Social Northshore | August 2023

Charity Gala

11.18.2023

Hosted by: Lolo Jones & Chris Myers

Presented by: Mercedes-Benz of Covington

Gold Sponsors

Benefiting Scott’s Wish...meeting the direct needs of critically ill people & pets

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FROM THE EDITOR

As the summer days begin to wane, we find ourselves eagerly embracing the August issue of Social Northshore magazine. It’s been an eventful season, packed with vibrant community gatherings, unforgettable festivities, and inspiring individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community

In this issue, we are thrilled to present to you the A-List Attorney profiles that celebrate legal professionals who have not only excelled in their fields but have also made significant contributions to our community. These legal stalwarts have been the backbone of justice and have shown unwavering dedication in upholding the rights and values we hold dear.

Take a flip through the pages as we shine a spotlight on two extraordinary women who epitomize what it means to be community leaders. Rachael Catalanotto’s remarkable contributions have left an indelible impact on the lives of many. Her vision and dedication have transformed our neighborhoods, and her philanthropic endeavors have enriched countless lives. We are honored to share her inspiring story with you.

Additionally, we cannot overlook the incredible efforts of Supermom Brittany Walker, who has not only excelled in her professional endeavors but has also triumphed as a loving and nurturing mother. Her ability to juggle multiple roles with grace and determination serves as a beacon of inspiration to all.

Let us reflect on the memories of a vibrant summer, appreciate the tireless efforts of our legal community, and draw inspiration from the exceptional individuals who lead by example. We hope this edition of Social Northshore magazine continues to foster a sense of unity, pride, and celebration within our community.

As always, we are grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, let’s welcome the new school year with open arms and hearts, and embrace the promise of a bright future for all.

JEN MEADOWS Editor, Social Northshore

On the Cover: Keith & Erin Guy, Lauren & Andrew Menshevik

PUBLISHER

David Renfro

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jen Meadows

COPY EDITOR

Lana Cagle

STAFF WRITER

Liesel Schmidt

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lead Designer Chris Shenk

Kim Mesman

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB DESIGN

Jen Meadows

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jen Meadows

Melissa Calico

Katie Ulmer

Kha Tran

Sherri Howard

Leslie Bear

Trish Trahan

Tiffany Chabert Wedding by Kristen Soileau

Home Photos by Eugenia Lubrano-Gangi of NOLA RE Marketing

SALES

Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980

Trish Trahan | 985.773.4280

David Renfro | 731.499.1414

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A LOVER OF LAW

The most effective lawyers are those who have a deep, passionate love of the law, and that passion has been rooted in Rachael Catalanotto’s soul since she was a young girl. “I remember being involved in a court proceeding and thinking to myself, ‘If I could just talk to the judge, I could persuade him.” she says. “I do not recall ever wanting to be anything else.”

By Liesel Schmidt

Over the past 16 years, Catalanotto has been winning judges to her side of the argument in a variety of cases spanning areas from insurance defense, defense of law enforcement, family law and now, personal injury. And that passion has never left her. “I’m Italian,” she jokes. “Passion is in my blood. But it helps when you love what you do.”

A Partner at René Frederick & Associates, LLC, Catalanotto’s career has taken her in a number of directions since she first passed the bar. “I clerked for lawyers beginning my first Christmas break in law school in 2003, then after graduation from Loyola College of Law, I started out doing insurance defense in New Orleans,” she says. “I was commuting from Covington to One Shell Square every day. After I lost my newborn son in 2009, my perspective changed. I recognized what was really important in life, and I realized that the Northshore was better suited for me, my husband and my future children. I wanted to practice in the same parish where I grew up.”

She has been practicing on the Northshore since 2010 and, while board certified in family law, she focuses her practice on personal injury. “I would

say my career path has been diverse, but helping my clients with their personal injury claims has been the most rewarding,” she notes.

Diverse and notable, to be sure, as Catalanotto served as a board member of the Young Lawyer’s Section of the 22nd JDC Bar Association in 2014. She was also the community outreach chair for the 22nd JDC Bar Association and served as vice president before going on to serve as a president of the 22nd JDC Bar Association. In 2020, she was appointed by St. Tammany Parish President, Mike Cooper, to the New Directions 2040 Steering Committee. Now, she is serving as the current magistrate over Mandeville’s Mayor’s Court, appointed by Mayor Clay Madden. “It was a complete surprise and honor to be asked to serve as magistrate,” she says.

Through the course of her career, Catalanotto has witnessed the changing of laws and has been part of enacting those changes, a fact in which she takes great pride. “The law is ever evolving for the better,” she says. “For instance, I was recently involved in the legislative process and changing the law to allow for mothers to recover 50 percent of out-of-pocket pregnancy-related expenses from

the biological father after a baby is born. Prior to this law, mothers were responsible for the entirety of these expenses. I also helped draft legislation that law allows an interested family member to intervene in the legal process early during a child in need of care proceeding. This gives the judge the option of placing a child with a family member rather than in foster care, which helps families deal with very difficult situations early in the process to keep children together with family. I requested

Representative Larry Frieman to correct holes in the law that were discovered during real life cases that I handled, and now these acts have been passed. This will hopefully have a positive impact on Louisiana families.”

Naturally, some of the cases she has litigated have been challenging—but there are also the unforgettable ones that confirm that she is making a difference in the lives she touches. “I know my adoption work has been impactful for the families that I have represented,” she says. “I helped a family adopt a very young child. Her mother was a drug addict, and her father had just been murdered. If I never accomplish anything professionally ever again, I know I was instrumental in forever changing the course of this little girl’s life.”

As a wife and the mother of two children, Catalanotto feels the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, but she prioritizes the needs of her family first and foremost. Being a native of St. Tammany parish, she also works to meet the needs of her community. Because of her work in the community, Catalanotto was named a Real Superhero of Safe Harbor 2023, a non-profit serving survivors and their minor children who are victims of domestic abuse.

G & G salon brings luxury hair care to the Northshore. Located in the heart of historic Madisonville, G & G offers hair care services from contemporary cuts & color to a variety of extensions for all hair types.

The G & G team works consistently on continuing education while also building an amazing salon environment for all their clients.

Grand Opening

It was an exciting time to open the doors of Loft18 to the community. Loft18 is the premier indoor golf and social club – a deluxe recreation and relaxation complex designed for year-round, all-weather, day-ornight play. Guests enjoyed fun drinks and delicious food while exploring the simulation stalls with easy-going, effortless service, and hospitality.

Sarah DiLeo, Nacole Diaz, Abbie Icamina, and Dr. Lauren Agnew

Photos by Kha Tran

John Pecoraro and Kelsey Andre Brett Gaudet, Greg Whitman, Henley Volion, and Ty Duet

Hunter Daigle and Falen Toucheck

Cheri and Mark Lagatdea

Carley Pressley and Justin Hymel

Mike Cassesi and Olivia Cassesi

Michael Mastascuso and Crystal Cruse

Ally Barrios and Lauren Madden

Madison Smith and C.J. Seruntine

White Linen Night

Money Hill Country Club sponsored their annual White Linen Night for its residents and community. The evening was full of delicious food and drinks and the beautiful grounds provided a picturesque setting for this kick off of summer.

