MOTHER KNOWS

Looking for fall inspiration? Mother/daughter duo Sara Brewer and Lindsay Jones show us fashionable finds from area boutiques. From color-block dresses to floral suits, these looks rock through the ages.

Sara wears a colorblock dress with a Lack of Color hat, block heel bootie and gold chain bracelet. Lindsay is wearing a super cute dress billowing tentsilhouette style with a chic design and allover gold dot print. Pair it with these beige sock booties and gold butterfly bow earrings.

This comfy three-piece set is as cozy chic as it gets. For cooler weather, snuggle up in this oatmeal cardi or wear it with the crop top and lounge pant for bedtime..

Looking for a fall outfit that can go from work to play? This tie neck blouse features a subtle snakeprint and is paired with skinny black jeans and these rich faux leather booties with a pointed toe and low-cut vamp. Finish the outfit with an off-white boater hat.

These animal print palazzo pants are definition of style meets comfort. Pair it with a v-neck longsleeve crop top with gathered waist and cuffs. Accessorize with simple chic large gold hoop earrings.

Lindsay is wearing a crisp linen blazer with a tropical floral motif complete with a bright mix of colors, and matching shorts. Complete the look with a mid-ankle bootie with a hint of western meets contemporary. Sara is wearing a satin cowl-neck cami in chartreuse paired with a white bell-sleeve blazer. For a more casual look, pair with skinny jeans, silk scarf and suede sock ankle boots.

THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IS SEEKING family therapists in our Northeast Louisiana location. The positions are available in several of our evidenced-based programs including Functional Family Therapy (FFT,) Functional Family Therapy - Child Welfare (FFT-CW,) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST.) Each of these programs provide evidenced-based counseling services for youth and their families. Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. The Center for Children and Families has developed and implemented innovative treatment programs that specifically target fractured family relationships. Our agency is highly respected throughout the community for our excellent standard of service to both providers and clients. At the Center, we are guided by the principles of servant leadership, where the driving force of our actions is not status or power, but serving others as we pursue a common mission. Therapeutic Services has a reputation for terrific outcomes, not just because of the people that choose to work with us, but also because of the support we receive from the community.

When a family feels like giving up, we seek to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to keep going. When a positive outcome feels impossible, we are able to find a way. We meet families where they are, reminding them that they are not alone. Likewise, when discouragement comes knocking at the door, we remind ourselves of the countless families who are now thriving because our staff and clinicians have invested in them. When you join The Center for Children and Families, you belong to something bigger. You are a part of a family. At the Center, we believe that personal growth is just as valuable as the job that we have been hired to do. Through our Huddle series, we explore how we relate to each other and those around us. By developing community through shared meals or taking time out to play, we find that being a part of this agency is more like being a part of a family. Our Core Values of Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Excellence are the guiding principles of our organization. We believe that these values are the very foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices.

Candidates for these positions must hold a Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Psychology. Preference is given to candidates who are fully licensed as an LPC or LMFT or provisionally licensed as a PLPC or PLMFT in Louisiana. These are fulltime independent contractor positions. The agency is a National Health Services Corp Approved site, with a federal student loan repayment program available for potentially qualified licensed practitioners. We are looking for individuals with a passion to serve children and families in our communities. Someone who doesn’t want to do this life-changing work alone. If you’re a qualified applicant who wants to be the hope for families in Northeast Louisiana, learn how to submit your resume at www.standforhope.org/apply.

THE ELEMENT OF LUCK article by KENNY COVINGTON

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “I would rather be lucky than good.” No matter if you are talking ping-pong, horseshoes or bass fishing, a lot of people not only believe in “luck” but they depend on it for their successes and blame a lack of it on their failures. I am not one of those people.

I have always believed that fishing, like any other sport, can be studied, learned and executed at a high level. You can learn techniques, casting abilities, how to read the water, deal with weather and attempt to master the mental aspect of a sport that is equivalent to trying to hit a major league fastball. There are too many variables, controlled and uncontrolled, that come into play when measuring success on the water and luck is usually at the bottom of the list.

Luck is a two-headed monster. The people I know who have bad luck usually have this happen to them consistently. I also find it interesting the anglers who live by the “good luck factor” are productive anglers. This is not a coincidence and it happens for a reason. Good luck is usually a product of preparation and bad luck, a lack thereof.

