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CHURCHILL-MORRISON ENGAGEMENT
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Kaelen Kay
Margaret Churchill and Nick Morrison, both of Indianapolis, recently became engaged while visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Margaret is a communications consultant, and Nick works in real estate investment. Their parents are Jennifer Churchill and Julie Morrison. The couple met their freshman year at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, but the budding relationship was halted when Margaret and her family moved to southern California. The two maintained a long-distance friendship for 10 years, then reconnected at a friend’s wedding four years ago. Following that fateful meeting, Margaret moved back to Indianapolis, and they have been a couple ever since. Nick surprised Margaret with the proposal, featuring an heirloom art deco family ring, while they were on a hiking trip with friends. Their wedding will take place on October 25, 2025, in Zionsville, Indiana. sl
GOEKE-KATZ WEDDING
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Mary Kissel
Lynda Michelle Goeke and Donald Paul Katz, both of Carmel, were married on November 16, 2024, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The couple are employed at Max Katz Bag Company, where Don is CEO and Lynda is director of branding, though they met years before working together, through mutual friends. More than 500 guests attended the wedding, which featured a mix of Catholic and Jewish traditions and included 36 honorary bridesmaids and 29 honorary groomsmen. Don’s son, Jake Katz, performed the ceremony, and Lynda’s 90-year-old mother, Marilyn Goeke, walked her down the aisle. The evening was a celebration that began after Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. as the band Groove Smash got everyone on the dance floor. Says the couple, “There was this amazing feeling of absolute joy in the room.” This is the first wedding for Lynda, who adds, “I finally got my prince.” sl
ZAGARZHEVSKIY-TALLEY ENGAGEMENT
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by C Bracey Photography
Diana Zagarzhevskiy, of the former Soviet Union (Russia and Georgia) and Douglas Talley, of Bloomington, Indiana, recently became engaged. The couple met more than 15 years ago through mutual friends. Douglas is executive vice president, chief banking officer and chief lending officer of The National Bank of Indianapolis, and Diana is vice president of retail at CBRE. Doug proposed with a timeless Harry Winston diamond ring, surprising Diana when the couple was at home surrounded by their children. The wedding will be held on July 25, 2025, at the Adjarian Wine House in Batumi, Georgia. sl
SLAVEN-SURAK WEDDING
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Violet Short
Lauren Slaven and Michael Surak, both of Indianapolis, were married on September 7, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo. Their parents are Ann and Jeff Slaven and Ronda Shrewsbury and Michael Surak. Michael is the executive vice president of Real Estate America, a real estate development company, and Lauren works in event planning. The couple met on the Hinge app, and one of the things they found in common was a mutual love of Miami. In a serendipitous twist of fate, as Lauren was looking back at her camera roll of past girlfriend getaways she’d made to Miami, she spotted Michael in the background of one of the photos, taken two years before they met! Their wedding celebration featured a cocktail hour with animal encounters for the guests, and a live artist painting. Vocalist Sara the Sass entertained during the dinner hour, and DJ Littletown followed, ensuring everyone danced throughout the night. The couple now reside in Carmel, Indiana. sl
ROGERS-BIRGE ENGAGEMENT
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp
Danielle Rogers and Andy Birge, both of Indianapolis, were engaged on September 24, 2024, in Rome, Italy. Their parents are Sonnie and Mark Rogers and Barb and Bob Birge. Danielle is a radiologic technologist and Andy works in cybersecurity sales. The couple met in high school, and even attended their junior prom together, but didn’t connect romantically until 10 years later. While on a trip to Italy, Andy surprised Danielle with a proposal featuring a stunning three-stone ring from Reis-Nichols Jewelers at the beautiful Terrazza Viale del Belvedere. Their wedding will take place on October 11, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana. sl
VANDER HEIDEN-CONRAD WEDDING
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Fieldstone Photography
Jenna Ann Vander Heiden, of Wheatland, Iowa, and Austin Allen Conrad, of Alexandria, Indiana, were married on January 4, 2025, at Bend XPO in Moline, Illinois. Their parents are Dawn and Ryan Vander Heiden and Cassie and Dallas Conrad. Austin is a farmer and Jenna is a farm business consultant; the two met while they were working on the John Deere Agronomy team in Des Moines, Iowa. Their wedding had several nods to their meeting; the bridal party made their grand entrance on an antique John Deere tractor and wagon, and following the ceremony, the couple made their debut atop Jenna’s father’s John Deere tractor. They now reside in Alexandria. sl
ART AT HOME
Written by Jean Easter
In the last issue, we explained the difference between restoration and conservation. Now let’s talk about matting and framing. Works of art on paper are susceptible to damage from light, pollution, tears from being handled, as well as smudges and dirt and oil from hands. Additional damage may come from the acidic environments they have been placed in. Chemicals in acidic paper and adhesives can cause paper to darken and become brittle. Where the sight edge of the window mat has come in contact with the art, there may be a mat burn presenting as a dark line around the perimeter of the window on the art.
Hinging is another area of concern. Masking tape, cellophane tape and most other tapes can cause damage to art by leaving marks, making the taped area brittle and discolored, which may be expensive to remove. The print should be directly adhered to the back mat with Japanese paper and wheat starch paste. This allows the print to expand and contract freely in response to changes in the environment. Next comes the window mat. It should be adhered
along the long edge of the back mat with acid-free tape, and fold like a book cover over the print. The image of the print should be what is seen through the window, while the outer perimeter of the print should be under the mat.
Backing boards are the final component of the matting and framing system. This is an independent, rigid, acid-free board acting as the backbone, stiff enough to keep the above components in place with no bowing. Material may be acid-free foam, or corrugated or honeycombed, board–in short, mat prints, with four-ply or thicker mats, alkaline pH of 7.5-10, composed of 100% cotton rag or chemically purified wood pulp.
Use UV glass or UV plexi, using spacers if necessary to keep glazing from touching the artwork, as well as a dust seal of acidfree paper or polyester or acid-free tape. Consulting a conservator will ensure your paper and canvas artwork is framed in a way that minimizes potential damage and protects its value. sl
For more information, visit easterconservation.com.
UNCORKED
Lucas Oil is a proud supporter of Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent, an organization that provides exceptional health care to countless individuals. These hospitals have been a beacon of hope for so many, including the Lucas family, and we are honored to help support their continued efforts. Through incredible wine dinners at Prime 47, this event offers a premium experience that combines fine dining with the opportunity to give back to this amazing hospital. Each event not only provides guests with a memorable evening but also contributes to ensuring that patients receive the best care possible. It’s a privilege to be part of such an impactful partnership, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need. sl
March/April 2025
104 Sophisticated Society
106 Bullseye Event Group’s Taylorgate
108 VELOCE Hangar Party
110 More Than a Tailgate
111 HHAI Kosher Pickleball Tournament
112 Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts
114 CIDE 25th Anniversary Gala
115 Sunflowers at Sunset
116 Holliday Home Tour
118 Women for Riley Centennial Celebration
119 ABBA Party at Feinstein’s
Caddis describes itself as “a mission disguised as eyewear,” with the directive, “Get older. Own it.”
Their beautifully designed readers and eyeglasses work stylishly with any look. Here, reading glasses are shown in the style Porgy Backstage, color Turtle Dove. For more information, visit caddislife.com.
Empowering Your Dreams
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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jeffrey Cohen
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Kerstie Shaw
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Annie Mosbaugh Knapp
SOCIETY EDITOR
Amy Pauszek
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Neil Charles
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam Gibson
ART DIRECTOR
Jason Yann
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers Stephanie Carlson Bridget Williams
Photographers
Mark Lee
Emily Lewis
Dave Pluimer
David Teter
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
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From the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
This is actually a column I hadn’t planned on writing, but sometimes, a serendipitous experience turns out so well, you just want to share it. On impulse last November, I arranged a getaway for my wife and me to celebrate our anniversary. I booked one of our favorite spots. The Escalante in Naples (FL), owned by our dear friend Mary Brandt, and comprised of 11 posh, secluded bungalows situated around a courtyard pool in which two large inflatable swans rule the roost (without the hissing). The goal: to escape winter’s cold, unwind and spend time together. Nothing out of the ordinary, but after one amazing dinner, I knew I’d want to share something with you.
Mary, who also owns The MED, a modern mediterranean artisan eatery in the heart of the city’s Bayshore Arts District, invited us to join her and her teenage daughter there for dinner, so our first evening in town we found ourselves on a picturesque patio, where the wonderful food and company provided the perfect start to what was to be a memorable stay. We began with escargot, perfectly tender and served out of their shells, with liberal amounts of butter, garlic and parsley Then came mussels in a rich broth, followed by a pistachio pizza that was so inventive, I’m still thinking about it. The deboned whole chicken, too, was one of the best I’ve had. Coupled with an excellent bottle of Arso by Antinori and Cotarella, and culminating with cannoli and tiramisu, the meal was the ideal blend of France and Italy.
The next night, my wife and I were on our own, dining at The French Brasserie Rustique, a stone ’ s throw from our hotel, on 5th Avenue South. Open, bright and spacious, with classic marble-topped tables and cast iron chairs, The French offers a charming taste of Paris, resonating with the clatter of dishes and the sound of happy diners chatting away We started our meal with a terrine and more escargot, this time en crôute, accompanied by a crisp Loire Valley white. My wife opted for one of her favorites, steak frites, for her main course, while I tucked into a Dover sole almondine. It was a splendid evening of gastronomy and people-watching.