Janene Bulloch, Tonya Gros, and Gena Cothren

Dale and Debbie Morvant

Richie Mitchell and Keith Patterson

Felix and Rosa Landry

Mimi Richardson, Laura Zambiasi, Curtis Franklin, Adelaide Franklin, and Julie Wall

Scott and Rebekah Steinhauer

Jessica and Jake Pritchard

Courtney Weileman, Chablis Tate, and Mandy Rhodes

Dave and Betty McGuinness, Kathy and Albert Kuhn, Judy Vergis, Christine and Bob Stellingworth

Photos by Katie Ulmer

Tyler and Jenn Thibault

Chris Hnatyshyn, Allison Hnatyshyn, and Louie Brazan

Jessica Pritchard, Ivette Peterman, and Wendy Irula

Kathryn Navarro, Bob Atkinson, and Becky Atkinson

Bill and Jeanne Doyle

Patricia Williams and Sandra Dufour

Donna and Carl Silva

Kathy Prokasy and Adelaide Franklin

Teri Ramone and Julie Wall

John and Michelle Shappetta, Keith Patterson, Barbara and Arthur Sterbcow

Wendy Irula, Bonnie McGehee, Ashley Connolly, Jennifer & Ronnie Cothern, Jared & Ivette Peterman

FESTA DEL VINO

Wine Tasting

The Covington Firehouse Event Center was full of festivities to kick off the A Taste Of Covington 2023. What better way to start than with a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres from Dakota Restaurant, and Swing Jazz by Christy & the Rascals. This event was hosted by Mike Cooper.

Parish President Mike Cooper, Catherine Cooper, Patricia Williams, Cliff Bergeron, and Mary Ann Hubal

David Orechwa, Betty Orechwa, and Betty Brock

Aris and Maria Kyriakides

Areci and Peter Jilkov

Bill and Kim Duncan

Carl and Elena Koenig

Deborah Bellina, David Wallace and Linda Wallace

Matthew Borne, Vicky Talley, Shanna & Peter Cole

Photos by Sherri Howard

D

avid Oriol began practicing law 20 years ago by renting a small office in Madisonville. During his career, David’s hard work and dedication obtained excellent results for his clients, and he qualified for the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Early in his career, David began meticulously assembling a knowledgeable and innovative team allowing the firm to effectively service a wide range of legal needs, including personal injury, family law, estate planning, successions, and business law. Clients don’t just get a lawyer at Oriol Law Firm; they get a hardworking legal team committed to delivering outstanding results.

ORIOL David

What is one thing you hope others would say about you?

I diligently protect and represent my clients while at the same time being honorable and cooperative which also better serves the client.

What has been the most rewarding part of a career in the judicial system?

Sometimes, good people find themselves in very difficult circumstances, and I have been fortunate to represent some wonderful clients. It is extremely rewarding to provide a solution for a client that brings peace to those stressful circumstances.

Could you share a fictional lawyer from film, television, or literature that you find particularly captivating or intriguing?

I’ve always really liked A Few Good Men. As a reserve JAG officer, I can relate to the Lt. Daniel Kaffee character played by Tom Cruise, with significantly less Hollywood drama, though.

Ana Lopez is a native of Miami, FL and a firstgeneration college graduate of the 2016 class of Tulane Law School. Having practiced locally in St. Tammany for the last six years, Ana has dedicated herself to practicing exclusively in the family law arena. Throughout her career as a family law attorney, Ana has represented hundreds of clients in obtaining protective orders, divorces, child support, child custody, and other incidentals. Ana prides herself on prioritizing every single one of her clients, while tailoring her advice and representation to their respective needs. Ana is a native Spanish speaker and can easily navigate the challenges that come with not being able to understand the intricacies of the court process. When she’s not in court or in the office, you can find Ana at home with her husband, Jordan, and their sons, Harrison and Wyatt.

LOPEZ Ana

What is one thing you hope others would say about you?

I hope that people think of me as a deeply compassionate and dedicated person, mom, wife, and friend. If there’s anything I’d want to be known for, it would be for finding a way to keep the peace in a sea of chaos.

What has been the most rewarding part of a career in the judicial system?

Helping people find hope and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Divorce is probably one of the most challenging life events for a person to navigate, and I have found great satisfaction and fulfillment in seeing people through to the other side.

Could you share a fictional lawyer from film, television, or literature that you find particularly captivating or intriguing?

Annalise Keating, from How To Get Away With Murder. She is the epitome of a “boss lady!”

BARNES Kevin

Kevin Barnes is a lifelong native of St. Tammany Parish, having lived his entire life in Madisonville, Louisiana. After spending just under a decade serving the people of this great state as a Louisiana State Trooper, Kevin felt it was time to serve the people on a more personal level advocating for individuals as their attorney. Prior to joining Oriol Law Firm, Kevin was an associate attorney with a New Orleans based insurance defense firm. There he learned the art of managing heavy caseloads in civil litigation practice which included general negligence, automobile insurance defense, personal injury, workers’ compensation, property damage and insurance coverage disputes. Kevin graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with an undergraduate degree in Business Management in 2006. He earned his Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center in 2020. During that time Kevin was a member of the law center’s Trial Advocacy Board where he was elected an executive board member multiple times and awarded the board’s President’s Award in 2019. Kevin is licensed to practice law in all state courts of Louisiana and the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. He handles mainly general civil litigation, estate planning and successions, personal injury and other general practice matter for the firm. Kevin prides himself, as does everyone at OLF, on providing each client with an exceptional level of personal customer service.

What is one thing you hope others would say about you? I hope others would say they would go to any legal fight with me anytime.

What has been the most rewarding part of a career in the judicial system? Being able to advocate on other people’s behalf.

Could you share a fictional lawyer from film, television, or literature that you find particularly captivating or intriguing? Mitchell McDeere, from The Firm. He was always one step ahead of everyone who was after him.

AN EXCHANGE KINDNESS OF

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Since its creation in 1911 in Detroit, Michigan, the National Exchange Club has brought together people who all share one hope and vision: to build “a strong America, safe communities, and unified people,” with a mission of “exchange, inspiring communities to become better places to live.”

That “exchange” could be interpreted as the act of paying it forward, giving to those in need in the community to better their lives and improve the state of the community as a whole in doing so. Community by community, this builds a better, stronger and healthier nation.

Over the past century, the National Exchange has spawned clubs at local levels all over the U.S., and in 1986, a small group of residents of West St. Tammany Parish came together to found the Exchange Club of West St. Tammany. “Much like Charles Berkey and the other organizers who founded the National Exchange in 1911 felt the community’s need for active leadership to promote Americanism, to serve the underprivileged, and mentor the less fortunate youth, these four men saw the need here in West St. Tammany and how the community would benefit from the service of the Exchange,” says Jimmy Hingle, West St. Tammany club member since 1991.

