Social Eastern Shore | March 2023

SOCIAL

Founded on the fundamental principle of serving others, the staff at Fireflies is warm, welcoming and full of positive energy. From the moment you walk in the door it will be apparent that we not only love what we do. but we love the people we do it for.

We separate and elevate ourselves from the competition through our focus on continuing education; our stylists are on the

cutting edge of the latest coloring, cutting and styling trends.

Your experience doesn’t have to end with a beautiful head of hair. Ask about our facials, waxing services, massage, or enjoy a quick update to your look with our spray tan service! Remember, our goal at Fireflies isn’t to have you as a client but to welcome you as a member of our family.

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Audra MAXWELL

FROM THE EDITOR

The team at Social Eastern Shore is grateful to the mystic organizations in our community that afforded us the opportunity to share in their revelry. It is said that Mardi Gras is a time to see everyone you’ve ever known and meet strangers that you’ll soon know. There is nothing more social than Mardi Gras. We felt that nothing was more befitting for the March issue of our publication that IS all things social than a Mardi Gras review. For those that need a reminder, Mardi Gras started in our sweet home, Alabama. We did it first, and it’s okay to say we do it best.

In addition to our Mardi Gras coverage, we introduce you to a SuperMom who works with community members and organizations to maximize the impact of their giving. In honor of Women’s History Month, our Community Leader is a trailblazer in the realm of Justice. We are excited at the addition of Social Fashion as fashion goes hand in hand with the social scene. We also celebrate some outstanding people in the wedding industry in Masters of the Ceremony.

Next month, we bring to you our first Social Kids. As we approach our first anniversary in print, we are overjoyed at the welcome we have received. May your Moon Pie always be fresh and your cup always full.

MELINDA MCGHEE Editor-In-Chief, Social Eastern Shore

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Todd & DuAnne Seeley love art and the artists that create it. Both see art as a form of communication, strongly believing that art is a vehicle that God has given to us to be a better world. Opportunity knocked at the perfect time when the Seeley’s last child left for Auburn leaving them with an empty nest. Thoughts of opening a gallery had been on their minds since moving to Fairhope in 2009. When a space opened up in the heart of Fairhope, they quickly signed a lease, and Gallery by the Bay was opened in 2017.

When you walk through the doors of Gallery by the Bay, you will be surrounded by the lure of radiant colors of hand-blown glass, enticing shapes of pottery, exciting designs of handcrafted jewelry, and inspiring works of water colorists, oils and acrylics. They also offer a variety of unique gifts that reflect the charm of Fairhope. Boasting twenty of the best local artists in South Alabama including those nationally and internationally known, the gallery attracts art lovers from around the world. Over the past seven years, clients from all over have become regulars. They know that every time they come in, they will find that exquisite piece they are searching for either for themselves or that perfect gift. Paintings are the most popular, but they also sell a lot of pottery, blown glass, jewelry, sculptures and woodturning.

To the Seeleys, artists are like family, and their customers become friends. They are proud to call Fairhope home and enjoy playing an integral part in the art community, something that has been a cornerstone of the community since it began. They are passionate about bringing you some of the highest quality art by truly talented local artists. The doors to Gallery by the Bay are open to all, serious collectors and those just looking around. Visitors are often offered a glass of wine and a chair to just relax and take it all in.

gallery by the bay | fairhopegallerybythebay gallerybythebay.net | 386 Fairhope Ave

Seeley’s Gallery by the Bay Art Jewelry Gifts Framing

COMMUNITY leader

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Sarah Stewart looks, to everyone who sees her, like anyone else—until she puts

on the robe of a Supreme Court justice. A judge for the past 17 years, Stewart served Mobile County as a Circuit Court Judge from 2006 until she was elected as a justice on the Alabama Supreme Court in 2018. “At the time I was appointed circuit judge in 2006, I was the first female jury trial judge on the Mobile bench,” she says. “We had a female domestic circuit court judge and a female juvenile circuit court judge, but no female had ever been a circuit court judge presiding over jury trials before Governor Riley appointed me.”

of

True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others.

– Jonathan Sachs

As trailblazing as her career has been, Stewart didn’t pursue the law to be different—but to make a difference. “I looked at being an attorney at the urging of my brother, Charlie Hicks, who was interested in being an attorney himself,” she explains. “I went to Vanderbilt Law School, graduating in 1992. My brother was right, the practice of law was challenging and intellectually fulfilling for me. But I was also able to serve my community through pro bono work and being involved in bar leadership. My parents always said that, to whom much is given, much is asked. They expected my brother and me to give back to our communities in whatever way we could. Being an attorney was a wonderful way to fulfill that expectation my parents had of being a servant leader.”