The following days were a blur of great meals and wines, but it was a sake dinner at Veranda E, The Escalante’s poolside restaurant, that really stood out. It turns out that high-quality chilled sake, served in a white wine glass, is an entirely different experience from the warm variety served in little ceramic cups. The evening introduced me to new flavors and textures that proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks. My favorite course combined rabbit loin with a delicate and balanced Junmai Sake, my newly discovered go-to. If you haven’t tried sake cold with food, I highly recommend it.
The final night we spent with Mary, again at Veranda E, this time for a Nicholson Jones Winery dinner. The winery owners were in attendance, providing fascinating background and tasting notes on their Napa-grown, Bordeaux-style reds and wines. My wife likes them big and tannic, while I prefer something more elegant, so the Stags Leap District Cabernet checked all our boxes, pairing beautifully with an elk rack and truffled potatoes.
Beyond the excellent food and wine, the trip itself was a perfect reminder of why we love Naples and why we keep returning. The Escalante, with its Tuscan-inspired bungalows and intimate, adults-only atmosphere, felt like our own private escape. Marco, the ever-present and always-efficient personal butler, tended to us like we were his only guests. Spending most of our time at the hotel, relaxing and unwinding, taking a few walks along the beach, soaking in the laid-back charm of the area, it was the kind of holiday where everything just fell into place, one of those special experiences that I feel compelled to share. Whether it was the exceptional food, the unforgettable company, or the quiet moments of reflection by the pool, it was a reminder that the best things often happen when you least expect them.
Jeffrey Cohen jeff@slmag.net
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Photographed by: Sarah Browning
ROME AROUND THE WORLD
Orchestrated by global who's who in the worlds of architecture, culinary, and interior design, two recently opened luxury hotels demonstrate the staying power of the Eternal City.
Written by Bridget Cottrell (ROMEO
Under most circumstances, a bespoke tour that leads a group up a long flight of stairs, down a graffiti-lined alleyway, and to a windowless wooden door next to a loading dock in a non-descript manufacturing building would be head-scratching, but not in Rome. Noting our puzzled looks, Marilena Barberi, co-founder of Italy with Class (italywithclass.com) and Walks Inside Rome (walksinsiderome. com), promised us that a surprise awaited. "Rome is like lasagna," she said as we descended several flights of stairs that emptied us into the
Claire
1st century CE and the ruins of a Mithraic temple. "You can't really know Rome without going underground," remarked Barberi.
For millennia, Roman buildings destroyed by war, natural disasters, a desire to repurpose raw materials, or the whims of the powers that be have been blanketed by dirt, debris, and, eventually, new construction. A pair of recently opened hotels— ROMEO Roma and Casa Monti—have added another layer of deliciousness to the Eternal City's architectural casserole.
Photos courtesy of ROMEO Roma and Casa Monti
Roma) and
Williams (Casa Monti)
ROMEO Roma lobby photo by Chris Dalton
ROMEO Roma is situated within a historically significant 16th-century palazzo on Via di Ripetta, a stone's throw from the Piazza del Popolo. Constantly evolving, the building began as the home of a prosperous family, resplendent with museumquality art and thousands of books, before becoming a refuge for an exiled king and later the headquarters of the oldest Catholic Italian periodicals. When ROMEO Collection founder Alfredo Romeo acquired the building over a decade ago, it was being used for government offices.
Mr. Romeo, whose 85-key 5-star hotel in Naples is credited with being the catalyst in a neighborhood renewal project, brought the same visionary approach to his second hotel in Rome. He recruited the late Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid (who designed the nearby MAXXI, the first national museum of contemporary art in Italy, and worked on the ROMEO Rome project for four years before she died in 2016) and acclaimed French chef and restaurateur Alain Ducasse to lend their creative star power to this seminal project.
No sooner had work commenced when ancient Roman walls were discovered in the garden. Once the hand-executed excavations were complete, 80 square meters were declared part of the city's architectural heritage. The subterranean site can now be enjoyed
above ground through the clear-bottomed garden pool, where pieces of contemporary sculpture are watched over by an ancient fresco at the rear of the oasis. Unearthed during the excavation, a bust of Livia Drusilla (59 BC–29 CE), a Roman empress and the wife of Augustus, is on display in the lobby.
Hadid is known for her signature futuristic style, which is characterized by curving façades, sharp angles, and severe materials such as concrete and steel. At ROMEO Roma, Mr. Romeo challenged the Hadid team to work outside their comfort zone and festoon the futurism with natural materials, namely sustainably harvested Macassar ebony, lava stone, and Nero Marquina and Carrara marbles. The latter two were acquired in quantities sufficient for book-matching exposed seams from floor to ceiling.
Stepping into ROMEO's lustrous wonderland is akin to feeling like Alice when she tumbled down the rabbit hole. The 74-key boutique hotel encompasses three buildings and is chockfull of pieces from Mr. Romeo's art collection, including the likes of Christian Leperino, Mario Schifano, Mimmo Paladino, and Francesco Clemente, all of which he says are a testament to his love of beauty in all forms. Fluidity, from the fountains in the lobby to undulating patterns on the floor in guestroom corridors, adds a sensuous aura and design continuity.
Roman ruins on view from beneath the garden pool.
Fitness Center
Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse
photo by Matteo Carassale
Guestroom corridor.
Photo by Chris Dalton.
My head was on a swivel in the reception area, where the walls behind the desks were armored with brassy scales; Alice's exclamation of "curiouser and curiouser" came to mind. I quickly surmised that nothing is above elevation in this dreamscape, from the bespoke Poltrona Frau furnishings to surfaces decorated with the care of a Renaissance artisan.
A billionaire's pod on the USS Enterprise is what instantly sprung to mind when I opened the door to my lustrous Deluxe room. Everything was high-tech and high-touch, from the controls on the jacuzzi tub behind the bed to the Starpool shower system, which turned the ordinary shower experience into an aquatic disco, complete with music and colorful lights. Interrupting a lacquered wood wall was an electric fireplace nestled into a form best described as a "burst blister" on a pizza
crust. Four rooms on the hotel’s “noble floor” retain their original historical frescoes, creating a fascinating interplay of ancient artworks with contemporary details, including one suite with a curved staircase fashioned of Corian with an integrated jacuzzi tub at the base.
The hotel's primary amenities are all located on the ground level, and except for Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, are reserved exclusively for hotel guests, creating a sanctuary of calm and exclusivity in the bustling city. Savoring lunch at IL CORTILE, an all-day dining outpost, I was surrounded by a forest of lacquered ebony, sculpted into groin vaults and interspersed with gill-like slits recalling midcentury Italian painter Lucio Fontana's Buchi and Tagli artworks, which imbue the heavy solid surfaces with a feeling of etherealness.
Premier guestroom
Fresco Junior Suite Superior guestroom.
Photos by Chris Dalton
Experiencing the eight-course tasting menu at Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse is an absolute delight. Ducasse's involvement in his first Roman restaurant goes way beyond the menu; he designed everything from the table and chairs to the tableware, including Hermès plates, titanium tumblers, and wine glasses with impossibly delicate stems. Staff deliver each course with scripted synchronicity. And, while literal smoke and mirrors are involved, if the theatrics were stripped away, the merits of each dish would be just as memorable. Hotel guests are privy to an a la carte breakfast in the space, where the Ducasse influence is tasted in pain au chocolat and touched in crockery explicitly designed to prepare and present his eggs carbonara.
Encompassing nearly 4,000 square feet, LA SPA Sisley Paris offers treatments based on the Phyto-Aromatiques philosophy,
which combines plant extracts and natural essences for a sensory relaxation experience. After a long day of exploring, spending time in the hammam, sensorial shower, and the sinuous lounge chairs in the salt room was indulgent and restorative. Enveloped in sculpted ebony, the Technogym-equipped fitness center is a beautiful space to assuage any lingering guilt about over-indulging in la dolce vita.
"Architecture is inhabited sculpture," said the late modernist Romanian sculptor Constantine Brancusi. Sure to invoke conversations about its design merits, ROMEO Rome is a compelling work of art that reflects an owner willing to take risks to pursue the proverbial brass ring. Even Ducasse, who prefers to communicate in his native tongue, broke into English during a breakfast meeting to praise the artistry of an ebony cabinet in the dining room, switching back to French to underscore its magnifique-ness.
Bespoke tableware at Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse.
Photo by Giulia Venanzi
The eight-course tasting menu at Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse is also a feast for the eyes.
Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse photo by Chris Dalton
After descending from the Roman forum and weaving through the cobblestone streets of the Monti neighborhood in Rome's beating heart, you soon realize all roads lead to Casa Monti (casamontiroma.com), a boutique hotel that opened last summer. A vintage mustard-colored Fiat 500 sat perfectly framed in the arched doorway of the 5-star, 36-key hotel, whose facade, while seamlessly integrated into the surrounding ancient architecture, belies its la bohème interior.
Stepping inside, you plunge into French architect and interior designer Laura Gonzalez's world of color and patterns, inspired by the artisans and creatives tucked away on nearby Via Panisperna and Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. During a brief property overview and tour en route to our room, the concierge, struggling to find the best word in English to describe the interiors, asked, "What's the opposite of minimalist?" His endearing inquiry was honest and apt as Gonzalez’s maximalist vision is a cornucopian display of chromatic and eye-catching motifs co-mingled with Italian flair that creates a one-of-a-kind sense of place.
Inspired by the Italian concept of sprezzatura (the art of making something difficult look easy), Gonzalez has carefully curated four singular themes throughout the 26 rooms and 10 suites. Birds are
prominent subjects in the varied wallpaper; Gonzalez says birds filling the Roman skies caught her eye while conceptualizing her designs for Casa Monti. With tiles procured from the south of Italy and fabrics from the north (in the same place where Missoni also shops), Gonzalez ensures guests are consistently fully immersed in Italian craftmanship and its influence.
