Social Coastal | February/March 2024

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Mardi Gras Review REVELRY AT ITS BEST! COMING IN APRIL

From the Editor Brrr! It’s that time of the year again when the cold temperatures start creeping in, and we find ourselves bundling up in cozy sweaters. Well, we have you covered with all the latest events to keep you entertained that happened over the holiday season that make our communities so special.

Events like Christmas Tree Lightings, Light up the Arts, New Years Glow Party, New Years at Perdido Beach Resort, Swanky Gala, and Severance Knights Children’s Rescue Initiative just to name a few.

For our features this month, our Bride is stunning, and her wedding could not have been set in a more beautiful location! We have an incredible Supermom spotlight on Amanda Talantis. Get ready to be inspired by her juggling act of motherhood and career success. We’ll be introducing you to Annette Mitchell, a true community leader making a positive impact in our coastal town. In our Impact & Giveback section, we’ll be highlighting BBQ Relief, SlArt by the talented Sherry Odom, and Bailey Kennon will be gracing our pages as our Influencer feature. Finally, our Person You Should Know featuring Jessica Langston. She breaks barriers and makes waves in her field!

In our upcoming April Edition we will Focus on All Things Nautical! So sit back, relax, stay warm, and get ready for another amazing edition of Social Coastal Magazine coming your way soon!

Eva Keesee

Editor in Chief

Get Social With Us!

Find Social Coastal on your phone, tablet, or computer!

Make sure to subscribe at www.socialcoastalmagazine.com

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On the Cover: John Picou and Vickie Pruitt

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Visit The Northshore, where parades roll, the days sparkle with art, the nights are made for revelry and life is shore to be celebratory.

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Publisher David Renfro Editor-in-Chief Eva Keesee Contributing Editor Melinda McGhee Copy Editor Lana Cagle Staff Writer Liesel Schmidt Graphic Design Lead Designer Brad Growden Kim Mesman & Chris Shenk Social Media & Web Design Jen Meadows Photography Ruili Cai Andrew Crumpton Shelley Patterson, C-Shelz Photography Wedding Photos Photos by Jennie Tewell Additional photography by Elizabeth Haynie Home Photos Summer Davis Photography Sales Eva Keesee | 251.979.4278 Kerry Begnaud | 251-609-0244 Melinda McGhee | 251.767.9429

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The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the publication, Social Coastal accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in Social Coastal magazine are subject to the copyright of Social Coastal, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.

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Contents

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

Features 52

47 Impact & Give Back: Feeding the Need

52 S | Art:

Sherry Odom

55 People You Should Know: Jessica Langston

67 Bride:

Aoife + Cody

22 47

15 Community Leader: Annette Mitchell

22 Influencer:

Bailey Kennon Wyatt

23 Supermom: Amanda Talantis

35 Social Living: At Home in Caswell

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35

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FIGHT CANCER SMARTER.®

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Contents

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

Events

58 Get Social: Holidaze Bash 61 Swanky Gala 64 Reelin in the New Year 71 V.I.B.E. @ 5

74

72

33

Beach 72 Orange Tree Lighting

Knight 19 Severance CRI Gala

74 Barbies for Charity

27 New Year Eve PBR 33 NYE Glow Party 43 Get Social: White Tropics 50 Light up the Arts

19

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Annette

COMMUNITY LEADER

Mitchell

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

When Annette Mitchell moved to Orange Beach in 1999, the Midwesterner was following the lead of her Alabama-born-and-raised husband. Twenty-four years later, the now-widowed Mitchell has built a solid reputation standing on the integrity, dedication, and kindness that have made her such an asset to the community around her.

A successful member of the automotive industry in her past life, when Mitchell moved to Alabama, she was determined to serve her new community in whatever way she could. Over the next few years, she began serving on several committees, including both the city Finance Committee as well as the Planning Commission, for eight years before her appointment

PHOTO BY BRENT WILLIAMS

ON THE COUNCIL to the City Council in 2014. She is currently serving her third term on the Council. She has also served on the OBMHS Technical School Advisory Board and sat as mayor pro tem of Orange Beach from 2016 until 2020. “When I became involved with the city, I was not so much interested in politics, but in sharing my time and talents to serve my community,” Mitchell explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to make a difference for our families, businesses, and visitors.”

