Nfocus February 2024

F E B R U A R Y 2024

NASHVILLE BALLET’S ATTITUDE, THE PORSCHE EXPERIENCE, THE 34TH ANNUAL ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW AND MORE

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CONTENTS February 2024 | Vol. XXXI, No. 2

features 19

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49 53

57

Best Parties

Celebrating your favorite events of 2023

Fast and Fabulous

A turbocharged partnership with the Nobu Hotel Atlanta puts you behind the wheel of a Porsche on a performance track

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Kirna Zabête arrives in Nashville 10

Nashville Ballet’s Attitude series premiers three new pieces

Welcome to Beautiful

The Antiques & Garden Show elevates and inspires

parties An Enlightening Lunch

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Nstyle

72

Taking Vows

74

Pencil In

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Nretrospect

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Nashville chapter celebrates 100 years

The new Turner Theater The latest from style gurus Bentley Caldwell & Carson Love

A Warm Welcome

Local dignitaries celebrate Fisk University’s Agenia Clark

departments

Elevated Attire With Feeling

Step Inside

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In Our Words

A toast to celebrations and exploring the new year

Anna McNair Avinger marries Kevin Michael Stipe Mark your calendars for these upcoming events The portrait of a lady

Behind the Scenes With event planner Dori Thornton Waller

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ON THE COVER

Dori Thornton Waller, owner and president of The Social Office, photographed by Eric England at Noah Liff Opera Center. For more on Dori, turn to page 12.

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Correction: In the article “An Enchanting Afternoon” from our January 2024 issue, we stated that Laurie Eskind started the Nutcracker Tea at The Hermitage Hotel. This is incorrect. Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea was a new event, started by co-chairs Allison Cotton, Catherine Grace and Caylan Jarman. We apologize for the error.

nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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IN OUR WORDS

Editorial

founding editor

Herbert Fox, Jr. editor-in-chief

Janet Kurtz

contributing editors

Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Silverman social correspondent

Gloria Houghland contributors

Beth Alexander, Emily Bache, Jessica Baladad, Abigail Breslin, Bentley Caldwell, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Carrington Fox, Margaret Littman, Carson Love, Sandra Nelson, Nancy Vienneau

Art

art director

Christie Passarello senior photographer

Eric England

staff photographer

Angelina Castillo

contributing photographers

Michael Scott Evans, Lorenzo Huerta, Hamilton Matthew Masters graphic designers

Let the Party Begin!

A toast to celebrations and exploring the new year

“YOU'RE INVITED,” “We request the honor of your presence,” “Please join us” — these phrases and so many more set the stage for a gathering. But we all know the difference between a boring party and a great event is the people who attend. At Nfocus, we have seen the smallest, most intimate events, as well as many super-sized soirées, become memorable moments as guests visit, laugh and share the stories of their lives.

This month, we again lift up the best events of the year with our 2023 Best Parties readers poll. We also explore new spaces. Whitney Clay takes us inside the new permanent home of Studio Tenn — the Turner Theater at the historic Factory at Franklin. The WanderLust Girls visit the new and highly anticipated Kirna Zabête boutique. Margaret Littman takes us to Atlanta for the Porsche Driving Experience and offers a first look at the new Nobu Hotel. We sit down with choreographer Jermaine Spivey to discuss the progression of modern dance and the themes that tie together Attitude, a Nashville Ballet program that premieres this month. Our style gurus Bentley Caldwell and Carson Love return with new tips and tricks for looking your best.

While it is a season of rest for events, we spend a delightful afternoon with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s General James Robertson Chapter as they celebrate the chapter’s 100th anniversary. We raise a glass to Agenia Clark, the new president of Fisk University. We also highlight the history and legacy of the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville as it celebrates its 34th year.

As we reflect on the social season of 2023, we look forward to embracing friends and sharing laughter and light in the new year. On that note, I would like to share with you one of my favorite toasts. This toast was given regularly at gatherings by my friend Mike Fitts, who we lost last year. No one loved a party more than Mike, but it was his friends and family that he cherished most. Maybe his toast will come in handy for you this year: “There are good ships and wood ships and ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.”

Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton

marketing and promotions manager

Robin Fomusa

Advertising publisher

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski

advertising solutions consultants

Teresa Birdsong, Maddy Fraiche, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Allie Muirhead, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel, Keith Wright associate account executive

Kailey Idziak

sales operations manager

Chelon Hasty

advertising solutions associates

Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal

Circulation

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

Business president

Mike Smith chief financial officer

Todd Patton IT director

BY JANET KURTZ Janet moved to Nashville 25 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler.

John Schaeffer

Owner

FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 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 $100 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 ©2024 FW Publishing, LLC.

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Forest Hills Green Hills

Green Hills bellevue

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nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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BEHIND THE SCENES

In the Details

Go behind the scenes with event planner Dori Thornton Waller WHETHER SHE’S COORDINATING events for the banking industry, the White House or guests of the 2024 Swan Ball, Dori Thornton Waller has a passion for planning. Dori is the owner and president of prestigious event-planning firm The THE BASICS Social Office. Growing up, Dori wanted to be a TV personality, Name: Dori Thornton Waller like Kathie Lee Gifford. As a seHometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee nior in high school, she got the opportunity to intern for a local Zip code: 37405 NBC affiliate and shadow eveYears in Nashville: Four (officially). ning news anchor Cindy Sexton.

However, since moving back to my hometown of Chattanooga in 2013, While Dori loved the fast-paced I’ve been commuting to Nashville world, she quickly realized broadweekly. casting was not meant for her.

Number of events you have planned: Born and raised in ChattaOh my! While I always strive for nooga, Tennessee, Dori moved to quality over quantity, it’s around 900 Washington, D.C., after college. (and counting). A 20-year history There, she became the deputy soadds up, especially with my time at cial secretary for the White House the White House, which had several events each day.

— and one of the youngest people to earn the job in recent history.

Today, Dori lives in Chattanooga and commutes back to Nashville regularly. She executes some of the most demanding and meticulous events in the world, while juggling cultures and personalities that span the globe. This year, Dori has the honor of being the 2024 Swan Ball event planner, and she looks forWhat led you to event planning? The sumward to using her skills and expertise to bring the mer before my senior year in college, I was exquisite event to life. fortunate to land a great internship in Chicago working for a large national bank in its event

BY JANET KURTZ planning department. It was the most fun sumPHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND mer creating and executing events with little constraints — no budgets, big concerts, horse races, black-tie dinners, etc. I learned so much about high-end events and knew immediately that was my calling.

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our signature, even when we do things outside the South. I always tell a client that it is our job to let you know Emily Post’s Etiquette, and then it can be your decision to deviate. My favorite trend will always be a classic wedding with twists unique to the client. If I had to pick a few, they’d be a daytime wedding, drone footage (video and photo) and using appropriate scale.

What is the most important advice you give to your clients? Some of these would be considered company secrets, but I’m happy to divulge a little. I tell each client to determine their priorities early on (band, catering, décor, etc.), and I work with them to set their budget.

I want to be your friend at the end of this, and my team and I are here to help, so it’s always best to get financials settled and out of the way. On a more sentimental note, I ask clients what they would like their guests’ main takeaway to be from the wedding — what do you want them to leave your wedding saying?

What is your most memorable event? Oh, there are so many. But I would have to pull two from my experience working at the White House. My first day on the job as deputy social secretary was the day of the state arrival and state dinner for Queen Elizabeth. Thankfully, I was just shadowing my amazing predecessor, Missy DeCamp, but it was certainly the experience of a lifetime.

Just a couple years later, it was my turn to be at the helm for the state arrival for the pope. Both of these events required precision in planning every last detail — something I bring to my business now, whether planning a dinner party for 10 or a wedding for 500.

What trends do you see emerging with events in the near future? I love this question! Our events are distinctive in that they are traditional, timeless and have a Southern twist —

When not planning events, where are you most likely to be? Likely with my husband and two daughters at a Tennessee Volunteers football game or an Atlanta Braves baseball game.

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STEP INSIDE

TAKING THE STAGE

Step inside the new Turner Theater IN THE FACTORY at Franklin, next to Mojo’s Tacos and down the hall from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, is a marquee rivaling anything in New York’s Broadway Theater District.

After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the newly named Turner Theater — previously the Jamison Theater — is now the permanent home of Studio Tenn, one of the area’s most respected professional theater companies. The revamping of the space dovetails with an overall renovation of much of the Factory, which has included bringing in new tenants, such as fan favorite Edley’s Bar-BQue and a second location of the celebrated Nashville restaurant etch.

“You have this beautiful new Factory — [an] old, historic, incredible venue being renovated with new restaurants and high-end retail,” says Patrick Cassidy, artistic director of Studio Tenn. “And you have a professional theater in it. Not a movie theater — a theater.

I’ve never seen that before.”

The 319-seat theater, named after one of its main benefactors, Cal Turner, provides impressive event space — complete with a catering kitchen. It also showcases national acts, like a recent one-man show featuring Jason Alexander. Coming up is Driving Miss Daisy, running March 7-17.

