF President Shawn Bakker paid tribute to longtime supporter Kay Simmons, who helped start the gala, with a moment of silence and thanked the co-chairs for making this event a success two years in a row. She also reflected on the importance of the diverse work of the library and the communities it impacts. “There’s no single institution that addresses as many different needs as Nashville Public Library,” she said. This year alone, there were 19,000 new library cards issued, and 12.3 million minutes of reading were clocked in the citywide reading challenge.

The evening concluded with a speech from Colson that was thoughtful, humorous and wildly entertaining. The author — who has written 10 bestselling books, won two Pulitzers and a National Book Award, and received a MacArthur Fellowship — captivated the crowd as he talked about everything from writing moving “think pieces” on the finales of Growing Pains and Who’s continued on page 23

John Allen, Anne Davis and Karl Dean, Kelly Motley

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Cheers to 2022!

$21.5M

10 YEARS

SOL D I N 2021

I N RE A L ESTATE

Celebrating 10 Years of Real Estate

$117M

240+

TOTA L SA L ES

H OMES SOL D

Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year! As I reflect on 2021 and celebrate 10 years in real estate, I am genuinely grateful to all those who have supported my business.

I have built a solid business on a foundation of relationships and trust. My priorities are to advocate for you, educate you, and assist you in achieving success in our dynamic, exciting Nashville market.

Please reach out if I may help in any way. I would be honored to add you to my family of clients.

22 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

STEPHANIE KLEINER Affiliate Broker, REALTOR®, ABR c. 615.424.8881 o. 615.383.0183 stephanie.kleiner@zeitlin.com

PA R T I E S

Valerie Molette, Paul Luter

Karen Elson, Sylvia Rapoport, Vandana Abramson

Douglas and Ann Parker Weeden, Sabrina Miller, Josephine Darwin

the Boss to his many unanswered questions about Star Wars. At one point, he even had the audience singing along with him to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park.” He was as engaging in person as he is in print, showcasing his brilliant — and, at times, absurd — humor and creativity.

As the newest Literary Award honoree, Colson joins the esteemed company of 17 previous recipients that includes John Lewis, Margaret Atwood and David McCullough.

Readers and writers alike will wait with anticipation to see who the NPLF celebrates next.

Jason Luntz, Kellee Ewing

Colson Whitehead

Kent and Dianne Oliver, Lowanda Hill, Ed Lanquist

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Callie Khouri, Keith Meacham

Helen and Alex Jahangir, Jerry Williams, Elizabeth Sherrard

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PA R T I E S

Timeless Tradition A very special return for the Bal d’Hiver

J

ust as every Thanksgiving weekend is a time for family and football, it is an equally important time for the young ladies presented at the Bal d’Hiver. Now in its 74th year, the Bal is Nashville’s oldest charity ball and is hosted by the Kappa Alpha Theta Nashville Alumnae Chapter, with proceeds going to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates, Family & Children’s Service and the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation.

After a year off due to the pandemic, the Bal returned with all its past traditions. Once again, it took place at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, which rapidly became a sea of black and white as the 52 radiant debutantes in flowing white dresses and opera-length gloves and their dapper escorts in tails filled the lobby. As usual, the crowd contained proud moms and dads, excited siblings and doting grandparents. During the festive cocktail hour, families lined up to have Helen Burrus capture the night with photographs, as she has done for so many years.

While the debs and their dads lined up for the presentation, everyone found their places in the ballroom elegantly decorated

by Amos Gott of AmosEvents. Using the co-chairs’ color scheme of pink and silver, he used pink dupioni table linens surrounded by silver Chiavari chairs and mercury glass vases holding white hydrangeas and roses in shades of pinks and white.

Co-chairs Megan Fox, Allison Jones and Elaine Lee introduced Honorary Chair Adelaide Davis and Mistress of Ceremonies Yvonne Ralsky, and the Court of 2021 was presented to the adoring crowd. A delicious dinner of frisée salad with goat cheese and poached pears, cocoa chili-dusted New York strip and salted caramel tart preceded the customary father-daughter dance. Then, everyone got on their feet for dancing to the tunes of The Downtown Band until only the debs and their escorts remained — a very traditional end to the 74th Bal d’Hiver.

Natalie Jones, Lindsey Burtchaell

Olivia Rose, Grace Harris

Keely Hendricks, Shaye Hendricks, Annie Cook

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Co-chairs Allison Jones, Elaine Lee and Megan Fox

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24 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

It Takes a Village Susan and Luke Simons receive the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award

M

Kevin Smith, Jack Turner, Ellen Lehman, Charlie Koon

Aubrey Harwell

Courtenay Daniels, Sophie Hagerty, Serena Hagerty

usic City Center’s Davidson Ballroom was abuzz on a warm December morning as supporters of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) and family and friends of business and community leaders Susan and Luke Simons joined together for the presentation of the 27th annual Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award. Susan and Luke were named the recipients of this year’s award for their “generous philanthropy in the arts and health care and for their tireless service with numerous nonprofit organizations in Nashville and beyond.”

Aubrey Harwell, Charles Starks, Vic Alexander and Ellen Lehman took to the stage to recognize the couple before inviting guests to catch up with friends and enjoy their lunch of salmon on greens, with tiramisu and coffee for dessert.