In those many years of service, Mitchell has been witness to a number of changes to the landscape

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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COMMUNITY LEADER

and the culture—of politics, of government, of the economy, of the city—all of which has shaped and reformed us as people. Naturally, those changes show in the ways we build and live in our communities. As part of city government, Mitchell has seen it from a different perspective than the sidelines, deep in the issues and trying to change what needs changing for the good of her community. “We had such challenges recovering quickly from the oil spill and the natural disasters of Hurricanes Ivan and Sally,” she says. “I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the commitment, strength, and resiliency of our council, employees, and citizens.”

“I’m also so incredibly proud of some of our accomplishments as a city over the past years and the fact that I’ve been part of making them possible,” she continues. “Without question, starting our own city schools is one of our greatest achievements. Our Expect Excellence afterschool program, where our children from grades three and up can get tutoring, learn life skills, and take classes in academics, the arts, and athletics at no cost to parents is a huge point of pride, as well. The Orange Beach Healthcare Authority, which provides oversight of the Employee Free Clinic and assuring and improving access to excellent health providers for our residents and employees, has been an effort close to my heart. As is our affectionately labeled ‘Widows List,’ which includes residents of all ages and genders who are alone or in need. We stay in touch on a routine basis and offer assistance to bring in their trash bins, assist with storm prep, provide a human link to our community. All of these initiatives are so important to building and maintaining a strong community.”

“I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the commitment, strength, and resiliency of our council, employees, and citizens.”

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Mitchell has also been instrumental in the planning and execution of the Coastal Arts Center, the Excellence Community Theatre’s 700+ seat Performing Arts Center and the OBMHS Athletic Complex. Of course, once upon a time, she was just another citizen. But rather than simply wishing that someone else would take care of the community, she stepped up to take the burden herself—and she hopes that others will do so, as well. “The more citizens that are engaged, the stronger the city is,” she says. “Success of a community is not dependent on just those elected. Input and involvement ensure we in Orange Beach stay strong and united.”

In her spare time, Mitchell loves flower arranging and is the past president/current ways and means chair of the Orange Beach Garden Club. She is also past president/queen/current member of the Sirens of the Sea Mardi Gras Association, is active with the Orange Beach Ladies’ Tennis League, was the 2017 National Champion powerlifter, and is actively involved with Mako Sports.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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SEVERANCE KNIGHT CRI GALA | ORANGE BEACH

Joni Blalock, Matt Stringer, and Annette Mitchell

Amber Brown and Tim Harry

Donnie and Tallon Elmore

Tony and Paula Kennon

Tricia and Clark Ricke

Photos by Ruili Cai

Over 400 community members joined the fight against human trafficking at the Orange Beach Event Center for the Gala supporting the Children’s Rescue Initiative. Guests were treated to food, drinks, and live entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Rescue Initiative and Adaptive Ops who perform rescues all over the world as well as here in the states.

Michelle and Jeff Greene

Eric and Brooke Nelson

David Weeter and Fred Franks

Kelly LaMont, Carmen Watkins, and Melinda Hughes

Tanya and Bruce Mcnider

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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ORANGE BEACH | SEVERANCE KNIGHT CRI GALA

Kasey and Laura Harris

Austin and Skyla Tanner

Monica Mcfry and Savana Trader

Roy and Roy Watson

Evelyn Williams and Stan Cain

Marlene Lowe and Jane Sums

Nathaly Telo and Rodrigo Bezerra

Beau and Donna Haginas

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Influencer

BAILEY KENNON WYATT Counselor

B

ailey Kennon is an Orange Beach local and has spent many years serving the Gulf Coast community and state of Alabama through her non-profit and as a finalist in the Miss Alabama and Miss Alabama USA competitions.