The lobby, named for donors Calvin and Marilyn LeHew, features herringbone wood floors and exposed dark gray ductwork, which

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echoes the theater itself — a nod to the 1929 building’s industrial roots. Originally, the Factory was the home of Dortch Stove Works, Magic Chef and later, the Jamison Bedding Company.

During the recent renovation, the theater was completely transformed. “The only thing similar to this and what was Jamison is it’s got the same coordinates on a map,” says Tony McAlister, chair of Studio Tenn’s board of directors. “Other than that, it is not the same.”

While Studio Tenn has been performing at the Factory since 2014, the theater company always had a month-to-month lease. “It was called a theater, because we did a lot — all — of our shows [there],” says Todd Morgan, managing director of Studio Tenn. “But we literally set up all the risers and everything. And then, when we were not in here, it was just empty.”

Now, the nonprofit theater company has a permanent home.

Studio Tenn launched a $3.5 million fundraising effort to pay its half in the joint venture with Holladay Properties. Apeiro Design, a theater and performance venue design firm with offices in five cities, including New York and Washington, D.C., helmed the renovation project, in collaboration with Nashville-based Centric Architecture.

F E B R U A R Y 2 024 | nfocusmagazine.com

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

BREAK A LEG There’s not a bad seat in the house, says Patrick.

As part of the renovation, any obstructed views were eliminated. The comfortable, light-gray seats are adjustable, so the space can accommodate a wide variety of events. In addition to the catering kitchen backstage, there are now three dressing rooms, an orchestra room wired for sound, a restroom and a storage room. Totaling 10,000 square feet, the theater boasts a spacious stage — one big enough to house the orchestra for the upcoming musical Cabaret.

STEP INSIDE

A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Tony says that when people heard the Factory was being sold, some expressed concern that Studio Tenn might not have a home. He found allies in merchants, who told Allen Arender of Holladay Properties that the shows bring customers in. “Allen came and saw a show,” says Tony. “I talked to him afterwards, and he said, ‘Tony, this theater is not the quality of your shows.’ I said, ‘We know.’ He said, ‘Well, let’s do something about that.’” The result is a 50-50 private/nonprofit partnership.

A FACTORY TIMELINE In the mid-’90s, a cluster of 11 Depression-era buildings were facing possible demolition when Calvin LeHew purchased them, converting the property into a shopping mall and event space. He sold the Factory to Kentucky native Brad Kelley in 2012, who owned it until 2021 when it was purchased by Holladay Properties. As part of the superorganism of the Factory at Franklin, retail and dining options include: Judith Bright, Luna Record Shop, Greys Fine Cheeses, Five Daughters Bakery, Otaku Ramen, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Honest Coffee Roasters and Lemon Gift Shop, which features specialty gifts, apparel and home décor.

nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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NSTYLE

HIS STYLE

Suit yourself

HAPPY FEBRUARY, GENTS! As my clients begin to build out their wardrobes, I get asked one question a lot: “Do I need a suit?” Follow-up questions often include: “Why do I need a suit?” and “If I need a suit, what color suit do I need?”

Before stocking up on suits, it helps to understand the history of suiting. Upon doing some research, I was amused to learn the term “suit” is derived from the French word “suivre,” which means “to follow.” By definition, a suit’s jacket and pants should “follow” (match) each other in color and fabric. If they don’t, it’s a sports coat and trousers.

Since the 19th century, the suit has taken many shapes and forms — far too many to discuss here. But despite the suit’s long-standing place in history, questions about its necessity remain.

Do I need a suit?

Short answer: Yes.

Why do I need a suit?

You need a suit, because you’re a man living in a modern world who will attend public and private outings with other human beings. In the combined words of Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother and Mr. Potato Head from Toy Story, “Suit up, you uncultured swine!”

HER STYLE

Trendspotting

AS I WRITE THIS, the view outside my window is a blanket of white snow, and temperatures are well below freezing. But the fashion wheel continues to turn.

While it may be hard to think about spring ensembles in the thick of winter, seasonal trends reveal themselves on runways months ahead of time. This spring’s fashion trends debuted last fall — and they’re already starting to show up in stores.

While trends are an important part of culture, keep in mind that not every trend is for everyone. Just like bachelorettes on Broadway, by the time you’re tired of seeing them, a new batch is already on its way.

When spotting trends, I typically use the rule of three: For something to be a trend, you have to see it in at least three separate runway shows. Using this method, I’ve rounded up a few notable spring trends to keep on your radar.

’90s Minimalism

A new wave of the ’90s aesthetic has been trending for the last couple years, and the look isn’t leaving any time soon. In particular, people are embracing an understated, lived-in aesthetic — à la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

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Metallics

Unlike many spring seasons where bright colors trend, the palettes on Spring/Summer 2024 runways were filled with bronze, gold and silver. Could the upcoming Olympic games have brought inspiration to designers?

Roses

This year’s spring florals actually are groundbreaking.

Roses appeared all over the runway in striking ways: 3D appliqués, oversized prints and even fresh-cut stems carried by models at the Simone Rocha show.

Although spring fashion typically brings visions of bright colors and poppy patterns, the overarching theme this year is much more muted. Whether or not you choose to incorporate this spring’s top trends into your wardrobe, they’re interesting to take notice of — and fun to draw inspiration from.

BY CARSON LOVE Carson Love is a wardrobe and personal stylist based in Nashville. Her main goal is to help clients present as and feel like their best selves, so they are ready for whatever life brings them. Find her online: CarsonLove.com or follow her on Instagram @carsonmlove.

What color should my first suit be?

The debate rages on as to which color your first suit should be: navy or gray? If you can afford both, get both. A charcoal gray suit is a great staple in any man’s wardrobe. That said, if you’re going to start with just one suit, go with navy.

Outside of black- and white-tie affairs, a navy suit covers all the formality bases. It can be worn to weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs, but it also fits the bill for cocktail attire. You can wear the suit jacket with a button-down and jeans for a business casual look. Or you can wear the pants with a polo and denim jacket for a more stylish ensemble. The sky’s the limit with a navy suit!

Hopefully, you’re still holding steady with your New Year’s resolutions and goals. If not, give yourself grace and begin again. ( Just some food for thought from your friendly neighborhood stylist.) Peace and love, you stylish sons of guns!

BY BENTLEY CALDWELL Bentley Caldwell is a Nashville-based men’s personal stylist who helps guys up their style and confidence and take the guesswork out of dressing themselves. Have a fashion or styling question? Visit his website: BentleyCaldwellStyling.com or follow him on Instagram @bentleycaldwell.

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B E S T PA R T I E S

ST PTIS 2023 Another year has passed in the post-COVID-19 world. As we celebrate a year of events, we consider them through the lens of history. When Herbert Fox Jr. started Nfocus, he covered a wide array of events, from birthday parties to private dinners to social events throughout the city. Today, each of the parties and galas we cover uplifts organizations that support the community. We are excited to share the winners of the 2023 Readers Poll and highlight the great organizations behind the year’s best parties.

BY JANET KURTZ AND GLORIA HOUGHLAND

nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST EVENT

River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)

ALSO MOST FUN PART Y, BEST ENTERTAINMENT, BEST PART Y BAND, BEST HOST The milestone of a 20th anniversary is a good reason to attain Best Event status, but River Swing seems to garner this top designation on a yearly basis. In fact, our readers voted this sold-out event as their Most Fun Party too. A lot of the credit for this hooting, jamming and swinging celebration for Tennessee rivers goes to our Best Host award winner, Christian Currey, who several years ago opened the gates of his bucolic River Circle Farm to host the wildly popular fête. He even created a service road, River Swing Way, to direct attendees to a makeshift village of billowing tents housing buffet dining, festive dancing and silent auction bidding. Throughout the grounds, strategically placed outdoor lounges serve as ideal spots for sipping cocktails, lighting cigars and enjoying the setting sun. At River Swing, there’s something for everyone.

The event is known for its nonstop entertainment, and this year was no exception. Guests danced the night away to the pulsating sounds of uber-popular Moon Taxi, Justin Bell, Nicki Bluhm and The Sweet Lillies. The record-setting 1,200-plus attendees all seemed to be on the dance floor at once. For that reason, guests also voted River Swing as having the Best Entertainment and Best Party Band (Moon Taxi) of 2023. That superfecta puts this party on our do not miss list.

It’s worth mentioning that our Best Event runners-up — 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala and Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre) — also earned second and third place in our Most Fun Party category. The Downtown Band and CoJo Ko were runners-up in our Best Party Band category.

And a range of event organizers earned recognition in our Best Host or Hostess category, including Adam Sansiveri for Pick Your Poison (Broadway Dreams) and Marcya Carter-Sheats and Jamaal Sheats (TennGreen Land Conservancy).

Best Event: River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy) Second Place: 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala Third Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

Best Party Band: Moon Taxi at River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy) Second Place: The Downtown Band Third Place: CoJo Ko Best Host or Hostess: Christian Currey for River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy) Second Place: Adam Sansiveri for Pick Your Poison (Broadway Dreams) Third Place: Marcya Carter-Sheats and Jamaal Sheats (TennGreen Land Conservancy)

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Most Fun Party: River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy) Second Place: 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala Third Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

IVY VICK THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS.