After graduating from Vanderbilt, Stewart went to work for the Mobile law firm of Hand, Arendall before moving to a small, two-person firm, which allowed her more time and flexibility to raise her children. After her brother graduated from Cumberland, she joined him in establishing the law firm of Stewart & Hicks and was managing the firm when she was appointed to the circuit court bench in 2006.

Looking back at the arc of her path, her appointment to the bench— and subsequent role as the first female president of the Circuit Judges Association—is hardly surprising. “When I was at the University of Arkansas, I was the president of the Student Government Association;

and when I was at Vanderbilt, I was vice-president of the Law Student Association,” Stewart notes. “When I moved to Mobile after law school, I quickly became involved in the Mobile Bar Association and eventually became the first female president of the Young Lawyers Section of the Mobile Bar. Naturally, once I became a circuit judge, I became involved in the statewide Circuit Judges Association (CJA). I served that organization by acting as the Education Chair for the Circuit and District Judges Associations for nine years, planning educational conferences for the judges that occurred at least twice a year. Additionally, a couple of other judges and I were tasked with interacting with the state legislature to provide feedback on how legislation they were contemplating might impact the ways the judges performed their work. In 2017, my fellow judges elected me as the first female president of the CJA.

“Being president of the CJA has several aspects of responsibility,” she goes on. “There are many statutes that give appointment power to the CJA president to legislatively created groups such as the Judicial Inquiry Commission and the Court of the Judiciary—both groups tasked with ensuring judges follow the judicial ethics rules—and the Judicial Reallocation Commission and the Judicial Study Commission, which are groups tasked with examining judicial caseload and need. Additionally, the president interacts extensively with the Legislature on issues impacting the budget and how judges do their jobs.”

During her time as president of the CJA, Stewart brought her integrity, transparency and fairness to the role, and created change in the system where she could. “I appointed a number of female judges, to more accurately reflect the population that we serve in the State of Alabama,” she says. “I believe any organization is much stronger when it can hear the voices of all of the people it serves, and the best way to ensure that is to make sure that those voices have seats at the table.

“After I was elected to the Supreme Court, two women were elected as circuit judges on the Mobile Bench,” she goes on. “After I was elected the first Circuit Judges Association president, another woman was elected the year after that, and another one is in line to be president in two years. Because of this, I was recently honored to receive the Trail Blazers Award from the Women’s Section of the Mobile Bar Association. Still, I feel that the women lawyers who came before me were more the trail blazers—they truly had to make a path where none existed. I think of myself as more of a pathfinder. I tried to make more paths, or to make the path smoother, straighter or bigger. I am most proud of blazing the trail for the women that are coming after me. My favorite quote is one by Teddy Roosevelt that I’ve tweaked for obvious reasons: ‘The credit belongs to the woman who is actually in the arena…who at the worst, if she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.’”

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KRIS Laboy

Kris Laboy is the Founder and Owner of Orange Hibiscus Day Spa and Salon. She is a Master Hairstylist, classically trained at the Aveda Institute of South Florida.

Laboy is a former color educator for Aveda and considered an industry expert in blonding and hair extensions. After spending more than a decade in healthcare as a Registered Nurse, she decided to follow her heart’s desire and become a business owner. With a passion for holistic healing, Kris incorporates elements from her former career in healthcare into each of the services she provides, promoting healing for both body and mind. She now calls Fairhope home where she lives with her husband Michael, is a proud mom to Jackson and Piper, and is a dedicated follower of Jesus.

Serendipitous Bliss in Downtown Fairhope

“ Just made my first visit to the beautiful Orange Hibiscus Salon and Spa! The staff was nothing short of amazing. They addressed all my questions and offered solutions and the results were incredible!

I love my haircut and my new color. You owe it to yourself to schedule a visit! You will not be disappointed!“

-Debbie

ORDER OF MYSTIC MAGNOLIAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN

SAVAGE

The Order of Mystic Magnolias was formed in 1993 by a group of ladies during a meeting of the minds at Gambino’s Restaurant. OOMM celebrated their 30th anniversary with a theme of “Game Night,” closing the Mardi Gras season on The Eastern Shore in style. Radio Incorporated and Velcro Pygmies kept the crowd on their feet all night.

MAIDS OF JUBILEE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN SAVAGE AND LISA TURNER FLOYD

The first ladies parading group to form on the Eastern Shore, Maids of Jubilee, was founded in 1985. MOJ blazed a trail by including female members as marshals on horseback. This year, their theme was Bands and Babes. The Atlanta Show Stoppers and Tim Tyler kept the babes of MOJ and their honored guests moving to the music.