Early on, I took pride in my preparation for a tournament or a day on the water. I would change line, sharpen hooks, or whatever else I had to do to make sure I put the odds of doing well in my favor. My father thought I would go overboard sometimes with my attention to detail but over time I found him asking me why I did this or why did I do that more than he would ridicule me for doing it. When I would study my angling heroes such as Rick Clunn, Larry Nixon and Gary Klein, they always seemed like they were a step ahead of their competition due to their attention to detail. It was Clunn who intrigued me the most because he was the first angler I ever heard put the element of luck at the bottom of the list when it came to being a successful angler. Clunn said, “If you are ever going to get into bass fishing seriously you have to forget one thing, and that is luck which has very little, if anything to do with it.” His words have stayed with me ever since.

Now, let’s look at some aspects of fishing that often go overlooked by all anglers, beginners and tournament fishermen alike. I have always believed the more prepared I am, the better my chances at being successful. I am not saying my way of doing things is what works best, I am simply saying this is what works for me. Here are a few things I believe will help you create more good luck while on the water:

you are using. Just like a golfer who has a complete set of clubs, it is important that an angler has enough rod/reel combinations to effectively fish a variety of techniques. After fishing a tournament, while standing around the weigh-in, I often hear the stories of lost fish or the lunker that got away. Many times these fish are lost due to fisherman error. The following is an example of what I am talking about:

“The fish exploded on the topwater lure right at the end of a long cast. The hooks were the ones that were put on by the factory, and the line was 12 lb. monofilament. I got him half way to the boat and he just comes off.” There are three things in this scenario that can be fixed. First, if you are throwing a topwater lure long distances, using a longer rod with braided line, due to its lack of stretch, is an important detail. Also, unless you hand sharpened the factory hooks, often times they aren’t going to penetrate no matter what type of equipment you are

using. Bad luck? Some would say so. To me, the bad luck was created due to not paying attention to detail.

your technique. When I purchase a topwater lure or a crankbait the first thing I look at are the hooks. Some I will sharpen on my own, most I will change out. I also look to see if it is possible to put a bigger hook on the lure without changing the action of it. This simple change can make all the difference in the world in your hook-up to catch ratio.

When changing out hooks, one lure that comes to mind and that is the popular Whopper Plopper. The larger versions have a #2 treble hooks and they are about as sharp as a factory installed treble hook can be. However, through trial and error, I have upgraded my hooks to a 1/0 treble. The bait still runs fine and the bigger hooks have allowed me to have more success landing larger bass the lure is known for attracting.

Personally, I do not use fluorocarbon line. I know a lot of people use it and that’s fine but I have heard more horror stories about line breakage due to the use of fluorocarbon than I have any other line style. It’s going to break your heart, especially if you fish competitively.

I use P-line CXX, Berkley Big Game monofilaments and various braided lines. The monofilaments are used when flipping/pitching or any other soft plastic techniques. I also use it on some of my topwaters such as a Pop-R, for spinnerbaits and crankbaits. If I could only choose one size line it would be 15 lb. in both P-line CXX and Big

“Bass fishing is 95% Game and 90% of my fishing would be covered. I use 50 lb. braided line on my frogs, skill and 5% luck. buzzbaits, and larger moving topwaters such The skill is getting as a Spook or a Whopper Plopper. In all of the instances I just spoke of, it is very important to the fish to bite, match the rod you are using with the line style the luck is putting and technique. Does color really matter? Someone once them in the boat.” said the best lure you have in your tackle box can be found sitting between your ears. Confidence is -Legendary Angler that all important variable that plays a significant Burma Thomas role in an angler’s success. Your choice of lures, colors, areas to fish and decisions you make on the water, based on self created confidence will make you a better angler. There are no magic colors, lures or secret spots. With confidence you will be able to find each of your own.

I have never fished a tournament or spent a day on the water when someone didn’t catch fish. Someone always catches them. On the days when I am not successful, I take an honest assessment of what I did even though what I did obviously didn’t work. Did I fish too fast? Did I choose the wrong area of the lake? There will be a lot of questions and there are no easy answers but with practice and preparation the least of your factors in your fishing decisions will be luck. Well it looks like we have run out of space and time again for another month. I sure hope we were able to share some information with you that will make your next fishing trip a bit better. One last thing to keep in mind, in fishing there are no absolutes. Experiment and never ever stop learning! Catch one for me! See you next month

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“I made my life, the same way it looks like you’re gonna make yours—out of pride and stubbornness and too much anger. You better think hard, Ruth Anne, about what you want and who you’re mad at. You better think hard.”