REAL ESTATE ADVISOR 615.485.0963 ivy@nashvilledigs.com nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024 21

B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST ANIMAL-CENTRIC EVENT

Cause for Paws Supporters of the Nashville Humane Association could not have been more pleased with the beautiful forecast for the annual Cause for Paws luncheon held at Belle Meade Country Club. This popular party offered everything — a cheerful balloon arch entrance, a decadent lunch, sparkling wine, luxury shopping (with a percentage of sales going to NHA), and a fashion show featuring designer Shoshanna. As always, the high point of the day was the opportunity to snuggle with some of NHA’s puppies. The furry ambassadors were on hand to remind everyone how crucial their donations are to NHA’s cause.

Second Place (tie): Chukkers for Charity (Rochelle Center, Saddle Up!), Sunset Safari (Nashville Zoo) Third Place: Boo at the Zoo (Nashville Zoo) PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

(Nashville Humane Association)

BEST ARTS EVENT

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Broadway Brunch

(Nashville Repertory Theatre)

BEST AUCTION ITEM

“The Progression to Debauchery” at l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)

For over four decades, the Nashville Wine Auction has worked to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. This year, the organization raised a record-setting $2.4 million through its annual wine auction, l’Eté du Vin. No doubt, auction items such as the aptly named “Progression to Debauchery” helped skyrocket the proceeds. The progressive dinner experience was set to start with hors d’oeuvres, Champagne and caviar — and the assignment to choose five bottles of cabernet sauvignon for dinner. Lucky bidders would then travel to a second locale, where they’d enjoy seafood, cheese and French whites. After that, they’d search for a third top-secret location, where they’d enjoy a seated three-course dinner, the hand-picked cabernets and a dessert course served with bourbons, all aged 15 years or more.

Second Place: SeaDream Mediterranean Cruise for Two at The Hermitage Gala Third Place: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery package (including four reserve whiskey bottles, a private distillery tour and a tasting for 12 with Andy Nelson) at the Swan Ball Late Party (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

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This year’s Nashville Repertory Theatre Broadway Brunch was, once again, an award-winning success. The brunch boasts excellent food, a stellar silent auction and an opportunity to meet Rep actors. It is also a phenomenal show — with this year’s version inspiring guests to get up and dance around the room. (It’s little surprise these NRT performers earned second place in our Best Entertainment category.) The organization gave its Ovation Award to three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze, who performed a moving rendition of “I’m Here” from The Color Purple. But you could have heard a pin drop when executive director Drew Ogle reminded everyone why their support was so necessary. “In the last year, over 30 regional theaters have closed,” he said. “This doesn’t need to happen here in Nashville, and the difference is you.” Bravo, Broadway Brunch!

Second Place: Ballet Ball (Nashville Ballet) Third Place (tie): TPAC Gala (Tennessee Performing Arts Center), Literary Award Gala (Nashville Public Library Foundation)

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BEST CHILDREN/FAMILY EVENT

Picnic With the Library (Nashville Public Library Foundation)

The Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Picnic With the Library is always one of the most whimsical events of the year. This year was no different, as hosts settled on a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme and filled the Margaret Ann & Walter Robinson Courtyard with playful decor. (You can’t get any more whimsical than that.) There were sequinclothed tables, giant gold-foil-wrapped candies, face painters, marionettes and balloon animals — plus a real-life Willy Wonka who strolled around greeting adorable families. Guests feasted on a dreamy buffet of comfort foods from childhood, like creamy macaroni and cheese, crispy chicken tenders, fresh-cut fruit, and of course, chocolate.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

B E S T PA R T I E S

Second Place: TPAC Family Day (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) Third Place: Fall for Cheekwood (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

BEST DÉCOR

007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala (Interfaith Dental)

This year’s Interfaith Dental Gala came roaring back after a three-year pandemic-induced hiatus with 007: A License to Smile, featuring a theme based on international man of mystery, James Bond. Cochairs Keisha and Steven Brady and Eva Angelina and Jaime Romero hosted a riveting evening at The Factory at Franklin, complete with a Casino Royale and an Aston Martin on display. Of course, what would a James Bond-themed evening be unless shaken, not stirred? Guests enjoyed plenty of martinis — a perfect finishing touch for this action-packed party, which handily earned its Best Décor distinction.

Second Place: l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction) Third Place: Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)

BEST CO-CHAIRS

Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein for Red Door Bash A 25th anniversary is a momentous milestone — one worth celebrating thoroughly. Co-chairs Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein rose to the occasion, planning a 25th anniversary Red Door Bash that honored the important work of Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. The co-chairs moved the event to a new, larger venue — the Music City Center — and filled the perimeter of the reception hall with silent auction items for guests to peruse. The high point of the evening was when Emmy-winning comedy writer Alan Zweibel took the stage to honor Gilda Radner, the actor and comedian Gilda’s Club is named after. Alan talked about his long friendship with Gilda and what her loss meant to him. Guests simultaneously laughed and cried, and all raised a glass to the purpose of the evening.

Second Place: Connie Deidiker and Nancy Peacock for Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre) Third Place (tie): Marees Choppin, Irwin Fisher, Pam Koban and DeeDee Wade for The Hermitage Gala, Jay Jones and Rob Turner for l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

(Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)

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B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST WOMEN’S EVENT

Wine Women & Shoes (YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee)

BEST LUNCHEON

Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)

BEST-DRESSED PART Y GUESTS

Amos Glass (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

Giorgio Armani once said, “Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.”

If you are lucky enough to meet Amos Glass, you will remember him not only for his dapper style of dressing — often including his signature bow tie — but also for his engaging smile. Amos has held many roles at Nashville Repertory Theatre and currently serves as the director of marketing and communications. With his strong background in theater, Amos has contributed much to the success of NRT. While he has a spot-on sense of fashion, he exudes approachable self-confidence. As Yves Saint Laurent put it, “Dressing is a way of life.”

Second Place: Gabriela Lira Third Place: Jennie and Rob McCabe

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Second Place: Louisa Nelson Awards (Nelson's Green Brier Distillery) Third Place (tie): The Power of the Purse (The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Chic Awearness (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)

PHOTOGRAPH BY TAUSHA DICKINSON

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

One of the most anticipated shopping events of the year is always Wine Women & Shoes.

The annual event benefits YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. Each year, guests arrive early to ensure ample time for shopping. They also enjoy organizer-arranged fun and games — like a “Wall of Wine” and the ever-popular “Key to the Closet” — as well as a silent and live auction.

Best of all, the organization announced this year that it raised $140,000 to help end domestic violence in our community and support victims of abuse. Many beneficiaries of the program were in the room and helped raise the crucial funds for the organization.

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What better way to celebrate the outdoors than in the magnificent Ridge Field at Edwin Warner Park? On a sparkling fall afternoon, preservationists, conservationists and supporters of the Warner Parks system arrived in their Sunday best and enjoyed cocktails and fellowship. The event highlighted the important work of the Friends of Warner Parks, including planting 10,000 trees in the park and aiding the removal of 40 acres of invasive plants. The afternoon also brought the news of the Percy Warner Golf Course restoration and renovation project, which will restore the course, originally built in 1938.

Second Place: Spring Outing (The Hermitage) Third Place: Impact Awards (Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee)

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P R O M OT I O N A L

YOUR SPECIAL EVENT VISIONS REALIZED If you’ve attended any of Nashville’s most beloved galas and social soirées over the years, chances are you’ve seen the talents of Quest Events’ team at work. Quest joined forces in 2013 with Visual Elements, a Nashville-Based company founded in 2006 by Carol Hodge. Under the Quest Events name, the business has continued the Visual Element’s legacy of working with some of the city’s most prominent fundraisers and charitable committees. Best known for transformative drapery, stunning chandeliers and inventive decor options, Quest is in the business of making event visions come true.

Quest’s collaborations date back to the early days of the Swan Ball and the beginning of the venerable Conservancy Gala. The team created custom oversized chandeliers for the former, and has been honored to support the event chairs and designers that bring these “Best Parties” to life — both then and now.

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“Carol is creative force and is never intimidated by the ideas and vision of the events I produce. She and the Quest team are a talented asset to Nashville.”

— AmosEvents

From the elegant and creative Symphony Balls, Ballet Balls, Frist Galas and Conservancy Galas, to the Heritage Balls in Franklin, to the Red Carpet Evenings at the Belcourt Theatre, Quest Events has played various roles to support each organization’s efforts in funding the arts, charities and causes it champions.

With its recent merger with EventWorks here in Nashville and other cities in the Southeast, Quest continues to improve the ideas and products it can bring to the “Best Parties” in the city. And Quest Events plans to be on Nashville’s social scene — transforming spaces and inspiring guests — for years to come.

QU E S T E V E N T S .CO M/ N A S H V I L L E nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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MOST FASHIONABLE EVENT

007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST NEW OR REIMAGINED EVENT

Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea

(Interfaith Dental)

This year’s 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala was fashionable in more ways than one. A highlight of the evening was a James Bond-themed fashion show presented by Oak Hall, where current dental school students modeled outfits inspired by Bond films.