Gonzalez also playfully indulges in a meta-touch, such as a stairwell adorned with Roman graphics resembling hieroglyphics, exaggerated graphic clay vases, and detailed mosaics and frescoes. One of my favorite details in our room was the Broadway-esque flair of the draped curtains hiding the television. It created a moment of drama every time we turned on the TV and clicked a button to pull away the curtains.
Relaxation, social interaction, and therapeutic modalities characterized ancient Roman baths, and the fifth-floor spa at Casa Monti operates in this spirit. Treatments by beauty pioneer Susanne Kaufmann adopt a holistic approach through a spa menu that emphasizes naturalness. After enjoying a signature body treatment, followed by a dip in the jacuzzi, and donning a plush robe to recline on a chaise lounge positioned to overlook the Eternal City while enjoying a facemask and freshly squeezed juice, I've never felt more ready for my cameo in a Dolce & Gabbana commercial.
Susanne Kauffman spa at Casa Monti.
Photo by Jerome Galland.
Casa Monti corridor photo by Jerome Galland
The first-floor bar and Casa Monti Ristorante are adored just as much by locals as hotel guests. After a meal of seasonal Roman flavors at the ristorante, the adjacent Casa Monti bar provided a logical and seamless transition for a digestivo. Amplified Amaro amare awaits at the rooftop bar, which boasts a view that even Caesar would envy.
One of Rome's oldest neighborhoods, Monti was once a residence for gladiators and is now the preferred haunt of artists and ragazzi fighi (cool kids). Just a few steps outside the hotel are intriguing bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The main artery for shopping and sightseeing is a few streets away, including the Colosseum, where we met with Isabella Calidonna of ArcheoRunning (archeorunning.com/en). With a PhD in Art History, a degree in Archeology, and a bonified love of exercise,
touring with Calidonna was a highlight of our trip. She covers nearly 17,000 kilometers annually as part of her private running and walking tours of the city.
As a history nerd and an ultimate Jeopardy fan, I was thrilled to ask limitless questions to someone without a script and with encyclopedic knowledge. I had no shame in asking, "How realistic is Russell Crowe's depiction of a gladiator?" to which Calidonna quipped back, "While Russell Crowe is a great actor, Roman gladiators were all short and fat, à la Danny DeVito since no one was tall at that time (except Germans) and an extra layer of fat was an extra layer of armor."
Returning to the hotel each evening, we navigated without maps by traversing streets where we could see the Colosseum at the end and, eventually, leading back to Casa Monti. sl
Isabella Calidonna of ArcheoRunning
Rooftop bar at Casa Monti.
Photo by Jerome Galland.
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
ALL GREEK TO ME
Jewelry inspired by antiquity.
This page, clockwise from top left: Ancient Greeks wore gold jewelry to showcase their wealth and social hierarchy and as a protective shield against evil. Harriett necklace from Sarah Straussberg (sarahstraussberg.com). The earliest evidence of enameling in ancient Greece dates back to 1600 BC. Melissa Kaye Honey Hoop earrings. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and melissakayejewelry.com. In Greek mythology, Eros and other mythological figures' use of a bow and arrow symbolized the power and unpredictability of love. Peruffo Jewelry Heart Chains earring. Available through Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and peruffojewelry.com. In Greek jewelry, hammered gold can symbolize eternity, infinity, and the interconnectedness of all things. LALAoUNIS Neolithic drop earrings (lalaounis.com). Greek jewelry often depicted caricatures of Greek gods and goddesses. Carina Hardy Three Graces pendant (carinahardy.com). The meander motif is a wave-like pattern in ancient Greek jewelry and design that symbolizes eternity and the undulating flow of human life through reproduction. Akaila Reid slim wavy bangle (akailareid.com). The Sappho signet ring from Common Era pays homage to the iconic ancient Greek lyric poet (commonera.com). Greek and Latin share a linguistic and cultural heritage. Pyrrha Love Conquers All band ring (pyrrha.com). The Greek Key motif dates back to around 700 BC. Anita Ko diamond Greek key bracelet (anitako.com). The Greek philosopher Aristotle favored emeralds, believing in their power to bring success in business, victory in trials, and improved eyesight. David Yurman Spiritual Beads with pavé emeralds. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. The earliest written account of a unicorn was by the Greek historian Ctesias in his book Indika around 400 BCE. Silvia Furmanvich's Quintessence collection Alchemical Wedding earrings (silviafurmanovich.com). The Greek Mati (evil eye) is a significant symbol in Greek folklore. Having an eye on various artifacts (like charms or jewelry) is supposed to absorb this negative and evil energy. Modern Moghul Aankh charm (modernmoghul.com).Opposite page: To the ancient Greeks, the snake symbolized rejuvenation because it sheds its skin. Tabbah Reptilia necklace and earring (tabbah.com)
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
TO THE MOON AND BACK
This page, clockwise from top left: Mission to Mars from Omega x Swatch (swatch.com). Elegance tiara from Louis Vuitton’s Awakened Minds High Jewelry Collection (louisvuitton.com).
Photo by Nathaniel Goldberg. LÖF The Erté Earrings (lofjewellery.com). Bondeye Jewelry Barri cuff links (bondeyejewelry.com). Maison H Jewels Galaxy Collection ring (maisonhjewels. com). Jacquie Aiche Galaxy inlay ring (jacquieaiche.com). Lionheart Jewelry Starry Night interchangeable charm (lionheartjewelry.com). Jane Win Jewelry Lucky pendant. Available through Lusso Boutique in St. Louis and janewin.com. Sorellina Le Stelle button earrings. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and sorellinanyc.com. Silvia Furnamovich's Quintessence Saturn earrings (silviafurmanovich.com). Temple St. Clair Eclipse earrings. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang Jewelers in St. Louis and templestclair.com. Opposite page: Kwiat Starry Night ring. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and kwiat.com. Mellerio NUIT ÉTOILÉE high jewelry talisman medal (us.mellerio.fr). Monica Rich Kosann chain bracelet. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cinncinati, Charles Mayer and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Simons Jewelers and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and monicarichkosann.com. Davis Classics Crescent Moon ring. Available through Davis Jewelers in Louisville (davisjewelers.com). Julie Vos Luna Climber earrings. Available through Welling & Co. in Cincinnati, Charles Mayer & Co. in Indianapolis and julievos.com. Limited-edition 41mm BR-03 Astro from Bell & Ross. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville and bellross.com.
CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND WINE TRAIL
Unforgettable Wine and Food Experiences
Compiled by Claire Williams / Photos courtesy Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail encompasses three principal wine regions: Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and Marlborough. Together, these regions account for over eighty percent of the country's wine production and provide wine enthusiasts access to 230 wineries and 120 cellar doors. This 240-mile, sign-posted self-guided journey is ideal for a five to ten-day trip and takes visitors along the East Coast of New Zealand, from Hawke's Bay in the North Island to Marlborough in the South Island. Along the route, you'll find 155 EV charging stations and myriad accommodation options to suit every traveler, from luxury lodges and boutique B&Bs to serviced apartments and historic cottages.
As an official Great Wine Capital of the World, Hawke's Bay is graced with a Mediterranean climate and scores farmer's markets sharing the bounty of the region's fertile farmland. The Te Matau-aMāui region is the country's leading producer of red wine, including full-bodied red blends, and syrah, cabernet, and merlot varieties.
In addition to more than 70 wineries, you can explore the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world, which were constructed in Napier City after the devastating earthquake of 1931.
At the heart of the wine trail is Wellington (wellingtonnz.com), sandwiched between verdant rolling hills and a bustling harbor, where a vibrant culinary scene thrives alongside locally made craft beer. For wine lovers, many stylish wine bars and award-winning restaurants feature curated selections of local and international wines. Ascend nearly 400 feet above the city aboard the Wellington Cable Car (wellingtoncablecar.co.nz), which departs from Lambton Quay, the main shopping street. Don't miss the chance to visit Wētā Workshop (wetanz.com) for a behind-the-scenes look at the acclaimed film effects company responsible for productions such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and King Kong, among others. Test your nerve by traversing a 230-foot-long suspension bridge at Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park (makarapeak.bike).
The Wairarapa region, just over the hill from Wellington, is home to several boutique wine areas spread among five characterrich towns and arguably the most accessible Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Set against a spectacular backdrop of Wairarapa's rolling countryside, The Runholder (therunholder.co.nz) is the home of Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard wines, and Lighthouse Gin. The picturesque spot is a convenient destination for great food, wine, and gin in Martinborough.
The thoughtfully preserved Victorian country village of Greytown, located in Wairarapa, is one of New Zealand's premier shopping destinations. It boasts a sophisticated combination of independent boutiques, galleries, stylish stores, restaurants, and cafés.
Marlborough is a foodie haven, accessible via the Interislander ferry (interislander.co.nz), often described as one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. Once there, you can fish and kayak the beautiful waterways of the Marlborough Sounds.
Known for producing some of the world's finest Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region, with 168 wineries. Pair your glass of "liquid sunshine" with freshly steamed Greenshell mussels, rated as one of the most sustainable seafood products in the world.
Consider taking the Coastal Pacific Train to extend your adventure after finishing the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail in Marlborough. Constructed over seven decades and renowned for being one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand railways, this scenic trip meanders along the Pacific Coast between Picton and Christchurch, offering breathtaking views that are hard to match by any other means of transport.