Today, Bailey is in private practice as an Associate Licensed Counselor with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health. Bailey sees clients in Orange Beach and Mobile and is usually accompanied by her therapy dog, Biscuit! She is currently developing a workshop for women who want to find more joy in their everyday life, so be on the lookout for dates for this retreat! Bailey is happily married to her husband, Clay Wyatt, who is a student pastor at Dayspring Baptist Church. In their free time, you can find them at any dogfriendly spot with their pups, Winston and Biscuit!

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AmandaTalantis

SUPERMOM

S U P E R M O M

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

At her core, Amanda Talantis is a teacher.

Among the things she teaches her students, both in her capacity as a high school teacher at Gulf Shores High School as well as in other, outside environments, is Spanish, hospitality and tourism, event planning, and even how to grow plants and cook them in the culinary lab. She is also the sponsor for the Scholar’s Bowl team, a member of the Sustainability Team, a chairwoman on the Nutrition and Wellness Committee, and leads a local farm to table event as well as organizing Earth Day festivities. Talantis also teaches yoga each week to local school baseball teams and has led after-school yoga classes to teachers and students, in addition to having held many coaching jobs, namely volleyball.

Unsurprisingly, she was recently named District 1 Teacher of the Year for Alabama.

Clearly, education is important to Talantis, but it’s also important to her family. Her husband of 15 years, Ram, is an assistant principal at Gulf Shores Middle School, and they are raising their children Alex (12) and Izzy (9) to appreciate academia—not to mention the rewards of hard work and pursuing a passion.

“Our children are always watching us, learning from us, and mimicking us,” says Talantis. “When they see me working hard and having passion for what I do, that instills in them a sense of purpose for their future.

I also think being a teacher gives me an inside view of what the kids’ school life is like.”

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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SUPERMOM

As incredibly busy as her work life is, seeing to the needs of the students in her charge, Talantis knows that nothing is more important than her own children. “Being a working mom is tough for me, just like everyone else,” she says. “As a teacher, you are often low on energy and patience at the end of the day. But I believe that it is my responsibility and duty to raise good human beings. Therefore, I try to save more of myself for them. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I don’t. But I never give up.

Being a working mom, Talantis would sum up her biggest lesson in one word: “Compartmentalization. You can’t let problems or feelings spill over into other parts of your work life or personal life,” she says. “You have to see it for what it is, address it as needed and move on.”

Watching her children grow up, Talantis takes great pride in the love they have for one another. “My oldest, Alex, worries and frets over my youngest, Izzy, and Izzy looks up to Alex,” she says. “Their relationship is a reminder of what is important in life. I like to think that my husband and I have fostered that relationship by prioritizing each other over life’s demands. It has helped to keep me balanced professionally and personally. It doesn’t do any good to burn yourself out giving more to your job than you do your family.

“When they are older, I hope they remember the value of having a positive influence on the world and how much that enriches their own lives,” she goes on. “I hope they remember our habits for living a healthy and happy life.”

“You can’t let problems or feelings spill over into other parts of your work life or personal life.

You have to see it for what it is, address it as needed and move on.”

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In the Talantis home, cherished routines include reading at night, smoothies in the morning, and arguing about whose music is played on the Alexa! At the holidays, the family often spends Thanksgiving in Tuscaloosa and stop in at Fish River Christmas Tree Farm to pick out their favorite before coming home to start putting up their decorations. They turn on Christmas music as they decorate and eat Chinese food for dinner.

Even with her years as a teacher, Talantis still learns daily from her children.

“Patience being number one,” she admits.

“I’ve also learned that we adults have apparently been doing math all wrong and there are many new ways of doing math— thank you, YouTube for being my tutor!

I’ve learned that my children will soon be smarter than I ever was. And I’ve learned how resilient they are. When I feel like I’m not doing a good enough job as a mom, I really am.”