Font: Morthsside

PETS ON Parade

STORY

Thanks to the wonders of the Internet—and, of course, the allknowing, all-seeing entity that is Google— you can find out pretty much anything these days with the few strokes of a key... including just how much money people spend each year on their pets. It’s a staggering number—into the billions— and one that shows how well cared for pets are. What it doesn’t show is the pets who fall through the cracks, the ones that are mistreated, abused, neglected or abandoned.

“For these animals, shelters become a lifeline; but only to the extent that they are given food, housing, medical attention and a chance to be rehomed. It is the no-kill shelters that are their true saving grace, as these are the organizations that rescue them from the threat of being destroyed if they are “unadoptable” for whatever reason. As Fairhope’s only no-kill shelter and a non-profit, The Haven depends on funding from private and corporate donations, fundraisers and grants to continue its work with animals in need throughout the community of Fairhope— and events like the Mystic Mutts of Revelry parade are a great source of raising funds as well as awareness.

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHIE ONO

King Zeus

Queen Frankie

Created in 2004, MMOR began specifically as a way to generate much-needed awareness about pet overpopulation and raise funds to support The Haven’s lifesaving programs. “No-kill shelters make an impact in the community by providing the community with free or low-cost resources for everything from veterinary medical care to pet training,” explains Shannon Hesse, a volunteer at The Haven who also chairs the MMOR parade. “No-kill shelters are important because we save hundreds of homeless pets and have more flexibility when it comes to addressing challenges like the pandemic. For example, when many government-operated animal shelters were closing, The Haven pivoted to curbside service so we could continue helping the people and homeless pets in our community.”

The first pet-walking parade in Baldwin County, MMOR also holds the highest record for the number of walking parade

participants—including both pets and their humans—in the entire region. “It grows every year,” Hesse notes of the event, which happens each year in early February. “We have hundreds of participants, usually three to four hundred, and thousands of people on the route. It has gotten so big that our route is fully barricaded for the safety of the participants and spectators during the event.” In fact, the MMOR parade attracts people from across the world, some of whom have made it a tradition to participate each year, and others who simply enjoy watching. With a theme of “Top Dog,” 2023 MMOR participants of both the human and four-legged kind were encouraged to dress in costumes. As the parade wound its way through the streets of Fairhope, the Mardi Gras-like parade made things even more fun and festive with the throwing of beads and the flamboyancy of the costumes that everyone wore.

Over the past 20 years of holding the parade, the MMOR has raised over $250,000 to benefit The Haven. “It increases every year, and our record has been about $32,000,” says Hesse. “It was our goal to break that record this year for 2023.”

“The Haven is moved by the generosity of MMOR volunteers, sponsors and the City of Fairhope for making this annual family-fun event possible,” says Michael Graham, Executive Director of The Haven. “We help between 400 and 600 animals annually, and over 11,000 homeless pets have found second chances since The Haven’s inception in 2000. That work depends on the kindness of the community, and MMOR is an incredible source of support.”

The Haven was founded by local veterinarian, Dr. Teresa Marshall, in the early ’90s. At the time, she had been receiving homeless and injured pets from local animal control as well as from her clients, and she used her medical skills to help the animals heal and find second chances. “Agencies already existed in the community to help healthy homeless pets, but Dr. Marshall saw the shelter animal population with treatable illnesses being overlooked, and she stepped in to help,” says Graham.

In 2000, The Haven became an official 501(c)3 nonprofit. Now, it has a public-private partnership with the City of Fairhope to provide animal care and manage shelter operations on Fairhope’s behalf. More than 200 volunteers give their time and talent to help The Haven realize its mission of a future where all pets have homes—and part of that future relies on events like the Mystic Mutts of Revery parade.

For more information on MMOR, visit mysticmutts.org. To learn more about The Haven, visit havenforanimals.org.

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MYSTIC MUTTS OF REVELRY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY EMILY MCHANEY

The Mystic Mutts of Revelry pet parade, the first walking parade in Baldwin County, began in 2004 as a fundraiser to help support the lifesaving programs for the areas first no-kill animal shelter, The Haven. Pets and their humans stroll down the streets of Downtown Fairhope throwing Mardi Gras beads and parading in their festive costumes. The theme of MMOR for 2023 was Top Dog.

THE 2022 AWARD WINNERS

The Grand Ballroom at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear was the site for the 99th Annual Celebration held by Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. The event, presented by Thomas Hospital, honored individuals, businesses and organizations making a difference in the community and celebrated all of the great work done by ESCOC throughout the prior year.