With over 1200 active clubs across the country, the Exchange is indeed making a difference. Small though it may be at 28 members strong, West St. Tammany has been leaving its mark on the local community. “Child abuse prevention was adopted as a national mission in the ’90s, along with Americanism, youth activities and community service,” says Hingle. “To that end, the WST Exchange Club provide seed money in the late ’80s for what is now Pelican Park, provided funds to purchase

a colposcope in the early ’90s, formed a committee to spearhead the creation of The Child Advocacy Center, chartered the organization and raised funds to support what is today Hope House. WST Exchange Club also formed STOPS, St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide. We also host an annual Turkey Train and sponsor Veterans’ Day Missing Man tables at local restaurants. Every year, we award the Student of the Year Award to recognize exceptional students in the parish. Our Student of the Year Breakfast ceremony is the only event collectively recognizing all nine western St. Tammany area high schools’ best and brightest. It is truly inspiring event.”

Each year, WST Exchange Club raises $40-50k in funds to support local non-profit programs. Among some of their greatest impact initiatives are the Turkey Train, which feeds 500 families at Thanksgiving, and Hope House, which interviews 400 child abuse victims each year and provides counseling for these children and their families. “Hope House is a shining example of taking an idea and building it into a thriving entity,” says Hingle.

“There are so many individuals in need of help in our area and all over the country, and plenty of people wanting to help but not knowing how,” he continues.

“The Exchange serves as a

conduit between them so that those in need of help get what they need.”

As a nonprofit, WST Exchange Club receives funding for their work exclusively through the generosity of the community. Obtaining that funding is, of course, a challenge; but their greatest is maintaining and growing their membership.

As they look to grow their numbers and their impact, WST Exchange Club will host their annual Ultimate Tailgate Party (UTP XI) on August 26, 2023, at the Covington Trailhead from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. “Since its inception in 2011, The Ultimate Tailgate Party has enabled the West St. Tammany Exchange Club to donate nearly $600,000 to local non-profits focusing on child abuse prevention and recovery,” says Hingle. “This is the ultimate reflection of why we do what we do.”

“There are so many individuals in need of help in our area and all over the country, and plenty of people wanting to help but not knowing how. The Exchange serves as a conduit between them so that those in need of help get what they need.”

Naz BUTCHER

What has been the most rewarding part of a career in the judicial system?

I enjoy solving and/or resolving problems as well as helping people; practicing law allows me to do both, while challenging me professionally and intellectually.

Jenn

CORTES-JOHNSON

What is one thing you hope others would say about you?

I have the ability, and prefer to, think outside of the box. Things are not always black and white and sometimes square pegs can be gently and delicately maneuvered into round holes. I don’t concede easily and am tenacious in battle (just ask my husband!)

CORTES-JOHNSON & BUTCHER IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Photography By Jen Meadows

Lannie MILLIMAN

What has been the most rewarding part of a career in the judicial system?

I enjoy the fact that other attorneys at the firm turn to me for assistance with their motions and briefs. I get to be involved in numerous cases and to contribute in the area in which I am most effective, leaving them free to aggressively pursue the nuts and bolts of their cases.

Michelle

Kaylin STOREY

What is one thing you hope others would say about you?

I hope that others would say that I am kind, respectful, and intuitive. One of the best compliments I received from another attorney is that I did a great job arguing for my client. I want my reputation to always be that I am adequately prepared to advocate for my clients.

What sets you/your firm apart from others?

It’s our firm motto: “Knowing both sides of the case is how we win.” Representing both plaintiffs and defendants enables us to be in the unique position to use our knowledge of the opposition to better represent our clients and provides us with the skills necessary to seek the most successful outcome for our clients.

Josh ALLISON

Photography By Jen Meadows

“I hope others would say that I work hard and put my best foot forward. At the end of the day, that is all any of us can do, regardless of the profession we are in.”

Q /A

Josh Allison

What areas of law in which do you specialize?

Civil Litigation

What sets you/your firm apart from others?

I am diligent in working with all of my clients. This means I am involved in nearly every aspect of the case but especially maintaining frequent contact with the client and also developing winning strategies. Maintaining frequent contact with my client ensures that they understand the process and have a realistic expectation with respect to both the results of the case and also with respect to the financial component.

Developing winning strategies is where the brain work really comes into play. Anyone can come up with an idea, but very few can faithfully bring those ideas to a reality. The ideas and plans I confect are carefully calculated to win in court and consider the multitude of variables that will inevitably come into play. Once we develop our case management plan, we push forward with the expectation of success.

What is one thing you hope others would say about you?

I hope others would say that I work hard and put my best foot forward. At the end of the day, that is all any of us can do, regardless of the profession we are in. I feel blessed to be an attorney and I would not want any other profession, but no matter what, I always work hard and put my best foot forward for every client and for every case.

TOURISTCOMMISS

BRANDREFRESH RECEPTION

The members of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission gathered together at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club for a reception to celebrate their new name, “Visit The Northshore.” Along with the new name, the organization also debuted a new look, a new tagline and a new website.

Katie Rose Norman, Angela Keecheva, Danielle Papania, and Jill Dryden

Photos by Sherri Howard

Sarah Hill, Katie Guasco, and Erica Glory Yolanda Paz and David Landry

Tico Soto and Adrienne Hennis

Donna O’Daniels and Maureen O’Brien

Brian Shirey and Sarah Cottrell

Carla Tate and Heather Gibbons

Jamie Monlezun and Tracy Huber

Michelle Biggs, Leslie Landry, and Sonja Ragusa Newman

Annette Shurtz and Greg Klemp

• One of nation’s leading family violence victim lawyers

• Created state’s first program giving abused kids lawyers

• Trials in 50 courts, cases in every Louisiana appellate court

• Trials and appeals in 45 other states

• Admitted also in Pennsylvania, U.S. Supreme Court; four federal appellate courts and district courts in five states

• Wrote over 25 family violence laws in Louisiana and other states

• Three lifetime achievement awards

• U.S. Supreme Court win for two sexually abused children.

Q/A

What is the one thing you hope others would say about you?

One child, one court, one case at a time, this lawyer tried to (and maybe just did) change the world.

What has been the most rewarding part of a career in the judicial system?

In 45 years, all in the service of vulnerable kids and adults, I have been blessed with opportunities few attorneys ever have: to try cases in 46 states; to win a case in the U.S. Supreme Court on my first try; to get an advanced law degree; to try complex civil and criminal jury cases, appeals, and constitutional law cases across the country; to write laws for abuse victims which have been copied in most states and

several foreign countries; and to win lifetime achievement awards for my work on reforming the family court system. I’ve also found my cases and law review article featured in law school textbooks. But, most important is to see kids I’ve helped become lawyers, doctors, teachers, craftsmen, artists, parents—and happy healthy adults.