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NYE AT PBR | PERDIDO BEACH

James and Gerolyn Castellaw

Kylee Kubat and Lee Ewing

Eva Trader and Jimmy Sims

Ella Potts and Terrell Hattaway

Barbara and Henry Lewis

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

Attendees gathered for New Year’s Eve to celebrate an exclusive event with the hottest music, lights, and tastes on the Gulf Coast at Perdido Beach Resort. Revelers were treated to a memorable evening featuring a worldclass culinary experience, a champagne toast, dancing and live music by Atlanta Rhythm & Groove.

Susan and Ed Lipinsky

Nelly Mason and Sandra Kaye

Charlie Brake, Kathy Brake, Steve Butts and Connie Butts

Lilly and Martin Bonk

Joanne and Dave Chaney

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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PERDIDO BEACH | NYE AT PBR

Sharoun and Carl Hamilton

Kelly and Jeff Adams

Latisha Lebougoous, Kent Cashio, and Becky Kennedy

Keith Dering and Brenda Moore

Beth Boswell and Tuck Grau

Chris and Denise Hawsey

Larry and Janette Sullivan

Leonard and Tanya Dew

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Carmen Watkins, Louie Jeffers, and Teresa Jeffers

Phil and Donna Bryars

Matt and Gretchen Mercae

John Picou and Vickie Pruitt

Brittany Lopez, Kele Prat and Brad Groce

Ron and Licia Ice

Borter and Mary Horgan

Erin Bryars and Zach Wilcox

Carol Aultman and Alma Crippen

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ON THE COAST

ALL THINGS NAUTICAL For more info: Eva@SocialReallyWorks.com or Kerry@SocialReallyWorks.com

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Elizabeth and Eli McKee

Bryan and Molly Long

Cassie Pulliam and Adrienne Tea

Crawford McWilliams and Erin Rutledge

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

The Pleasure Island Junior Women’s Club hosted their second annual New Year’s Eve Gala in Orange Beach.

This event is the largest fundraiser for the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club with all money raised going towards clothing students in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley schools.

Crystal and Sean Merron

Ron and Savannah Moody

Danielle and Chris Powell

Hunter and Ginger Harrelson

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AT HOME in Caswell

Story: Liesel Schmidt Photos: Summer Davis Photography Interior Design: Monica Young of My Designs Décor

W

hen Dean and Kendall Hoffman found their landing place in the Caswell neighborhood of Orange Beach, they’d been living in Birmingham, coming to Orange Beach to vacation with their RV at a lot they owned at Heritage Motor Coach Resort.

Having outgrown the motor home and coach house, they were in search of a larger vacation home to entertain their sons, relatives and friends.

“We were very comfortable with the Canal Road and Bayou St. John area, and we looked at many lots and homes in other areas,” says Dean. “But our dream came true when a waterfront lot in Caswell became available.”

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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SOCIAL LIVING

Completed in 2017, the Hoffman residence boasts 5400 square feet under roof, with over 1000 square feet in exterior porches, and comprises six bedrooms and four and a half baths in its two levels. Designed by Bob Chatham Home Designs, the home’s architecture is quintessentially Southern vernacular and coastal inspired, with Hardie board and batten siding, a brick apron and accents, a metal standing seam roof—all of which lends to its waterfront locale. Naturally, the floor plan takes full advantage of that location, with an open-plan main level kitchen, living and dining area with adjacent bar for entertaining that affords spectacular views of Bayou St. John and the Caswell Beach and Marina. A casual but elegant coastal vibe flows through every space, with natural wood tones and soft, neutral colors to complete an aesthetic created by Monica Young of My Designs Décor.

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SOCIAL LIVING

Perfectly suited to the way the Hoffmans live and entertain, the home is inviting and cozy, with a spacious kitchen designed for hosting. Antique-finished custom cabinetry traces out the perimeter, with a massive, seven-foot by nine-foot center island topped by a single slab of quartzite and a stainless-steel appliance suite. The space flows into an entertainment area with a wet bar, wine cooler, beverage center, and ice maker adjacent to wine cellar—the door to which is an antique iron gate.