Amber Herman, Jessica Buzbee, and Emily Gibson Diane Anderson, Christina Hellmich, and Sally Wagner

Pam Hunter and Casey Williams

Wesley Carpenter and Mandy Bezeredi

Nathan and Chelsea Payne

Jesus Martinez, Kat Gary, Mandy Bezeredi, Alex Pikul, and Arcelia Miller

Dr. Gia Wiggins and Barbara Peters

Sydney Boteler and Zack Cox

Tully Cruthirds and Denise Seale

Kari Wolfe and Erann Thompson

Photos by Ruili Cai

Jes Wofford and Heather Guy Shannon Harris and Karyl Hanisch

Bobby and Chanda Purvis

Ed Hammele, Kerry O’ Conner, and Greg Strachan

Pam Hunter, Cindy Zebryk, and Dana Maloney

Melinda Byrd-Murphy and TJ Murphy

Joe Stough and Romie Asher Sherry Sullivan and Kim Pitt

It's all in who you know, and we'd love to introduce you. VIEW OUR UPCOMING NETWORKING EVENTS!

Jim Solomon, Carla Thurman, Amanda Gray, and Greg Strachan

Marina Simpson, Matt Simpson, and Frances Holk-Jones

Gia Long, Dennis Sherrin, Nancy Bell, and Crissy Bonifay

Scott Polk, J.Lee Pierce, and Travis Williams

Samantha and Blake Coppels

Cory and Brittany Luckie Ross Sykes and Jake Wallace

APOLLO’S MYSTIC LADIES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN SAVAGE

Apollo’s Mystic Ladies was founded in 2000 with a mission to bring friendship, fellowship and revelry to the city of Daphne in the true Mardi Gras spirit. AML reached a milestone this year by debuting the first float commissioned by the organization, its Emblem Float. Their theme this year was Fantasy and Fairy Tales, and Az-IzZ provided the music to keep the party going.

GRIT, GATORS, AND Generosity

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY YANCEY LEETH

Beads, music, Moon Pies and revelry—Mardi Gras is a season filled with excitement and fun. Not to mention parade after parade and countless parties. While kids get in on some of the action, it’s really more for the adults. Which is where the inspiration for the Mystic Order of Gators began…

“Back in the late ’80s, there were several families who gathered to picnic at the parades in Mobile before returning to my mother’s home in Lake Forest to sit on the deck and visit,” says Mary Day Lantaff, who holds the title of Mother MOG. “The children hadn’t caught that much at the parades, so I grabbed up throws from previous parades and threw them over the balcony of our deck to the kids playing in the yard as the adults visited. Squeals of joy and laughter erupted from below as the children scrambled to grab Moon Pies and beads.”

Interestingly, the MOGs is the only parade on the Gulf Coast that remains stationary while the crowd moves. And, of course, the organization has a mascot: Bubba the Alligator. “The first Bubba was 21-feet long and constructed from papier-mâché and chicken wire. “Bubba was born in 1994, and his name originated from our theme song, ‘Bubba Loves Moon Pies,” which all of us ladies on the balcony danced to, of course. The idea originated from seeing the alligators in the lake from the balcony, and the story goes that Bubba crawls out of the lake once a year to reign over the balcony parade.”

More than three decades later, the MOGs is still a small group—there are roughly a dozen members—but the heart of what they do is expansive.

“From its beginnings as a simple pastime to entertain the children in our group of friends, MOGs has become a ‘party with a cause,’” Lantaff says. “In 2003, the ladies in the organization decided to make our balcony parade a fundraiser for a child at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital battling terminal cancer. Over the next eight years, we sponsored a child fighting cancer to help the family with the expenses that come along with the disease. Of the eight children we dedicated our parade to, three lost their battle with cancer, but their memory lives on with us. Eventually, it became too difficult to pick just one family to support; so since 2012, our funds have been donated directly to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital to provide immediate aid available through the social service department to families in crisis. A portion of our donation is also allocated to Bay Area Grief, which provides free grief counseling to children who have lost a sibling, parent or someone else close to them.”

Ginny Stopa Amy Slade

The Mystic Order of Gators held its 35th annual balcony parade in Daphne. This “party with a cause” also included raffles and a cajun luncheon. Proceeds from fundraising at the event are donated to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital for the benefit of children who are battling cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Photos by Emily McHaney

Sharon Shelby Hodges and Mary Day Lantaff or “Mother MOG” Audrey Williams, Sherree Hilburn, and Ellie Kate Williams

Damien Blalack and Sharon Shelby Hodges

Dainer and Jason Chandler

Katie and Chase Summerall

Taylor Norton, West Guignard, and Riley Moores

Brad and Hannah Berryman

Patrick Wagner and Mark Browning

Niki Coker and Sam Lemond

Destin and Kim Gautier

Sharon Mahoney, Bill Williams, and Sonya Mahoney

Chuck and Tracy Johnson

April Crowell, Christen Hodges, and Justin Hodges

Londyn Norris, Jane Knight, and Brooklyn Norris

Jay and Trina Browning

MYSTICS OF THE BAY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUILI CAI

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LeighaBolton

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

In her work as the Senior Community Engagement Officer for the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Leigha Bolton is responsible for overseeing four geographic affiliate Community Foundations. Those include Atmore, Fairhope/Point Clear, North Baldwin, and Tri-City, as well as covering the organization’s special events and activities. “My job focuses on connecting and working with community members and organizations to increase engagement and the overall impact of our efforts,” she explains.

