Nfocus June 2021

2 0 2 1 J U N E Zang Toi celebrates Paris style at the Symphony Fashion Show

The Bridal Issue Fashion inspiration for the bride and groom

+

Real Nashville weddings

Congratulations to each of our Advisors recognized for their accomplishments of 2020.

Thank you for being ladies and gentleman, serving ladies and gentleman of the Nashville community.

We are excited to see what 2021 has in store for Engel & Völkers Nashville!

We dedicate our time, expertise and passion to help you follow your dream, home.

A MY J AC K SON SMI TH

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TI CE FEL DMA N

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Contents June 2021 | Vol. xxviii, No. 6

parties

features

19

35

20

23

30

32

Shelter Helpers Friends of Warner Parks hosts a cozy Spring in the Parks Shelter Dinner

47

Roll Out the Red Carpet The Belcourt Theatre hosts a virtual Oscars party

From Paris to Nashville Zang Toi celebrates the City of Light at the Symphony Fashion Show

Back to the Stage PENCIL draws a generous crowd for A Little Night of Music

Follow the LEGO Brick Road Cheekwood donors get a sneak peek at the new Nature POP! exhibit

To Have and To Hold Timeless wedding day fashions for the bride and groom

Here Comes the Bride

61

Nstyle Thoughtful, stylish and locally sourced gifts for members of the wedding party

66

The Tennessee State Library and Archives has a state-of-the-art facility

Step Inside

Behind the design of three real Nashville weddings

68

Carolyn Edwards Fisher marries Benjamin Max Eisemann

departments

70

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

12

In Our Words

14

Behind the Scenes

All dressed up and everywhere to go

Seeking wellness and peace with The Happy Hour’s Clara Belden

72

Taking Vows

Best Behavior

Nretrospect Looking back at the history of FiftyForward

35 ON THE COVER

47

Haley Robbins wearing Daughters of Simone Amanda gown and Vincent Peach diamond tennis bracelet.

Photographed at Timothy Demonbreun House by Daniel Meigs. Styling by Leslie Stephens. Hair and makeup by Anaïs Shiba. For more bridal fashions, flip to page 35.

19

20 23

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GET READY FOR OUR

Steeplechase STYLE CONTEST

Most Stylish Female

The Iroquois Steeplechase is back, and Nfocus will be there to scope out the most beautiful — and outrageous — Race Day fashions. Our judges will be choosing winners in four categories: MOST STYLISH FEMALE, MOST STYLISH MALE, MOST OUTRAGEOUS STYLE AND MOST STYLISH COUPLE.

Most Stylish Male

SEE YOU ON JUNE 26

ENTER OUR STYLE CONTEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Share your Steeplechase look by tagging

@nfocusmagazine and #SteeplechaseStyle21

Most Style

Outrageous

SPONSORED BY

Most Stylish Couple IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Show off your Steeplechase style and win spectacular prizes!

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Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Caroline Poole

promotions and marketing coordinator

Advertising

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Olivia Bellon, Maggie Bond, Sue Falls, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Niki Tyree, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Aya Robinson, Price Waltman publisher

advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Monday, June 28, 2021. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR JEZEWSKI at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2021 FW Publishing, LLC.

IN O UR WO RD S

Find the dress you’ll remember forever

You have a story to tell. You have a vision and a style that is completely your own. You are beautiful. Let us adorn you.

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Always and Forever All dressed up and everywhere to go The times, as they say, are a-changin’.

In a year when social activity has been permitted in fits and starts, it seems things are finally getting back to “normal,” or at least as close to normal as any of us have known for 15 months. There are no longer capacity limits on businesses and events; tourism seems to have returned in full force; and masks are becoming a thing of the past. Invitations are starting to flood mailboxes, and travel can’t be booked fast enough.

It’s fitting that our bridal issue is hitting stands right now. Even in the best of circumstances, planning a wedding can be a stressful and challenging time, but in the past year, couples and planners have had to make tough choices about their nuptials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Should they overhaul the entire event, cut

the guest list, broadcast it on Zoom or postpone indefinitely? It seemed impossible to know the right thing to do. Fortunately, with restrictions being lifted, weddings are back! And we’ve got plenty of inspiration for the happy couple. For timeless fashions for the bride and groom, flip to page 35. To see how real couples navigated the difficult terrain of a global pandemic when planning their nuptials, you won’t want to miss our real Nashville weddings beginning on page 47. And if you need gifts for your bridal party, we compiled a list of thoughtful ideas on page 61.