Could you share a fictional lawyer from film, television, or literature that you find particularly captivating or intriguing?

I would think the ideal fictional attorney is a combination of Atticus Finch and Perry Mason. But, I rarely read fiction because real life is far more fascinating, inspiring, and challenging than fiction could ever be— and all while simultaneously surprising and predictable.

Photography By Jen Meadows

Q /A Rebecca Saucier

What are your areas of practice? Business, Estate Planning and Successions

What made you become an Attorney?

I am aware its cliché, but I wanted a career where I could help people and get paid for it. And I was not great at math and science… so, here we are.

Why do you love practicing law?

I love being able to work with small businesses and their owners. I feel a very real and sincere joy when I see a small business doing its thing. The owners, their stories, their products or crafts — and the love and sacrifice that goes into small businesses. I want them all to thrive. Being able to give people peace of mind; I was hardwired to handle stress, so I got this — my clients can focus on something else.

Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?

I am fan of Arrested Development so I would say Barry Zuckerkorn – he’s an idiot and I love it.

SAUCIER

Photography By Jen Meadows

Q /A

Lauren Navarre

What are your areas of practice?

Over the years I’ve been in general practice and worked in-house, so I’ve touched on every area of practice throughout my career. My focus has primarily been Business Law, acting as outside General Counsel to local businesses. But our list of services also includes Successions, Estate Planning, and Real Estate Law.

What made you become an Attorney?

I blame my elementary school teachers who were always saying, “one day you’ll be a doctor or a lawyer”, and I don’t like needles or blood, so here I am. I have stayed an attorney over the past 13 years because I like solving problems.

Why do you love practicing law?

While practicing business law, I am able to walk my clients through the self-discovery process, digging deep into their passions and purpose. And then, I get the honor of helping them live that vocation. It’s an incredible feeling to assist another purpose in achieving their goals doing something they love.

NAVARRE

The Southern Hotel hosted a spectacular “Night of Broadway,” a captivating event benefiting the New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center. Attendees were treated to a magical evening filled with mesmerizing performances, amazing music and auctions. New Heights, located in Folsom, has provided equineassisted therapy for over 23 years, transforming lives for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. New Heights hosts their July event every year with a new theme.

Keith & Erin Guy, Lauren & Andrew Menshevik David Fennelly, Kristin Castro, Carlos Sanchez and Cindy Pulling

John Harris and Ashley Johnson

Scott and Grace Johnson

Carter and Lauren Hill Wayne and Laurie McCants, Page McClendon, and Kathy Leblanc

Ricki Guilford and Gerri Valene

Vanessa Stone and Ashley Dugas

Megan Barrett, Kelly Bernard and Marcie Handy

Michael and Kelly Rabalais

Photos by Melissa Calico& Jen Meadows

FINANCIAL LEADERS OF NORTHSHORE

John Harris , Isabella McLean, Olivia Johnson , Scott Johnson, Grace Johnson, Deidre Trotter, William Johnson and Scott Johnson

Emily and Casey Revere

David Fennely, Wayne and Laurie McCants, Carlos Sanchez

Kelly Bernard, Marcie Hand, and Megan Barrett

Pat Brady, Louise Brady, and Kelli Brady Linda Dautreuil, Chris Dautreuil, and Norma Keck

Hailey Stephens, Jennifer Dill, and Natalie Stephens

Angel Hebert, Katie Hebert, Jennifer Erceg, and Laurie Hicks

Sue Capitelli, Claire Capitelli, Lynn Abide

Kelli Brady, Allison Panter, Louise Brady, Susan Kagan, Nichole Eues and Kristen O’Keefe

Sierra Voshell, Greg Fennelly, Verona Fennelly, and Joscelyn Fennelly

Tracy Laiche, Russell Arthur, and Amy Arthur Gina LeBlenc and Darlene Valdez Teresa Kelly, Celia Lupin, and Angela Wilklow

Morgan and Thomas Foret, Lizette Alvarado, David Ashker

Paige Mclemore, Claire Arnold and Hollie Meliet Jared and Danielle Papania

Vivienne Cookmeyer and Lisa Tabor

Max Agnew and Dr. Lauren Agnew

Russell and Amy Arthur

Robert and Karla Bennett

Laura and Dylan Morlas

Melissa Brown, Jackie May and Jennifer Comeaux

Maureen and Darren Dufour

BAILEY AND AARON ARNOLD

A NIGHT OF BROADWAY

PHOTOS BY P. RABALAIS PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: DANIELLE PAPANIA

A NIGHT OF BROADWAY

PHOTOS BY VLADISLAV SITNIKOV

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: DANIELLE PAPANIA

Ask

DR. MICHELE COOPER LEADING FEMALE PLASTIC SURGEON IN MANDEVILLE, LA

the Expert

How to Lose Weight

As a plastic surgeon, I regularly see patients seeking tummy tucks or liposuction, who could benefit from weight loss prior to surgery. While tummy tucks and liposuction can drastically improve a patient’s figure, they do very little towards reducing a patient’s weight.

As the patient’s body mass index or BMI increases over 25, their risk of having surgical or post-surgical complications increases too. For these patients, weight loss prior to surgery not only improves patients’ cosmetic results but also reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery.

After researching the use and efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, I began using this medication to assist my patients in obtaining their ideal weight. The results were unprecedented with both doctor and patient excited about the changes we were seeing. But even more important than their new self-confidence was that the patients were now healthier than they were before!

SEMAGLUTIDE: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Semaglutide is more commonly known by its trade names Ozempic®and Wegovy®, while tirzepatide is commonly known as Mounjaro®. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide stimulate receptors for a gut hormone released after eating, called Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (“GLP-1”). The main functions of GLP-1 are as follows:

1. Stimulates insulin secretion, thus, lowering blood glucose.

2. Slows the emptying of the stomach; and

3. Works on receptors in the brain to give a feeling of fullness or satiety.

Mounjaro® adds a second hormone receptor agonist called Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (“GIP”), which also increases glucose-induced insulin secretion and helps regulate bodyweight but, unlike GLP-1, adds fat and energy production as a target. The combination of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists is significantly more effective than either GLP-1 RA or GIP -1 RA alone, for:

• Weight loss.

• Reduction of HbA1c (“hemoglobin A1C,” a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar and is measured by the amount of blood sugar, or glucose, attached to an individual’s hemoglobin); and

• Lowering blood glucose levels.

WHY IS THIS EXCITING?

Obesity is now recognized for what it is: a legitimate chronic medical condition that is directly related to metabolic hormone insufficiencies. According to the most recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), approximately 4 out of every 10 adults and approximately 1 out of every 5 children in America suffer from obesity. Knowing what hormones lead to obesity and creating drugs to target them can helps make obesity a disease of the past and may, lengthen life spans by decreasing the morbidities related to obesity, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The implications of drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are momentous, as a substantial portion of our population suffers from obesity and stands to benefit from these innovative treatments.