Many gala guests dressed in James Bond-suitable attire as well. A beautiful evening was had by all in support of Interfaith Dental's goal to ensure “every individual has the opportunity to achieve and sustain a healthy smile.”

That alone could have garnered the award for this fun event, because smiles are always in fashion.

Second Place: Symphony Fashion Show (Nashville Symphony) Third Place: Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

(Nashville Ballet)

New to the event calendar this year, Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea was a charming afternoon for young and old alike. As Nashville Ballet board members and parents of young children, co-chairs Allison Cotton, Catherine Grace and Caylan Jarman dreamed up the concept. The new, family-friendly event brought the magic of Nashville's Nutcracker to longtime supporters and new audiences. Hosted at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the event featured charming holiday decor and plenty of fun activities. Guests enjoyed a kid-friendly buffet with tea sandwiches and desserts, while adults were greeted with sparkling wine and poinsettia cocktails. Children enjoyed Nashville's Nutcracker-inspired balloon art and face painting, sparkly hair styling, pointe shoe decorating, and a professional photography studio for family photos. The event included three 20-minute Nashville's Nutcracker excerpts, featuring favorite characters like Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy and more.

Second Place: The Hermitage Gala Third Place: Bright Night (Centennial Park Conservancy)

BEST SPECIAL GUEST

Alan Zweibel at Red Door Bash This year’s Red Door Bash was no ordinary celebration. As Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee celebrated its 25th anniversary, co-chairs Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein found a thoughtful way to honor the organization’s namesake, Gilda Radner. They invited Alan Zweibel, a close friend of Gilda’s, to speak at the event. Alan talked about his career as a comedy writer. He also spoke about meeting and becoming friends with Gilda — and what it felt like to lose her. The evening was made even more special by some incredible news: The event broke all its previous records for fundraising to help support those experiencing cancer.

Second Place: LaChanze at Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre) Third Place: Damien Barton Sartorius at l’Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

(Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)

ON THE MARKET

ON THE MARKET

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2 BD | 2/1 BA | 2,263 SF | $2,828,750 Lara K. Kirby 931.273.5510

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ON THE MARKET

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ON THE MARKET

1616 West End Avenue #2901 | Midtown

5 BD | 4/1 BA | 4,763 SF | $1,929,900 Susan Gregory 615.207.5600

2 BD | 2/1 BA | 1,628 SF | $1,925,000 Lisa Schoenhouse 925.788.4521

6043 Porters Union Way | Arrington 5 BD | 5/2 BA | 4,988 SF | $1,869,900 Susan Gregory 615.207.5600

COMING SOON

ON THE MARKET

ON THE MARKET

2808 Westmoreland Drive | Nashville

4008 Arno Road | Franklin

4 BD | 2 BA | 2,140 SF | $1,275,000 Mary Brooke Bonadies 615.496.1960

3 BD | 2 BA | 2,478 SF | $1,750,000 Loy Hardcastle 615.948.3704

ON THE MARKET

6612 Wilhugh Place | West Meade 4 BD | 3 BA | 2,846 SF | $895,000 Maggie Bond 615.481.9203

ON THE MARKET

92 Castleberry Drive | Sewanee

ON THE MARKET

750 Harpeth Trace Drive | Nashville

3 BD | 3 BA | 2,013 SF | $599,000 Mary Brooke Bonadies 615.496.1960

104 Bonnie Briar Lane | Belmont-Hillsboro

2 BD | 2/1 BA | 1,568 SF | $558,000 Mary Brooke Bonadies 615.496.1960

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2 BD | 2 BA | 1,330 SF | $500,000 Maggie Bond 615.481.9203

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Lara K. Kirby

Lisa Schoenhouse

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B E S T PA R T I E S

Wine-GlassMarking Pens at l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)

Gathering with friends can be such a delight — the conversation, the food and often, the drinks. But getting lost in conversation can also mean putting down a glass of your favorite beverage and forgetting which glass belongs to you. That is why glass-marking pens made an ideal party favor at the Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Ete du Vin. Never lose your glass again, and ensure your host’s wine glasses remain pristine after a wash. Always innovative with its favors, the Nashville Wine Auction hits it out of the park each year.

Second Place: Tea towels at Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville) Third Place: Kristin Chenoweth's I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts at the Symphony Fashion Show Patron Reception (Nashville Symphony)

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

BEST FAVORS

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Moon Taxi at River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)

Moon Taxi knows how to get people on their feet. The Nashville-based band formed at Belmont University in the 2000s. Since then, Moon Taxi has released six studio albums, topped the charts with several singles and played at major music festivals across the country. The band proved a perfect pick for this year’s Harpeth Conservancy River Swing, keeping guests dancing all night long. This earned the band first place in two of this year’s categories: Best Entertainment and Best Party Band.

Second Place: Nashville Repertory Theatre performers at Broadway Brunch Third Place: Old Crow Medicine Show at the Nelson's Green Brier Distillery grand reopening

BEST CATERER

PHOTOGRAPH BY HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Kristen Winston Catering

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When planning one of the biggest events of the season, phenomenal catering is a must. Co-chairs must thoughtfully consider the choice of cuisine and ensure guests receive exceptional customer service throughout the evening. (After all, patrons have paid a pretty penny to be there.) Given this, it’s little surprise our readers voted Kristen Winston Catering 2023’s Best Caterer. The renowned company is known for its innovative and delicious menus, which can enhance large galas and intimate dinner parties alike. The team is focused on elegance and style and has long-standing relationships with prestigious clients such as Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Frist Art Museum and Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Kristen Winston Catering considers catering an art form and prides itself on providing thoughtful, professional service that sets the gold standard for excellence.

Second Place: Cater615 Third Place: Chef's Market Cafe & Takeaway

nashvilleeventlighting.com info@nashvilleeventlighting.com 615.414.6724

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PHOTOGRAPH BY TAUSHA DICKINSON

PHOTOGRAPH BY TAUSHA DICKINSON

B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST FORMALWEAR

The Showroom Nashville When considering what to wear before a big event, the first thought is often, “What will make me look my best?” For answers to this and so many other wardrobe questions, The Showroom Nashville has offered clear guidance to those looking to upgrade their wardrobes.

With styles from top designers available to rent or buy, The Showroom Nashville makes it easy to find the perfect look. The unique store has helped those planning to walk the red carpet at the Country Music Association Awards or ascend the stairs of Swan Ball.

Second Place: Richards Bespoke Third Place (tie): Winnie Couture, Gus Mayer

BEST EVENT PL ANNER

Amos Gott (AmosEvents)

Amos Gott has been a fixture in Nashville’s events scene for decades. The Kentucky native found a love of event planning after college, when he took on the role of assistant director of alumni affairs at Western Kentucky University. Since discovering his passion for planning magnificent events, Amos has been the architect behind some of Nashville’s top social and private parties. Amos brings style and elegance to everything he plans, and he works hand-in-hand with his clients to bring the events they envision to life.

Second Place: Taylor Guardino Engle (Nashville Wine Auction) Third Place (tie): Hugh Howser and Kate Steele (H Three Events), Bruce Pittman (Bruce Pittman Inc.)

BEST FLORIST

Garden Delights Fine Florist Known for its distinctive “cutting garden” style of floral arrangements, Garden Delights Fine Florist is a go-to for event planners and hosts throughout the city. Utilizing the freshest blooms that are bursting in a variety of hues, Garden Delights creates engaging arrangements for an array of events. From wedding and anniversary celebrations to corporate and nonprofit events, Garden Delights works to create the perfect arrangements to accent any special day.

Second Place: Rose Hill Flowers Third Place: Branches: Event Design and Florals

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PROMOTIONAL

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Curated Events Nashville has long been a fixture of the Nashville event community. Formerly Liberty Party Rental and rebranded to Curated Events Nashville in 2022, they have been the customer service leader in Nashville for nearly 40 years, providing customers with guidance, kindness, and ease when planning events.

The tenured team excels in executing events of all shapes and sizes; no challenge is too much for this team! They recently completed a multi-week install, which included constructing a wedding reception tent with custom flooring on a hilltop overlook featuring a ceremony platform over 25’ off the ground.

With the new name came new inventory, and the first release of 2024 new arrivals just dropped! This thoughtfully designed collection features custom furniture with a variety of colors, textures, and patterns to mix, match and mingle.

Curated Events Nashville is excited to expand their depth of inventory to include not only the classic event essentials but also home-worthy lounge settings. They’ve also added alluring dining chairs and barstools in various wood finishes, colors, and materials like rattan, leather and wool.

This tenured team excels in executing events of all shapes and sizes; no challenge is too great for Curated Events Nashville!

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Clark Brewer Photography

C U R AT E D EV E N T S N A S H V I L L E

MKMc Photography

The Curated Events design team developed and selected pieces that match function with aesthetics. The best part? This release also includes new table linens, runners, and napkins in corresponding and complementing patterns with extra attention given to greens, blues, and yellows, to weave cohesion and originality throughout your event design.