Weddings aren’t the only events that are back, so we’ve got coverage from Symphony Fashion Show (page 23), A Red Carpet Evening (page 20) and more. We’ve still got a ways to go, but every step toward normalcy feels worth celebrating. Cheers!

BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

Seeing is can’t believe-ing.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Come On, Get Happy Seeking wellness and peace with The Happy Hour’s Clara Belden The Happy Hour’s Clara Belden has a natural gift when it comes to helping people. Even in grade school, children would seek her out on the playground to talk about their problems. Originally on track to be a professional equestrian show jumper, she got her MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management and took a different path that led to the founding of The Happy Hour, a mental wellness company with a modern, intentional approach to talk therapy and life coaching. For two years, Clara led a series of pop-ups before moving to The Basics her new studio in the former Las Paletas storefront Name: Clara Belden in 12South. The peaceful, Profession/Title: Certified holisspa-like interior is in calmtic life coach and owner of The ing shades of blue, with a Happy Hour lounge, library and garden Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio for guests to use to relax or Zip Code: 37212 connect with friends.

Years in Nashville: 13 total, “The Happy Hour is including college more than just therapy Number of classes offered at and life coaching,” says The Happy Hour: Six per week Clara. “It’s a place to connect with community and with yourself from a place of acceptance and curiosity. We’re here to help you discover your happiest, most fulfilling life by meeting you where you are and helping you take those next steps.”

With a team of licensed therapists and certified holistic life coaches, The Happy Hour offers more than one-on-one sessions. The roster of daily classes includes mindfulness and meditation, and wellness workshops, typically held once a month, build on the pop-up format, combining movement, such as yoga, and conversation. The Happy Hour also offers customized workshops for corporate and private groups. We caught up with Clara to talk about mental wellness, mindfulness and her favorite things about Nashville.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

14 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

What is mindfulness, and what are some ways you help people achieve it? Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, without judgment. That last piece is key. So often, we categorize thoughts as “good” or “bad,” which can create a lot of internal reactions, so when we practice mindfulness, it’s important to label our thoughts as just that: thoughts. We help people achieve this by holding space for them to disconnect and slow down, physically and mentally. In our private sessions and classes we teach simple, two-minute breathwork, meditations and self check-ins that enable people to get present in the moment. These practices help to relieve stress and gain clarity in your emotion and in the moment.

over there. It gives out-of-towners such a great feel for how unique the different pockets of Nashville are.

When you have out-of-town guests visiting, where do you take them? I love to start the day with sharing some of the natural beauty that Nashville has to offer, which is usually a hike at Percy Warner. Then, we’ll walk around 12South and pop into a few shops. I like to take out-of-towners for an early dinner at 5th & Taylor because the food is amazing and there’s something on the menu for everyone — not to mention, the atmosphere is dreamy! We’ll follow it up with a cocktail at Robert’s Western World so they can see Broadway and take in a hockey game or concert at Bridgestone. If there’s time, I also love to post up in East Nashville for an afternoon, exploring the restaurants and shops

What trait do you admire most in others?

Vulnerability

What’s your favorite restaurant? Epice. Their food is so fresh, and their menu is interesting without going overboard to be quirky. They let the food speak for itself. The atmosphere and presentation of food is beautiful, and you can tell that the people working there care about what they are doing.

What’s your favorite locally made product?

Clary Collection’s Renew + Repair Oil. The smell is so soothing, and it feels so luxurious — not to mention, it works great. It was my favorite treat for myself during both of my pregnancies.

What’s one thing you want to cross off your bucket list? Traveling to New Zealand What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? The supportive community.

Nashvillians always step up to the plate to help out their neighbors in times of need. We really saw that come through after the tornado in March of last year. I also felt this way opening The Happy Hour; other business owners were incredibly supportive when I was getting my start in the wellness world.

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Richard Bryan OFFICE: 615-327-4800 DIRECT: 615-321-9531 RICHARDFBRYAN@GMAIL.COM | RICHARDFBRYAN.COM nfocusmagazine.com

| JUNE 2021 <<

15

FRESH, PHENOMENAL FOOD. HERE. HOME. ANYWHERE.

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LAN D C O M PAN Y

H A R L A N 9 2 3 0 O L D S M Y R N A R D .