Everyone’s attention turned to the big screens for a touching tribute video — produced by CFMT’s Pat Embry and Morgan Yingling — that included the couple’s story and interviews with friends, family, colleagues and recipients of the duo’s generosity throughout the years, including Martha Ingram, Jeff Balser, Jim Haslam and many more.

After the video, CFMT Board Chair Decosta Jenkins spoke about Susan and Luke’s impact on Nashville as a whole and Susan’s time on the board, particularly her efforts on the building committee, ensuring the completion of the organization’s future home at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Belmont Boulevard. He presented her with a carefully curated piece of art from Kitras Art Glass in Ontario, as her deep passion for and collection of art is well known in the community. Susan then spoke about several issues that mean a lot to her, including welcoming new people to Nashville and cancer research. She thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them by reminding them that their tickets to the event helped support the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Melisa Currey, Decosta Jenkins, Cynthia Copeland

Amy Bergesen, Susan Simons

Robert Churchwell, Barbara Gray, Mark Jackson

26 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Louise and Jim Frazier, Luke Simons, Kaye Weathers

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PA R T I E S

Pamela and Scott Moore, Tracy Wade

Hope Loftis

Annabelle and Gramps Morgan

Natasha Wright, Neill Jobe, Natasha Matsumoto

Teal Tales Chic Awearness puts up a fashionable fight against cancer

A

fter missing a year due to COVID-19 and a postponement when cases surged in the fall, Chic Awearness came back with its customary flair for raising funds for ovarian cancer research. The eighth annual fashion show brought with it a new collaboration with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) and a new venue, the Hilton Nashville Green Hills, which allowed for a record-breaking crowd of more than 260 guests.

With teal as the color for ovarian cancer awareness, it was everywhere, from Founder and Chair Marci Houff ’s elegant gown to rhinestone ribbons worn by board members to the signature drink, a sparkling libation called the Butterfly Kiss.

Guests checked out the silent auction and snacked on crab cakes and sliders before gathering in the standing room-only ballroom for the program.

The third annual Frances Hill Caldwell Jackson Courage Award went posthumously to Memarie Gayle Jobe. Active in Chic Awearness, Memarie was a past Speaker Survivor, model, board member and friend to many in the room. A video offered stories from survivors, supporters and medical professionals.

As the Ovarian Cancer Thriver, Cindy Hemby shared her story of strength, determination and power while fighting the devastating disease since her initial diagnosis in 2009.

Then, it was time for the fashion show. Ovarian cancer survivors and supporters strutted down the runway dressed in the latest fashions from some of Nashville’s favorite boutiques: Emerson Grace, Gus Mayer, H. Audrey, Levy’s, J. Michaels Clothiers, Peter Millar and Stitch-It & Co. Models included Marci’s “chief supporter” and husband, Stephen, and Cindy’s husband, Ron. Chic Awearness’ collaboration with VICC is one of fewer than 10 internal events supported by the medical center. VICC gynecologic oncologist Ronnie Alvarez called the partnership an “investment,” which will provide advocacy, help for patients navigating their journeys and fundraising to support treatment research. This year’s event was the most successful yet, with a record-breaking amount raised to beat ovarian cancer.

Tiffany Tobin, Paul Hamilton

Stephen and chair Marci Houff

Rudi and Reid Berry

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Jim and Kimberly Lewis

28 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Audrey and Gary Moore

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PA R T I E S

Liz and Dan Werly

Burke Nihill, Adolpho Birch

Blanco Brown, Tina Tuggle

Walls of Fame Opening gala kicks off the inaugural Titans Art Show

T

Shaun McKinley, Josh Ellis

Andrew and Shawn East

Tricia Hastings, Holly Nihill

wo years of planning and waiting came to fruition when the Tennessee Titans Foundation hosted an opening gala to kick off its inaugural Titans Art Show.

Held at trendy Wedgewood-Houston event space Saint Elle, the evening gave attendees a first look at and a chance to buy Titans-inspired artwork that included oils, photography and even painted footballs.

The party began with a VIP reception, where avid art collectors and football fans mingled with team management in an intimate environment while sipping on bubbly and cocktails.

Multigenre singer Blanco Brown performed, leaving the stage at times to serenade ladies and hand them roses. In the adjoining Conservatory, guests opened the bidding on silent auction items, such as hand-painted “Tennessee Tough” cleats and a tasting for 12 from The Whiskey House.

To fuel buying and bidding, popular local eateries offered plenty of hearty fare. Guests filled up on makhani meatballs from Chaatable, poke bowls from The Hart, barbecue pork hash from Jasper’s and sweets from Petit Four Girl. WithCo Cocktails mixed up their takes on classic libations, and The Whiskey House served up tastes of a wide array of, well, whiskeys to go with the food. Once the doors opened to other gala attendees, VIPs gathered in the Nfocus Suite to take advantage of the upscale bar and special gift boxes.