Upstairs, a guest bedroom serves as the Hoffmans’ “funky-artsy room.” The bed features a custom-built multi-colored headboard with a tailor-made lumbar pillow that matches the window treatments, and the room is filled with art from the couple’s travels and various artists Kendall has come across. “I plan to fill the room with as much colorful flavor as possible,” she says.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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SOCIAL LIVING

In the master suite, shiplap lines the walls, with a feature wall setting off a custom-made bed. The dresser was repurposed from a previous dining room buffet by local artist Kathleen Reynolds. Leading to the master bath, custom dual sliding glass panels open to a luxurious space featuring dual vanities, quartz counter tops, a large walk-in shower and a free-standing jacuzzi tub.

“We became full-time owners two weeks before Hurricane Sally and decided to ‘stick it out’ and stay home,” says Kendall. “We held on tight, holding our breath the whole time, and thankfully our ‘happy place’ survived with little damage.”

“During construction, we did a lot of detailed work ourselves—which makes the house all the more special to us,” adds Dean. “A lot of this work was in thought of planning for the future for watching our boys grow up and grow our family with their wives, kids and pets. We have many fond memories of their visits. In fact, our best memories of our years here are entertaining family and friends. We are amazed at the quality of people in the Orange Beach area and have bonded with a lot of them to make them lifelong friends.

We truly enjoy our evenings with our friends around the firepit or watching football games on the back porch, creating more memories, and we look forward to the years to come.”

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“We are amazed at the quality of people in the Orange Beach area and have bonded with a lot of them to make them lifelong friends.”

Dean and Kendall raised their two boys in Birmingham and began vacationing in Orange Beach in 2010—which began their love affair with the area. “We fell in love with the community but mostly fell in love with the people of Orange Beach,” Dean notes. “Our boys are grown now and reside and have business ventures in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, but we love it when they come with their families to our home for an extended stay. Our home was designed to be comfortable for us, but also for our guests, as well.”

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Sherry Odom became an Orange Beach local in the early 70’s when her Mom built one of the first houses on Bay Drive. From the water’s edge, using acrylic paint she spent her youth trying to capture the essence of nosy herons, curious crabs, and dolphins by the shore.

Five decades later, Sherry is now a mixed media artist who exchanged her brush for a digital pen, experimenting with color through the modern lens of technology.

Referencing her work to a simmering pot of gumbo, Sherry blends a variety of media combined with a pinch of photography, seasoned with digital paint, stirred with a heaping spoon of back bays, bayous, and southern roots.

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CREATIVITY ON THE COAST JESSICA LANGSTON

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW “The creative act, the defeat of habit

by originality, overcomes everything.”

- George Lois, American art director, designer and author.

By Liesel Schmidt

Creativity is something that, unless it is given room to flourish, can be snuffed out like a flame without oxygen.

For Jessica Langston, the desire to encourage creativity has driven much of her career; and, as the creative director for the City of Orange Beach, she has the opportunity to support and serve as a patron—a protector—of community enrichment in the arts.

“Each day is unique in my work,” says Langston, who took up the mantle of creative director in 2019. Another large part of Langston’s job is working as the arts and enrichment coordinator for Expect Excellence, which is the city's enhanced K-12 program for academics, arts and athletics. She also helps with various other city events, creates storyboards for city department video shoots and marketing opportunities, and coordinates the calendar at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center, which works with Orange Beach City Schools, along with nonprofits, the chamber and the CVB. Additionally, Langston is tasked with writing grants for performing arts along with arts and enrichment classes.

“These days, I spend less time doing directly creative work, such as writing the plays we perform, directing and choreographing, and spend more time helping coordinate the resources we need to help >>

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

eative act, the defeat of habit “Art gives us hope, adds value, facilitates nality, overcomes everything.” a way of connecting to each other.”

- George Lois, American art director, designer and author.

our staff and contractors do those things,” she observes. “But even in administrative tasks, I enjoy problem solving and finding creative solutions.”