B R E N T W O O D , T N

2 1

L U X U R Y

$5- 1 5

L O T S

MI LLI O N

2 T O 5 A C R E H O M E S I T E S G A T E D C O M M U N I T Y

B R A N D O N

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PA R T I E S

Shelter Helpers

Marika and Mack McCoy, Dee and Rodney Honeycutt

Friends of Warner Parks hosts a cozy Spring in the Parks Shelter Dinner

F

Faye and Anthony Meluch

Olivia and Mark Rechter

riends and families gathered on a beautiful Saturday evening in April to picnic with a purpose at Friends of Warner Parks’ annual Spring in the Parks Shelter Dinner. The highly anticipated event helps raise maintenance funds for keeping the picnic shelters around the park looking pristine for future generations.

Before setting off for their reserved shelters or carefully selected picnic spots, guests stopped by the historic Hodge House in Percy Warner Park to pick up their gourmet meals.

Catering by Suzette offered a delectable picnic dinner with fresh and light omnivorous, vegetarian and vegan options that paired perfectly with the outdoor setting and with the beer and wine provided by Lipman Brothers.

Guests enjoyed decorating their shelters with their own rustic and elegant flair, ranging from full place settings with glassware, candles and orchid centerpieces to an adventure theme with a kayak and mountain bike. Each shelter host received a gift bag that included a s’mores kit for roasting in the fireplace, a perfectly sweet ending to the event.

The shelters were built by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression using local limestone and cedar, and they have become deeply important to the people of Nashville as gathering places for celebrations and important life moments. In 2012, Friends of Warner Parks completely restored all of the shelters to honor the workers who built them and the community that uses them.

During the pandemic, the Warner Parks became a refuge for the Nashville community, and the shelters scattered around the parks were used even more frequently, as loved ones looked for outdoor locations to safely share meals together. The more people use the shelters, the more maintenance is required on them, but with persistent care and generous support from the community, these shelters will be around for future generations to enjoy.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Trudy Sullivan, Helen Holland, Betsy Burrus, Lucy Haynes, Laurie Gilreath

Scott and Jody Galloway

Molly and Lilly

Robert Holland, Mark Sullivan, Pete Gilreath, Jeff Haynes, Dan Burrus

Katherine Miller, Vanessa Vargas, Julie Rutter

nfocusmagazine.com

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JUNE 2021 <<

19

PA R T I E S

Roll Out the Red Carpet The Belcourt Theatre hosts a virtual Oscars party

J

ust days after the Belcourt Theatre (finally) reopened to the public, the beloved art house hosted a virtual version of its annual A Red Carpet Evening. Co-chaired yet again by Amos Gott and our very own Holly Hoffman, the annual Oscars party is a highly anticipated event among cinephiles across the city, and although the event wasn’t held in the historic theater as it usually is, that didn’t keep film lovers from joining in on the fun.

The Belcourt still managed to roll out the red carpet for attendees, who stopped by the theater before the awards show to pick up their party boxes. The Belcourt’s staff was dressed to the nines to greet their adoring fans and pass out all the makings of a surefire good time at home. There were three different ticket levels, each with its own box of goodies, ranging from popcorn and movie candy to a three-course dinner from Flavor Catering. All of the boxes included ingredients for the evening’s signature cocktail, the Orange Blossom Express, which guests could make at home by following a video tutorial from Bang Candy’s Sarah Souther. Guests also had the option of purchasing a bottle of Red Carpet Red to accompany their meals, and the wine was snatched up quickly.

An hour before the Academy Awards began, the Belcourt hosted a pre-show that included movie trivia (much of which was compiled by our friends at the Nashville Scene) and a chat room for guests to talk about their favorite films. The online auction — always a staple at the event — was available, as well, including such covetable items as a one-week getaway to a three-bedroom hacienda in San Miguel and Third Man Records’ 333 Edition of Paul McCartney’s McCartney III, a collectors’ item that sold for more than $2,000.

The evening was a rousing success and an apt reminder of how much the community loves — and has missed — the Belcourt Theatre.