“Clearly, she knows how to handle logistics— which comes in handy as a wife and mother of eight-year-old twin girls. Balance is also a key strength, especially when it comes to juggling family and work. “As crazy as things can get, being a working mom is very important to me because I’m raising two little girls who are most definitely watching,” she says. “Honestly, it’s amazing. I am fortunate to work for an organization where I can utilize my skills to help people while also maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I have an incredible support system in my husband and family, which is the only reason I can successfully juggle the needs of my children, household, career, and social life.”

While Bolton doesn’t have the benefit of punching out at 5 with her job, she makes the time work for everyone. “I’m lucky to be able to immerse my kids in enriching activities, and it’s a blessing to be able to teach them through firsthand experience the importance of doing things to help the underserved in our community,” she notes. “It’s also amazing to be able to expose my children to strong women in leadership roles. For example, the Community Foundation hosts a Women’s Forum annually, and every year, my girls ask to see the pictures and to hear about the women speakers.”

Much like the women who speak at the forum, Bolton is someone who’s story can be inspirational to others. “My two greatest successes have also been my two biggest struggles: beating cancer and having twin preemies,” says the 35-year-old. “Both taught me that I am stronger than I know

and, more importantly, the power of perspective. Life can be hard at times, but there is so much for which to be grateful. Literally anything can be accomplished when we are determined and unified as a family, and the same is true as a community.”

Community—and giving back—is important to Bolton, both in her work and in her personal life. “I had no idea the amount of need there is in our local communities until I started working at the Community Foundation,” says Bolton, who also serves as the Chair of the Events Committee for her neighborhood’s POA. “I also wasn’t aware of the many ways that I could do something to help, whether volunteering my time, making a simple donation, opening a fund, or collaborating to support my favorite non-profit.”

With all that she does, Bolton most wants to make a difference in her daughters’ lives and leave them with a legacy of undeniably fierce love. “I most want my girls to always remember how much they are wanted and loved,” she says. “I want them to remember that everything I accomplished was made possible because they were by my side. I also want them to know that they can have whatever type of life makes them happiest without sacrificing what they want or compromising who they are. I want them to see me doing all the things and know that they are capable of that and so much more.”

As a family, Bolton, her husband, and her girls sit down together for dinner and go around the table sharing their personal “Happy/Sad” for the day. “Each person shares one thing from their day that made them the happiest and one thing that made them the saddest,” she says. “That’s a family tradition that I think keeps us feeling close.”

Learning patience is naturally a part of motherhood, but Bolton has also learned a few other things from her daughters: “I feel like I learn something from my girls every day,” she says. “The biggest lesson they’ve taught me is to slow down. Instead of rushing through the daily to-do’s, I actively try to stop and enjoy the time we have together. As I always say, ‘Babies simply don’t keep,’ and all the things that need to be done aren’t going anywhere.”and all 30 MLB stadiums before he graduates high school,” Murrill notes. “We don't plan a lot and stay in a different city each night. There is a final destination, but the ultimate goal is that the joy is in the journey.”

MASTERS OF THE Ceremony

Like the intertwining of a live oak, a father’s passion for wine combined with his son’s love of agriculture, The Hope Farm came to life. Robert and Bentley Evans love their hometown of Fairhope and have long dreamed of providing their community a memorable gathering space full of comfort and tranquili ty.

Photography by Rae Leytham

MASTERS OF THE Ceremony

BLUE ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

“The wedding day is the beginning of your marriage...the sanctuary that will repair you, inspire you, comfort you, protect you. You’ll tell your children, your grandchildren, and friends - many of whom you do not yet know - about your wedding day. Get it beautifully right.”

Cindy McCrory, Blue Room Photography

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As expected, Morrissette Catering did a phenomenal job. All of the food was delicious. The process of planning our menu for the expected head count was easy with their help and experience.

Phillippi Herndon Pyles, Social Bride-April 2023

Cindy McCrory, Blue Room Photography

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound French bread, cut into cubes

8 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups milk (whole)

2 cups heavy cream

Icing:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup condensed milk

KING CAKE BREAD PUDDING

I love King cake season. It might not love me, but woo, that stuff is good y’all. I find them pretty difficult to make, so I wanted to make something easy not only for myself but for you guys to enjoy too! This is so close to a king cake but is crazy easy to make!

