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Letter from the Publisher
As we step into February, love is certainly in the air, and this issue of Evans City Lifestyle is all about celebrating connections, creativity, and community. Whether you're planning a dreamy Valentine’s Day or simply soaking in the joy of local love, we've curated stories to inspire and delight.
Our feature on a stunning wedding styled shoot by Chloé Giancola and Margaret Dover Burdette showcases the best of the CSRA’s vendors and the timeless elegance of the Phinizy House. With southern charm and impeccable style, their collaboration is a testament to the beauty that comes from working together locally.
Looking for ways to toast to love? Mix up a Love Potion #9! This vibrant pink cocktail, with fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling bubbles, is a surefire way to add a festive touch to any celebration.
If flowers are your love language, you’ll adore our guide to building the perfect Valentine’s bouquet. Discover the meanings behind popular blooms and learn how to pair them for a thoughtful, beautiful gift.
Finally, we’re sharing ideas for three cozy at-home date nights. Whether it’s a picnic under the stars, a creative painting session, or breakfast in bed, these ideas remind us that love thrives in the little moments.
We hope this issue fills your heart with inspiration and appreciation for the beauty of our community. Happy Valentine’s Day!
JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @EVANS.LIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anna Barnes, Bailey Hall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anna Barnes, Chloé Giancola
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
business monthly
Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class
Join Goat Kick Coffee Co and Royally Iced Baker for a Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class of Friday, February 7th, from 5-7 PM at their Evans location (935 Ronald Reagan Dr., Suite 101). Perfect for beginners, this class includes all the supplies to create festive cookies, plus a medium specialty drink from Goat Kick. Bring your date or your Galentine! Tickets available on the Goat Kick Coffee Co Facebook page.
Mark Your Calendars For The Cultural Festival
The Columbia County Cultural Festival is happening March 28-29, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Evans Towne Center Park! Celebrate cultures from around the globe with music, food, and traditions that bring our community together. Don’t miss this exciting new event!
Augusta Anti-Aging Medicine Expands
Augusta Anti-Aging Medicine provides comprehensive care for menopausal women. Starting in March, their office is expanding their approach to women’s wellness and will be offering aesthetics to help you feel your best. From Botox, Juvederm, and laser hair removal to advanced treatments like Morpheus, CO2 laser, and skin rejuvenation! For more information, call 706.707.2808 or visit AugustaA2M.com
INSPIRING COUPLES WITH LOCAL FLAIR AND ELEGANT SOUTHERN CHARM
LOCAL LOVE
IN FULL BLOOM
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHLOÉ GIANCOLA
When creativity and collaboration intertwine, something truly magical is born. That was the case for local photographer Chloé Giancola and event planner Margaret Dover Burdette of MD Designs & Events when they joined forces to create a wedding-styled shoot that celebrated Augusta’s local vendors and rich history. Set against the backdrop of the newly opened Phinizy House, a venue steeped in charm and elegance, the shoot encapsulated southern grace with a modern twist. Chloé, who has a keen eye for detail and a passion for crafting unique visuals, plans a styled shoot every year as her schedule allows. “When I saw the announcement about the Phinizy House opening, I knew it would be perfect,” she recalls. “It’s deeply rooted in Augusta history, and the Rose Room especially caught our attention. We were thrilled to be one of the first to document it.”
CONTINUED >
She immediately reached out to Margaret, who shares her devotion to organized creativity and an appreciation for timeless elegance. Together, they envisioned a shoot that highlighted local talent while serving as an inspiration for brides-to-be. “I wanted to use a real married couple who truly love each other instead of models,” shares Chloé. “It’s important to showcase genuine emotion. Our goal was to create something spectacular and custom to the CSRA.”
The vision took shape with the theme of southern, classic elegance infused with modern elements to honor the historical beauty of the Phinizy House. As Margaret reflects, “When we started shooting in the Rose Room, I knew we had nailed it. Helping Chandler into her dress and seeing the first solo bridal shots gave me chills.”
Every detail of the shoot was a collaborative masterpiece. Local vendors lent their expertise to bring the concept to life. “The willingness of these small businesses to contribute their time and talent, especially
right before wedding season, was incredible,” says Chloé. Margaret adds, “When Hey Honey! Cakery arrived with their stunning and delicious cake, I was blown away. It was a perfect representation of the dedication each vendor brought.”