Stephanie Silverman, Joe Hill, Brooke Bernard

Thallen and Alandis Brassel

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Co-chairs Holly Hoffman and Amos Gott

Liza Darwin and Joe Mueller

H.G. and Nina Webb

Matt Potempa with Patrick

Amanda Matsui, D. Patrick Rodgers

Krystal Clark, Elle Long

20 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

Sandra Lipman

Carly Pearce

Ross and Selena Pepper, Deanna and Jeff Pizitz, Lynellen and Chuck Mallett

From Paris to Nashville Zang Toi celebrates the City of Light at the Symphony Fashion Show

F

or the first time in over a year, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center was filled with live music and a live audience, thanks to the return of the Symphony Fashion Show. Working closely with HCA, the Nashville Symphony — in tandem with co-chairs Angela Bostelman and Sarah Reisner — devised a safe way to host an in-person event, albeit with a much smaller crowd than normal.

Virtual tickets were available for those who wanted to enjoy the festivities from home, but a select group of patrons gathered for a runway show from Zang Toi and musical performances from Runaway June and Carly Pearce. Playing off of the Parisian theme of Zang’s collection, Bruce Pittman outfitted the lobby with a pink Eiffel Tower draped in flowers. The first three looks from Zang’s runway show — featuring LBDs paired with oversized coats in soft pink, pale yellow and lavender — provided the color scheme for the rest of the event décor, which included small clusters of pastel flowers atop white tables flanking the mirrored runway.

All attendees had to complete a health questionnaire and have their temperature checked before entry, and staggered arrival times helped ensure that guests could keep their distance. After taking a whirl in the Nfocus Portrait Studio, partygoers enjoyed personal charcuterie boards and Champagne at their private tables while they watched the show.

Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine greeted the crowd by telling them they were “part of history in the making,” before Runaway June kicked off the show. Zang’s Fall 2021 collection featured 45 looks divided into three distinct scenes. The show’s opening paid tribute to the romance of Paris with soft colors and floral patterns, which was quite the contrast to the second act’s black and charcoal structured separates that were all about chic Parisian street style. The evening scene, a true celebration of Paris’ glamour, closed the show with stunning ball gowns and cocktail dresses. A performance from Carly Pearce rounded out the evening, before guests were whisked back to the valet lines, content to have finally made some new memories and to have supported our esteemed Nashville Symphony in the process.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND DANIEL MEIGS

Co-chairs Angela Bostelman and Sarah Reisner

Zang Toi, Janice Elliott Morgan

Lydia Howarth, Jennie Smith, Dana Sherrard, Martha Ingram, Tooty Bradford, Clare Armistead

continued on page 24

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PA R T I E S

Runaway June

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Jade Alexandria

Amber Chapman

Alan Valentine, Co-chair Angela Bostelman, Sandra Lipman, Co-chair Sarah Reisner

Hugh and Lynn Queener, Brenda and David Griffin Carrie Hart

Danielle Breezy, Stacey Rhodes

Laura Niewold, Lisa Manning

Linda Raymer, Michael Viars continued on page 26

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PA R T I E S

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Whitney Kimerling, Kaitlin White

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PA R T I E S

Kristin Carson, Bette Christofersen, Bernadette Murphy, Susan Geraghty

Rachel Settle, Christie Laird

Steve Sirls, Claudia Heath, Jean Prentice Reid, Allen DeCuyper

Christal Merrifield, Adrienne Battle

Back to the Stage PENCIL draws a generous crowd for A Little Night of Music

Thomas McCarthy, Liza Whitaker

Leah Sherry, Ana Schwager, Gretchen Sakkinen

O Virginia Ezell Briley, Devin Lintzenich

n a rainy Thursday in late April, patrons of PENCIL gathered at the Grand Ole Opry for the 17th annual A Little Night of Music — a much-needed night of fun and music after more than a year without in-person events or live concerts.

Food trucks from Loveless Cafe and Pie Town Tacos pulled up under the portico so guests could grab dinner while drying off and browsing the silent auction, which included a ’60s Les Paul Standard guitar, a garden party for nine people and a getaway to anywhere Southwest flies that included airfare and a hotel stay. The excitement to be with people again was palpable as old friends saw each other for the first time since the lockdown. Everyone quickly moved inside to mingle more and warm up with wine and cocktails before finding their seats in the auditorium.

More than 200 people were spaced throughout the pews as Louisiana native Willie Jones opened the evening and loosened up the crowd with a few of his country/hip-hop fusion tracks. Headlining the concert was local Americana artist Drew Holcomb, who treated the audience to heartwarming stories and original songs, both old and new. One of the highlights of his set was Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” a favorite from the Kitchen Covers sessions that he recorded at home with his wife, Ellie, during the quarantine.