So, grab your friends or family and prepare for a adventure filled with outstanding wines, delicious food, and breathtaking views throughout the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Cheers! sl For more information visit classicwinetrail.co.nz
Tasting at the Hans Herzog Estate
There are ample opportunities for hiking along the New Zealand Wine Trail, including Castlepoint, a small beachside settlement on the Wairarapa coast of the Wellington Region.
Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park in Wellington (makarapeak.bike).
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GEORGIA (WINE) ON MY MIND
Château Elan Winery and Resort, in the rolling foothills of North Georgia, is a driveable destination with an "across the pond" ambiance.
By Tracy Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Château Elan Winery and Resort
By its very name, the Château Elan Winery and Resort (chateauelan. com) conjures images of sophisticated country sojourns and picturesque vineyards, all imbued with a welcoming, elegant ambiance. This Four Diamond resort and award-winning winery located in the foothills of Georgia, does not disappoint. Plan to arrive at dusk for a warm welcome to find the stately Château's silhouette glowing with twinkling lights, serving as a beacon for the cornucopia of delights offered. Travel weariness quickly falls away in anticipation of what is ahead. The stage is superbly set for a stay that can be uniquely tailored for each guest.
Stepping across the threshold and into the main reception area of the Inn at Château Elan, one of several buildings that house the resort, I was greeted by the excited hum of people on the move, all availing themselves of the wide variety of eateries, services, and activities throughout the winery and resort. Staff greet incoming guests, prepared with all pertinent details for their stay. With or without specific plans, I quickly discovered the Château staff are attuned to guests' interests and eager to confirm details or offer recommendations. They were also happy to provide directions and pointers if you already have an itinerary, as I did.
If overdue self-care sends you in search of luxurious pampering, guests can avail themselves of The Spa at Château Elan. The Spa's ambiance was relaxed and welcoming, with staff eager to ensure the services or fitness amenities you selected are
ideally suited. I was delighted to start my second day with an hour of indulgence via a bone-melting massage.
Following all spa services, guests are encouraged to get a favorite beverage and find a relaxing spot. Elegant, comfortable chaise lounge chairs are strategically placed at the Spa pool and surrounding manicured grounds to afford the best view. Whether you are catching up with your travel companion or enjoying excellent people-watching, you can rest undisturbed.
For those wanting a light meal, the Fleur de Lis restaurant offers healthy food, prepared for a gourmet palate. After my excellent massage, I stopped by and ordered a Brussels Sprouts Ceasar Salad and fresh fruit. The Fleur de Lis debunks the myth that healthful food isn't tasty. Diners leave with the virtuous satisfaction that often accompanies a well-prepared meal that delights the palate and is also good for your body.
Active guests can rent bikes, head out to the running trails, play tennis, golf on multiple courses totaling 45 holes, swim in the outdoor pool, or test themselves on the equipment in the state-of-the-art fitness center. The grounds themselves are a peaceful, open invitation to explore, get in some steps, and soak in the beauty of Mother Nature. My choice was a walk in the woods, lulled by gentle breezes and charmed by drifts of fallen leaves. With each step, I felt both my body and mind relax, leaving tension behind on the forest floor.
Photo
Michael Miller
Photo by Galina Juliana
As a deeply committed Tea Aficionado, I was eager to sample High Tea in the Atrium. While there are elements of the traditional British ritual, Château Elan adds a little dash and flair of its own. A tea cart is brought to each table with glass containers of the in-house teas. Our server, or perhaps more accurately, the Tea Sommelier, introduced each tea, describing the blend, the origins, the flavor profile, and the level of caffeine, encouraging us all to sniff each tea and enjoy the unique scents before making our selections.
Once we selected our teas, a pot was brewed for each guest. My choice was a personal favorite, Lapsang Souchong, which is hard to find and admittedly an acquired taste but an absolute
treat. Of course, you cannot have High Tea without tea cakes and sandwiches! At the Versailles, they are served on individual, tiered cake stands that are not only pretty but also perfectly display the selection of tasty two-bite delights.
If you are a wine devotee, tours and tastings are available daily, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery and production rooms (winery.chateauelan.com). To further deepen the winery experience, consider staying in the Villas at Château Elan or wine bungalows overlooking the vineyards. Château Elan also generously shares its expertise with guests through culinary classes, mixology demonstrations, and wine education classes.
Versailles Restaurant & Bar photo by Galina Juliana
Versailles Restaurant & Bar
Guestroom photo by Galina Juliana
The unquestioned highlight of my stay was the Inaugural Château Elan Culinary & Wine Classic. Held on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the Winery at Château Elan, the event, of course, showcased the Château Elan wines and excellent food in addition to wonderful, unique surprises. Many guests gravitated to the Typewriter Poets table where a pair of poets and their oldfashioned typewriters sat ready to create unique poems on the spot. It was hard to resist meandering from the Marc Restaurant to the wine-tasting bars across the lobby, alive with chatter as guests sampled wines, all accompanied by a virtuoso violinist. To enjoy a respite, many chose the Winery Pavillion, where a trio with a varied repertoire played to guests while sipping wine or a cup of coffee. Dancing was inevitable, and a space had been created for it. There was a communal painting set on an easel for those looking for more of the unexpected. All guests were encouraged to pick up a paintbrush, dabble in a wide selection of colors, and contribute to this piece of shared art.
Simone Bergese, Château Elan's Executive Winemaker, ensconced in a private library-like room, spent the afternoon describing the evolution of Château Elan wines. I was fascinated to learn that winemakers maintain a library of wines that are no longer in production and are not for sale. These wines serve as a point of reference for taste and composition, and a tasting of selected library wines was part of the presentation. His passion for his vocation was evident as he shared his vision for the Château Elan winery and the journey to the award-winning establishment that it is today.
Château Elan's first Annual Culinary & Wine Classic, imbued with the pleasure of seamlessly executed activities accompanied by the best food and wine, was, in fact, a microcosm of what the resort does daily. Château Elan Winery and Resort has mastered a blend of luxurious accommodations, a wide selection of varied activities, and sumptuous cuisine always nearby. Guests' prerogative and pleasure is to customize their stay to suit their every need and whim. Fill your cup, as they say at Château Elan. sl
Winemaker Simone Bergese
Louis' House of Bourbon photo by Galina Juliana
BROOCHING THE SUBJECT
Aaron Henry Southern Oak Acorn brooch. Available through Chesterfield Jewelers in St. Louis and aaronhenry.com. Sarah Straussberg one-off Mini Bella brooch (sarahstraussberg.com). Studio Renn Yellow Gilled pendant/brooch (studiorenn.com). Fred Leighton enamel guilloche brooch (fredleighton.com). Yoko London brooch with a golden South Sea pearl (yokolondon.com). Portugal Jewels Heart of Amália brooch (portugaljewels.com). Emerald lapel brooch. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and
SPRING FLING
Blackbough Swim’s new Après Ski Collection is perfect for end-of-season ski parties.
Photos courtesy of Blackbough Swim
As the days gradually lengthen, we look forward to warmer days ahead, but not before partaking in a final schuss in slushy late-spring snow.
Blackbough Swim (blackboughswim.com) stylishly straddles the seasons with its latest Après Ski Collection, representing a fresh take on snow-inspired swimwear for the ultimate winter-into-spring getaways. Fashionable and planet-friendly, since 2021, one hundred percent of Blackbough's swimwear has been made using recycled nylon or polyester and delivered in biodegradable packaging.
Whether you're soaking in a hot tub after a long day on the slopes or partaking in end-of-season ski parties such as the Chamonix Unlimited Festival (March 26-30; unlimited-festival. com/en/unlimitedfestival), Closing Day Celebrations at Aspen Snowmass (TBD; aspensnowmass.com), the Snowbombing Festival at Mayrhofen, Austria (April 8-13; snowbombing.com), the Slush Cup in Banff, Canada (May 20; skibig3.com), Top of the Mountain Closing Concert in Ischgl, Austria (May 3; ischgl. com/en), Telluride's KOTO Spring Street Dance (April 4, telluride.com), Closing Day Party at Big Sky (April 27; bigskyresort.com/events), Rendezvous Music Festival at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (April 4-5; jacksonhole. com/rendezvous) Spring Back to Vail (April; vail.com/springback), the Park City Spring Wine Festival (April 3-5; parkcitywinefest.com), or just dreaming of a warm-weather escape, Blackbough's new styles offer a perfect blend of playful prints and cozy vibes. sl
MOTORING THROUGH THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW
A trio of highlights from the global tradeshow in Las Vegas this past January
Compiled by Matthew Cottrell
Following its exhibition at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Italdesign brought its Quintessenza concept to CES. The company bills the four-seater as combining the dynamic power of an Italian-styled 2+2 GT with the versatility of a pickup. Among the vehicle's unique features is the ability to rotate the rear seats 180 degrees. At CES, Quintessenza highlighted the latest generation of in-wheel motors from Elaphe, a leading company in zero-emission powertrains and propulsion systems, with three electric motors and a 150.0-kWh battery pack that combine for 777 horsepower.
Eco-friendliness extends to the interiors: Bcomp's linen fiber for the exterior and interior elements, Fili Pari's soft marble powder fabric for the dashboard and door panels, Stoll Italia's 3Dknit technology to reduce material waste, and Hero Flooring made with Nike Grind Rubber from recycled sports footwear.
A pioneer in solar mobility, Carlsbad, California-based and crowd-funded Aptera Motors unveiled Launch Edition, a solar electric vehicle equipped with 700 watts of integrated solar cells,
providing up to 40 miles of solar-powered driving per day and the ability to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge, meaning that most drivers can enjoy daily use without ever needing to plug in to charge.