If you think you are a good candidate for treatment and would like to find out more, please call my office at 985-626-6163.

WHO SHOULD ASK THEIR DOCTOR ABOUT THESE TREATMENTS?

1. Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes; and/or

2. Individuals with a body mass index (“BMI”) over 26.

3. Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome.

4. Individuals with metabolic syndrome.

** Although these drugs are not FDA-approved for all the medical conditions above, they can be prescribed off-label if your physician thinks you may benefit.

HOW ARE THESE DRUGS PRESCRIBED?

A physician must evaluate a patients’ need for treatment and provide a prescription if treatment is warranted. Ultimately, every insurer and every insurance policy may vary on their terms of coverage for these medications. However, most will require your physician to obtain prior authorization and will require prior treatment for type 2 diabetes. Name-brand drugs Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® are available at your local pharmacy and covered by insurance with varying levels of copays. If not covered by insurance, the name brands will cost approximately $900 or more per month. Currently a compounded prescription of semaglutide or tirzepatide is available at a lower price range of $190-$400/ month depending on dosing. This is available until the shortage of the brand name products is ended.

** In an effort to best safeguard patients, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy has instituted sanctions for any prescriber or pharmacy that distributes anything other than FDA-approved semaglutide and tirzepatide from approved compounding pharmacies. The pharmacy and product utilized by Michele Cooper MD currently uses those approved providers.

Influencer

haircareforhope.org

misslouisianausa.com

Averi Blyss Crawford, Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2023, is the 17 year-old daughter of Celeste Vranic. A rising senior at The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, Averi is a member of the Art Club, Beta Club, Cultural Correspondence Club, National Honors Society, and the Dunham High School Cheerleading Squad. Averi founded her own non-profit organization called Hair Care for Hope which collects hair supplies and tools to donate to domestic violence clinics and shelters around Louisiana. Oftentimes, women and families leave their homes with only the most basic of necessities, and by providing them with these items, Hair Care for Hope gives things they may have overlooked and cannot always afford to replace while also aiding in boosting their confidence. Averi is preparing to represent Louisiana at the upcoming Miss Teen USA Pageant this fall while also actively promoting the state and giving back to the community.

 @MISSLATEENUSA

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 @_AVERIBLYSS

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SUPER MOM Brittany Walker

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

As an attorney at Daigle Fisse & Kessenich, PLC, dedication, planning and negotiation are a large part of Brittany Walker’s work. “I represent clients in connection with a variety of transactional and litigation matters, including drafting and negotiating commercial leases, drafting and negotiating acquisition and sale transactions, drafting commercial organizational documents, and procuring planning and zoning approvals,” says the 34 year-old. “I also represent individuals and families in all aspects of estate planning, including working with clients to create personalized wills and trusts.”

But the dedication doesn’t stop when she leaves the office—in fact, it continues when she walks through the door at home. The mother of a six year-old boy and a baby girl, her devotion comes into high relief as she and her husband raise their children—children that they fought hard to have. “Having a family was something that was always

important to us both,” Walker notes. “However, it ended up being more difficult than we imagined. We spent most of our twenties focusing on our careers. When we finally decided to start a family, we were blessed with our son fairly easily. The same cannot be said for our daughter. After years of struggling to have another child, we finally resorted to IVF, which was a long and emotional journey as well as being one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had to face. Struggling to have children and create a family has had an immense impact on how I view life, prioritize my time, and fiercely love my children. My children are my greatest gift. I strive each day to make sure they know how loved, important, and celebrated they are.”

Walker also strives to show them an example of a strong woman and a mother they can be proud of. “I grew up with a strong, hardworking, and intelligent working mother,” she says.

“I was always very proud of that. I think having a working mother immensely impacted my aspirations and work ethic. I endeavor each day to set a good example and be a role model for my children. I hope that one day they will look up to me in the same way I looked up to my own mother: proudly.”

As important as her work is to her, Walker naturally faces the struggle of balancing everything. “Between working, volunteering with Junior League, and volunteering at my children’s school any chance I can get, life can be pretty hectic,” she admits. “Every day is an adventure, wherein I am striving to mark off items on my never-ending to-do list. Fortunately, my husband and I are blessed to have a great deal of help from our friends and family. Without their help and support, we realize we would likely not be able to juggle all the moving parts of our lives.”

That support network, in fact, is something that Walker is proud of building. “I take immense pride of my professional accomplishments, as it took a lot of commitment and sacrifice to get where I am today. However, one of the things I am most proud of is that I have been able to surround myself with an amazing group of intelligent, strong, and loving working mothers,” she says. “These women provide support, encouragement, and a helping hand to me, my children, and my family. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a family, especially with two working parents. Having this support has allowed me the comfort of knowing that my children are always surrounded by people who love them. If I am unable to be somewhere with my children, these women are happily there to encourage and cheer for them. No matter how well I try to balance work and family, there is always a little ‘mom guilt.’ Even so, I can always count on these women to remind me to take time for myself and continue working hard to reach my goals.”

At Dr. Todd S. Brasuell Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to treat each child as if they are our own, to deliver the highest quality dental care, to introduce dentistry to children in a fun and entertaining environment, and to emphasize pediatric dentistry at a young age that will last a lifetime!

We created our Dental Savings Plan because we believe that everyone should have access to this quality care. Consistent dental visits not only provide your child optimal oral care but are the best way to keep dental treatment costs down. It is also a great alternative for children that do not have dental insurance or that have recently lost their dental coverage.

Our Dental Savings Plan is designed to provide greater access to affordable and quality dental care at reduced rates.

DENTAL SAVINGS PLAN BENEFITS

• No yearly maximums

Despite how busy her day may be, Walker knows how important it is to instill a sense of value in her children. “I make every effort for my children to know just how special they are to our little family,” she says. “No matter how chaotic things are, I find time to hug my children and tell them I love them.

“Before my son leaves for school each morning, we try to get together as a family and ask him ‘What kind of day is it going to be today?’” she goes on. “We wait for him to respond—with enthusiasm—‘An awesome day!’ This began when he started preschool and has become a meaningful part of our mornings. I believe it is important for him to start each morning with a positive outlook, with the hope that it will help impact his day. When I pick him up from school, I ask him about his day. This is my favorite part of the day because I love learning what excites him and watching him grow. One of the things my children have taught me is to slow down and enjoy the small moments in life. I see the way my children look at the simplest objects or experiences with pure amazement, curiosity, and joy. Sometimes I get so busy managing everything in our day-to-day lives that I forget to live in the moment. However, when I am with my children, I try to always remind myself to make the small moments count. There is always a reason to have fun, celebrate or throw a party. Life passes by so fast, so we try to make the most of the time we have together.”

• No deductibles

• No pre-authorization requirements

• No pre-existing condition limitations

• Immediate eligibility (no waiting periods)

If you are interested in scheduling with us or would like more information on our Dental Savings Plan, please give us a call!