The rain let up just as everyone filed out of the legendary venue and received parting gifts of a concert poster designed by Colin Long and a small box of cookies from Tiff ’s Treats.

Between the silent auction, LUV boxes and a wine pull featuring 39 mystery wines to celebrate PENCIL’s 39th birthday, this year’s A Little Night of Music raised more than $230,000, which greatly exceeded the nonprofit’s goal. The funds raised help support PENCIL’s mission of “linking community resources to Nashville public schools to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life.”

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Dave Tessier, Angie Adams, Rod Essig

30 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

Follow the LEGO Brick Road Brad and Megan Lawrence with Caroline and Henry

Cheekwood donors get a sneak peek at the new Nature POP! exhibit

A

Tree and Lance Paine

lmost everyone has fond memories of hours spent digging in boxes of random LEGO bricks and building whatever the mind could dream up, and as the years have passed, new generations continue to find the joy of creation and imagination with nothing but interlocking plastic bricks. That’s why people of all ages are flocking to Cheekwood this spring and summer to see the worldwide debut of Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! exhibit. Cheekwood’s top supporters were treated to an exclusive after-hours sneak peek at the exhibit during the donor’s preview night.

Nature POP! is a collection of 38 large sculptures made entirely with thousands of LEGO bricks — more than 800,000 bricks, to be more specific. The collection — featuring mostly animals, some lifesize and others larger than life — is produced

by Imagine Exhibitions, a company that takes some of the most fascinating exhibits to museums, science centers and zoos around the world.

Donors enjoyed cocktails and tasty pretzels from Nashville Soft Pretzel Co. while the kids explored the gardens and squealed with delight when they caught a glimpse of the next LEGO sculpture around the corner.

Most of the sculptures are located in the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, including an adorable polar bear with three cubs, a giant dragonfly and a large red tortoise. Elsewhere in the East Gardens is a bald eagle on an outcropping, a fox slipping into cover, a few deer grazing in a field, a noble lion standing proudly and a pileated woodpecker searching a tree for its next meal.

A fun surprise was seeing everyone spot the first rabbit in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden and then spot the next one.

And the next one. And the next one. Rabbits of all colors are scattered among the flowers, and guests were thrilled to shout when they spotted another. It was a perfect spring evening for Cheekwood donors to experience the colorful collection, right at home among the colorful gardens.

Caylan and Anderson Jarman with Mary Walton and John

Ashley Alexander, Gordon and Shaun Inman with Jax, Rachel Ailor with Wyatt Thomas, Sheila Shields

Monica and Giacomo Meeker with John-William, Camilla and Annabelle

Michael and Rowena Cuffe

32 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

Jacqueline Fisher with Ian and Flynn, Colleen Bracken with Eleanor

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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BRIDAL

To Have and To Hold Timeless wedding day fashions for the bride and groom

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nfocusmagazine.com

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BRIDAL

Rita Vinieris Rivini Twiggy gown (Adorn Nashville); Diamond teardrop earrings, 2.35-carat diamond and 14-karat gold ring (Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry)

36 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

BRIDAL

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nfocusmagazine.com

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BRIDAL

Xscape beaded gown, Still Small Studio party dress (The Showroom); Daughters of Simone Ophelia two-piece gown (Unveiled Bridal Studio); Diamond band, Diamond necklace, Diamond tennis bracelet (Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry); Pearl bangles (Margaret Ellis Jewelry); Coco pearl earrings (Girl With a Pearl); Gold strappy heels (Prada)

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BRIDAL

Rubber Ducky satin cape suit (The Showroom); Gatsby double tassel lariat necklace (Girl With a Pearl); Pearl cluster earrings (Adorn Nashville)

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BRIDAL

Ivory and gold silk skirt and cami set (Black By Maria Silver); Diamond stud earrings (Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry)

nfocusmagazine.com

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BRIDAL

Nouveau gown (Modern Trousseau); Pearl gold hoop earrings (Girl With a Pearl); 2.35-carat diamond and 14-karat gold ring (Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry)

42 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

BRIDAL

Alberta gown (Modern Trousseau); Diamond necklace, Diamond hoop earrings (Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry); Tuxedo (J. Michaels Clothiers); Necktie (Oak Hall); Cufflinks (David Yurman)

nfocusmagazine.com

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BRIDAL

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GET READY FOR OUR

Steeplechase STYLE CONTEST

Most Stylish Female

The Iroquois Steeplechase is back, and Nfocus will be there to scope out the most beautiful — and outrageous — Race Day fashions. Our judges will be choosing winners in four categories: MOST STYLISH FEMALE, MOST STYLISH MALE, MOST OUTRAGEOUS STYLE AND MOST STYLISH COUPLE.