The successful art show ran for the two days leading up to the team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ticket proceeds went to The Titans Foundation, which contributes to area schools, nonprofits and more and also places a strong emphasis on supporting youth football programs so that every child who wants to play the sport can do so. The artwork was collected and curated by Fort Houston Artisan Support Project, a nonprofit, community-based workshop, and art sales went to support those artists.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Ken Perkerwicz, Chris Leidhecker

30 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Grant Winrow, Kellee Ewing

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PA R T I E S

Tim and Arnita Ozgener

Max and Alice Goldberg

Winston and Dania Justice

Making Spirits Bright Merry & Bright welcomes Broadway Dreams to Nashville

B

roadway Dreams, an arts nonprofit devoted to providing performance training to young people of all backgrounds, has been dreaming of making a home in Nashville since 2019, and given the enthusiastic turnout at their recent Merry & Bright fundraiser, there’s a warm welcome awaiting them in Music City. The organization wisely tapped board member Adam Sansiveri to spearhead the holiday cocktail party, which was held on an unseasonably warm December night at Clementine.

Adam called on an impressive group of well-connected friends and colleagues to form a powerhouse host committee, which included Alice and Max Goldberg, Arnita and Tim Ozgener, and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and her husband, Andrew East, among others. Max performed double duty as a committee member and the event’s auctioneer, and he showed up dressed to impress in a Superjew T-shirt and a bright red suit covered in Santas, despite joking that Adam explicitly told him not to. The duo bantered on stage as they auctioned off a number of enviable lots, including getaways to New York City and Sonoma Valley and a private dinner for 10 with chefs Brian Lea and Leina Horii of Kisser.

And what would a Broadway Dreams event be without a little Broadway talent? The crowd was treated to a live performance from three Broadway stars: Alison Luff, who played Elphaba in the national tour of Wicked and Fantine in the Broadway revival of Les Misérables; Telly Leung, who performed the titular role in Disney’s Aladdin; and Ryan Redman, who portrayed Olaf in Disney’s Frozen.

Merry & Bright raised more than $170,000 for Broadway Dreams, which plans to establish its Nashville outpost in 2022 with a musical theater intensive beginning in May in partnership with Belmont University.

“We will work so hard to make Nashville the No. 1 city in the Broadway Dreams tour,” said Broadway Dreams Founder and President Annette Tanner. Based on the enthusiastic response of the crowd, Nashville will be behind the organization all the way.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL W. BUNCH

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PA R T I E S

Let’s Hear It for the Band The Nashville Symphony toasts 75 years at the Symphony Ball Patrons Party Lisa Campbell, Charlie Niewold

Mark and Emily Humphreys

Mike Bussard, Dara Russell

T

he Nashville Symphony pivoted from a white-tie gala to a 75th anniversary concert for the Symphony Ball this year, but the Patrons Party was just as dazzling as ever. Sandi and Scott Borchetta welcomed guests to their spectacular Brentwood estate — the former home of fellow Nashville Symphony supporters Newman and Johnathon Arndt — for the black-tie dinner.

Partygoers were greeted with flutes of Champagne as soon as they stepped through the doors, a wise decision considering there was so much chatting, hugging and catching up that it took many guests half the evening before ever making it across the room to the bar.

Chair Lisa Manning, looking resplendent in a chic black gown, joked that planning this year’s festivities solo was easy because she was free to make every decision on her own.

When we teased that it sounded like she rather enjoyed being a dictator, she said she preferred the term “monarchy,” and her husband, David, was more than happy to refer to himself as her prince all night.

After the convivial cocktail hour, guests were transported via golf cart to the Borchettas’ private ballroom at the back of the property. Dori Waller of The Social Office made the already stunning space even more breathtaking with décor in white, gold and deep pine green. Round tables were draped with green velvet tablecloths, set with gold-rimmed china and topped with towering white floral centerpieces.

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner from Kristen Winston before a series of musical performances organized by Sandi and Scott. Musicians from the Nashville Symphony and students from its Accelerando program performed alongside recording artists Abbey Cone, Danielle Bradbery and Conner Smith.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the night, however, was a video looking back on the Nashville Symphony’s illustrious 75-year history and the crucial role the community has played in its ongoing success. A lot has changed in Nashville in the past 75 years, but fortunately for all of us, the community’s love and support for the Nashville Symphony has remained the same.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Frank and Julie Boehm, Doreatha and André Churchwell

Alan Valentine, Sandi Borchetta

continued on page 37

David and chair Lisa Manning

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Home is where your story begins.

F E B RUA RY 1 1 – 1 3 , 2 0 2 2 M US I C C I TY C E N T E R — N A S H V I L L E , T N P U R C H A S E T I C K E TS AT

A N T I Q U E S A N D G A R D E N S H O W. CO M

PA R T I E S

Mark and Nancy Peacock, Laura and TK Kimbrell

Keith and Katherine Crosthwaite, Laura and Charlie Niewold André Churchwell, Julie Schneider

Kim Hewell and Norm Scarborough, Brian Setzer and Michael Dixon

Tim and Arnita Ozgener, Barby White, Betsy Wills

Ashley and Hunter Herring, Julie and John Schneider

Alan Valentine, Jim Todd

Sara and Richard Bovender, Annette Eskind

Jay Jones and Rob Turner

Gail Greil

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Where Events

Make History Whether you are planning a small, intimate ceremony or a large gathering of family and friends, the Tennessee State Museum offers a memorable setting for your special occasion.