The Boatwrights are a poverty-stricken, yet proud family in rural South Carolina, lost in the cycle of violence, hunger, and constant relocation. Ruth Anne, who the family calls Bone, is smart, intuitive, and rebellious, fiercely ashamed of how she is perceived as trash, yet determined to perpetuate the stereotypes of those society looks down upon. Bone lives with her mother and half-sister, but meanders between the houses of aunts, cousins, and extended family. The women in the novel bear children while still children themselves, never being allowed the time or space to get to know themselves. The men relish in their guns and their affairs, considering a teenage arrest a right of passage, and resist morality as a sign of weakness. They believe in family, but not enough to avoid torturing each other.

This heartbreaking semi-autobiographical novel by Dorothy Allison is a difficult read, but also dripping with southern twang and familiarity. You don’t have to grow up poor to recognize this coming-of-age story buried in unimaginable hardships. I read this story through gritted teeth, alternating between fits of laughter. Allison writes pain as melody, not shying away from the cruelty, but almost identifying pain as a matter-of-fact growing up in this family.

Bone is caught in this tugof-war between fighting for her family and hating them for what she knows they are. She dreams of escape, any means of becoming someone, anything else, far away from the only horrible world she knows. She struggles with friendships, authority, and a stepfather who won’t forgive for not being his own blood. Bone loves cautiously and punishes earnestly, a teenage warrior of sorts righting the wrongs in her world, one mistake at a time. As readers, we root for Bone, both to get out of this cycle and still to find the love in it that she so desires and deserves.

I became interested in Dorothy Allison after watching an interview about her writings, all centered on rural, poor families, the only world the author knew growing up. She speaks and writes frankly about lives of struggle, dripping with language so saturated that the words have their own voices. I paused often reading passages over again, marveling at the combination of phrases and depictions of the environment that brought the narrative alive. Written in the early 90s, Bastard Out of Carolina reminds us that the astonishing to us, is the reality for far too many.

BY KIRSTIE MARTIN

ON JUNE 26, 2021, THE FIRST Annual Angel’s Gala was held at the HUB music hall in downtown Monroe. The gala was hosted by I Will Carry You: birth and bereavement doula services and the Zoey Renee Project.

The purpose of the Angel’s Gala was to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss and improve bereavement care in Northeast Louisiana.

Both of the organizations began after their founders experienced the heartbreak of the loss of a child. Founders, Kila Gonzalez with I Will Carry You and Maranda Salter with Zoey Renee Project, each using their loss to provide assistance and support for other local families experiencing similar pain. The primary goal of this year’s gala was to raise funds to provide the area with multiple caring cradles. Louisiana currently ranks in the top 5 states for pregnancy/infant loss; the organizations hope that these cradles will enrich our local hospitals as well as our community.

A Caring Cradle is a device that cools a baby’s body and offers a more dignified, comfortable way for parents and families to spend time with a baby who has passed away. By cooling the precious body of a baby, the natural changes that occur in death are slowed, therefore allowing families to take their time making memories, bonding, taking photos, etc. The efforts of the two organizations yielded cradles that have since been donated and dedicated to local hospitals. Caring cradles were donated to Morehouse General Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, Ochsner LSU Shreveport-Monroe Medical Center, and Glenwood Regional Medical Center in hopes of providing comfort to parents and families experiencing the unimaginable. In addition to the donation of the carrying cradles, the organizations also donated bereavement gowns to each of the hospitals in which the cradles were placed, to provide an additional means of comfort to families affected by loss.

BAYOUOUTDOORS YUCATAN LAKE

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

hen you cross the levee just north of Newellton, Louisiana it is as if you have left modern times and gone back to days of long ago. There are few signs to direct you and getting misdirected is not uncommon. Where the asphalt meets dirt and then gravel and rock leads you down a long road to the legendary place called Yucatan Lake.

I was first introduced to Yucatan about 15 years ago by a friend and regularly return there in hopes of “catching it right.” You see, the Yucatan is a river lake off of the Mississippi River that straddles the state lines of Mississippi and Louisiana. The shape of it is deceiving as both ends show the same backdrop. The Grand Gulf nuclear plant stack is in clear view on both ends as the lake nearly makes a circle. Here you will find deep water, tons of structure and when the Mighty Mississippi is falling, some of the best fishing you can find anywhere. The lake is full of crappie, largemouth bass, white bass and trophy catfish. Yucatan is famous for the “knee bream”...those so big you cannot put your hand around them so you put them between your knees to unhook them. Not to ignore the millions of gar that call this place home as well but this lake is not the place for water sports. Notwithstanding the huge population of alligators, for years there are abandoned web nets, trot lines and set hooks that the river took and gave back when the water receded. To fish Yucatan is a whole different experience, especially for anglers who are used to reservoirs or lakes not affected by a drastic daily change in water.