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WEDDINGS

Here Comes the Bride Behind the design of three real Nashville weddings

Weddings are always monumental affairs, but the events of the last year added even more obstacles for brides, grooms and planners to surmount and made the unforgettable day even more memorable for couples and guests. In a year rife with challenges and hardships, love was still blossoming and commitments were solidified all across the city. We chatted with local wedding planners about three such momentous occasions: a wedding that took place just before the global pandemic, one that happened right in the middle of it and one on the tail end of it. Regardless of the time of year, scale of the event or number of guests, these planners and couples proved resilient and resourceful, and the resulting celebrations were full of joy, beauty and romance. Join us in reliving these three magical nuptials, and raise a glass to the newlyweds.

nfocusmagazine.com

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All Hallows` E ve

Amos Gott designs a rustic Halloween wedding for Kathleen Diehl and Spencer Kennard When Kathleen Diehl and Spencer Kennard tasked Amos Gott with planning their April 2020 wedding, their initial plan was to incorporate rustic elements from their adopted state of Colorado into the refined festivities at Belle Meade Country Club. When the global pandemic forced them to reschedule their nuptials for the fall and move the event to a farm in Murfreesboro, they decided to turn the idea on its head and infuse the rustic venue with some elevated elegance.

After a six-month delay, the couple wed on Halloween at Saddle Woods Farm. Given the date and venue change, Amos had to almost completely redesign the event to incorporate seasonal elements and nods toward the holiday, which is a favorite for the bride and her mother.

The Christian ceremony was held outdoors under a simple wooden structure draped with greenery and flanked by two towering arrangements in vivid autumnal hues. Mini bottles of hand sanitizer, wrapped in spider web bags, were awaiting guests at their seats. An outdoor cocktail hour followed the ceremony, allowing guests to stay socially distanced while celebrating the new couple.

The reception took place inside the 10,000-square-foot barn, which was glammed up by the AmosEvents team. Seven 15-foot birch trees — provided by the bride’s brother, who is a landscaper — were potted in natural baskets and positioned throughout the space, along with clusters of pumpkins. Amos created chic lounge areas in rich fall tones, and round dinner tables were draped in rust-colored cloths and topped with autumnal florals. As a nod to Colorado, table numbers were flanked with elk horns — a design element that was also featured on the invitations and menus. Flavor Catering served a three-course dinner, ripe with autumnal flavors, including a golden beet and arugula salad, curried butternut squash soup, beef tenderloin medallions and grilled chicken with mushroom risotto. For dessert, the wedding cake from Dessert Designs was a sour cream pound cake with chocolate truffle and cream cheese icing.

As the night progressed, the elegant reception transformed into a lively Halloween party with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns and dancing to the Atlanta Allstars. A late-night menu of truffled grilled cheese and beef sliders was served before the newlyweds departed through a dazzling tunnel of sparklers.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY NYK + CAL

continued on page 50

48 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

WEDDINGS

COSTUME CHANGE It’s not Halloween without a costume party, so as the night continued, wedding guests added festive touches to their attire, including witches’ hats, face masks and feather boas. There was even a unicorn on the dance floor! But the best surprise of the evening was when the father of the bride disappeared and returned fully costumed as The Riddler.

SPOOKY SCENE Halfway through the reception, the music came to a screeching halt and the Atlanta Allstars started playing “Thriller,” signaling to guests that the Halloween party had officially begun.

The lighting changed and the clusters of pumpkins throughout the space were turned around to reveal candlelit jack-o’-lanterns.

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WEDDINGS

TRICK OR TREAT Even the food got a Halloween makeover for the affair. In a playful nod to the holiday, Flavor Catering created themed hors d’œuvres for the cocktail hour, including pumpkin-shaped hand pies, jalapeño poppers that looked like mummies and charcuterie cones with a breadstick snake.