Photography by Sarah Sidwell

Photography by Amanda Law

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38 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

Striking a Chord The Nashville Symphony 75th Anniversary Concert raises $1 million

T

he Nashville Symphony celebrated its 75th anniversary in style, with a beautiful concert featuring world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. The performance, which began with a private cocktail party for patrons, was held in lieu of the traditional white-tie Symphony Ball but proved to be an incredible fundraiser nonetheless.

Lisa Manning held sole chairing responsibilities for the event, which came together in just a couple months’ time. Lisa, ever the pro at organizing events of this caliber, was at first a little reluctant about committing, especially as she was finishing up a two-year “COVID term” as Cheekwood board chair.

“It became clear this was, in fact, a perfect time to chair the Symphony Ball, as Walter Sharp, married to Huldah Cheek, who resided in our beloved Cheekwood, founded the Nashville Symphony,” she said. “What a beautiful example of the connections of two of our most cherished Nashville institutions. Chairing this event 75 years later reminds me of the beautiful connections that make Nashville the city I love.”

Lisa did a fantastic job garnering support throughout the community, as evidenced by the huge turnout at both the 75th anniversary concert and the Patrons Party earlier in the week.

Her efforts helped lead the Nashville Symphony to a whopping $1 million raised through the event. The concert also served as a way to honor the musicians of the symphony orchestra, who were presented the Harmony Award by the 2013 recipient, Brad Paisley.

Fortunately, all indicators point to the return of the white-tie Symphony Ball on Dec. 10, 2022. In fact, the Nashville Symphony was thrilled to share that Shaun Inman and Sheila Shields will cochair the gala. The duo co-chaired the Symphony Fashion Show featuring Zac Posen in 2017, one of the most successful events in the organization’s history.

“We are so honored to co-chair the 2022 Symphony Ball, and we look forward to presenting a beautiful evening of dinner, dancing and music in the stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Center,” Shaun and Sheila said. “The ball is very special to us, helping the Symphony bring free music education programs to our Middle Tennessee children. And everyone, young and old, benefits from more music in their lives.”

Itzhak Perlman

Adam Sansiveri, Antonio Compton

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND, DANIEL MEIGS AND NATHAN ZUCKER continued on page 41

Janice Elliott Morgan, Rob Turner

Jamaal Sheats, Alan Valentine

Chair Lisa and David Manning

Steve Cates, Ed Powell

Melinda and Jeff Balser

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PA R T I E S

Jack and Lisa Purcell Darryl and Carol Yochem

Frank and Julie Boehm

Vicki and Rick Horne

Kevin and Katie Crumbo, Chair Lisa and David Manning

Kim and Jeff Leeper, Ashley and John Rosen

Jun Iwasaki, Brad Paisley, Johna Smith, Gil Long, Alan Valentine

Dara Russell, Mike Bussard

Laura and Charlie Niewold continued on page 43

nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

David Oldham, Abigail Gardiner

John and Melinda Buntin, Josephine VanDevender and Giles Ward

Bonney and Jim Todd

Emily and Mark Humphreys

Doreatha and André Churchwell

Melinda Balser, Sylvia Rapoport, Anona Johnson

Steve Sirls and Allen DeCuyper

Kevin Crumbo, Elizabeth Papel

Eddie and Arnetta Hamilton, Stephanie Spottswood, Marcya Carter-Sheats

Joe and Anne Russell, Susan and Greg Jones

nfocusmagazine.com

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44 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

WEDDINGS

Worth the Wait The fabulous weddings of three Nashville couples After cancellations and postponements plagued betrothed couples in 2020, there was a massive wedding boom in 2021. The

Wedding Report estimated nearly 2 million weddings took place in the U.S. in 2021, with 2.5 million slated for 2022, the highest number of annual weddings in four decades. In Nashville, venues are booked, party planners are slammed and vendors are struggling to keep up with the demand. Weddings are back and more beautiful than ever. We chatted with three local couples who said “I do” this year with stunning celebrations. From an at-home wedding in scenic Colorado to a music-inspired fête at the Country Music Hall of Fame to a dreamy autumnal gathering at a Franklin farm, these nuptials were filled with thoughtful details, remarkable design and unforgettable flourishes, proving that the best things come to those who wait.

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WEDDINGS

Dare to Dream

Katie Leeper and Tyler Campbell tie the knot in a lavish Colorado wedding Katie Leeper and Tyler Campbell’s love story began in Nashville, but when it came time to plan their dream wedding, they set it against the spectacular backdrop of Katie’s childhood home in Boulder, Colorado. Katie and Tyler met in 2013 at Vanderbilt University — he played baseball and she was a cheerleader — and the couple got engaged in December 2020 at Percy Warner Park. They tied the knot on Sept. 4, 2021, on the polo field of the bucolic Ashlawn Estate, where Katie grew up.

“We wanted guests to experience a wedding design unlike anything they had ever seen,” the couple says. “We think we achieved this by building the wedding in the middle of a polo field surrounded by natural beauty and the sweet sentiment of an at-home wedding.”