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients, except the bread

Cube up the bread into 2 inch chunks

Place the bread into the egg mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes, pressing down any pieces that are on top so they all soak up the mixture

Spray a 11x13 baking pan

Pour into the pan

Bake for 60 minutes

In a bowl mix the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and condensed milk

You may need to adjust the measurements to get the consistency/taste you want for the icing

When the bread pudding is finished cooking, allow it to cool completely

Pour the icing and spread all over the top Decorate it to your liking!

Enjoy :)

Recipe courtesy of Bayou Belle

WaterOak Coastal Catering is a fullservice catering company with deep Gulf Coast roots. We specialize in personal chef experiences, boutique weddings, with the capability to execute events of up to 1000 attendees.

WaterOak Coastal Catering was selected for the Mardi Gras ball for the organization for which I serve as President. Brandon and his staff are reliable, communicative and did everything to accommodate our menu requests and budget. They were ready on time, very professional and their food was excellent. -Tracy

Womack

Brandon provided an exciting and delicious dish and dessert for our VIP room at the Joy Of Life Mardi Gras ball for Saint Jude. His creole dish was delicious and the white chocolate strawberry bread pudding was to die for. He served everything up with style and hospitality and was very gracious to everyone. Enjoyed his cooking!

-Lesley Pacey, Joy of Life on The Gulf Coast

MASTERS OF THE Ceremony

At Francia’s Formal Affair, we have been helping people just like you find outfits for special occasions for 47 years. During this time, we have remained family-owned and -operated. Francia’s Formal Affair offers tuxedo rentals and sales plus other formal wear.

We take great pride in our work, which is why Jimmy Francia always said, “If you want to look your best, forget all the rest!” Jimmy’s legacy lives on as his family is still making everyone that walks in Francia’s Formal Affair feel like family.

franciasformalaffair

MADDISON &RYAN Awash Love in

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAHY BY ASHLEIGH DONNELLY DESIGNS

As the district manager for Rich’s Car Wash, it was just another day at work for Ryan Hauck when Maddison Winborne pulled in to wash her car. Noticing her right away, he pulled into the vacuum stall beside her when she came out of the wash—and then proceeded to pretend that he was actually doing something when what he was really doing was checking her out. Meanwhile, Maddison also noticed Ryan: tall, handsome, and very shy. Fortunately for both of them, one of Ryan’s employees took it upon himself play matchmaker and wrote Ryan’s phone number on an air freshener and gave it to Maddison after he left. “I decided to take a risk and text the number, and we eventually planned a date to a local pizza parlor,” says Maddison. “We spent all evening playing musical bingo and talking until the shop closed. We’ve been inseparable ever since, and we knew after that first date that we were going to be together forever.”

A Forever became official a year later, on November 22, 2020, when a photo session for their Christmas cards became much more memorable. “The photographer posed me with my back towards the camera, with Ryan trailing behind to get a photo in the moment of us just walking,” says Maddison, a bridal consultant with Bliss Bridal. “The photographer started shooting and asked me to turn towards her for the next shot. When I turned, Ryan was down on one knee with a ring in his hand. I remember crying so hard I couldn’t even see inside the box or even after he put the ring on my finger. It took a while for my eyes to adjust before I could see how beautiful the ring was, but that never really mattered. All I knew was that I wanted to marry him!”

Marry him, she did. Wearing a tiered taffeta v-neck ballgown with a bow back, Maddison walked down the aisle at Bella Sera Gardens on October 22, 2022, to meet Ryan at the altar. With 120 of their closest friends and family gathered—all wearing solid black so that the entire wedding looked as if it was in black and white—Maddison and Ryan exchanged vows and were pronounced married.

Joining their guests for a reception on the grounds, the newlyweds had a first dance that showed off their moves: a choreographed ballroom number. Dining on a selection of food that included white chicken chili and a garden salad to start, followed by beef tips or pollo Manchego with parmesan broccoli and roasted baby potatoes, the couple later cut into their cake, a three-tier 3 white cake with Bavarian crème filling adorned in white fondant and wrapped in black and gold ribbon.

After making their getaway in a black Porsche 718, the newly married Haucks flew off to honeymoon in Crete, Greece. Now back home in Spanish Fort, they have begun their “forever”—and look forward to all that that entails.

WEDDING VENUE & CATERING: Bella Serra Gardens

WEDDING PLANNER: Carly Hester

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ashleigh Donnelly Designs

VIDEOGRAPHY: Forever & More

FLOWERS: Something Borrowed Blooms and Blooms to Borrow

CAKE: Couture Cakes

WEDDING GOWN: Justin Alexander from Bliss Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids

GROOM'S ATTIRE: Jim's Formal Wear from Bliss Bridal

ENTERTAINMENT: Gulf Coast Sounds

HAIR:: Beauty by Hannah G.