Yucatan anglers watch the river levels quite closely. The two ways to know when to go is to make a phone call to the landing there or follow Yucatan Landing on Facebook. When you see the parking lot full, the river is right. The most accurate predictor of when to plan a trip is to log in to the Corp of Engineer website which shows a very accurate level and future levels. I always check this site before going and look for a couple of things depending on the time of year. My favorite level is when the river is at 26 feet and falling slowly. This pulls the fish to the outside of the tree line and makes fishing for crappie and bass easier. Another hot spot is the many points where the falling water and current attract bait which attracts game fish.

My best months there are May for the bream, June through August for crappie and bass and year round for white bass. If you have never fished for white bass, you are missing the boat. And this lake is loaded with them. There are a couple of lures that are on top of my list to catch both sand and largemouth bass at Yucatan. First, is the spatter backed Bandit crank bait. I also like

a Little George or Wing Ding which mimics the bait fish the bass are eating. It is not uncommon to catch limits of sand bass when they bunch up. Some folks will tell you they aren’t good to eat but the smart angler knows a simple extra trimming of the red line and you have some outstanding filets. I have never fished Yucatan in the fall or winter. The main reason I haven’t is that at that time of year I am chasing white tails and ducks. I am told the fall is extremely good but again, it depends on the river levels.

You cannot talk about Yucatan Lake without saying the name Lachney. James Lachney had the Yucatan Landing for years and recently sold it to his nephew, Gene. Gene is a full time soldier and with the help of his dad, perry and mom, Juanita, they run that campground and landing like a well-oiled machine. Perry may be the machine, but rest assured Ms. Juanita is the oil. Juanita Lachney retired from teaching school and has been a part of the Yucatan community for years. She and Perry talk about their deep roots there as they relate how they spent their honeymoon on the property over 57 years ago. Ms. Juanita will remind you of your favorite aunt and always greets everyone by name and with a welcoming smile. The Lachney’s are always helpful to their guests in any way you can imagine. I’ve seen them give up their own groceries and condiments to guests who left something at home and refuse to allow them to pay for it. They keep the shiner well full and the cricket box is always loaded. You can get fresh ice and always a good story and these stories are ones you will long remember. Probably one of my favorites is the first time I met Mr. Perry and he introduced me to Hank, his yellow mouth cur. Mr. Perry told me that Hank was his “tiger dog.” After seeing my perplexed look, he asked me “Dan, do you see any tigers around? Well, old Hank is doing a good job.” The Landing has a fully functional campground and even rents trailers on a nightly basis. The roots of the family run deep as often you will see children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and adopted “family members” pitching in to make the place run. Recently they have started converting their power underground to prevent high water issues with power lines. Water, sewage and graveled pads make the camping experience one to remember as this little know get away can compete with the best that other lakes have to offer. To find Yucatan, I recommend traveling Highway 65 down past Somerset and turn left on Highway 603. Turn left at the Y intersection and right on the first main road to the right which leads over the levee. Call ahead and pick the right day and you won’t regret it. The great thing about the Lachneys is at some lakes the owners will tell you what you want to hear about the fishing to increase business. Ms. Juanita tells it like it is and fishermen respect the honesty. So if you are looking to step back in time, try the Yucatan. Just leave your tiger at the levee out of respect to Hank.

THE BLEND OF THE BAYOU IS BACK! THE ARTS COUNCIL of Northeast Louisiana presents the 24th annual Blend of the Bayou – Fall Edition from 5-7pm September 26, 2021, at 2110 Island Drive, Monroe. The block party over the bayou will feature local men who cook in addition to area artists.

Ticket proceeds benefit the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana and its programs and services.

This year’s event will feature a wide array of delicious food prepared and served by prominent area professionals and businessmen who generously volunteer their time and talents in support of the Arts Council.

Blend of the Bayou debuted in 1997 and is the granddaddy of arts fundraising events of its type in north Louisiana. Several of the original 16 volunteer cooks that first year are still part of the now over 25 men who cook and they aren’t ready to lay their utensils down just yet. Over the years several younger men have joined the ranks and are carrying on the tradition.