Employing a monochromatic palette of white and cream for the ceremony, the setting was a dreamy contrast against the magnificent view of mountains jutting up in the distance. Katie, outfitted in a custom sheer lace gown by Galia Lahav, was escorted from the house by the groomsmen carrying white parasols to shield her from view of Tyler or the guests. A wall of white roses opened, cathedral-style, for her grand entrance. Continuing the monochromatic theme, Katie carried an all-white bouquet of roses, orchids and peonies, and her bridesmaids, also in white dresses, carried unique bouquets with flowers that best represented their personalities.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with a Parisian garden theme. The bride’s mother, Kim, kicked off the festivities by sabering a bottle of Champagne and pouring it over a tower of coupes. Ballerinas performed around a fountain filled with blush and lavender flowers, and guests were given coins to throw into the fountain to make a wish for the newlyweds. The cocktail hour began to introduce soft pops of color, a prelude of the stunning reception to come.

With deep hues and rich jewel tones, the reception, held in a tent on the polo field, had a decidedly sexier vibe. Katie changed into a lace party dress adorned with Swarovski crystals, custom-designed by Baracci, for the reception, where guests dined on filet mignon and miso-glazed cod and danced to the tunes of a 15-piece party band called Blue Rhythm. As the party continued, guests enjoyed kobe beef sliders, miniature fig grilled cheese sandwiches, parmesan potato chips and tater tot poutine. A tray of warm chocolate chip cookies was passed around the dance floor, in lieu of a groom’s cake.

Katie — in a black, long-sleeved gown from Tom Ford — and Tyler departed the party down a runway lined with sparklers, capping a truly remarkable and memorable day. “We loved how the wedding felt like we took a piece of Nashville and brought it to the Rocky Mountains,” the couple says. “[It] turns out Nashvillians bring their Southern charm wherever they go!”

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE SORENSEN

46 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

WHITE WEDDING A towering wall of white roses was constructed in the field to allow the bride and her father to make a memorable entrance. The white aisle was lined with more than 100 feet of baby’s breath, leading to a double picture frame altar, adorned with white roses, baby’s breath and strands of crystals.

IN BLOOM “The design concept for the ceremony was light, airy and heavenly, with an all-white and cream monochromatic motif,” the bride says. In addition to the glass-backed white chairs, some of which were personalized with guests’ names, and the white floral altar, one of the most striking flourishes was the selection of blooming cherry blossoms, potted in white boxes, that framed the ceremony site.

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WEDDINGS

SETTING THE MOOD In direct contrast to the airiness of the ceremony, the reception was designed to be “dark, moody and sexy.” Tables were topped with velvet linens, black and blush candles, and lavish floral arrangements in deep purples, reds and pinks. The centerpiece of the room was the lush ombre floral chandelier over the dance floor that incorporated a sketch of floral lace from the bride’s gown by Nashville artist and calligrapher Val Cole.

DRINKS FROM ON HIGH During the reception, the signature cocktail of the evening was Kimmy’s Cosmo, named for the mother of the bride’s famous go-to drink. Adding to the drama of the party, the fun pink cocktails were served to guests in martini glasses by aerialist bartenders.

48 >> JANUARY 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

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WEDDINGS

CLASSIC STYLE Diana loved the first dress she saw: a long-sleeved crepe gown with plunging V neckline by Galia Lahav. Not able to find it in the States, she took a chance and ordered it from London, and she made it her own by adding a deep V to the back. She wore her grandmother’s cathedral-length veil, as her mother and aunt had for their weddings. Her “something old” was her late maternal grandmother’s antique gold, turquoise and pearl bracelet, and her “something new” was Brandon’s wedding gift of antique gold, turquoise and pearl earrings.

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Joy Follows the Rain PERSONAL TOUCH Diana and her mom, Marion, who is known for having a discerning eye, drove to Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta and returned with antique planters, urns and rugs to use at the wedding and enjoy for years to come.

Other antiques and vintage items from Marion’s collection were used throughout the barn and adjacent hall and are one of the chief reasons that the wedding felt anything but cookie-cutter. A showstopping canopy of greenery-wrapped disco balls and potted trees lining the walls completed the elevated, yet natural, appeal of the evening.

Unexpected weather makes the wedding of Diana Wallace and Brandon Perdue all the more memorable Nashville native Diana Wallace hadn’t planned on attending a concert over Memorial Day 2019, much less meeting her future husband while there, but that’s what happened when mutual friends introduced her to Brandon Perdue. They chatted all night, went on their first date a few days later and, as they say, “the rest is history.”

Diana’s entire family gathered at their cabin on Guntersville Lake in Alabama for Labor Day 2020, and when a photographer stopped by to take some family photographs, Brandon asked him to snap the couple by the water first. At one point, the photographer said he needed to “show something“ to Diana on his iPad. It was a video of their closest friends, co-workers and families telling her to “say yes!” When the video ended, she looked up and, through tears, saw Brandon on one knee, asking her to be his wife. “I couldn’t have imagined a more thoughtful, special way to start our forever,” says Diana, “and I still don’t know how he pulled it off without my knowing!”

They chose Franklin’s Southall Meadows for the ceremony and reception and enlisted Hugh Howser and Kate Steele of H Three Events to carry out their design scheme. The duo perfectly interpreted Diana’s penchant for classic with a bit of romance and a touch of modern by using antique and vintage pieces accented with unstructured florals, subdued lighting and unexpected architectural elements. The rich, autumnal color palette, featuring muted mossy greens, deep orange and turmeric, united everything.