Langston is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of South Alabama. She went on to teach English as a second language at USA, as well as reading enrichment, comprehension, and study skills at the Institute of Reading Development—a period during which she traveled throughout the eastern Unites States. Later, she worked for Gulf Coast Newspapers as the special publications editor, then became the marketing and children's programs coordinator for the City of Orange Beach’s Coastal Arts Center in 2013, where she began writing, choreographing, and directing plays. In 2016, she became the special events coordinator at Flora-Bama. In 2018, she took on the role of arts and enrichment coordinator for Expect Excellence, which offers roughly 30 different arts and enrichment classes per week in its afterschool program as well as an annual summer camp.

“Arts education has made a huge impact on my life,” Langston explains of what makes her so passionate in her work—and fuels her in wearing so many hats.

“My mother and grandmother read to me when I was a child, and my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Woods, would read us stories and ‘do’ the voices for each character. I was mesmerized—completely captivated. It fostered my love of reading, writing, acting, and general artistic expression. I love seeing that fire in others.”

Langston herself could be considered somewhat prolific. In her four years as creative director for the 56

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It’s Your Confidence Let Us Help you Find It

City of Orange Beach, she has written and produced four original plays in addition to producing 17 music and theatre productions. She has published one book of poetry and is currently working on a mixedgenre poetry and fiction book. She has been a board member of the Alabama Writers’ Cooperative since 2013, has served as the Chair of the Poet Laureate Nominations Committee and is currently the president of the AWC. Her love of the written word and desire to instill that in others inspired her to cofound the Orange Beach Literary Journal in 2022. “I wanted an outlet for students’ creative writing to come to life—to be valued and prioritized,” explains Langston, who lives with her husband and two step-children in Gulf Shores. “The hope of publication really lights a fire and creates tangible deadlines and goals. I wanted creative writing students in our Expect Excellence program to have that proud moment of publication, and the journal provides that thing.

“Art gives us hope, adds value, facilitates a way of connecting to each other,” she continues. “Art elevates us beyond the drudgery that can become our daily lives. My mother taught me that if I can dream it, I can do it. I want to teach that to our students, as well.”

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THE HOLIDAZE BASH Photos by Andrew Crumpton

The Holidaze Bash was a festive holiday celebration filled with fun, live music, and delicious food. It was the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

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YOUR LOCAL GULF COAST EXPERT S E L L I N G R E S I D E N T I A L & CO M M E RC I A L P RO P E RT I E S F RO M T H E EAST E R N S H O R E TO T H E B EAC H

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REALTOR® | ROBERTS BROTHERS, INC. 251-533-9255 | A M B E R B R O W N @ R O B E R T S B R O T H E R S . C O M FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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SWANKY GALA | ORANGE BEACH

Nick and Jama Nickles

Teresa Jeffers and Heather Pingrey

Jame Fiedler and Jaci Kast

Ginger and Hunter Harrelson

Kay Boyd and Polly Andrews

Photos by Shelley Patterson

This year’s Swanky Gala was an extraordinary night of glitz and glamour. Everyone came dressed to impress to show off their best Swanky style! The culinary delights, silent and live auctions, and music by the Tip Tops ensured an unforgettable evening! All proceeds benefit Youth-Reach Gulf Coast.

Anthony Rollo and Julie Penton

Shane and Sherrie Williams

Lee and Jennifer Bell

Brian Rink, Julie Rink, Elaine Martin, and Steve Martin

Sherri Borowski and Neal Chapman

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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ORANGE BEACH | SWANKY GALA

Ron and Savannah Moody

Tara Painter and Shannon Kimble

Marc Miller and Linda Blohm

Tallon and Donnie Elmore

Mike Tomlin and Leisl Kropf

Tony Kennon, Paula Kennon, Jeff Boyd, and Kay Boyd

Heather and Ron Pingrey

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Tim and JoAnn Chenevert

Pam and David Young

Sarah DeLazzer, Marlene Lowe, and Lisa Payne

Claudia Simpson, Frank Trainor, and Sheryl Trainor

Jonathan and Jessica Lazzarino

Jonathan Lazzarino, Ron Pingrey, and Chris Faulkner

Kevin Grice and Martha Tidwell

John Filizola and Donna Chetta

Julie Rink, Karen Milton, and Elaine Martin

Shawn and Polly Whitfield

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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ORANGE BEACH | REELIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR

Schuyler Allen and Sara Campbell

Jerome and Janette Smith

Courtney and Mathew Isbell

Thomas and Makayla Haverdink

Matt and Aricah Barton

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

Reelin’ In The New Year was the perfect setting to say goodbye to 2023! The party included live bands and family friendly activities leading up the the Marlin Drop and fireworks finale presented by White Claw, Pepsi and WKRG News 5.