The company partnered with Pininfarina, utilizing their state-ofthe-art wind tunnel in Turin, Italy, to refine its design to achieve one of the lowest drag coefficients of any production passenger vehicle. With only six key body components, Aptera's unique shape allows it to slip through the air using far less energy than other electric and hybrid vehicles today.
"We are proud to have played a role in validating Aptera's aerodynamic design," said Alessandro Aquili, Head of Wind Tunnel at Pininfarina. "Aptera's commitment to innovation mirrors our own, and we are excited to support their vision for a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We look forward to expanding our collaboration as Aptera's productionintent vehicle progresses toward production."
Launch Edition from Aptera is a solar electric vehicle equipped with 700 watts of integrated solar cells.
Among the Quintessenza concept’s unique features is the ability to rotate the rear seats 180 degrees.
ItalDesign bills the Quintessenza concept as combining the dynamic power of an Italian-styled 2+2 GT with the versatility of a pickup.
The BMW Group presented the first opportunity to experience the close-to-production version of the new BMW iDrive – complete with its centerpiece, BMW Panoramic Vision. The software underpinning it all is the latest BMW Operating System X, which acts as the intelligence hub behind the new display and operating concept. With its modern, style-shaping design, the holistic system will be introduced in all new BMW models from the end of 2025.
The Head-Up Display concept reflects visible information from A-pillar to A-pillar onto a black printed surface in the lower section of the windscreen. It is visible to all occupants, with the most important driving information projected directly into the driver's line of sight above the steering wheel. The driver can personalize the content in the central and right-hand areas of the BMW Panoramic Vision via the central display. The integration of the BMW Panoramic Vision creates a 3D effect for the driver and passengers.
On the central display with matrix backlight technology, the familiar, updated menu structure with QuickSelect ensures optimal operation of the functions and content by touch. Operation is effortless and convenient, as the free-cut-design display is located close to the steering wheel in an ergonomically ideal position. Selected content (widgets) can be carried over to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a swipe on the central display and arranged as desired.
The new multifunction steering wheel uses BMW's shy-tech approach, whereby the relevant buttons are illuminated to highlight
available functions. The steering wheel serves as the primary physical control, and its buttons provide active haptic feedback. The buttons have relief-like surface, making them easy to locate and enabling the driver to press them without taking their eyes off the road.
The expanded intelligence of BMW Operating System X makes it possible to combine the BMW Panoramic Vision, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, central display, and multifunction steering wheel to merge physical and digital experiences. For example, an incoming call initially brings up a graphic on the BMW Panoramic Vision. At the same time, a symbol on the relevant steering wheel button that was not previously visible is illuminated in green, indicating the option of taking the call by pressing the button or rejecting it with a swipe on the right-hand side of the steering wheel.
As with the current infotainment systems from BMW, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can – if the driver desires – make suggestions proactively based on user behavior. This intelligence expands further with BMW Operating System X. In relevant situations, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant highlights driver assistance systems, which the driver rarely uses. As a kind of reminder, the system suggests activating Sport Mode on suitable routes if the driver has already activated Sport Mode independently beforehand. If the driver doesn't respond to or ignores these proactive suggestions several times, the system learns and refrains from making future suggestions. sl
BMW Panoramic Vision
TURBO-CHARGED SIBLING
Porsche adds a new Carrera S to the 911 lineup for the 2025 model year.
Compiled by Matthew Cottrell / Image courtesy of Porsche Cars North America
The 911 Carrera S, available in both Coupé and Cabriolet versions for the 2025 model year, bridges the gap between the 911 Carrera and the more performance-oriented 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid.
Under the hood, the iconic and upgraded 3.0-liter twinturbo boxer six-cylinder engine now outputs 473 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 30 horsepower compared to its predecessor while reducing emissions. To achieve this enhanced performance and efficiency, Porsche has fitted new turbochargers and optimized the charge-air cooling, among other improvements. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Porsche dualclutch transmission (PDK). When equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, the Carrera S Coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds—0.2 seconds faster than the previous model— and reaches a top speed of 191 mph. From a performance standpoint, the improvements for this model include a Sport Exhaust with silver tailpipes and brakes sourced from the previous generation 911 Carrera GTS, measuring 408 mm on the front axle and 380 mm on the rear axle. The updated dampers feature optimized hydraulics enhancing responsiveness and improve ride quality compared to previous models.
Key performance-focused standard features from the earlier model remain unchanged, including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and staggered 20/21-inch Carrera S wheels. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and PASM Sport Suspension, which lowers the ride height by 10 mm, are also available. An
optional rear-axle steering system improves agility at low speeds and enhances stability at high speeds.
The 2025 Carrera S models feature a significantly upgraded interior as standard. Compared to previous Carrera S models, the interior now includes more leather upholstery on various elements, such as the seats, headrests, upper dashboard, upper door panels, and, if equipped, the rear seats. As with other 911 Carrera Coupe models in the current generation, a two-seat interior is standard, with the option to include rear seats at no additional cost. For Cabriolet models, rear seats are standard, and there is no option to delete them. For those seeking enhanced luxury, a full leather interior covering additional surfaces such as the lower dashboard, glove box lid, rear side panels, and rear tunnel is available as an upgrade. An exclusive Manufaktur Leather Interior option offers up to 48 possible two-tone combinations for further customization.
The Carrera S benefits from an upgraded standard equipment package common to the entire model series, such as Matrix Design LED headlights, a cooled wireless smartphone charger, and a drive mode knob integrated into the heated steering wheel. Available options include a front axle lift system, innovative HD-Matrix Design LED headlights, and the Sport Chrono package with the Porsche Track Precision app—ideal for those who enjoy track days. sl The new 911 Carrera S is now available to order as a Coupe or Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive. Its MSRP is $146,400 and $159,600, respectively, excluding a $1,995
¡VIVA MÉXICO!
Grand Velas Riviera Maya provides an all-inclusive cultural immersion.
Written by Elliott Greene / Photos courtesy of Velas Resorts
For foodies, a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant is typically an occasional indulgent treat. For guests of the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya, it's just dinner. The resort's Cocina de Autor is one of just two restaurants included at an all-inclusive resort to be awarded a Michelin star (the other is at its sister property in Los Cabos). However, the cuisine isn't the only elevated experience at the sprawling 206-acre property near Playa del Carmen. Comprised of three distinct concepts, guests have access to the entirety of the exhaustive amenities: diverse restaurants encompassing everything from an Edith Piaf-inspired French restaurant gastronomique to an Asian fusion outpost, bars where you can simply sip and enjoy the view or take a more active approach with karaoke and dancing, and unique, immersive on-property programming.
The balconies of the oceanfront Grand Class and Ambassador buildings, whose stepped brutalist architecture recalls pyramidic
Mayan ruins, are festooned with trailing magenta Bougainvillea, a hallmark flower of the Velas Resorts properties throughout Mexico. Apart from the Presidential Suite, the 90 spacious suites in the Grand Class buildings are identical in layout, including an ocean-facing plunge pool integrated within a large, covered terrace. Each guest is assigned a personal concierge who is available via text.
The harmonious integration of the Zen building within the dense jungle environment, just a short shuttle ride away from the oceanfront, feels almost Balinese. Guests interested in further landscape immersion can book an ecological tour that encompasses a visit to a reforestation jungle area comprised of more than 15,000 transplanted trees, a visit to the shore to learn about coral reef restoration, tasting your way through the hotel's garden, and getting up close to the resort's cenotes, natural pools of fresh water important for biodiversity and Mayan cultural traditions.
Getting up close to the resort's cenotes is part of the on-property eco tour.
The Zen pool is nestled into a jungle setting.
As a Mexican-owned resort company, Grand Velas proudly offers experiences aimed at sharing contemporary and historical Mexican traditions. Far from standard (and often dull) all-inclusive fare, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the cuisine. I sampled tacos sprinkled with crispy grasshoppers at Frida, sipped a cocktail inspired by Mayan astrology at Sky Bar, and relished every palatepleasing, beautifully plated course presented by Chef Nahum Velasco at Cocina de Autor. Outside of mealtime, participating in scheduled tasting experiences became my favorite way to experience the diversity of Mexican cuisine while learning about the historic traditions surrounding some of the country's Denomination of Origins.
"Nothing compares to a good mole," the chef said as we commenced our tasting of five distinctive moles, ranging in flavor from fruity to herbaceous, that were paired with a unique array of
Mexican spirits, which provided an in-depth education and fodder for making future cocktail conversation.
Mole Michoacan was paired with Charanda, a rum-like spirit derived from sugarcane that packed quite a punch. We learned that the cristalino tequila, served alongside pumpkin mole, is añejo tequila that has been filtered (often through charcoal), which strips away the color and woodier notes it would have picked up from its time in the barrel, leaving the complexity an añejo with the crisp, brighter notes of a Blanco. Like the rules surrounding what can be called Champagne, as we sipped Bacanora, an agave spirit native to Sonora, we learned it can't be labeled as mezcal because it doesn't meet the denomination of origin requirement. White Mole was mated to Sotol, a distilled spirit from the Chihuahuan desert. Guests who dine at Frida,
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is the inspiration behind Frida, Grand Vela's tribute to Mexican cuisine.
A guided tasting of mezcal and artisanal chocolate is part of the resort’s weekly programming.
the resort's AAA Four Diamond modern Mexican restaurant, are given a freeze-dried mole and recipes created by chef Laura Isadora Ávalos Sierra as a take-home amenity.