MAKE-UP: KayteeFearless MUA

INVITATIONS: Truly Engaging

SHADOW BARONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUILI CAI

MAIDS OF JUBILEE Watch Party

The watch party for the Maids of Jubilee parade hosted at the office of Kopesky & Britt and Fairhope Title Services was an event that boasted all things Mardi Gras revelry should include. Guests enjoyed great food from Dragonfly Food Bar, adult beverages, and live music by The Leavin Brothers.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Trae Corte and Jennie Baggett

Keara, Jamie, Brynn, and Logan Hunter

Colin McBrearty and Cindy Zebryk

Isabel Espinheira and Tamatha McElmurry

Beth and Brian Britt

Kellie Boudin, Michelle Bigler, and Weslyn Walters

David Roberts and Brant Richerson

Amy Cuny and Cindy Zebryk

Michelle Melton and Josh Null

Greg Boudin and Steve Butler

KNIGHTS OF ECOR ROUGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN SAVAGE

The motto of Knights of Ecor Rouge is “Chevaliers a se Rappeler” or “Knights to Remember.” As is custom, this year’s theme, “A Knight of Captains,” celebrated that motto. KOER began from a brainstorm of several Eastern Shore friends while they were sailing the Grenadines in 1983. The organization’s name references the highest point of land that touches saltwater from Maine to Mexico, located in Montrose. Band X and dplayband kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.

Krewe of Mullet Mates welcomed their guests to Oak Hollow Farm for their annual Mardi Gras Ball. Members and guests enjoyed the music of Identity Theft. KOMM is also a parading organization, and this year their theme is Mullets in the Movies.

Jonda and Jeffrey Lyndall

Chris and Jessica Kelley

Corey and Angela Parker

Christie and Steve Sadowski

Lisa Teague and Leonard Lyndall

Jo Willy, Cyndi Okander, and Kay Overstreet

Sally and Mike McPeak

Jason Horne and Robyn Roberts

Ashley Heathcoe and Kassie Burch

Juanita Coleman and Laura McMeans

Photos by Ruili Cai

THERACE FOR THE REST OFUS

FAIRHOPE SUNSET ROTARYCLUB

Hundreds of participants joined Fairhope Sunset Rotary Club for the 4th annual Race for The Rest of Us – 0.5K Classic. The run started and ended at Fairhope’s Bay Breeze Cafe, and the 1/3 mile course trailed through Downtown Fairhope. Many of those that joined added to the fun by participating in costume.

Leslie Knox and Stephen Weems

Julie Tew and Lee Conlee

Ed and Dana Hammele

Monica Cain and Maureen Clark

Cam Jackson and Greg Breland

Bill E. Stitt and Jack Burrell

Catherine North, Celeste Fleming, and Vivian Dooley

Photos by Emily McHaney

Kathryn Kier, Ashton Anthony, Katherine Kasper, and Angel Overton

Micki Kohn, Kim Quist, Amy Kennedy, and Wendy Pilcher

Join Parvin, Andy Parvin, Pam Hunter, and Weatherby Stallings

Garilynn Gillespie, Mike Parker, Genie Parker, Mindy Jokerst, and Jason Jokerst

Rene Powell, Gary Anderson, and Beth Anderson

Susan and Dennis Mickelson

Steve Weaver, Michelle Thomason, and Melanie Harris

TEACHER feature

M R S. K AY L A LUCKI E BUC HA NA N

4TH GRADE ROCKWELL ELEMENTARY

Who, specifically, in your life influenced your decision to become a teacher?

Mrs. Wendy McClendon. My beautiful, kindhearted second grade teacher. What an amazing woman! I can't remember exactly how, but somehow, I won "teacher for the day" that year. I was able to dress like my teacher, sit at the teacher's desk, teach a short lesson to my fellow second graders, eat lunch with the other teachers, and so on. It was such a special day that I have never forgotten. She built our character, she believed in us, she made us each feel so loved, so important, and so valued. I knew that if I ever actually became a teacher, I would strive to treat my students the way she did.

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

Each year I gain a new classroom family; the students become "my babies"—we grow together, we learn together, we laugh and cry together, we do life together—and then at the end of each school year I watch that "family" go to the next grade level. It is part of the job, but that part never gets any easier for me.

What do you feel is the biggest reward?

Oh! There are so many rewards! The laughter, the milestones, the hugs, the "aha" moments, the memories, the field trips, the growth, the cards from students, the authenticity of young kids, the summers off, and the list goes on and on...but the biggest reward, I believe, is the relationships with my students.

How do you make learning fun for your students?