CURATEDEVENTS.COM/NASHVILLEnfocusmagazine.com | 615.822.4392 | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NASHVILLE, THE HERMITAGE HOTEL

B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST ONLINE AUCTION

Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)

This year, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee celebrated its silver anniversary and did so in a big way. Organizers moved the event to a Saturday night and hosted it — for the first time — in the Music City Center. The new location provided an ideal venue for a robust silent auction display. While its in-person auction was impressive, Gilda’s Club is no stranger to using online platforms to raise money. During the pandemic, the organization pivoted to a virtual model with an online auction. To commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary, the annual “Fill the Red Door” fundraiser included a $25,000 donor match. The auction featured over 45 pieces of art and many high-value unique items, helping to create the most financially successful Red Door Bash to date.

Second Place: l’Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction) Third Place: The Hermitage Gala

BEST HOTEL BALLROOM (TIE)

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel With the incredible growth of Nashville’s hospitality community, the amount of event space in the city has increased rapidly. This year, readers voted for two Best Hotel Ballrooms — one new, one historic. Opened in 1910, the newly renovated Hermitage Hotel offers a beautiful setting with an updated neutral color palette and rich, historic details, like Russian walnut wall panels and hand-cast plaster ceilings. By contrast, the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville ballroom offers a pre-function space with sweeping views of the Cumberland River, as well as modern lighting and interior elements that invoke a cosmopolitan look and feel.

Both ballrooms are exceptionally beautiful. And between them — and our runner-up at W Nashville — we didn’t end up with a third-place pick.

Second Place: W Nashville

BEST OUTDOOR EVENT

Dinner by the Bridge

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

(Greenways for Nashville)

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In 1994, the Greenways Commission and private citizens of Nashville began the Greenways for Nashville initiative to fund and develop greenways throughout Davidson County. During the pandemic, greenways and green spaces were a welcome respite for many looking to escape the four walls of their homes. Supporters created the annual Dinner by the Bridge event to raise money to not only expand and maintain the Greenways system, but also acquire land for preservation as greenways and parks. Gray skies loomed and rain pelted the area in the hours leading up to this year’s event. But the weather cleared just in time for dinner, allowing for the popular al fresco dining for which the event is so well-known.

Second Place: Once in a Blue Moon (The Land Trust for Tennessee) Third Place: Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENZIE LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST PHOTO OP

Mackenzie Boyd

007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala

(Kenzie Leigh Photography)

Since discovering her love of photography at age 13, Mackenzie Boyd has captured milestone moments for couples, companies and nonprofits. After learning to shoot and compose on her iPhone, Mackenzie invested in a camera and began shooting professionally while still in high school.

Fast-forward to today, and you can find Mackenzie photographing events for nonprofits or elevating brands with fashion, food and drink, or interior design photography.

This year’s James Bond-themed Interfaith Dental Gala was filled with international men of mystery and elegant ladies. The gala helps support the organization’s important mission to “create a healthier community by providing transformational oral health care for those experiencing poverty.” One of the standouts from the evening was the opportunity to take photos in front of a shining, new Aston Martin. Plenty of guests took advantage of the rare opportunity — making memories fit for a 007-themed soirée.

Second Place: Daniel Meigs (Daniel Meigs Photography) Third Place: Peyton Hoge (Peyton Hoge Photography)

Second Place: Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee) Third Place: Once in a Blue Moon (The Land Trust for Tennessee)

(Interfaith Dental)

BEST VENUE FOR FUNDRAISING

With its grand entrance and unique architectural details, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is in a class all its own. Many of the city’s top fundraisers have found a home in the beautiful space, and it’s easy to see why organizers often choose it as a setting for events.

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center offers amenities often looked for when planning events. Its stunning aesthetic, sprawling spaces, back-of-house systems and state-of-the-art equipment allow for easy planning and perfectly synchronized events.

Second Place: Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Third Place: Wildhorse Saloon

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

NASHVILLE AUDIO VISUAL

Comprehensive Sound | Visual Services Event Lighting | Production

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B E S T PA R T I E S

BEST WEDDING VENUE:

The grounds of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offer a feast for the senses. The beautifully maintained gardens and stately mansion are the perfect setting for a variety of events, but they are an especially excellent choice for weddings. Nuptials — both large and small — have enjoyed the verdant setting as a background for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and more.

The stunning grounds, as well as the mansion and other indoor venues, have played host to some of Nashville’s most high-profile weddings. Many Nashville couples have even started their engagements at the estate, thanks to Cheekwood’s specialty proposal package.

Second Place: Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Third Place (tie): Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Hermitage Hotel

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

BEST RENTAL COMPANY

Please Be Seated The slogan for the family-owned event rental company Please Be Seated is: “You bring the guests. We’ll bring the rest.” And they certainly do. Whether you’re planning a wedding for 250, a black-tie gala for 100, or an intimate dinner party for 30, PBS offers white-glove service, delivering everything from tables, chairs and lounge furniture to place settings, linens and seat cushions. The company’s curated collection of furnishings and décor will make any event a success. PBS even creates custom pieces in its in-house studio to ensure you have exactly what you need. When you think of the best party you attended in 2023 — and the elements that made it so perfect — chances are, they came from Please Be Seated.

Second Place: Curated Events Third Place: Southern Events Party Rental Company

BEST EVENT PRODUCTION

PHOTOGRAPH BY KATHY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Gary Musick Productions

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Great parties and events come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a wine auction, a themed gala, a concert or a runway fashion show, Gary Musick Productions has done it all. Unlike most event companies that manage a variety of subcontractors, GMP has an extensive staff of full-time event artisans who handle every aspect of a project. Whether you need venue staff, security, talent agents, artist management, caterers, performers or florists, GMP knows how to bring it all together and create a great event. Add to that a fully equipped scenery shop, and this production company can — and has — handled everything.

Second Place: Evolution Event Solutions Third Place: Amos Gott (AmosEvents)

Kenzie Leigh Photography

Thank you to our incredible Gilda’s Club Community for a record-breaking

25th Anniversary Red Door Bash.

We can’t wait to celebrate another year of free cancer support with you on October 19, 2024.

Top: Special Guest, Alan Zweibel, Bottom: Event Co-Chairs, Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein gildasclubmiddletn.org | 615-329-1124

nfocusmagazine.com | F E B R U A R Y 2024

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30A ESCAPE 21 Savannah Street, Seaside, FL Welcome to the picture-perfect exemplar of the charm and foreplanning observed in the address's namesake city. Only a handful of Seaside homes enjoy an extended beach season thanks to a private, outdoor fireplace, and this is one of those rare gems. An expansive living room features a second fireplace, soaring ceilings, and french doors, opening onto a Victorian-sized wrap-around screened veranda.

The primary suite occupies the second level of the main house, and magical sunsets reflecting on the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast can be discovered from the 360-degree windows of the third level observation room.

An incredible renovation, the guest cottage experience has been elevated. The guest cottage features a living room, laundry facilities, a kitchenette, a bedroom with ensuite and a half bathroom.

Residents of 21 Savannah Street enjoy an extra deep driveway which accommodates ample spacing for two vehicles and an extended golf cart.

$4,750,000 :: Listed by Chris Grimes

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Perfectly poised at the corner of Old Jamestown Hwy and Interstate Drive the parcel offers 5.5 acres of flat, prime land. Crossville's newest businesses include Starbucks, Jersey Mike's, McAlister's Deli, and Chick-fil-A. Zoning allows commercial or residential use. $1,200,000 :: Listed by Chris & John Grimes

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PARTNERS IN GRIMES AT CORCORAN REVERIE

Meet the Partners

John Grimes (far left), Chris Grimes, Joey Skibbie, Larissa Farley, Jackie Roth Karr (far right). m 615.881.9127 | o 615.250.7880 | chris.grimes@corcorangroup.com 30 Burton Hills Blvd, Ste 207 | Nashville, TN THE OFFICIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE OF THE TENNESSEE TITANS

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©2024 HJM on 30A, LLC dba Corcoran Reverie. All rights reserved. Corcoran & the Corcoran logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. HJM on 30A, LLC dba Corcoran Reverie F E B R U A R Y 2 024 | nfocusmagazine.com supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act & the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned & operated. TN Broker License #257893 | FL Broker License # BK662303

T R AV E L

FAST AND FABULOUS A turbocharged partnership with the Nobu Hotel Atlanta puts you behind the wheel of a Porsche on a performance track

W

hen you think about the trip from Nashville to Atlanta, you probably don’t imagine speeding along. Between the traffic getting out of Nashville, the trucks on Monteagle and the congestion getting into Atlanta, putting the pedal to the metal isn’t exactly the vibe of the 250-mile drive.

But once you get to the ATL, you can indulge your need for speed, thanks to a partnership between the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta and Nobu Hotel Atlanta.

It’s a luxury experience from beginning to end, partly due to the premium reputations and commitment to service of both brands, and partly due to the location of Nobu. The nine-story Nobu in Buckhead is surrounded by luxury shopping, health clubs and high-end restaurants in the adjacent Phipps Plaza complex. Dotted with murals, outdoor seating and public art, Phipps Plaza feels less like a shopping mall (although there is one) and more like an affluent neighborhood.