Cacao was declared "the food of the gods" in Mayan and Aztec civilizations, and I concur that the guided tasting of mezcal and artisanal chocolate is heavenly, particularly the Mezcal Gin MG x Passion Fruit Infused White Chocolate.
Another sweet amenity that is also good for the planet is the new bee sanctuary, a decade in the making, devised to protect the local Maya Melipona bee. Guests benefit from the bee's labor in the form of a guided honey tasting, where they can discover what's behind each honey's unique viscosity and flavor. When one guest asked for another taste, our guide, Nicholas, joked, "It's an all-inclusive resort, so you can shower in it if you like."
Circular skylights, waterfalls spilling down two stories into stream-like pools, and stone walls covered in vegetation in the Forbes Five-Star SE Spa (a distinction held for three years running) made me feel like it was inside a futuristic biodome on another planet. Located in the Zen building (where there is also an expansive and superbly equipped gym), this 90,000 squarefoot Mayan-inspired temple of wellness, boasts 42 treatment rooms, referred to as "cabins" and a guided seven-station Water Ceremony. However, rather than being sacrificed at the end as would be the case in Mayan times, I was seamlessly guided through each station by an army of attendants, feeling cocooned in uniquely scented spaces that left me to my thoughts in fiveto-seven intervals that gradually became easier as I gave myself over to relaxation.
Following the water ritual, my wet swimsuit was collected outside my treatment room door during a blissful 80-minute Organic Kaab Honey Experience and returned dry when the treatment finished. Nearly as massive as the facility, the spa treatment menu incorporates Indigenous experiences as part of its Journey Though Ancient Mexico collection, which uses native plants and minerals materials, such as prickly pear, corn cobs, calabash gourds, aloe vera, Chaka bark, cocoa, coffee, and jade. To facilitate a vacation mindset at home, I picked up a few self-branded SE Spa products infused with the intoxicating and invigorating scent of lemongrass.
From sunrise to turndown, guests feel authentically immersed in Mexican culture. Even the eve of departure day is
an opportunity, with Grand Velas offering an alebrije turndown service. Alebrijes are attributed to Mexican artist Pedro Linares, who, after suffering from a high fever in 1936, experienced a vivid dream that transported him to a technicolor forest filled with creatures that proclaimed the word "alebrije." After his recovery, Linares began recreating the alebrijes in cardboard and papiermâché, an artisanal tradition championed by Grand Velas. One of eight bespoke alebrijes hand-painted by artists for the resort awaited on my pillow after dinner on my last evening. Now, in a place of prominence on my desk as a lovely souvenir, it's also an open invitation for an eventual return. sl
For more information visit rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
The mint-infused ice room is part of the guided Water Ceremony at the SE Spa.
A guided honey tasting highlights Grand Velas’ efforts to protect the Maya Melipona bee.
Build your Dream Home
No matter where you're looking to build your dream home, Gradison DesignBuild is ready to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re drawn to a vibrant community, a secluded retreat, or a setting that perfectly complements your lifestyle, we have exclusive opportunities to make it happen.
AVAILABLE LOTS AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Williams Creek - 8155 N. Broadway
Downtown Carmel - 913 W. Auman
Carmel - 1225 E 116th Street
Carmel - Asherwood
Zionsville - Wild Air & Bradley Ridge
For additional lot locations visit: gradisonbuilding.com/where-we-build
Interested in a conversation? We are, too! Contact Joe Gradison at 317.258.8348 or Sara Rodgers at 317.225.3503
MOSS ARTWORK
A beautiful, natural addition to your lifestyle
Written by Stephanie Carlson / Photographed by Makenzie Curtis
Moss artwork is a stunning way to bring the beauty of nature indoors, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in any space. Whether featured as a statement wall, a branding logo wall, framed botanical piece, or custom installation, moss art blends organic elegance with modern design.
Timeless beauty and low maintenance are a couple of the most appealing qualities of moss artwork. Its ability to maintain a lush, vibrant appearance without the need for watering, sunlight, or pruning are ideal features for the busy nature-lover who wants a splash of care-free flora. Unlike traditional houseplants, preserved moss varieties and foliage are pest-free, remain realistic and rich in color, and provide the aesthetic benefits of greenery without the upkeep.
Incorporating a moss creation into your home or office decor is a biophilic design concept that emphasizes the natural desire of people to connect with nature. These green walls and creative framed pieces add a touch of tranquility and contribute to reducing stress and promoting wellness by creating a natural, calming aesthetic, bringing nature indoors.
Moss wall art is versatile, customizable and available in a variety of styles, from minimalist geometric patterns to intricate, nature-inspired landscapes that can include additions like wood,
pebbles, ferns and mushrooms. The pieces can be customized to fit any room, whether as a small accent piece or a full-scale detailed green wall. With different moss textures, shades and colors, each piece is unique and can be tailored to complement any interior style from contemporary to traditional. Fabricated from preserved, sustainably sourced natural materials, moss artwork is an environmentally-friendly way to enhance any space.
The moss is harvested from farms and the forest, preserved in a non-toxic glycerin solution and transferred onto a canvas to create beautiful moss masterpieces. Unlike living walls that require energyintensive drip irrigation systems, regular maintenance and live plant replacements, moss is long-lasting and frozen-in-time, making it an attractive, sustainable decor choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Beyond its natural appeal, moss artwork is a statement of elegance that elevates interiors by adding depth, texture, and luxurious organic elements. Whether placed in a modern loft, a cozy living room, or a corporate setting, these green installations create a refined yet inviting focal point that captivates guests and residents alike. By blending art and nature, moss designs create an enjoyable, breathtaking addition to any home or workplace, offering an everlasting, effortless way to bring the outdoors in. sl For more information, visit naturspire.com.
LIFELONG LEARNING STARTS HERE.
At Park Tudor, every day is a chance for your child to explore their passions. From state-of-the-art academics to athletics and fine arts, we’re dedicated to ensuring every student from junior kindergarten to 12th grade has a well-rounded education.
Choose Park Tudor to instill a love of learning that lasts.
THE ART OF WINE
Written by Jessica Pontius / Photographed by Addison Ray/Keep Indy Indie
Standing in front of a wall of wine bottles can feel like being in a gallery of untold stories. What draws you in? Is it the familiar allure of a varietal or the intrigue of a region you’ve always wanted to taste? Maybe it’s the label that speaks the loudest—a silent narrator of the experience waiting inside. At Daniel’s Vineyard, we believe every bottle should tell a story, and that starts long before the cork is popped.
Our winemaker, Blake Trobaugh, crafts wines that are nothing short of art in a glass, each sip expressing character, elegance, and a touch of whimsy. But the art doesn’t stop there. Jenna Cook, the eldest daughter of our winemaking family, transforms each label into a masterpiece of its own. From the timeless beauty of our estate wines
to the playful vibrance of our 88 series natural wines, every bottle is a reflection of the love and creativity poured into it.
Take Circle City Red, for example—the bottle is adorned with the city skyline, hand-painted by Jenna, and pouring a glass feels like unwrapping a storybook. Or our No Ruff Days series, whose lively designs are as approachable as the wines themselves. Packaging isn’t just a wrapper—it’s an introduction, a promise of what’s to come.
So, next time you’re perusing the shelves, look for a bottle from Daniel’s Vineyard and let the label pull you in. We create wines that look as good as they taste—because a story worth telling deserves the perfect cover. sl For more information, visit danielsvineyard.com.
MASTERING THE MARKET
Written by Matt McLaughlin
As a residential real estate broker for over 35 years with more than $1.4 billion in career sales, I know the central Indiana real estate market. The 2024 luxury home market in Indianapolis and surrounding suburban markets was robust and active, though still hampered by more home buyers than sellers. According to MIBOR, 13% more luxury homes priced over $1 million sold in 2024 than in 2023–a notable jump. This is only one of a few important market indicators. The average sales price of homes remained steady with only 1% in growth. The time it took for a luxury home to sell in 2024 still averaged around 50 days, consistent with 2023. Homes that were well-priced, updated, and in good condition often sold faster than the month-and-a-half average. In 2024, over 650 homes sold above $1 million in our region, including more than 20 homes priced above $3 million. The largest recorded sale was in Carmel at $6 million. This home rested on over an acre and featured golf course views, extraordinary outdoor living spaces, and high-end finishes throughout the interior. These numbers contributed to the robust luxury home market in 2024.
Predictions for the 2025 luxury home market call for similar conditions to those of 2023 and 2024. We expect to continue to see fewer homes for sale than buyers. This seller-friendly market requires both home sellers and buyers to remain astute. Buyers must be wellprepared when beginning the home-buying process. Savvy buyers will be equipped with the necessary financial documentation–pre-approval, pre-approved mortgages, or even cash on hand. Many winning buyers will limit contingencies and repair requests, and will be prepared to give post-possession or extended closing time with their offers. We anticipate luxury buyers prioritizing quality, turn-key homes, and long-term investment concerns. Discerning sellers in 2025 will likely be tasked with navigating multiple offers, a sometimes-tricky evaluation with so many unique facets to each individual offer, including over-list price offers, inspection waivers, and escalation clauses. Sellers need to continue to understand high-end buyers’ evolving desires before working on home renovations and staging to maximize their captivation of this market. According to a recent WealthX report, flexible spaces, particularly those that merge indoor and outdoor living, and spa-like primary bathrooms are high on luxury buyers’ lists. Preparing to put your best foot forward to maximize the value of your home is critical.
With all this said, real estate still tends to be hyper-local. As you consider your residential real estate moves in 2025, evaluating your immediate neighborhood and its recent data is important. With changing regulations, dynamic market conditions, and a competitive arena, our team is willing and ready to assist you in properly analyzing the value of this important asset in your portfolio. sl
For more information, visit callmatt.in.