As a teacher, the best way to make learning fun and to help your students succeed is to truly get to know them. Once the students know I totally support them, the sky becomes the limit! Kids love crafts, games, and challenges. We do many hands on activities, we dance, we sing, we joke, we admit our mistakes, we share, we work in teams, and we create.

Impact 100 invited ladies interested in improving our local communities to a membership mix & mingle at Regions Bank in Fairhope for a watch party for the Maids of Jubilee parade. Impact 100 Baldwin County has awarded over $5 million in grants to Baldwin County nonprofits since 2008.

Stacy Little and Audra Warren

Julie Broadwell and Meg Willett

Jeramy Meredith and Kristin Koppen

Amy Ramagosa and Monica Allen

Cynthia Hyatt and Ginger Hyatt

Monde Donaldson and Stacey Howell

Sandy Stepan and Kathy Knight Miller

Cheryl Kametz and Lucia Smith

Sheila Saucier and Krissy Derrenbacher

Nancy Moorman and Lisa Hellman

Photos by Ruili Cai

Impact 100 Baldwin County’s Membership Drive Ends March 31st!

Impact 100 is inviting women who are interested in improving our communities to join us! Our organization has awarded over $5 million in grants to Baldwin County nonprofits since 2008.

UPCOMING MIX & MINGLES TO LEARN MORE:

Tuesday, March 14, 5 to 7 PM

The Hope Farm, 915 Nichols Avenue in Fairhope

Tuesday, March 16, 4 to 6 PM

Mile Marker, 158 Dockside in Orange Beach

Tuesday, March 28, 4 to 6 PM

To join or learn more visit impact100baldwincounty.org Find us on Facebook!

Be

Our Collective Impact

15 years giving grants to Baldwin County nonprofits

$5.1 million dollars awarded

S. Wesley Carpenter, CPWA®, CFP ®, ChFC® Managing Director Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Manager 251.990.2361

wesley_carpenter@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 601 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532

fa.ml.com/thehartycarpentergroup

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CPWA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CPWA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. The ChFC® is the property of The American College of Financial Services, which reserves sole rights to its use, and is used by permission. A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own Personalized or Defined Strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. ©2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP4264790 | AD-10-22-0309 | 470965PM-0322 | 10/2022 When the world changes, we can help you prepare for what’s next Together, we’ll take a fresh look at potential opportunities MARCH 2023 77

The Shadow Barons was founded in 1999 in Daphne. The name honors The Baron de Feriet, a career officer in Napoleon’s military who nearing retirement, purchased Ecor Rouge, most of what is now known as Montrose. The organization’s crest, colors and costumes pay homage to The Baron. This year’s theme was “Dance the Night Away.” Members and guests danced the night away with live music by The Molly Ringwalds and Even Odds Band.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Susanna Misiura, Gabby Schaller, and Destiny Whittaker Jamie Rauch, Allison Oakes, and Stefanie Burger

Libby Hill and Lakin Andrews

Brooke Parker and Lynne Palmiero

Cathy Robertson and Janet Griffith

Pam Manders, Henley Manders, and Julie Brunson

Shelby Blakey and Marcia Stewart

Katherine Dorsey and Reilly Sharp

Katrina Garofano, Lauren Yates, and Gracie Mahoney

Jackson Byrd and Elere Varden

ANCHOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

2023 EASTERN SHORE BUSINESS EXPO

NETWORKING | PRIZES | & MORE

April 27, 2023 | 12pm - 5pm Fairhope Civic Center

Reserve your booth at www.EasternShoreBusiness.com

Ashleigh Langham, Kenzie Winstead, and Sydney Mann

Kellan and Elizabeth Loussaert

Bailey Welborn, Rebecca Welborn, Rachel Mitchell, Breanna Vivar, and Austin Vivar

Dean Goodrich, Amanda Goodrich, Ellen Najdowski, Derek Najdowski, Stacey Miller, and Mark Englemeyer

Mystics of the Bay, a co-ed organization formed in 2019, had its first ball in 2020. This year, members and guests reveled in the sounds of New Orleans based band, Paperchase, and enjoyed delicious food provided by WaterOak Coastal Catering.

Photos by Ruili Cai

Ameina Tressler and Donna Crabtree

Jack Yancey and Joy Atkinson

Dee and Patrick Mamuscia

Kevin Alberta and Julie Mccrary

John and Cristan McMahill

Carson Washington, Heather Smith, and Larra Binning

Lesli and James Poore

Bailey and Hunter Helms

Josh and Katie Phillips

Lee and Alayna Bozeman

Rachel Kelly, Shelby Dye, and Elizabeth Zolnoski

Heather Taylor and Julie Gomez

Mendi and Fonsie Delgado

Montana Williams and Shanna Bryars

Meredith and Garett Toflinski

MYSTICAL ORDER OF AURORA BALL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELLEY PATTERSON