(985) 892-5942 toddbrasuelldds.com 189 Greenbriar Blvd Suite A, Covington American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certified

Dr. Tyler Mesa & Dr. Todd Brasuell

TEACHER MR. JEFF RAMON

feature

SAINT PAUL'S SCHOOL CAMPUS MINISTER, RELIGION TEACHER, AND ALUMNUS OF SAINT PAUL'S SCHOOL CLASS OF 2008

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

Becoming a classroom teacher was something I thought was a possibility at some point in life, but my focus for the longest time was owning my own TaeKwonDo academy. Over many years of my own TaeKwonDo practice and instruction under Mr Art Monroe, I saw the passion and care that he gave to each student and the joy he had seeing students grow over time. However, the turning point in my vocational discernment journey was an experience in college when I was teaching a math lesson at a summer camp in Belize. That encounter in Belize led me to recognize how my experience teaching TaeKwonDo was a foundational stepping stone to discerning my call to the classroom.

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.” As teachers, we are naturally results-oriented. We want to see an increase in test scores or some other metric to determine success. The biggest challenge for me is recognizing the true end results of our efforts are years down the road for our young men.

What do you feel is the biggest reward?

I am blessed with the opportunity to witness each day students live in genuine joy and share in that joy. Not a day goes by that I do not laugh hysterically with my students. If I don't laugh, then clearly I did something wrong that day. But perhaps the biggest reward is the opportunity to witness young people growing in virtue each and every day. This can be in large efforts like food drives, but it most frequently happens in the little moments when students reach out to one another when in need or when lonely. That's God at work, and it's wonderful to be in His presence.

How do you make learning fun for your students?

Each class begins with a class check-in where students share whatever triumphs or trials may be impacting them at the present moment. This sharing is rooted in a respectful listening to one another while also certainly taking the opportunity to laugh with one another when necessary. As we move into the core lesson plan for the day, my class is primarily inquiry-based. We take a core question and students work collaboratively to come to a greater understanding of that question. As we come back together as a whole group to discuss, students understand that any question is a fair question and that we are all working together to support one another in our learning journey.

If you could leave your students with one message, what would it be?

As a millennial, for which I am constantly reminded, allow me to pull from the departing message from William Daniels' character Mr. Feeny in the series Boy Meets World, “Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.”

Monthly Luncheon

The Professional Women of St. Tammany group met at Beau Chene Country Club for their monthly meeting. Attendees enjoyed networking, inspirational speakers, and a unique community of like-minded businesswomen. Their mission is to educate, promote and support all women in our community through networking, information, scholarships and workshops.

Photos by Melissa Calico

Nicole Allison and Jessica Gaines Sarah DiLeo, Ashley Broyard, and Michelle Schellinger

Cheryl Scaglione and Theresa Evers

Michele Echols and Shandy Arguelles

Lisa Galan and Jessica Jenkins Brewster

Patsy Yates, Lynnette Boudet, and Stephanie Lide

Kat Parker and Connie Richard

Jane Quillin and Desiree Forsyth

Samantha Capdeboscq and Megan Provenzano

Cynthia Thompson and Valerie Mascorro

Shelley Pettus, Jennifer Taranto, Aimee Dodds, and Bailey Martin

Mary Byrd, Cara Herrin, and Christy Delgado

Linda Lakekin, Jessie Stockton, and Lisa Harris

Wensel Conroy, Melissa Henry, Renee Culotta, and Sophia Hof

Riverfront

With its Acadian architectural style, the Haddad home is everything one would imagine finding along the Tchefuncte River, boasting massive windows and wrap around porches that take advantage of the spectacular location and afford incredible views of the waterfront. Built in 2022 after Hurricane Ida, the home offers a total of 7760 square feet under roof in its three levels, comprising four bedrooms and five baths. Airy and open from the generous amount of natural light spilling into the interior from its many windows and open floor plan, the layout and spectacular views of the Tchefuncte River from the home’s balconies are features that immediately catch people’s eye.

Living

Story: Liesel Schmidt

Photos: Eugenia Lubrano-Gangi of NOLA RE Marketing

Made incredibly spacious by the 12-foot ceilings that open an already open floorplan even more, the kitchen is an elegant ode to white, with custom cabinetry that run the length of the perimeter and in the center island, topped with Mont Blanc quartzite counters and a coordinating backsplash. Stainless steel Thermador appliances and a Subzero refrigerator and freezer offer a highend cooking experience, and three marble and gold pendants lights suspended above the island finish the space with one last detail of sophistication.

Entirely white with the only departure in color being the seafoam shutters and front door, the exterior is a prelude to an interior whose aesthetic could be described as Southern Coastal. “Our home is inspired by the feeling of peace and tranquility we have when we’re on the water,” says Patti Haddad, a retired schoolteacher who shares the home with her husband, Philip, a commercial developer and contractor. Pure white is broken only by occasional elements of cool seafoam or other muted hues and the warmth of natural wood in the flooring that runs throughout the home, as well as a ceiling of antique pine bead board and solid beams soaring high above the kitchen.

High ceilings are a repeated theme in the Haddad home, as the foyer ceilings reach a height of 20 feet, illuminated by a 30-bulb, three-tier gold chandelier hanging from the top of the third floor from V Interiors. Motorized solar blinds from Dallas keep the sunlight on the third floor from being too intense, and three-blade fans throughout the home give it a more contemporary feel.

As neutral as the rest of the home is, the only departure can be seen in the home’s bedrooms, each of which is themed from the couple’s extensive travels. “We love to travel by land and sea, and our bedrooms are inspired by our favorite destinations,” says Patti. “The front bedroom is navy and white and called the BVI room from our years of travels to the British Virgin Islands. Souvenirs and maps are displayed in the room. The second room on the third floor, the Colorado room, is black and white with several souvenirs from the mountains. The last room is the Florida room, with white furniture and pastels reminding us of the beautiful sunsets from Anna Maria Island in Florida, where we have family. When guests come to visit, they get to pick their destination room.”

The master suite is a relaxing escape for the couple, light blue in color with hazy blue dupioni silk window treatments. Mirrors and lamps match the beautiful bedding, custom ordered from V Interiors. In the bathroom ensuite, porcelain and marble finishes give the flooring and shower a feeling of luxury, accented by custom mirrors from M&M Glass.

Outside, an outdoor kitchen and bar shows as much attention to detail as the interior, with leathered fantasy brown granite counters, a custom oversized masonry wood-burning fireplace and a full suite of Bull outdoor appliances. “It’s our favorite place for entertaining,” Patti notes. “The reason we picked this location to build was the view of the river, boating, peaceful living, and the small-town sense of community.”

“The reason we picked this location to build was the view of the river, boating, peaceful living, and the small-town sense of community.”

A TASTE OF COVINGTON GRAND TOGA TASTING

The Southern Hotel was the place to be for the 12th Annual A Taste of Covington Global Whiskey Tasting. The event was hosted by Adam Acquistapace and catered by The Gloriette. Deja Vu Band kept the tunes rolling throughout the night. To add to the fun, attendees participated in a toga contest including best couple, best male, and best female.