Chad Dauzar and Heidi Buquoi

Ronnie Burroughs Jr. and Jennifer Bruce

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Melanie and Brant Peacher

Latisa Sheehan, DD Payne, and Misty Henderson

John Buza, Dina Smith, Matthew Buza, Bryan Raymond, Macie Buza, and Mason Buza

Dan Alford, Jill Alford, Kathy Heintzelman, and Glunn Heintzelman

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TOP CHEFS

Scott Rose and Mimi Cook

Brad and Courtney Warren

& RESTAURATEURS COMING SOON

Diane, Mia, Josie, and Steve Roberts

Victor Silva, Silvania Campos, Eduardo Silva, Wanderley Silva and Layla Worley

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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BRIDE

Aoife +Cody Story by Liesel Schmidt Photos by Jennie Tewell Additional photography by Elizabeth Haynie

When Aoife Garvey and Cody Fidler met one December night in 2019, spirits were running high as the Eagles swept the Cowboys in a 17-9 victory.

“We’re both huge Eagles fans and have been raised to bleed green,” says Aoife, who, at the time, was living in Philadelphia and attending La Salle University, while Cody was visiting Philadelphia with friends >>

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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from the Coast Guard Academy. “My cousin Gwynn and I happened to pass by Cody’s table, and we all began talking.

Cody says that he originally saw me from across the bar, and it was love at first sight. Of course, when I saw him in a Kelly green DeSean Jackson jersey, it was love at first sight for me, too. That night, we watched the Eagles win and instantly hit it off.”

Their first date fell between Christmas and New Year’s, and by Valentine’s, they had officially started dating. The couple continued their relationship long distance while Cody attended the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, and Aoife worked as a nurse in Philadelphia.

They eventually moved into their first place together in Pensacola, Florida, in September of 2022 and soon after adopted Finn, their rescue pup.

Then on March 12, 2023, just over three years after their love story had begun, Cody proposed to Aiofe at the

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BRIDE

Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah, Georgia. “Cody had originally said we were going to tour the park and walk around,” Aoife recalls. “My brother, who was getting ready to head to Pearl Harbor to serve at the Naval station, was there with us, and when I got out of the car and looked around, I said to him, ‘This would’ve been the most perfect spot for a proposal.’

Little did I know. Then, ten minutes later, Cody dropped to his knee and asked me to be his wife!”

Seven months later on October 28, 2023, Aoife walked down the aisle at St. Thomas By the Sea Catholic Church in Orange Beach, Alabama, wearing a beautiful strapless gown with a mermaid silhouette. With 120 of their closest friends and family gathered in witness, the couple exchanged vows and were pronounced married. After leaving the church through a military sword arch, Aoife and Cody made their getaway on a golf cart to join their guests for a reception at the Port at Zeke’s. “The weather was absolutely perfect for our big day,” says Aoife. “It was warm and sunny, and there was even a full moon later that night—the Hunter’s Moon—which made the evening so beautiful, and our guests were able to enjoy the outdoor patio.”

After dining on a buffet of delicious food, sharing their dances and celebrating their union, the newlyweds cut into a threetiered cake from A Sweet Secret Bakery and Cafe in Gulf Shores, featuring layers of Italian crème cake, vanilla with cream cheese filling and strawberry sponge. The groom’s cake was a showstopper, as well, made to look like a replica >>

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BRIDE FLORIST:

All Island Flowers

WEDDING VENUE:

of McGillin’s, where Aoife and Cody met, and featuring Eagles and golf-themed details.