The forecast predicted beautiful weather for the day of the wedding, but instead, it unexpectedly turned into torrential showers and flash flood warnings. Plans to have the ceremony and cocktail hour outdoors suddenly became impossible, due to ankle-deep mud, and the ceremony had to be moved indoors to the tobacco barn, which was set for dinner.

Guests found their seats, and the couple exchanged vows in the center of the room underneath a large, crystal chandelier.

Everything else went exactly as planned. Brandon’s 6-year-old son, Jackson, made a darling ring bearer, gave an adorable blessing before dinner and hit the dance floor with the grown-ups during the reception.

Diana and Brandon made their getaway in a 1961 Seafoam Silver Bentley for a honeymoon in San Francisco, Carmel and Big Sur. “While it certainly was not the scenario for which we had planned, it ended up being more unique and meaningful than we ever could have imagined,” Diana adds. “We were able to get married while quite literally surrounded by our closest friends and family.”

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATALIE WILSON

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WEDDINGS

MAGIC IN THE AIR The seated dinner took place in the tobacco barn, which was given a warm, ethereal and intimate feel. The rafters draped in greenery — oak and maple branches, Jackson vine, olive, bay leaf and sage — and twinkling lights overhead provided a romantic glow. The tables were laden with toffee roses, ranunculus, banksia and more greenery, and they used Marion’s extensive collection of vintage brass candlesticks. Burnt orange and turmeric velvet napkins topped white china, and vintage amber goblets were at each place setting. Diana calls the result “magical!”

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To Have and To Hold

A Hall of Fame wedding for Terah Kimbrell and Madison Wenzler It was entirely fortuitous that when Terah Shea Kimbrell and Madison Arlington Wenzler got engaged in the Cheekwood gardens in December of 2019, they planned to have the wedding in October 2021. In addition to missing the height of the pandemic without having to reschedule, the long engagement gave Terah time to finish her graduate studies at Vanderbilt and gave the bride, her mother and Dana Windrow of Page and Windrow Event Planning plenty of time to design the reception of her dreams.

After nearly two years of planning, the big day finally took place in the gorgeous rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Terah explained, “Because country music is a big part of my life and we are both born-and-raised Nashvillians, it was important for us to have the ceremony in a place that has such a rich history in Nashville.” In a tribute to her father’s illustrious career in artist management, they placed flowers around the rotunda on the plaques of performers who are special to their family. Terah wore a mermaid cut gown with a glittery cape by Mistrelli House of Design and carried a bouquet by Jim Knestrick of Knestrick By Design as she walked with her father, TK, down the aisle to Etta James’ “At Last.”

After the new bride and groom left the rotunda to Elvis’ “Burning Love,” guests moved to the event hall for the reception. Dana worked with Please Be Seated, White Door Events, Bright Event Productions and Knestrick By Design to create the black-draped reception space, and Billie Mochow created the minimalist and elegant cake. With so much time invested in planning the event, the bride was anxious to see how everything had turned out, but as she says, “When my mom, Madison and I walked into the event hall to see the reception space, we all three burst into tears! Dana and her team executed our vision perfectly, and we could not believe how beautifully everything turned out.”

For the reception, Terah donned a rhinestone cowboy hat and drank from rhinestone red Solo cups, both designed by Daniel Diamond, and guests happily wore their own yellow light-up cowboy hats as Party on the Moon got everyone out on the dance floor with their rendition of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Everyone enjoyed the perfectly executed wedding and threw flower petals into the air as the husband and wife left their celebration.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUSTIN WRIGHT

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WEDDINGS

LIKE A SONG With the important role music has played in Terah’s family, the song selections held deep meaning for the couple. During the ceremony seating, guests enjoyed Loretta Lynn’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “You Are My Sunshine” from the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Elvis’ “It’s Now or Never,” and Dolly Parton’s “Lovin’ You” and “All I Can Do.” Dolly’s “Love Is Like a Butterfly” played during the processional, and guests were seated for dinner to “For Your Love” by Chris LeDoux and a number of Glen Campbell songs.

AN UNBROKEN CIRCLE Weddings are traditionally filled with circles — most notably in the wedding rings themselves — but with the ceremony taking place in the rotunda under the “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” engraving, the couple wanted to lean into the theme even more than usual.

Guests sat in a circle around the couple for the ceremony, their logo was a circle and the plates and glasses were encircled with gold.

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WEDDINGS

STARRY NIGHT The bride and groom chose a Starry Night theme for their reception. The dining room was enveloped in black drapes, with twinkling lights cascading down from the ceiling, and nearly everything in the room glittered like stars, including the massive chandelier that hung over the dance floor.

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A New Season

The Hillsboro Hounds and The Mells Foxhounds start the season with the Blessing of the Hounds With the arrival of fall comes the return of the time-honored tradition of the Blessing of the Hounds. The tradition, which dates back centuries, signifies the start of the formal season for The Hillsboro Hounds and The Mells Foxhounds, when masters trade their tweed suits for scarlet jackets and head out to the countryside.