ALL ABOUT COMING IN OCTOBER

Michelle Soniat and Joseph Soniat

Amanda Gallo and Jaime Trump

Stephanie Hough and Shannon Capouch

Tammy Burke and Kerri Dominique

Eric Rietschel and Heather Rietschel

Robert Delpidio and Betty Delpidio

Linda Wallace, David Wallace, and Deborah Bellini

Photos by Kha Tran

Featuring: SURVIVOR STORIES

WOMEN’S HEALTH & BEAUTY, AND MORE!

Michael Cuccia and Jeanna Carroll

Desiree Stone, Dan Cobb, and Gina Rowbatham

Lea Johnson and Kiel Johnson

Heather Botsford, John Botsford, and Marcella Merrill

Lisa Ward and Joseph Ward

Dr. Joe Bullock and Janice Bullock Elle and David Demarcay

JOIN US IN THE ARENA

SOUTHERN HOTEL 116TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

PHOTOS BY TRISH TRAHAN

21 ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Northshore Food Bank hosted its 21st Annual Golf Tournament on the greens at Beau Chene Country Club. The teams played an amateur scramble and enjoyed lots of fun with raffles and refreshments. A dinner was held for the players and sponsors after the tournament.

Ben and Melissa Strecker

Photos by Sherri Howard

Alison Thompson and Andi Gray Yvette Roussel (CEO), Ginger Kunckle, and Connie Landrum

Rich Chase and David Pisarich

Gordon Guthrie and Justin Delaune

Mary Ann Back and Mabel Whickboldt

Gianna Schlottman and Kalisa Hobbs

Christina Smith and Cindy Stone

Arnoldo Molano and Chris Carlock

Susan and Dink Stevens

Derek McDonald, Drew Green, Blaine Dayries, and Ben Strecker

Sean Gaubert and Carrie Wachtel

Fran Omner and Missy Epperson

Sarah Herndon and Mary Beth Bergeron

Lane and Donna Dugger

FIRST ANNUAL

INVINCIBLE JAMBALAYA COOK OFF

Photos by Kha Tran

The first annual Invincible Jambalaya Cook Off was held at the Mandeville Lakefront to benefit the Captain Vincent N. Liberto Jr Memorial Fund. It was a beautiful day full of food and fun while remembering a local hero who served our community so well. The Captain Vincent N. Liberto Jr. Memorial Fund was created by the Liberto Family to help other families of fallen First Responders, military personnel, and the amazing organization Tunnels2Towers.

Shannon Wilkerson, Kyleigh Wilkerson, and Victoria Liberto

Jason, Katie, and Andrew Phenis

David and Keri Eckhardt

Christy Ingraham and Erica Ingraham

Bailey and Corey Cazaubon

Ian Welcome, Matthew Avocato, and Lindsay Hainlin

Nancy Rossetti and Carlo Rossetti

Jason Mulligan and Josh Phenis

Steven and Nicole Knight

Mariana Sayles and Hailey Williams

Daren Hartman, Sarah Gaudet, and Jeffrey Bertoniere

Lenny Smith, Harry Braid, and Logan Talley

Seth Crane, Dionne Crane, and Chase Crane

Jim Tailor, Eric Pearson, David Eckhardt, Katie Robbins, and Jason Phenis

SOCIALSelfies

SHOW US YOUR SELFIES WITH SOCIAL!

1. Snap a selfie with your copy of the latest Social Northshore Magazine

2. Visit our Facebook page @SocialNorthshore and give us a like!

3. Find the selfie post, and leave a comment with your selfie using the hashtag #SocialNorthshoreSelfie

Cinco

EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN LUNCHEON

The Professional Women of St. Tammany joined together for a beautiful luncheon at Maison Lafitte. Attendees were treated to delicious food and inspiring speakers. Founded in 2009, PWST is one of the largest professional and philanthropic organizations of its kind in Louisiana. From networking and learning lunches to annual fundraisers, they empower, educate, and support St. Tammany Parish professional women.

Photos by Trish Trahan

Margot Rainold and Molly Koenig

Joan Coffman, Dana Palo, and Dr. Ashley Geoghegan

Chloe Potter, Abbie Icamena, and Crystal Cook Ferris

Angelle Hebert and Becky Chapron

Chloe Potter, Tori Nguyen, Dr. Lauren Agnew, Crystal Cook Ferris, Dana Palo, Sara Sinclair, Dr. Ashley Geoghegan, Jennifer Pacione, Eugenia Gangi, Abbie Icamena, Margot Rainold, and Molly Koenig

Jennifer Pacione and Eugenia Gangi

Sara Sinclair and Tori Nguyen

COMING IN DECEMBER ALL THINGS PETS

Pets & Vets

VETERANS + VETERINARIANS

2023 Mutts to Models Gala

LORI SPERIER

LORI SPERIER is a fine artist based out of Covington, Louisiana. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University with a major in graphic design and minor in painting. Sperier has focused on her painting career since 2003. She is represented by residential and corporate designers locally & in the Gulf States. Her work is in public and private collections throughout the United States and Europe.

The focus of Sperier’s work is abstract, abstract landscape and figurative with glowing illuminations of color and textures. “My work is inspired by environment, rhythms

of nature & figure form. My love for figurative painting started in college where I had the love masters Gauguin, Modigliani & Klimt. My abstract pieces derived from inspiration of Georgia O’Keefe.” Sperier specializes in custom commissions which gives clients the exact piece needed to bring their room together. “With a custom piece the client is able to choose size, colors, textures, leafing etc. for their piece, they are involved in the process.” She also has a love for architecture & interior design which helps her visualize what the need is for the space. She currently resides & works out of her studio in Covington, Louisiana.

Promoting Health and Wellness

Our goal is to help you feel beautiful inside and out

Why Restore Health and Wellness

• We are a telemedicine only weight loss/ wellness clinic.

• We offer medically managed weight loss , peptide therapy, and Lipo injections to improve your overall health and subjective well-being.

• We look forward to helping you reach, not only weight loss goals, but a healthier you.

• We will medically manage you through your weight loss journey and help you make long term changes to help you keep the weight off.

Our Mission

We aim to improve, change and sustain the overall physical health of our patients, and provide exceptional medical care through a personalized program based on a specific patient needs to achieve an overall improvement in health and well-being.

Jessica L. Bosch MSN, MBA, ANP-C Alison L. Thornhill DNP, APRN, FNP-C

For Maggie Coast and Reed Godbery, high school romance became forever love when, after four years of dating, Reed took Maggie to a special place and asked her the question she’d been waiting to hear. As perfect as his plan might have been, the complications along the way made the moment even more special.