Providing attendees an opportunity to view and bid on original artwork are some of our leading area visual artists. The Bayou Gallery silent auction is hugely popular with attendees and affords them the chance to bid and win unique original artwork to take home that evening.

Continuing the tradition, beverages of your choice will be available including soft drinks and water to complement the great food that will be served. Good food, drinks, music, friends, and art…what more could you ask for? All coming together at Blend of the Bayou.

Confirmed sponsors at press time include, Origin Bank, Progressive Bank, BayouLife Magazine, Marsala Beverage, O’Nealgas, Bare Necessities, Stephens Media, Monroe Coca-Cola Bottling Co., UNITED, and Southern Glazers.

Due to the ongoing COVID situation, attendees are asked to take appropriate precautions.

DATE: Sunday, September 26, 2021 LOCATION: 2110 Island Drive, Monroe TIME: 5:00-7:00PM TICKETS: • $55 per person, $100 per couple. Purchase tickets at https://nelaarts.org/ • Children under 10, Free • Must have picture ID, wristbands issued to consume alcoholic beverages • Tickets Non-Refundable

RESERVED TABLES FOR 8: $500 (limited number available) (perfect for entertaining friends or special business clients)

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Call for more information

DRESS: It’s outdoors in September. Come comfortable. Block party casual.

SILENT AUCTION: All artists donate a portion of the proceeds from their works to the Arts Council. The higher the bid, the more the artist makes and the more the Arts Council can put toward their programs and services

Support of arts organizations fundraising events by the public is critical to sustaining those organizations’ efforts.

JULIE VANDENBERG HAS BEEN AWARDED A $10,000 scholarship by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) intended to encourage outstanding accounting students to pursue careers in audit. An accounting major in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business, Vandenberg was one of only 253 students selected to receive the scholarship

Since 2011, the PCAOB has given this merit-based award to select students who exhibit excellence in an accounting degree program and have been nominated by a professor.

Vandenberg plans to pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) at Louisiana Tech following her undergraduate graduation. In addition to completing a liquids asset accounting internship with Enterprise Products Partners this summer, Vandenberg has been selected to intern with EY starting in January.

“The College of Business has prepared me for my next steps by providing opportunities to interview with the Big Four as well as guiding me in the right direction with many career events,” she said. “My professors have given me the tools needed to study for the CPA exam and to succeed in the business world.”

The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. The PCAOB also oversees the audits of brokers and dealers, including compliance reports filed pursuant to federal securities laws.

“Julie is an outstanding representative of the School of Accountancy and our College,” said Dr. Chris Martin, Dean of the College of Business. “We’re grateful to the PCAOB for providing this support for students looking to pursue accounting or auditing careers. Our School of Accountancy consistently produces students and graduates who excel in the profession. I have no doubt Julie will continue that tradition of excellence.”

For more information about the PCAOB scholarship, visit pcaobus.org.

Katie Jessica Edwards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Edwards Jr. of West Monroe and Kade Allen Brandon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Brandon of West Monroe exchanged marriage vows on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021, at White Oak in Ruston, LA. Katie along with her bridesmaids spent the morning in White Oaks bridal room in Ruston with the amazingly talented makeup artist Meka Bennett Reliford, who styled the brides hair in a softly sophisticated side bun with softs side bangs along the face. Angela Groce Shoemaker with Unveiled Radiance Photography was there to capture the perfect shot and every moment in-between and Andy Chason with Unplugged Creative videography spent the entire day gathering the sweetest of moments to the grand highlights of the night. Attending the bride, were her sisters, Kayla Murry, matron of honor and Karoline Edwards, maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Olivia Adams, Kiley Brandon, Molly Edwards, Bella Mayo, Kaylea Mayo, and Summer Otwell. Kaleigh Cain served as a junior bridesmaid. Bridesmaids wore champagne satin floor length dresses. Bridesmaids carried Dijon and white Ohara garden roses along with white Limonium gathered in an ivory modern satin wrap. Mattie Jane Davis and Eliana Scanlan served as flower girls. The flower girl dresses complimented the brides dress with a decolletage laced overlay sweetheart neckline. The back was accented with a laced corset style ribbon, and a princess sweep train adorned with embroidered lace at the hem. They carried a laced overlay satin basket filled with various color rose petals. Escorted by her father, the bride wore an Essence of Australia ivory wedding dress, her something new. The intricacy of the dress boasted artfully placed scrolling patterns of graphic lace inlaid delicately on English netting over the satin fitted silhouette appliqued with hand beaded and embroidered lace cascading to the slim trumpet flared hem. A decolletage neckline with sheer beaded lace, a keyhole opening in back, and a linear design lace accenting the trumpet shape added to the dresses interest. Organic lace straps lay lightly over the shoulders. Floating straps at the back clasp shown either side with a sheer netting. The sides featured delicate cut outs with a lace overlay. The chapel length train was teardrop shaped, lace embellished, and with elongated lace detail. The cathedral length veil of illusion added a scalloped lace embossed edging framing the train. The bride’s veil was accented at the crown by an antique clustered pearl hair comb worn by the bride’s maternal grandmother, her something old. The bride wore her mother’s wedding garter accented with blue ribbon, her something blue. A classically pronounced pair of teardrop earrings from the bride’s sister were her something borrowed. Katie carried a modern styled ivory satin wrapped bouquet consisting of white Ohara garden roses, blush and Dijon roses, zinnias, and phalaenopsis orchids accented with pampas grass.