Nobu is about 17 miles from the Porsche Experience Center. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1987 and has become known worldwide for his Japanese dishes made with Peruvian ingredients. He is a fan of the German automobile and wanted his Atlanta hotel, which is close to the Porsche Cars North America headquarters, to partner with the brand. continued on page 46

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T R AV E L

When you check in to the Porsche Icon Suite (priced around $966 per night), you’ll find books, art and puzzles available in the 432-square-foot space. Nobu integrated its sleek, minimalist aesthetic with Porschethemed décor, including stylized artwork featuring the famous Porsche 911. There’s nothing cheesy or hokey about the theme. The two-night package (about $1,566 per night) includes an omakase tasting for two at Nobu Atlanta, breakfast for two, Nobu Champagne and an embroidered Porsche yukata robe to take home.

Even if you don’t avail yourself of the suite package (or make it to the Porsche Experience), you’ll still have the chance to ride in a Porsche. The hotel house car, which will take you anywhere within a three-mile radius of the hotel, is an electric Porsche Taycan.

Designed by Rockwell Group and opened in fall 2022, the Nobu Hotel was inspired by Atlanta’s verdant landscape and Japanese arts and crafts. The hotel’s design feels like an extension of Chef Matsuhisa’s imaginative and innovative culinary offerings. Nature is celebrated and integrated through the use of different wood tones and grains, the creation of pocket gardens, and ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. If you haven’t experienced Atlanta’s lush greenness (perhaps you’ve been stuck on I-85 instead), you’ll get the chance when you look out from the rooftop pool — or even your guest room window. Atlanta fully embodies its “city in a forest” nickname from that vantage point.

Once you’ve taken in the serenity, it’s time to head to the track, which offers driving experiences ranging from 90 minutes to half a day, all in the company of a personal, in-car coach.

The Porsche Experience Center Atlanta has two tracks — the South Track, which opened in 2015, and the West Track, which opened in 2023, the year the Nobu partnership was announced. Both tracks are designed to simulate everyday driving conditions, improve your reaction time, and provide more challenging environments where you can enjoy the thrill of driving a Porsche at speeds you can’t at home.

The South Track includes six development tracks: • Handling circuit: This one-mile handling course mimics a winding country road, complete with corners and undulations. The focus here is on accelerating and braking technique.

• Kick plate: A wet epoxy surface teaches drivers to practice control skills when encountering a skid or spin. This is a great confidence booster for driving in inclement weather.

• Off-road course: Navigate around 21 different offroad obstacles, including a 1-to-1 ratio hill climb and a 45-degree vertical descent challenge.

• Dynamics area: This large asphalt pad is designed to simulate maneuvers you may encounter during your daily driving.

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• Low-friction circle: Receive oversteering tutorials on this low-friction circle, featuring a uniform inward slope and polished concrete surface.

• Low-friction handling: Similar to the low-friction circle, this polished concrete surface includes tight curves with various radius types.

The newer West Track has four development tracks: • Low-friction circle: This wet, polished concrete surface is more than 196 feet in diameter.

• Ice hill: As its name suggests, this track simulates an icy mountain road, where a driver is likely to lose control up or down the hill. Computercontrolled water jets provide a challenging scenario to even the most experienced drivers.

• Autocross area: Work your way through slaloms, acceleration zones and cone obstacles arranged on a large, paved area.

• Handling circuit: The pride of the Atlanta facility, this 1.3-mile motorsports-inspired driving circuit mimics elements from iconic race tracks, such as Laguna Seca, Nürburgring and Le Mans.

Your coach will walk you to your first vehicle after a safety session. There are more than 130 vehicles from which to choose. (You’ll likely get to switch it up and drive more than one.) As you get butterflies in your stomach preparing to drive, your coach will

likely remind you that “every Porsche is designed to brake faster than it accelerates.”

As you get in the car, remember one of Porsche’s endearing quirks: The ignition is on the left side of the steering wheel (because it saved drivers in the Le Mans race time in their running start).

When you get out of the car, slow down to check out the center post-drive. It includes a gallery and museum with a look at Porsche through the ages, a cafe and a restaurant with track views, and of course, a store for all things made with the Porsche eye for design. Exhibitions change annually in the gallery, but the cars featured rotate more frequently.

If the day makes you want to have a Porsche for yourself, you can design one to your liking. It’s also worth noting the Atlanta center is the only Porsche Classic Factory Restoration facility globally outside of Stuttgart, Germany.

After taking a (right) turn at 80 mph, you’ll want some downtime. You can take that at the Nobu rooftop pool. Or you can browse Phipps Plaza luxury stores not available in Nashville, including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Byredo and Trina Turk. Citizens Market Atlanta at Phipps Plaza, which opened in 2023, is a highend food court and market with eight different brands, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

With Mediterranean food, Pan-Asian bites, cock-

T R AV E L

tails and more, it’s a good place for a celebratory meal post-drive. (Don’t fill up too much before your drive if motion sickness is in your history.)

Race car drivers train for physical fitness. If that’s one of your interests, Life Time Fitness opened in Phipps Plaza in December 2022. Just across the street from Nobu, the multistory luxury fitness center features multiple rooftop pools with pool yoga, more than 145 fitness classes per week, a salon, a spa and over 300 workout machines — plus recovery equipment, such as cold packs, Theraguns, whirlpools and a steam room. Day passes are $50, and members of Life Time Fitness in Franklin have reciprocity.

When you’re ready to head home, heed the warning I got the first time I drove on a Porsche track at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Alabama. My coach warned me to watch the speedometer on the way home, because it was easy to get used to higher speeds after a morning of racing.

Indeed, as I looked down on I-65, I was clocking more than 100 mph without even noticing.

Fortunately, Atlanta’s traffic prevented my lead foot on the way home from the Nobu experience.

BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF PORSCHE EXPERIENCE CENTER ATLANTA AND NOBU HOTEL ATLANTA

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Welcome to your own luxury treetop home with panoramic, breathtaking views of nature and the rolling Tennessee hills from nearly every room.

4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 3,894 sq ft $1,985,000 837 W. Hillview Drive • Oak Hill

This architectural masterpiece boasts an unbeatable Oak Hill location, Brentwood address and offers unmatched convenience to both Nashville and all of Williamson County. The thoughtful floor plan positions each room to maximize the property’s stunning views and sunsets. Love to entertain? This is the home for you with several spacious living areas including a cedar-paneled living room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings, media/theater room, and expansive home gym, each with stellar views. Guest bedrooms are privately located. Special features include two covered decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, open dining room, catbird seat loft, one-of-a-kind home with city-living vibes, on a private, wooded cul de sac lot, backing up to Radnor Lake State Park. The 1.03 acre lot is partially fenced and offers endless opportunities for your private backyard treetop oasis.

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M 615.481.9203 O 615.383.6964 maggiebond.parksathome.com @maggiemovesnashville

F E AT U R E

ELEVATED ATTIRE Kirna Zabête arrives in Nashville

We all know that scene in Sex and the City when Big opens the doors to Carrie’s newly designed walk-in closet.

That cinematic moment came to life as we entered the new Kirna Zabête (pronounced KEER-nah zah-BETT) luxury women’s boutique in Green Hills — a multi-brand fashion heaven. Lucky for Nashville, we got the largest of the store’s six locations (SoHo and Madison Avenue; East Hampton, N.Y.; Bryn Mawr, Pa. and Palm Beach, Fla.).

Despite the impressive square footage, the ambience in the space still evokes the warmth of home. From the playful pink walls to the striped floor that pays homage to the first Kirna Zabête store in SoHo, no design detail was overlooked.

Cozy vignettes are curated around the room, combining comfort and luxury for shoppers. What’s more glamorous than lounging on a chaise under a red-lacquered chandelier while perusing pieces from designers all over the world? continued on page 50

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F E AT U R E

As wardrobe stylists who have attended 16 seasons of New York Fashion Week, we were starry-eyed to see pieces straight from the runway hanging here in Nashville. Featured designers include everyone from Adam Lippes and Carolina Herrera to Proenza Schouler and The Row. In-store style experts also introduced us to new names, like Australian designer Alémais, whose prints are works of art, and London-based designer Ashish, whose pieces glimmer with embellishments.

It takes an exceptional eye to assemble a collection highlighting both emerging and established designers. The vibrant store is spearheaded by an equally vibrant fashion connoisseur named Beth Buccini, who parlayed her early experience as a fashion editor for New York magazine into a career in the world of retail. Beth was masterful at discovering designers. And in 1999, she and a partner opened Kirna Zabête in SoHo, appealing to the city’s most fashionable shoppers seeking statement style. After 15 years of success in downtown Manhattan, Beth bought out her partner and set her sights on expanding Kirna Zabête.

But why Nashville? When we sat down with Beth to learn about why she opened shop here, she explained that her interest was piqued after a spontaneous visit to see Garth Brooks at The Ryman. The styles women sported — and the designer handbags they carried — impressed Beth. “I love that Nashville is a town that gets dressed up,” she says.