GRINDSTONE PUBLIC HOUSE
A cozy culinary destination serves updated American fare.
Written by Neil Charles / Photographed by Dave Pluimer
In the heart of downtown Noblesville, just east of the square with its historic county building and courts, Grindstone Public House offers a delightful dining experience that dishes up modern culinary excellence in a tastefully restored 19th century building. Situated on North 10th Street, this charming establishment occupies the Castor Building, a structure that dates back to 1895. Originally home to a supplier of stoves, ranges, and plumbing supplies, the building’s legacy in food preparation came full circle with the arrival of Grindstone in 2018.
A major addition to the continuing revitalization of Noblesville’s downtown, the restaurant’s interior features original oak floors and tin ceilings that evoke a sense of nostalgia while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Grindstone Public House is one of several ventures of Clancy’s Hospitality, a familyowned business with deep roots in the Indiana restaurant scene. Established in 1965 by Indiana Restaurant Hall of Fame member Carl Fogelsong, Clancy’s Hospitality has long been a transformative force in the community, one of the oldest, if not the oldest, familyowned restaurant groups in the state. Back in 1965, Carl established a tiny burger joint in Michigantown, naming it Clancy’s after a character in a comic strip, and before long a chain was born, with outlets all over central Indiana. With the advent of stiff competition, especially from the march of golden arches across the country, Clancy’s success was to be short-lived.
By the time the chain had all but disappeared from view, however, Fogelsong had diversified Clancy’s Hospitality into a small group of sit-down restaurants by the name of Grindstone Charley’s, the first of which opened in 1982 in Noblesville, the family’s hometown.
An elevated take on the traditional bone-in pork chop
Over the years, the family have expanded their ventures, introducing concepts like Michaelangelo’s Italian Bistro, also in Noblesville, and Grindstone on the Monon in Westfield. With the flagship The Fountain Room taking pride of place at the Bottleworks in downtown Indianapolis, the group today comprises over half a dozen restaurants, with more planned for the not-too-distant future.
Joining the business in the 1970s, Carl’s son Perry, who now oversees Clancy’s Hospitality, learned the restaurant business from the ground up. Starting with a defunct establishment that his father had in his portfolio, Perry turned the location into the first Grindstone Charley’s. “I started the full-service division after I graduated from Indiana University in 1982, then built on the success of that,” he explains. “At one time we had 13 Grindstone Charley’s, but then they started to get a lot of competition, so we moved into the more chef-driven concept that you currently see in the Grindstone restaurants. In this business you have to be prepared to evolve and move with the times, and I think we’ve been pretty good at that.”
Graduating from Ball State in 2010, Carl’s grandson Blake joined the business shortly thereafter, opening the first Grindstone Public House in Zionsville a few years later. In both menu and concept, Grindstone represented a move up on the culinary ladder, offering a higher quality, more ingredient-driven model than its precursor, adapting to the needs of a more worldly and experienced clientele.
The decor is a modern nod to the building’s rich history.
Photographed by Kendall Dawn/The Addison Group
The inviting dining room has the feel of a sophisticated lodge. Photographed by Kendall Dawn/The Addison Group
Reminscent of a Hopper painting, the windows of Grindstone Public House present an engaging tableau beneath the gaze of the courthouse tower.
Tuna tartare features diced ahi tuna accented with wasabi cream.
The perfect lunch: a decadent club sandwich and comforting cup of beef chili.
The Hoosier Hot Plate is an Indiana classic.
The menu at Grindstone Public House features elevated American fare that pays homage to classic dishes with some contemporary twists. Among the standout offerings are the sliders, which provide a delightful array of flavors in a compact form. On a recent visit, we enjoyed the filet slider, a seasoned center-cut beef medallion topped with Swiss cheese, crispy onion straws, and horseradish cream, all nestled within a brioche bun. Also most agreeable was the Wagyu beef meatball slider served with a classic red sauce and shredded provolone. Our eleven-year-old, who now fancies himself as something of a restaurant critic, deemed the eight-ounce filet, cooked medium rare, to be “little short of perfect,” while I opted for a roasted Chilean salmon, perfectly pink and moist, glazed with a tangy bourbon barbecue sauce. A generous serving of brussels sprouts, roasted and served in a slightly sweet jam sauce, nicely complemented all our main courses. Perhaps the most pleasant surprise was the short list of house-made desserts. Try to save room for the bread pudding bites with crème brulée sauce, a dish that keeps well until the next morning, when it makes an excellent breakfast.
With a menu that features something for just about every taste, Grindstone Public House offers a solid selection of global wines and classic cocktails, in addition to some excellent local beers. Future plans for this versatile space include a speakeasy in the basement, due to open in the spring or summer. As one who loves subterranean dives, this is a most exciting prospect, a concept that will most certainly be right at home in the historic streets of downtown Noblesville. sl For more information, visit grindstonepublichouse.com.
Public House offers an array of innovative cocktails, like this Fig Old Fashioned.
Gary Nance
Elevating Interiors
At America’s Floor Source, we believe your home should reflect you and your personal style. As your expert style resource, we’ll work with you to curate the best solutions for your ideal space.
We strive to create a home design destination – one that would combine the expertise and quality of a luxury brand with the approachability of a local business.
2284 West 86th Street | Indianapolis
SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
Presented by
March
2 97th Annual Academy Awards, Los Angeles, California, oscars.org
2-16
11-16
BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, California, bnpparibasopen.com
The Players Championship, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, theplayers.com
15 Elegant Vintages International Wine Auction,The Conrad Hotel Indianapolis, indianapoliszoo.com
15-22
18-22
Snowboxx Musical Festival, Avioraz, France, snowboxx.com
Mecum Auctions, Glendale, Arizona, mecum.com
April
3-5
5-7
5-13
10-13
11-13, 18-20
22-5/11
The Randox Grand National, Liverpool, England, thejockeyclub.co.uk
NC AA Men’s Final Four, San Antonio, Texas, ncaa.com
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Monte Carlo, France, montecarlotennismasters.com
The Masters, Augusta, Georgia, masters.com
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio, California, coachella.com
The 64th Annual Decorators’ Show House and Gardens, The Baxter House, Indianapolis, showhouseindy.org
Compiled by Kerstie Shaw
by Emily
BULLSEYE EVENT GROUP’S TAYLORGATE
1) Andrea Hoffman, Angela Medoza 2) Hannah French, Emma French 3) Brooke Miller, Madeline Miller, Emily Graham 4) Jessica Carder, Halle Waggoner 5) Chelsey Kidwell, Claire Kidwell 6) Ellie McHenry, Lauren McHenry, Nolan McHenry, Tom McHenry 7) Athena Swetalla, Nate Swetalla, Nicole Schwartz, Arabella Schwartz 8) Beth Cottongim, Katelyn Cottongim, Emma Henry, Amy Henry, Cora Henry
Swifties of all ages gathered on November 1-3, 2024, for Bullseye Event Group’s Taylorgate, held at the Bullseye Event Center. Billed as the ultimate pre-concert party, the event included an Eras Tour-inspired menu and premium cocktails by chef Kelsey Murphy, bracelet and jewelry-making stations, a video booth, and hair braiding, while DJ Hope Flows rocked the turntables.
Photographed
Lewis
9) Courtney Schmoll, Verkley Rios 10) Keisha Craft, Haley O’Coell, Amanda Dehaemers 11) Corinne Brogan, Lyla Brogan, Courtney Speigel, Molly Speigel
12) Laura Dees, River Dees, Gracie Renfrow, Macie Knudsen 13) Nicole Pike, Frances Pike 14) Stacy Borgwardt, Ashley Campbell, Emery Campbell, Patrick Campbell 15) Samantha Johnson, Lauren Steele, Lauren Kostiuk 16) Lenox Monroe, Brian Shelton 17) Zoey Luethi, Auroa Bunch, Etta Morgan, Phoebe Jordan
Photographed by Emily Lewis
VELOCE HANGAR PARTY
VELOCE, the largest premium automotive- and aircraft-focused hangar party in Indianapolis, took place on September 6, 2024, in the world-class Jet Access Center at the Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville. Hundreds of automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and business and civic leaders from Hamilton and surrounding counties gathered to view an unmatched collection of wings and wheels. The event was part of Artomobilia weekend.
by Justin Sicking
Photographed
MORE THAN A TAILGATE
On October 6, 2024, over 450 guests gathered at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (otherwise known as the Colts training facility) for More Than a Tailgate. The event benefitted the charity More Than a Phone, which provides secure smartphones to survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring continued access to safety, support and essential resources. The afternoon featured entertainment by DJ Gabby Love, bounce houses on the Colts practice field, live and silent auctions, and even the opportunity to kick a field goal. Over $200,000 was raised to support More Than a Phone.
1) Cassidy Hardy, John Maher 2) Lindsey Jordan, Joshua Gentry 3) Jeff Martin, Mason Hughes, Mac Schilling 4) Lindsey VanZandt, Jimmy Pierri, Suzy Prather 5) Matt Williford, Mandy Williford 6) MJ Lashley, Staci Prather 7) Nicole Minor, Terry Coyle 8) Wes Gray, Jay Sichting, Damion Delph 9) Paige Goepfert, Julie Moorehead, Jessica Heffernan, Mason Hughes, Jennifer Hughes 10) Printess Kenney, TiWanna Kenney, Suhailah Waheed 11) Erin Frederick, Logan Frederick
Photographed by Mark Lee
HHAI KOSHER PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis hosted the HHAI Kosher Pickleball Tournament on November 3, 2024, at Pickle on Penn. The inaugural tournament consisted of 56 players, and comments were made by HHAI board president Brian Nachlis, principal Lori Halperin, and event co-chairs Marina Grabovsky and Gigi Marks Felsher. Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis was the recipient of over $77,000 to support the school, including new partnerships created with Paramount Schools of Excellence and Girls IN STEM Academy.