The bride’s “something blue” was a pendant necklace from Windsor Fine Jewelers, a nod to Augusta’s most prominent jeweler. Flowers on Broad provided a breathtaking bridal bouquet, which Chloé describes as “gorgeous and spectacular.” From Elegant Bridals’ dress to the intricate details by every vendor involved, the shoot celebrated the local community’s talent. “We hope people enjoy seeing familiar local vendors and perhaps discover new ones to consider for their own weddings,” Chloé shares. “Whether it’s the bouquet, the veil, or the cake, there’s something inspiring for everyone.”
Choosing a favorite image from the shoot proved challenging for Chloé. “The one of the couple looking at each other in front of the historical details in the Rose Room is so real and unique,” she says. Margaret, along with her love for detail shots, found the front porch images especially captivating. “The lighting was incredible, and it highlighted Chandler’s beauty and the vibrancy of the florals,” she notes.
The inspiration for the shoot stemmed from a mix of Instagram and Pinterest visuals, but the execution relied on the vendors’ creative interpretations. “There were no proofs beforehand,” Margaret explains. “We trusted them, and they exceeded expectations.”
Chloé emphasizes the importance of collaboration among local businesses. “As small business owners, having trusted local partners who deliver exceptional work is key to success. It reflects well on everyone involved and makes it easy to promote one another. Weddings and shoots take a team of professionals who care deeply and take pride in their work.”
CONTINUED >
When asked for advice for couples planning their wedding, Chloé advises, “Take in the inspiration, but ultimately focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. It’s your day. Plan carefully, but remember that the foundation of your marriage is the most important part.” For vendors, she encourages humility, perseverance, and excellence. “As any seasoned small business knows, the way you treat others and go above and beyond is so important. Treat every opportunity as a chance to serve others. I try to glorify God in everything I do.”
This styled shoot not only captured stunning imagery but also highlighted the remarkable talent and community spirit of Augusta’s local vendors. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when creativity, collaboration, and love for one’s craft come together in perfect harmony.
VENDOR INSTAGRAM LIST
@mdesigns_events @chloegiancola @weddingsinthecsra @phinizyhouse @elegantbridals @flowersonbroad1018 @betsypittarddesigns @shoesatsurrey @littlelightco @blisssalonaugusta @hairby.kg_ @hs_glam @whitehorse497 @designimagesaugusta @goodearthproduce @capsuleaugusta @fifteenandferry @heyhoneycakery @zazzle @chandlerlsewell @windsorfinejewelers
LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
BOBBY & MADERA
Three creative ideas to celebrate love
Date Night at Home
Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Romantic Picnic Under the Stars
Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.
Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting starts. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.
Paint and Create Together
Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!
1. Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity. 2. Work on a collaborative painting - each person adds their own touch to a single canvas.
3. Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.
Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at painting - it’s all about enjoying the process together.
Breakfast in Bed
Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.
Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 8TH
Augusta Symphony Sounds from the Heart
Miller
Theater
Join the Augusta Symphony at the Miller Theater for Sounds from the Heart - Part of the Piedmont Augusta Symphony Series. Symphony Series concerts showcase the orchestra performing masterworks by the greatest composers from history through today. To purchase tickets, visit MillerTheaterAugusta.com.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day from the Evans City Lifestyle team! Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and special moments.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Riverdance 30: The New Generation
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. To celebrate this 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. Experience this performance on February 14th at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. To purchase tickets, visit TheCenterOfCC.com
418 Town Park Blvd., Suite 1A, Evans | (706) 739-5848 www.welcomehealth.net/welcome-health-evans
events
FEBRUARY 15TH
Heart 'N Soul 5k/10k
Run/Walk
Mill Village Trail HeadAugusta Canal
This fun, family-friendly event will have vendors, music, a petting zoo, and more! Proceeds to benefit Hope for Hooves Rescue. For more information, visit HopeForHooves.org.
FEBRUARY 21ST
Charity Soiree & Silent Auction
Augusta Shrine Club
The Augusta Partnership for Children, Inc. Charity Soiree & Silent Auction Fundraiser will be on February 21st at Augusta Shrine Club. This year's theme is "Harlem Nights," and guests can expect a night of heavy hors d' oeuvres, door prizes, and live entertainment. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit DonorBox. com/events/575220.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Lee Brice: You, Me & My Guitar Bell Auditorium
Country Music hitmaker, Lee Brice, is bringing his acoustic tour to Bell Auditorium on Saturday, February 22nd with special guest Edwin McCain! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit AugustaEntertainmentComplex.com
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