50 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

An Evening Under The Lights At First Horizon Park

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SUPPORTING CAST For Samantha and Jonathan, it was very important to include the children — seven, to be exact.

Samantha’s niece and nephews and Jonathan’s son and daughter made up the wedding party. The flower girls wore dresses from Pippen Lane in New Orleans, and the ring bearers sported traditional blue blazers and khakis. While Jenny is known for her attention to detail, it was Samantha and Jonathan who arranged for the boys to have custom monogrammed Vans sneakers.

GRAND ENTRANCE The wedding party came down the stairwell, which was adorned with white garden roses and greenery. The highlight of the processional was when Samantha, dressed in a white silk gown with lace sleeves by Vera Wang, descended with her father. In yet another nod to family, Samantha had her maternal and paternal grandmothers’ handkerchiefs wrapped around a bridal nosegay of stunning white ranunculuses.

52 >> JUNE 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

WEDDINGS

Family Affair

Jenny Richter Corts plans an intimate wedding for her sister Samantha Richter and Jonathan Price When Samantha Richter and Jonathan Price became engaged, they knew they wanted an intimate wedding that reflected who they were as individuals, as a couple and as two families about to be joined together. They also knew the perfect person to carry out their vision.

Samantha’s sister, Jenny Richter Corts of Jenny Richter Events, oversaw every detail to create an exceptional day for the couple.

Keeping the emphasis on family, the wedding took place at the home of Samantha and Jenny’s parents, Peggy and Dudley Richter.

Jenny enlisted The Tulip Tree’s Mark O’Bryan to take the already gorgeous setting to another level. They decorated with white garden roses and greenery and chose hybrid blue delphiniums to match a painting in the entry foyer and coral blooms for the dining room.

The ceremony took place in the living room with Cantor Bernard Gutcheon officiating. Surrounded by family, Samantha and Jonathan married under a beautiful chuppah with their children, Philip and Alice, by their sides. Samantha’s maternal great-grandmother’s lace tablecloth adorned the top of the white garden rose chuppah.

Jonathan chose the music for pianist Russell Davis to play for the ceremony, and Samantha’s friend Amy Stroup sang her song “Just You” at the conclusion. A rooftop cocktail reception followed with special touches, including cups that read “The Prices.”

The adults enjoyed a seated meal in the dining room at tables beautifully dressed in family heirlooms. Kristen Winston prepared an exquisite menu beginning with chilled spring pea soup sips and followed by ahi tuna tartare, beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, Gruyère parmesan gratin dauphinoise and individual banana puddings. In the rooftop solarium, the children were entertained with a magic comedy show from Sean the Balloon Guy and ate a less formal menu of fried chicken tenders and Belgian waffles. Dessert Designs created a lemon wedding cake decorated with soft blush icing rhododendrons, in honor of Jonathan’s home state, West Virginia.

“We might be biased because she’s family, but Jenny really is the best,” said Samantha. “[She put] so much thought into the evening.”

From the music to the flowers to the special place settings, Jenny made sure every detail reflected Samantha and Jonathan and gave them an evening that was sweet and intimate and all about family.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRANDON CHESBRO AND KELLY FETTEROLF continued on page 54

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WEDDINGS

COMING TOGETHER Jenny set the dinner tables with a beautiful collection of family heirlooms. Another of Samantha’s maternal great-grandmother’s lace tablecloths covered one table, and all were topped with a mix of her paternal great-grandmother’s and mother’s china.

The addition of her grandmother’s silver and crystal from her great-grandmother and her mother, as well as dinner napkins, made for stunning place settings. Coral charm peonies and Juliet garden roses in green Steuben bowls, family crystal bowls and silver candlesticks completed the look.

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55

WEDDINGS

Garden of Dreams

An elegant wedding and backyard reception from Big Events’ Martha and Malcolm Greenwood A few months before COVID-19 sent the world into lockdown, Martha and Malcolm Greenwood of Big Events designed a classic church ceremony and backyard reception straight out of a dream.

The bride shared her vision of an intimate, understated and elegant wedding decorated in white and ivory with touches of slate blue and greenery incorporated into everything. Martha and Malcolm delivered the perfect setting for the much-anticipated nuptials with 250 guests — a number which would be impossible only a few months later.

As the bride and her family are longtime members of Woodmont Christian Church, the ceremony in the church’s resplendent white nave — the aisle and stage lined with elegant greenery and an assortment of white flowers — was impeccable.