Both groups held their ceremonies on crisp autumn mornings in Giles County — The Hillsboro Hounds at Time Out Farm and The Mells Foxhounds at Sugar Valley Farm. Bill Forrester recited St. Hubert’s prayer over the hounds at The Mells’ gathering before the members departed on the hunt, and guests enjoyed a scenic hayride around the farm. Both groups concluded the festivities with a beautiful al fresco lunch to toast another season of sport and camaraderie.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS continued on page 60

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F E AT U R E

The Hillsboro Hounds Time Out Farm

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NSTYLE

It’s in the Details

A wedding invitation suite does so much more than tell the who, what, where and when. It creates a first impression, captures the couple’s personalities and generates excitement for that special day. From save-the-date cards and custom invitation liners to escort cards and cocktail napkins, it’s the details that make a wedding a truly memorable occasion.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Invitations: The Dotted Line | Planner: Jenny Richter Corts, Jenny Richter Events | Calligraphy: Valorie Cole Calligraphy

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NSTYLE

Invitations: Tenn Hens Design | Planner: Jayne Bubis and Debbie Lundy, Jayne Bubis Events | Calligraphy: Valorie Cole Calligraphy

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Invitations: You’re Invited | Planner: Dori Waller, The Social Office | Calligraphy: Valorie Cole Calligraphy

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NSTYLE

Invitations: Ink Nashville | Planner: Jayne Bubis, Jayne Bubis Events | Calligraphy: Kathleen Petro Calligraphy

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The Goo News Goo Goo Chocolate Co.’s new downtown storefront offers a deliciously nostalgic experience There’s no golden ticket required to enter the newly refurbished and reimagined Goo Goo Chocolate Co. downtown, but the experience is awe-inspiring nonetheless.

On the morning of Nov. 5, the day the store reopened after an extensive $2 million renovation that took seven months to complete, visitors lining the block on Third Avenue were as wide-eyed as Charlie Bucket as they entered. The bronze door handle, fashioned to look like a Goo Goo Cluster, is just the beginning. Willy Wonka would be proud.

There’s a replica of a century-old copper kettle from the company’s archives, with chocolate streaming from a faucet above. One wall is lined with large display containers of peanuts, marshmallows, caramel and milk chocolate — all the ingredients in the original Goo Goo Cluster.

Aproned chocolatiers are busy making custom orders by hand in the store’s brand-new kitchen, on full display behind a glass window.

“We wanted it to feel kind of like a factory setting,” says Beth Sachan, vice president of sales and marketing. And while it’s not the production facility — that’s out by the airport — thanks to the additional equipment, staff members can now make 200-300 Goo Goo Clusters a day by hand in the downtown shop.

Customers can channel their inner chocolatier and design their own Goo Goo. Touch-screen machines resembling ATMs allow visitors to choose their chocolate shell and select up to two fillings from a variety of options that include vanilla nougat, Nutella and salted caramel. They then pick three add-ins from a wide array, including rainbow sprinkles, crushed Oreos, toffee pieces, roasted peanuts, Fruity Pebbles and potato chips. After paying online, patrons can watch their custom candy being crafted and packaged in a gift box right in front of them.

Another highlight of the new shop is the dessert bar. The company has obtained a liquor license and will be serving boozy milkshakes, in addition to a menu that includes brownies, blondies, cakes, pies, floats and nonalcoholic milkshakes. They will also be offering tastings of chocolate and whiskey pairings.

In the back of the shop is a private classroom where customers can enroll in hands-on chocolate classes to learn how to make a Goo Goo Cluster. They even get to design their own box. The cost is $50 per person, and the classroom can accommodate 16 people. Those interested can either register online at googoo.com or, if there’s availability, sign up at the shop.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY NASHVILLE GURU

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STEP INSIDE

A LITTLE HISTORY The Standard Candy Company introduced the Goo Goo Cluster in 1912. It was the first combination candy bar in the country. Until then, the idea of combining various ingredients with chocolate was novel. Today, Goo Goo Clusters are sold in various stores regionally and nationally at Cracker Barrel, Hobby Lobby and Tractor Supply Co. “We’re not trying to be the Hershey and the Mars of the world,” says Beth. “We’d rather partner with people where it makes sense for us.”

PURE IMAGINATION Centric Architecture oversaw the renovation, and Seattle area-based Dillon Works, who has worked with Nike and Dylan’s Candy Bar, did the installations. At the Goo Goo store, there’s a little whimsy everywhere, from the faux chocolate-coated light bulbs to conveyor belts with wire baskets filled with signature Goo Goo Cluster boxes traveling overhead on a loop. There’s also an interactive display of colorful acrylic tiles with fun facts about the company. “It’s about having an experience,” says Beth. “It’s not just a retail store.”

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PENCIL IN

JA N UA RY MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

IRIS BALL

STARS FOR WISHES GALA

JAN. 8

The Iris Ball, an annual black-tie fundraiser that benefits a different charity each year, has selected Oasis Center as the beneficiary of the 2022 event, held at Marathon Music Works. Funds raised at the festive party will support Oasis Center’s College Connection’s efforts to make post-secondary education a reality for low-income, new American and first-generation college students. theirisball.com

8

BALLET BALL PATRONS PARTY

JAN. 22

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee is always working hard to make dreams come true, and you can help at the ninth annual Stars for Wishes Gala at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch, who just opened his first Nashville restaurant with Church and Union, will be the celebrity chef for the event, and there will be musical performances from Connor McCutcheon and other yet-to-be-announced artists. wish.org/midtn/stars-wishes