Festivities later moved on to the famous Florabama, and Aoife and Cody ended the night with their closest friends at the Waffle House just across the street. “We have friends and family all over the country, so it was nice to have everyone in one place to celebrate with us,” says Aoife.

“And we couldn’t have ended the celebration in a better way.”

While it hasn’t happened yet, the Fidlers are looking forward to a honeymoon sometime in 2024. “We have not actually planned a honeymoon at this point because Cody has a very busy schedule in flight training, but we’re hoping to go to an all-inclusive resort.”

St. Thomas by the Sea Catholic Church

RECEPTION VENUE: The Port at Zeke’s

WEDDING GOWN:

Simply Elegant Couture Bridal Pensacola

GROOMSMEN SUITS: Men’s Warehouse

RINGS: Vrai

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Lulus and Azazie

MAKEUP AND HAIR:

Make Me Up- Marylee Estock

CATERING: Zeke’s Catering

INVITATIONS: Shutterfly

CAKE:

A Sweet Secret Bakery and Cafe, Gulf Shores

Living in Florida, Aoife and Cody may not be in Eagles’ country anymore, but they’ve created a home together that is filled with “Birds” spirit and enough love to last a lifetime.

BAR SERVICES: Zeke’s

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V.I.B.E. @ 5:00 | ORANGE BEACH

Ellen Marinaccio and Kim Guntow

Vicky Pitts and Samantha McDowell

Lindsay Sullivan and Christina Buckner

Jason Foreman, Shelly D. Beech, and Will Nix

Molly Cooley and Yolando Johnson

Photos by Andrew Crumpton

Local business owners gathered for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s signature networking event. V.I.B.E. @ 5:00 is a great way to wind down after a long work week while enjoying food, drinks, and new business connections.

David Byrne and Tater Harris

Frank and Suzy Massey

Sabrina May and Kristi Allison

Weston Robles, Wendy Morgan, Jennifer Prince, Jessica Harris, and Debora Logel

Kate Stuart and Kerry Begnaud

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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ORANGE BEACH | CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Fletcher McGinty and Alexis Doll

Peyton, Emsley, and Nora Raye Yarborough

Cynthia Jordan and Cindy Williams

Rick, Michelle, and Shelton Conway

Cody, Ashton, and Harper Rhodes

Photos by Shelley Patterson

The city of Orange Beach hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at The Wharf on Main Street.

This ceremony is a tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season with festive activities and caroling. It is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together, share in the festive spirit, and create lasting memories.

Chris, Neeli, and Annadell Faulkner

Amy Osborn, Pearl Osborn, and Kay Meaghan

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CJ Godwin, Tyler Godwin, and Loralei Godwin

Sarah and Meg Hale

Joan Stewart, Kim Belew, Debra Golden, and Lisa Campbell

Pam McDaniel, Rebecca Malone, Lorrie East, Manita Johnson, and Laurie Voyek

John and Shelly McInnis

Catherine Law and Rachel Ellsworth

Julie, Jim, Millie, and Merileigh Shamburger

Kenric Phipps and Jade Laing

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024

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ORANGE BEACH | BARBIES FOR CHARITY

Terry Quinley and Michelle Peterson

Laurie Voyek, Rebecca Malone, and Marshall Rogers

Tara Painter and Liesl Kropf

Cynthia Winkler and Tracy Mull

Rhonda Hart and Smokey Otis

Photos by Ruili Cai

Rhonda Hart’s Annual Barbies For Charity event was a fantastic opportunity to have fun while supporting local charities. The event provided an enjoyable evening with guests dressed up as their favorite Barbie and were encouraged to bring a Barbie or other kids toy to be donated to those in need. Barbies for Charity combines entertainment and philanthropy in a fun way for the community.

Judi Martinson and Holly Stotts

Paula and Tony Kennon

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Terri Long, Mary Jernigan, and Jane Sims

Tammy Stoops, Lilly Bonk, Erica Curtin, and Tara Painter

Meghan Porto, Michelle Peterson, and Terry Quinley