Story by Liesel Schmidt

Photos by Kristen Soileau

We had reservations to have dinner in New Orleans to celebrate finishing the fall semester of junior year at college, and I was running obnoxiously late getting ready because wanted to look good—just in case he popped the question,” Maggie explains. “Despite Reed's efforts, I was almost an hour late getting ready. Then, on our way to New Orleans, Reed got a text that our dinner reservation had been cancelled due to staff with COVID. We had about 30 minutes of light left when we pulled into New Orleans, and I could tell Reed was stressed. He was gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles were white. Just as we were about to pull into Audubon Park, there was a road detour. I think Reed almost had a heart attack. Luckily, he found a way around, and we made it to the park. Unfortunately, the photographer Reed booked was also running late, so Reed started walking me around Audubon Park in my dress and heels, trying to kill time. Finally, he walked me over to the pavilion in front of the pond, which was where we went on one of our first dates. I asked him what we were doing there, and he said, ‘You know what we're doing here,’ and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.”

Eighteen months later, on June 3, 2023, Maggie walked down the aisle at The Chapel at First Baptist Covington, dressed in a strapless ivory lace gown with a sweetheart neckline and trumpet silhouette made even more striking by its sheer back with buttons tracing down to a dramatic train. Surrounded by friends and family, Reed and Maggie exchanged vows and rings—though not without a moment of worry. “Jack, Reed's best man and older brother, couldn't find my ring in his jacket pocket during the ceremony because it was so small,” the bride recalls. “He fumbled around for it long enough to make everyone nervous, and you could hear everyone breathe a sigh of relief and laugh when he finally got it.”

Having been pronounced married, the newlyweds joined their guests for a reception at The Southern Hotel, where the band introduced them for the first time as… “The Godfreys!” Maggie laughs.

Not that that was the only memorable moment at the party. “I messed up the one dance move Reed and I had practiced for our first dance—a spin and dip—but Reed played it off pretty well,” says Maggie. “Also, Reed tore his hamstring during the big dip/kiss at the end and was sore for our entire honeymoon.”

After dancing, dining, and a performance of “Dancing Queen” by Maggie’s mom and her two friends—just like in Mamma Mia—the newly married Godberys cut into a four-tiered masterpiece with layers of wedding cake flavored crumb and bananas foster covered in white fondant with painted watercolor blue flowers. Party over, the couple enjoyed one more day with their family before heading off to honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, at the Excellence Resort El Carmen. Now home in Baton Rouge, they look forward to making many more memories together—especially the ones that don’t go according to plan.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kristen Soileau

VIDEOGRAPHER: Braniff Productions

BAND: The Groove Band (LA)

MAKEUP: Makeup by Melanie

HAIR: Alison Smith

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids

PHOTO BOOTH:

NOLA Boogie Booth

PLANNER & DESIGNER/FLORALS: Angela Marie Events and Florals

CAKE: Chasing Wang

CATERING: Southern Hotel

Direct FROM THE GROWERto You

The idea for Garden Spot of Mandeville began decades ago when Judy King started growing ferns in greenhouses on her property, in Bush, Louisiana. Ferns take a while to grow to a size in which they are sellable and so Tommy, King’s husband, started growing vegetables to sell since they are faster and smaller. It was at this time he realized the potential of growing annuals and perennials and selling them to friends.

Word began to spread and people from all over started coming to the greenhouses in search of beautiful plants. They eventually had the idea to open The Garden Spot of Franklinton, an outdoor store created to sell locally grown, quality plants. The store became very popular, enticing people from all over and so the King’s decided to open a store in Mandeville to reach a larger audience.

Thus Garden Spot of Mandeville was born and today both locations are run by Tommy and Judy’s daughter, Sandy, and her husband Tony. Just as they started, annuals and perennials are still grown at the local greenhouses and both locations continue to serve their communities well with high quality, locally grown plant materials and expert customer service.

Garden Spot of Mandeville is a family-owned retail garden center, offering customers a wide selection of high-quality products. Our annuals and perennials are grown at our nursery located in Bush, Louisiana, and our shrubs and trees are sourced from local nurseries so you can rest assured that your plants are coming directly from the grower to you.

and

SIPSavory

Spiced Marinated Lamb Chops with Garlic Parmesan Fries

INGREDIENTS:

· 2lbs lamb chops

· 4 Large Yukon gold potatoes

· 5 Garlic Cloves (Minced)

· Tablespoons olive oil

· 1/3 Cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese

· ½ cups whole milk plain Greek yogurt

· Teaspoon Pink Salt

· Teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

MARINADE

· 1 lemon (Zested and squeezed)

· Sprig of thyme and rosemary

· 1 Adobo chili (Canned) with teaspoon of sauce

· 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

· 1 Teaspoon Paprika

· 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder

· 1 Teaspoon Turmeric

In blender or food processor add yogurt, 3 cloves garlic, zest and juice of lemon, Adobo chili with sauce, coriander, paprika, onion powder, turmeric blend until smooth.

Prep lamb with salt and pepper, add minced thyme and rosemary. Apply marinade by hand, be sure to coat chops entirely, cover with cling wrap.

Marinade for 6hrs (preferably overnight) in refrigerator, cook over direct heat on grill for 2 ½ mins per side or in a lightly oiled pan over high heat. Allow to rest 10 mins prior to serving.

GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Cut potatoes into wedges and rinse in bowl of cold water

Completely dry with paper towels

Toss in large bowl with 1 Tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper

Lay out on large baking sheet spaced ½ inch apart

Bake for 20 mins, remove from oven, flip and bake for additional 20 mins

In a large bowl add 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, parmesan cheese

Toss wedges into mixture and bake for another 5 mins till the cheese melts

Recipe courtesy of Garrett Hornsby @secondhandchef_

LIGHT UP THE LAKE

PHOTOS BY KATIE ULMER

The skies were lit up in red, white, and blue as community members came together to celebrate our country's independence. Attendees were treated to a stellar fireworks show over the lake, food trucks, a festive kids tent full of activities, and live music by Rockin' Dopsie, Jr.

Really Works!

“Social Northshore is a great publication! The staff is consistent and friendly at local events. They have done a great job capturing the vibe of our business and the experience people have when they are here.

Also, the publicity of our advertisements in the magazine has been amazing. I appreciate everything they have done to help our small business grow!”

– JARED MIGUEZ Arena Collective

SPARKS IN THE PARK

Residents from all around joined at Bogue Falaya Park for this year's Sparks In The Park celebration. The festivities included games, contests, face painting, picnicking, along with live music. The night, of course, ended with an impressive fireworks display to celebrate our country's independence.

PHOTOS BY KATIE ULMER

October

Lott Park, Daphne, AL

-140+ ARTISTS

-FREE ENTERTAINMENT

-FREE KIDS ART

-FOOD TRUCKS

-MARKET VENDORS

MADISONVILLE 4TH OF JULY

The Madisonville Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration was held by the Madisonville Chamber of Commerce along the banks of the Tchefuncte River. The celebration included a parade through downtown Madisonville and ended with fireworks just after dusk. Attendees enjoyed music, games, contests, and even a beauty pageant!

PHOTOS BY MELISSA CALICO