22

LA BELLA NOTTE PATRONS PARTY

29

JAN. 29

HEART GALA JAN. 29

JAN. 27

27

As the Nashville Ballet anticipates the return of the Ballet Ball on March 12, co-chairs Joanne Sowell and Brooke Trusley are getting the party started early with a Patrons Party on Jan. 27. Hosted

by Catherine and Frederick Grace, the cocktail party promises to hint at the evening of midcentury elegance the co-chairs have planned for the black-tie event. nashvilleballet.com/ballet-ball

The Nashville Opera is kicking off the La Bella Notte celebration with a Patrons Party at the home of Betsy and Ridley Wills a week before the black-tie fundraiser. The online auction will be open so guests can start bidding early. Co-chairs Jay Jones and Rob Turner, who are planning a Le Fantôme de l’Opéra theme for the gala, promise that this year’s festivities will be full of surprises. nashvilleopera.org/labellanotte The American Heart Association is once again hosting this year’s Middle Tennessee Heart Gala at the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center to raise money to ensure the AHA’s work continues. The black-tie affair will include great food, live music and both live and silent auctions.

Importantly, they are committed to keeping everyone safe, especially their most vulnerable guests, so make sure to check out the COVID-19 policy. americanheartnashville.ejoineme.com

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OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Jan. 8: Harding Academy’s 50th Anniversary Party (Harding Academy) Jan. 29: An Evening of Promise (Blake McMeans Foundation) For a full listing of upcoming events, visit calendar.nfocusmagazine.com

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BEST B E H AV I O R

New Do’s and Don’ts

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Thank you to our members Insider Wm. Jones Jr Nancy Russell Katie Crumbo Amy & Owen Joyner

Member Elizabeth Cato Monica and Giacomo Meeker Darryl & Carol Yochem Max & Alice Goldberg Rowena Cuffe Mr & Mrs Donald L. Counts, III

IN OVERTIME Over the past few months, my friends and I started venturing out to restaurants again. We’ve visited new places, and we always make a reservation. At a restaurant that we really liked, we’d been at dinner for an hour and a half or so. We had finished our desserts and were still having coffee when the server came by, plopped the bill down on the table and stood there, waiting for us to pay. Is this a new rule for dining out? I don’t think I like it. — Anonymous, Hillwood Apparently, you were on the meter, even if you didn’t know it was running.

When you made your reservation (provided that you didn’t make it online), the person who took it might have mentioned how long you’re allowed to take up a table before you have to head for the door. That may be the new restaurant’s policy, but it doesn’t justify a server looming, waiting for you to sign your tab. If you like this new place enough, call the manager. If it turns out that the server was doing his or her duty, you don’t have to go back. The table needed to be turned, but there’s no reason to give the place another turn.

SHARED INFORMATION At a dinner party a couple of weeks back, a friend told everybody about an unfortunate experience he’d had with a younger man. They’d had one date, and it went well. So, the 50-year-old Googled the 30-year-old. The second time they got together, he told the younger man that he was impressed with the championship his basketball team won when he was in college. The young man stormed out and sent him an email accusing him of being a “stalker.” That relationship is over, of course. The info is out there on the internet. Why shouldn’t we learn what we can? Tell me if I’m wrong. — Anonymous, Hillsboro Village The older guy may not be a stalker, but he’s definitely a talker. If he was ready to spill the beans at the party, the younger man had good reason to be concerned. If this had been a straight relationship, I wonder how the younger woman would have felt about the older guy checking her out and then telling her what he discovered. The data is out there, but we can keep what we learn to ourselves, even if we like what we’ve found. The younger man may have been unduly upset, but he might have done some homework of his own. Snooping around is ageless.

TO TOP IT OFF During the pandemic, I let my hair go gray. My husband actually likes it that way, but now, I think it’s time for me to go brunette again. I don’t want to endanger our marriage, but now that everything’s getting back to normal, I want my hair to look “normal” again. What do I do? — Anonymous, Brentwood It’s your hair; do with it as you like. You can have it dyed as many times as you please, no matter what your husband thinks. It will always grow out. You may have been confined for too long. Now that you’re poking your head out again, find something else to worry about. Surely, you will.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM, PLEASE VISIT M E M B E R S H I P. N F O C U S M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How to Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusmagazine.com.

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COU APHS

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Opening Night A look back at the Nashville Symphony’s premiere On Dec. 10, 1946, a rapt audience filled the War Memorial Auditorium and witnessed the debut of the Nashville Symphony. Civic and cultural leader Walter Sharp spearheaded the drive to give the city a symphony orchestra, and William Strickland, also a co-founder, served as its first music director and conductor. On opening night, internationally renowned soprano Helen Jepson sang selections

by Mendelssohn, Liszt and Massenet, and the Symphony performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, as well as works by American composers George Whitefield Chadwick and Cecil Effinger. Following the successful performance, Walter and his wife, Huldah, hosted the first of many grand receptions at their estate, Cheekwood. The inaugural concert of the Nashville Symphony was, by all accounts, triumphant and established a history of bringing remarkable performances to Middle Tennessee that has lasted more than 75 years.

Top photo: Nashville Symphony’s first performance at War Memorial; Middle photo, left to right: Walter Sharp, Helen Jepson, William Strickland; Bottom photo: Nashville Symphony reception at Cheekwood

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, 1946 HONY

SYMP

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