Beth has been dressing women for over 25 years, so she has a deep understanding of the busy modern shoppers who visit her stores. Her focus? “Dressing a woman seven days a week,” she says. “We have T-shirts, and we have ballgowns.” You’ll find chic Khaite jeans for your morning walk at Percy Warner Park, a Libertine blazer for your dinner party and a feathered LAPOINTE gown for your next gala. Regardless of the occasion, you’ll look absolutely fabulous — and you’ll find it all at Kirna Zabête.

Also not to be missed is the store’s alluring alcove of accessories and fashionable footwear. The shelves are well-appointed with the most coveted items of the season. Shoes shine bright under individual light fixtures, with picks from Manolo Blahnik, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, Gianvito Rossi, Bottega Veneta and more. Of course, no look is complete without a designer bag, and the selection at Kirna Zabête is truly lust-worthy. Grab a gold chain-mail wristlet from Rabanne, a classic clutch from Saint Laurent, or a leather tote from LOEWE. (With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we had our eyes on a heart-shaped handbag from Alaïa.)

Beth revamped her e-commerce presence in 2020 to accommodate clients who like to shop online. Although we do love the option of “add to cart,” there’s still something to be said about the in-person buying experience. From feeling silk fabric on your skin to twirling around oversized dressing rooms, fashion involves so much more than just the click of a mouse. Even gift-giving is more enjoyable when you can actually smell the candles and flip through the coffee-table books. We particularly adored Kirna Zabête’s signature candy jar full of Starburst. And the charm of instore shopping is clearly proving successful, as Kirna Zabête will open its seventh location this year in Miami. Viva la retail!

We’re especially excited that Kirna Zabête will bring more big-name designers to Nashville. Adam Lippes himself recently spent an afternoon showcasing his latest collection in the store. Visits like these help elevate Nashville’s place in the fashion world. You can look forward to many more notable designer trunk shows in 2024.

“I want to carry the most important designers of today and tomorrow in a warm and welcoming environment,” Beth says. There’s no doubt that Nashville is a warm and welcoming town that likes to get dressed up, so Kirna Zabête is clearly a perfect pairing for Music City.

BY WANDERLUST GIRLS | EMILY BACHE & ABIGAIL BRESLIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MIEGS

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F E AT U R E

With Feeling

Nashville Ballet’s Attitude series premiers three new pieces

D

ance is a universal human experience. Throughout history, movement of the body has been used as a form of expression — evolving as we have evolved. Dance has served as a way to tell stories, express grief and celebrate. It has been a way to break down language barriers and to prepare cultures for war. In Western culture, the elevated art form of ballet

has transcended the centuries. Many look at ballet through a traditional lens of tutus and princess stories. Some equate it with a beloved annual tradition of attending The Nutcracker — performed by ballet companies all over the United States. While ballet will always be linked with enduring classics, a new era of contemporary dance has begun to emerge. The growth of this movement has occurred largely in other countries, rather than the United States — where funding for cutting-edge work often falls short. continued on page 54

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This month, Nashville Ballet will premier three contemporary pieces in its Attitude series. Each work has been crafted by a different choreographer: Jermaine Spivey, Yusha-Marie Sorzano and Nashville Ballet resident choreographer Mollie Sansone. Each piece will represent a single choreographer’s distinct experiences and influences. The artists will not only dance, but also use their own voices throughout the performances — a common thread that binds the pieces together.

With his work with Nashville Ballet, Jermaine will bring novel movement to Nashville. “Aesthetically, I’m not interested in my work resembling a classical ballet,” he says. “I am working on coordination, shaping time and space, and pushing the dancers to dig into their artistic depth, so that we can make something that extraordinarily expresses an idea. To me, that isn't either contemporary or traditional — it’s dance.”

Jermaine was born in Baltimore, attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and graduated from The Juilliard School. For 15 years, he lived and worked in Europe as a company member of Ballet Gulbenkian (Portugal) and the Cullberg Ballet (Sweden). He continued his career as a guest artist for Hofesh Shechter Company, ARIAS Company and The Forsythe Company, among others. Jermaine is considered one of today’s top up-and-coming choreographers — someone Nashville Ballet company dancer Aeron Buchanan sees as a mentor and is particularly excited to work with.

The other Attitude choreographers bring equally rich perspectives to the program. Since beginning her tenure at Nashville Ballet in 2004, Mollie has performed works by a range of choreographers, danced lead roles in several ballets, and spent off-seasons acting in musicals or serving as a guest artist at various institutions. YushaMarie Sorzano, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, has worked with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and L.A. Dance Project, among others. She currently splits her time as a dancer, choreographer, artistic director and educator.

“I think contemporary dance means a lot of different things,” Jermaine says. “And one of those things has to do with the approach to making and the creative process with or without collaborators.” Jermaine says he’s grateful to work with Nashville Ballet and thrilled to see artistic director Nick Mullikin bringing a more diverse range of dance performances to Nashville Ballet audiences.

“Dancers are storytellers, because they are people first,” Jermaine says. “Dancing teaches us to harness the power of opposition. Art imitates life. I believe Nashville Ballet takes pride in being as excellent a vehicle for that message as they can be.”

Aeron Buchanan

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Jermaine Spivey

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F E AT U R E

Welcome to Beutiful The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville elevates and inspires

F

or over 30 years, the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville has drawn home and garden design enthusiasts from across the Southeast. With an expansive display of high-quality antiques, landscaped gardens and horticultural items from exhibitors countrywide, the show is a feast for the senses and inspires a new perspective on design. Each year, the event is packed with educational lectures and panels from internationally renowned designers, gardeners and tastemakers.

This month, we went inside the world of the 2024 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville to give Nfocus readers an exclusive look at the event.

Throuh the Yers Founded in 1990 by legendary interior designer Albert Hadley, the annual Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville is a beloved event created to give back to the community. Albert, a Tennessee native, co-founded the prominent New York interior design firm Parish-Hadley. He designed home interiors for prominent families with names like Astor, Rockefeller, Getty and more.

Often referred to as the “Dean of American Interior Design,” Albert was known for his innovative work and his mentorship of up-and-coming designers. This generosity of spirit led him to create an event that spoke to his passion while giving back to the community.

Notable Parish-Hadley alumna Bunny Williams remembers Albert’s desire to preserve Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. “He was absolutely dedicated to the preservation of Cheekwood,” she says. “It’s really one of the great houses in America. And Albert, as a native Nashvillian, took it upon himself to see how he could raise funds to help with the preservation of Cheekwood.” In fact, Bunny says, that was how Albert came up with the idea of the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville — an event that continues to benefit Cheekwood to this day. continued on page 58

Co-chair Susan Weathersby, Jane MacLeod, co-chair Caroline Cook

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PHOTOGRAPH BY SARI GOODFRIEND

F E AT U R E

Bunny Williams

Over the past 33 years, the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville has donated nearly $10 million to two beneficiaries: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and ECON Charities, the charitable arm of the Economic Club of Nashville.

Through the decades, Bunny has been a stalwart supporter of the show. “I think I came to the second one when Albert Hadley, who I worked under for a number of years, had just come up with the concept of a garden and antique show in Nashville,” Bunny remembers. “It was much smaller then, and it’s grown and changed over the years, but it is without a doubt one of my favorite, favorite things to do all year.” After working with Albert for 22 years at Parish-Hadley, Bunny created her own agency. Later, she and her husband — antiques dealer John Rosselli — created Treillage, a New York City antiques shop offering the ultimate home and garden experience.

On a crisp January evening, guests of the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville Preview Party gathered in the warmth of the Music City Center for a first look at the 2024 show. This year’s theme — Welcome to Beautiful — drew inspiration from the Herend USA Queen Victoria china pattern, a design element that appeared throughout the branding for the show. The concept, created by co-chairs Caroline Cook and Susan Weathersby, aimed to invoke visions of a dinner party, complete with beautiful table settings and floral arrangements, creative and fun guests, and stimulating conversation.

As guests entered the showroom, a charming scent arose from a field of purple hyacinths dotted with whimsical fuschia trees. Along wide corridors, vendors arranged spaces with furnishings, antique silver collections, artwork, jewelry and more. The Preview Party allows for early entrance to the show, ensuring guests get first looks — and first dibs — on items they want to add to their collections.

One unique gathering spot was the pristine greenhouse, which beckoned attendees with beautiful displays and modern design.

As usual, the days following the Preview Party included panel discussions and educational events. Perhaps more unusual was the weather, which prevented keynote speaker Ina Garten from reaching Nashville. However, the always-gracious cookbook author and television host — known around the world as the Barefoot Contessa — surprised and delighted ticket holders by appearing on the big screen to answer questions, just as she would’ve if she’d attended the show in person. While winter weather shortened the show on Sunday, many enjoyed a weekend of shopping and inspiration — and they look forward to celebrating the 35th anniversary of the show next year.