Kohl Brandon, brother to the groom, served as best man. Danny Duke, Allen Fontenot, Jordan McNeely, Jordan Miller, Logan Murry, Jake Norris, and Dylan Snowden served as groomsmen. Minor Davis served as sign bearer. Carson Allen served as ring bearer. Thomas Allen, Cameron Cain, Carter Cash, Cooper Cash, and Cory Edwards served as ushers. The groom and his attendants wore Calvin Klein Charcoal gray suits with zinnias and lisianthus boutonnieres filled with white Limonium foliage. Rev. Tom Lowe officiated as an arched display of Ohara garden roses, lush greens, palms and phalaenopsis orchids framed the minister and couple. The center aisle was lined with whimsical zinnias and gomphrena accented with sweetheart roses, palm fronds and pampas grass. The amazingly talented Meghan Awalt Wedding Florist created dreamy florals and awe-inspiring arrangements. The processional and bridal entrance was accompanied by instrumental music from the pianist and violinist. Special moments during the ceremony included a family prayer and unity candle lighting as “With You” played. The recessional of the wedding party exited as “September” played. Upon entering the reception area, pictures of weddings past with loved ones near to the couple’s heart surrounded two “In Memory of” floral arrangements in honor of the bride’s maternal grandmother, Ann Langley, and the bride’s paternal grandfather, Joey Edwards Sr., as well as the groom’s maternal grandmother, Frankie Rodes, and the groom’s maternal grandfather, Monty Rodes. Varying heights of peach and white Ohara, white ranunculus, lisianthus, and dripping white phalaenopsis orchids and garden roses displayed on gold modern squared pedestals centered the tables atop crinkled ivory tablecloths circled by gold chevalier chairs. Ivory organza tie backs provided a subtle highlight for high tables. Bayou Landing catered a variety of Louisiana inspired dishes including a three-tiered shrimp fountain accented with wedding florals and a tiered lemonade fountain surrounded by fruits and wedding florals as well. Social Bites Bakery designed the sevenlayer bohemian inspired wedding cake accented by 24 karat gold leaf and buttercream leaf stencil creating a delicate embroidered pattern across the cake. Blush and coral shades of florals cascaded down in a waterfall display. The cake consisted of alternating layers of almond cake paired with almond buttercream filling, lemon blueberry paired with lemon cream cheese filling, and carrot cake paired with cream cheese filling. A gold embossed squared pedestal stand displayed the cake as florals puddled at the base. The groom’s cake was a tone on tone scrolled design two-tiered red velvet cake with cream cheese and chocolate cupcakes paired with buttercream nestled in a hunting motif display.

Adrienne Steele with Sage Events was there to make sure the evening went beautifully and it absolutely did! The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra provided entertainment as guests danced the night away. Bash Booth served as a fun take home memory photo op for guests. Sweetport Ice Cream cart was on site as a sweet treat for guests as well. Upon exit, Pyromania Fireworks lit up the night sky with an awe-inspiring display of fireworks which served as a perfect back drop for the couples exit, as did the sparkler lined pathway leading to an Olde English White Rolls Royce awaiting them. The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and will make their home in West Monroe. The bride is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and is currently pursuing her master’s in counseling through Regent University. The groom is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University. He is employed by TBA.