1) Ann Bolin, Courtney Bolin 2) Front row: Ben Schiller, Jose Suriel, Back row: Josh Chinsky, Joshua Abrams, Ido Shuqrun, David Calderon 3) Gale Halperin, Lori Halperin, Jerry Halperin
4) Ashley Welch, Andrea Turner 5) Yanive Shmoel, Brian Nachlis, Patty Goodman, Emma Law-Oppman, Gale Halperin, Marina Grabovsky, Gigi Marks Felsher, Art Felsher 6) John Abrams, Diane Abrams
7) Rita Pitzele, Keith Pitzele 8) Todd Katz, Matt Burnett 9) Victoria Shmoel, Brian Nachlis 10) Rachel Katz, Marissa Missan
Photographed by Amy Pauszek
ANN KATZ FESTIVAL OF BOOKS AND ARTS
The 26th annual Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts took place from October 21-November 12, 2024. The Festival raised more than $75,000 for the JCC Indianapolis, whose mission is, guided by Jewish values and traditions, to provide inclusive experiences that lead to personal growth and community building. Highlights included a talk by actor and author B.J. Novak at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation; a screening of The Ice Cream Man; a conversation with Dr. Alex Kor, a child of Holocaust survivors Eva and Mickey Kor; a discussion featuring Rabbi Sandra Lawson, JCC president Sam Dubrinsky and reformed white nationalist and memoirist Adrian Black; and An Evening with Moshe Basson, head chef of the Eucalyptus Restaurant in Jerusalem.
1) Camille Arnett, Krissy Oeff 2) Nikola Pajic, Jim Timperman, Greg Malone 3) Patricia Kuhn, Ellen Camp 4) Darlene Christy, Kathy Cuppy 5) Jan Chronic, Panda Denny 6) Sandy Arbuckle, Erin Beery, Ami Edds Petrucelli, Beth Edds Kougasian 7) Rabbi Brett Krichiver, B.J. Novak, Cantor Aviva Marer 8) Paula Fogle, Ned Fogle, Sue Rosenblum 9) B.J. Novak 10) Carol Urbanski, Brian Urbanski 11) Sam Dubrinsky, Gadi Boukai, Michelle Boukai
Photographed by Amy Pauszek and Emily Ann Poe
CIDE 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
On January 25, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble held its 25th Anniversary Gala at Iron & Ember in Carmel, with more than 100 guests in attendance. Suzann DeLay, the founding and executive director, shared her vision of building a company devoted to producing full-length ballets for aspiring young dancers to develop their artistic skills. The gala, hosted by Carmel city councilor Jeff Worrell, featured the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble Senior Company performing excerpts from the company’s upcoming Mixed Repertory show, taking place at the Tarkington Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts on March 9. A highlight of this 2024-2025 Anniversary season will be the premiere of a new ballet, Beauty and the Beast, choreographed by faculty member and resident choreographer, Paul Tillman, to be performed at the Tarkington Theater on May 17 and 18.
by
1) Ashley Jacobs, Suzann DeLay 2) Ella McNeely, Victoria Hyatt, Natalie Keyser 3) Ryan Hiler, Sheila Hiler 4) Jake Sierra, Anna Sierra 5) Kerry Mann, Carla Mann
6) Meg Osborne, Brad Osborne 7) Shari Worrell, Jeff Worrell 8) Front row: Audrey Robbins, Sydney Poetz, Madelynn Neff, Back row: Michael Casey Clark, Claire Barbour, Katie Fuhrmann, Ella McNeely, Natalie Keyser 9) Stephanie Kim, Katie Furhmann, Young Kim 10) Dan DeLay, Suzann DeLay 11) Jeff Sankey, Margaret Sankey, Jimmy Zervos, Kalyn Zervos
Photographed
Amy Pauszek
SUNFLOWERS AT SUNSET
The STEM Connection’s inaugural Sunflowers at Sunset event took place on September 13, 2024, at Moore Road Farm in Indianapolis. OEG provided day-of ground maintenance to help the outdoor space shine. Nearly 150 guests attended. Guests were welcomed with a signature cocktail or mocktail, “The Golden Hour,” crafted by award-winning mixologist Matt Gillen, setting the tone for an elegant and memorable night. The event featured a live jazz trio led by acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Scharbrough, providing a soulful soundtrack as attendees gathered for a gourmet dinner. Guests enjoyed appetizers before delving into a delectable meal while seated at a long, sunflower-studded table set amongst alfalfa and sunflower fields. The evening’s setting invited attendees to capture memorable photos among the sunflowers. Guests also explored an Art Walk featuring six local Indianapolis artists, with a portion of the sales benefitting The STEM Connection’s mission. Over $60,000 was raised for youth in STEM.
1) Dave Dennie, Eileen Dennie, Fred Bower, Cynthia Bower 2) Susie Ardelean 3) Darya Bowskill 4) Umesh Nathani, Pia Nathani
5) Matt Gillen, Stacie Gillen 6) Keely Hughes, Jennifer Hendrian, Julius Edwards 7) Vera Vander Kooy
Photographed
HOLLIDAY HOME TOUR
The inaugural Holliday Home Tour at Holliday Farms, a prestigious Henke Development in Zionsville, offered attendees a delightful evening of inspiration and celebration on December 17, 2024. Guests strolled through exquisitely designed showcase homes by AR Homes, Old Town Design Group, and Wedgewood Building Company, each adorned with festive holiday lighting by Follett Outdoors. The evening was enhanced with holiday-themed drinks and gourmet light bites, while pop-up shops from B. Erin Designs, Foundry 317 Home, and Wildwood Home Co. provided an array of gifts and home decor in each home, creating a charming shopping experience. The Agency Indy was honored to partner in this exceptional event.
1) James Payne, Noelle Hans-Daniels 2) Traci Garontakos, Gary McNutt 3) Stacey Willis, Kurt Schlagel 4) Jenna Link, Emily Strickland 5) Shellie Coffing, Katie Byram 6) Gary McNutt, Brad Henke 7) Dan Hayes, Scott Bates, Ben Shealey, Joseph Pollard
Photographed by Bridget Jacoby and Tyler Hergott
WOMEN FOR RILEY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Women for Riley celebrated the 100th anniversary of Riley Children’s Health at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery at the Indiana Design Center on October 3, 2024. More than 100 guests gathered for the Roaring Centennial Soiree: A 1924 Celebration to enjoy entertainment by DJ Gabby Love, food stations with Chef Kat, a 1920s photo booth and a silent auction. Notable guests included Riley Children’s Health chief physician executive, Dr. Elaine Cox; Riley Children’s Foundation Board of Governors vice chair and secretary, Dr. Cory Martinson; and Riley Children’s Foundation president and CEO, Liz Elkas. Women for Riley supports Riley patients and families through three active pillars that include volunteering, a grants program, and a signature Riley Cancer Center Prom event. Since its inception in 2008, Women for Riley has funded $1.8 million in grants to the hospital.
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1) David Cuppy, Kathy Cuppy 2) Dana Foreman, Nicole Pence Becker, Megan Mioduski, Amanda Vujovich 3) Christina Radford, Derrick Radford
4) Jeremy Konechne, Alex Cain, Joey Tharp 5) Jane Boyle, Tom Boyle 6) Cassi Miller, Lindsay Martin, Maria Baer, Colleen DeRyckere, Lindsey Black
7) Elaine Cox, Dana Foreman, Megan Mioduski, Lee Neff, Laurie Schneider, Andrea Kleymeyer 8) Danielle Randall, Laura Sullivan, Natalie Gertiser, Cindy Olimpio
Stephanie Maresh, Ana Screeton, Vanessa Valencia 10) Liz Elkas, Dave Calkins 11) Mike Morgan, Dana Morgan 12) Jordan Allen, Amanda Dejong, Natalie Skillman
Photographed
Amy Pauszek
ABBA PARTY AT FEINSTEIN’S
Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party brought the magic of the Swedish supergroup to a sold-out audience of over 125 guests at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, on January 16. Presented by Don Farrell and Crossroads Entertainment, this high-energy “docu-cabaret” featured the Terry Woods Jazz Quartet and four of Indy’s best vocalists, performing ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Waterloo.” This marked the third performance of the show at Feinstein’s, with fans dancing, jiving, and having the time of their lives.
1) Iggy Sendama, Amity Sendama, Jeanne Sendama 2) Kelly Wunder, Al Wunder 3) Lana Trent, Amy Lynelle, Philana Cunningham, Melinda Langworthy 4) Linda Klain, Rob Wynne
5) Kalpana Jindal, Vijaya Pendse, Poonam Khurana, Kay Ranade 6) Nickolette Hart, George Harding 7) Jimmy Irving, Olivia Irving 8) Kyle Schwartz, Julia North 9) Paul Stanley, Shannan Stanley
Photographed by Mark Lee
ELEVATING CONFIDENCE THROUGH PASSIONATE CARE
Dr. Emily Hrisomalos is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Together with Advanced Medical Aesthetician Susan Barnes, their practice treatment philosophy revolves around delivering compassionate, customized care and exceptional results that help patients look and feel their absolute best.
& Necklift