Herend Queen Victoria china setting

BY JANET KURTZ EVENT PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO continued on page 60

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Ina Garten

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT BALL

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An Enlihtenin Lunch

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Nashville chapter celebrates 100 years

T

here are anniversaries, and then there are milestones — those significant days that happen once in a generation.

The General James Robertson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently celebrated one such milestone. On a sunny winter day, members gathered at Belle Meade Country Club to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the chapter. Many dressed in 1920s period clothing and accessories to commemorate the occasion.

As guests entered, they met with “Brig. Gen. James Robertson” (Ted Clayton), “founding regent Maria Kirkman ‘Queenie’ Woods Washington” (Lisa Whitten) and the always gracious LaRawn Scaife Rhea, who served as this year’s event chair. Queenie was the first regent of the General James Robertson Chapter, and in her honor, guests mingled while enjoying glasses of Queenie’s Champagne Punch. After all were seated, Ted stole the show. He took the podium as James Robertson to thank the ladies in the room — in his most charming and genteel way — for naming the chapter in his honor. After guests received recognition for their years of service, it was time for lunch.

This year, BMCC’s culinary team sourced luncheon recipes straight from Queenie’s Sewanee cookbook. The menu included quick Sally Lunn bread (rumored to be one of President George Washington’s favorite breads), steak bordelaise, Spanish chicken and rice, and green peas with onions. The vegetarian option was Queenie’s signature stuffed mushrooms. After the delicious lunch, guests enjoyed chess pie.

The heartfelt good nature and holiday spirit enticed many to linger in the room well after the last sip of coffee. Good friends visited, reminisced and enjoyed the thoroughly enlightening afternoon.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Lisa "Queenie Woods Washington" Whitten, Ted "General James Robertson" Clayton, LaRawn Scaife Rhea

Bea Thompson, Mae Ambrose, Cile Cowan

Ginger Stephenson, Joanne Slaughter, Janice LaGasse, Jane Mills

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PA R T I E S

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1/23/24 4:18 PM

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 Wrm Welcome

Local dignitaries celebrate Fisk University’s Agenia Clark

O

n a blustery evening in downtown Nashville, guests arrived at the home of Janet and Jim Ayers to celebrate Fisk University’s new president, Agenia Clark. The significance of the date of the reception — January 9 — was not lost on the crowd. On that date in 1866, Fisk University welcomed its first students. The venerable university has recognized January 9 as Founder's Day ever since.

As guests entered the cozy penthouse, they encountered a stunning display of art — on loan from Fisk University specifically for the event.

Co-hosts for the evening, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts, were unable to attend due to weather, but they joined the festivities from afar by video chat. After guests had time to settle in, Janet Ayers welcomed everyone and turned the program over to Al and Deborah.

“When [Agenia] received her doctorate, I just thought that she was destined for higher learning,” Al noted in his speech. He then turned the floor over to Deborah, who echoed his sentiments. Agenia then took the mic and, after thanking guests for attending in her effervescent way, acknowledged the significance of the date. “After 158 years, we are still here,” she said. “And we will be here 158 years later.” Agenia then recounted the story of how Nashville received the moniker Music City. In 1867, a group of Fisk students formed a vocal group that traveled throughout the United States, eventually crossing the Atlantic Ocean to perform for Queen Victoria. After the performance, the queen reportedly said, “[The singers] must be from a music city.”

Agenia then surprised a rapt audience with an appearance by members of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Listening to the Fisk Jubilee Singers is always a humbling and spiritual experience. Listeners are transported from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives to an almost ethereal plane. Such was the case on this special evening. The students ascended the spiral stairs in the center of the room. Before they began to sing, the room became a quiet sanctuary. From the first note to the very last, the room was silent — except for the voices of the singers, punctuated by the applause of a grateful audience. After the performance, the singers visited with guests, and all looked to a bright future for Fisk University.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Jamaal Sheats, Cathy Bender

Agenia Clark

Janet and Jim Ayers, Agenia Clark

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PA R T I E S

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TA K I N G V O W S

r e g n i v A r i a Anna McN es Marri . r J e p i t S l e a Kevin Mich

ANNA AVINGER AND KEVIN STIPE met on a spring break trip to Costa Rica in 2019 when they were both students at Davidson College in North Carolina. Kevin proposed in October 2022 at Anna’s grandparents’ farm in Greensboro, North Carolina.

They married at Nashville’s Westminster Presbyterian Church on June 3, 2023.

The reception was at Ridge Field in Edwin Warner Park. The bride’s family has close ties to the Warner Parks, where the bride and groom have enjoyed many hours of hiking and running. A bridge, made by Anna’s father and given to Friends of Warner Parks, served as an entrance to the party. Guests were greeted with

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signature lavender lemonade cocktails, served in a separate tent nestled under a large tree.

The Tulip Tree designed the bouquets and all arrangements for the event. Simple white peonies highlighted the natural beauty of the landscape.

Rattan details, white-washed wood chairs and ivory linens added to the ambience. Anna’s aunt painted watercolors for the wedding party invitations, which were printed by Joyner & Hogan Printing Company.

Jay Joyner, a close family friend, also helped plan the event.

The Clean Plate Club catered a summer supper of fresh vegetables, grilled meats and seasonal salads.

HomeStyle Bakery in Antioch created the wedding cake, which the florist topped with fresh flowers. Nash County Band played a mix of country and pop tunes for dancing under a full moon.

The newlyweds live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where Anna is a second-year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Kevin is a financial planning and analysis manager for Mueller Water Products. Parents are Jane and Robert Avinger of Nashville and Hope and Kevin Stipe Sr. of Atlanta.

BY SANDRA NELSON PHOTOGRAPHS BY MEGHAN MELIA

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PENCIL IN

FEBRUARY MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

17

10

HEART GAL A L ATE PART Y FEB. 17

While the American Heart Association Heart Gala is sold out, tickets to the late party are still available. Join in the fun as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. new.event.gives/112824?tickets

L A BELL A NOTTE FEB. 10

PAIRINGS FEB. 24

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CONVERSATIONS AT OZ

The Nashville Opera’s annual La Bella Notte returns with “The Gilded Age of Opera,” a themed evening of music and dining. The black-tie gala supports the exciting work of the Nashville Opera — not only onstage, but throughout the community with education and engagement programs. nashvilleopera.org/labellanotte

FEB. 21

Conversations at OZ is one of Nashville’s most dynamic fundraisers, celebrating the art of conversation with community leaders and vibrant personalities. Guests choose their conversation host from a roster of more than 30 prominent community figures to share vulnerable, open and genuine perspectives on a range of topics pertinent to Nashville’s community and growth. The special seated dinner benefits OZ Arts’ artistic and educational programs. ozartsnashville.org/conversations-2024/

10

Rounding out three nights of events supporting the Nashville Wine Auction, the Pairings dinner and live auction is an exclusive evening with top Nashville chefs and West Coast wines. A five-course meal will be paired with fantastic wines from esteemed vintners, all to benefit the Nashville Wine Auction and its mission of funding the fight against cancer. nashvillewineauction.com/ pairings/

24 OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

Feb. 17: Unleashed (Nashville Humane Association)

RUBY GAL A FEB. 10

The inaugural Ruby Gala took place in December 2021, raising funds to support those living with HIV in Middle Tennessee by covering such necessities as transportation, nutrition, housing and more. This year’s theme — “Glamour” — will transform Marathon Music Works and is sure to be a showstopper. give.vanderbilthealth.org/event/ruby-gala-2024/e504073

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Feb. 22: Private Vintner Dinners (Nashville Wine Auction) Feb. 23: Wined Up! (Nashville Wine Auction) Feb. 24: Big Night Out (Gordon Jewish Cultural Center) Feb. 29: How About Dinner And A Movie? (Park Center) For a full listing of upcoming events, visit calendar.nfocusmagazine.com.

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As Nashville’s most trusted source for social and lifestyle coverage, Nfocus takes readers inside more events than any other publication in town.

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NRETROSPECT

PHOTOGRAPH

BY ANGELINA CA STILLO

The Portrit of  Ldy THROUGHOUT THE STATELY ROOMS of the exclusive Belle Meade Country Club hangs art that has graced the walls of the clubhouse for decades. Passing through the rooms, members and guests alike often pause by the portrait of a beautiful young woman in a regal gown with her arm around a young boy. The lady in the portrait is none other than Maria Kirkman “Queenie” Woods Washington.

A Nashville native, Queenie married George Augustine Washington Jr. — a descendent of the father of our nation’s first president, George Washington. Together, they built a palatial 44-room estate and were active in the Nashville social scene. Most notably, Queenie was the organizer and honorary regent of the General James Robertson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The artist behind the painting’s creation was Ella Sophonisba Hergesheimer. Born in Pennsylvania, Ella found a passion for art at a young age. After success in school, she participated in a traveling exhibition organized by the Nashville Art Association. She then relocated to Nashville and spent the rest of her life in Music City. A contemporary of Queenie’s, Ella made a career painting portraits of ladies and children in the social set — just like the one of Queenie and her son Robert that now hangs at Belle Meade Country Club. Other notable subjects include former Speaker of the House Joseph W. Byrns Sr. and Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury.

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verragio unlike any other ring

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