As guests arrived at the bride’s house for the reception, they entered a welcoming foyer tent with wingback chairs and armchairs, tall floor lamps and a candle chandelier hanging above an overflowing floral centerpiece of greenery and white flowers.

Everyone took a moment to sign an oversized marriage license in lieu of a guestbook as they mingled before entering the main event space.

The reception space — a spacious clear span tent with warm, natural hardwood flooring — felt like a grand solarium. Flowers and greenery from the Big Events floral design team were hung over wooden arbors and tables, and white drapes bordered the room and framed the entrances. String lights and crystal bell and teardrop chandeliers bathed the space in golden light.

Guests sat down for dinner at estate dining tables decorated with greenery, flowers and tapered candles under rows of crystal chandeliers. The five-tiered cake featured a smooth, minimalist design — the only ornaments being rings of frosting that looked like small pearl necklaces adorning the base of each layer and a few delicate pieces of greenery on the top, around the sides and at the base.

The popular Atlanta Allstars traveled to Nashville to play the hits while the wedding party and guests danced the night away on a white dance floor under a splendid canopy of greenery and a variety of chandeliers. Later in the evening, guests were treated to Bailey’s milkshakes as a late-night snack before the bride and groom sped away on the groom’s motorcycle.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY CLARK BREWER PHOTOGRAPHY continued on page 58

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CANDLELIGHT DINNER G Catering designed the dinner perfectly for the setting: hors d’œuvres of gougères with bacon and tomato tartare or crostinis with housemade cashew ricotta and roasted grapes; an arugula and roasted butternut squash salad; entrées of either sliced bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with Sage Derby cheddar and apples or red wine-braised short ribs topped with a demi-glace.

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WEDDINGS

MATCHING MENU The invitation and menu papercrafts, which also carried the wedding’s prominent design elements of elegant lettering and watercolor greenery, were designed and created by local stationer Emily O. Holmes Custom Paper Lovelies and were a beautiful complement to the dining table décor.

JUST MARRIED As the evening drew to a close, the bride and groom stepped out to the groom’s waiting motorcycle — he in boots, blue jeans and his tuxedo jacket and she in a white leather jacket, white jeans and white snakeskin heels. Family and friends cheered and waved sparklers as the newlyweds rode off into the night.

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59

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We tell your stories.

Want to become part of ours?

Created by society insiders in 1993, Nfocus is the most trusted source for coverage of Nashville’s vibrant philanthropic and social scene. Throughout our 27-year history, we have covered thousands of charitable events and the nonprofits they support, in addition to highlighting the city’s culinary, retail and cultural offerings. We showcase the very best that Nashville has to offer in every single print issue, as well as on our website, in our emails and on social media.

Our original content, produced monthly by a staff of local contributors exclusively for our publication, covers the latest trends in fashion, dining, interior design, health and beauty, arts and culture, travel, weddings, food and wine and more. With a desire to shine a light on Nashville’s thriving philanthropic and business communities, we focus on the individuals, organizations and artisans that make Nashville so unique.

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V I S I T M E M B E R S H I P. N F O C U S N A S H V I L L E . C O M TO B E C O M E A M E M B E R TO D AY ! | 60 >> JUNE 2021

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NSTYLE

Oh Happy Day

Thoughtful, stylish and locally sourced gifts for members of the wedding party Whether sisters, brothers or best friends, bridesmaids and groomsmen are there before, during and after the “I do’s.” But how do the bride- and groom-to-be best commemorate these special relationships? We want to make it easier for the happy couple, so we asked some local experts for their favorite gifts that stand the test of time.

Wedding planners Jenny Richter Corts, Bruce Pittman, Martha and Malcolm Greenwood, Hugh Howser and Kate Steele chimed in with ideas that ranged from the very specific to “anything with alcohol.” Check out their recommendations that are thoughtful, stylish and, best of all, available locally.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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61

NSTYLE

Flame kerchief, Held mask (Clifton + Leopold); Addison Ross enamel picture frame, Herend monogrammed trinket trays, Tizo crystal bud vase (Corzine & Co.); Eberjey short PJ set, Eberjey Zen eye mask, Eberjey Zen spa robe (Habit); The Classic Twist bracelet, The Diamond Milestone bracelet, The Heavy Weight bracelet, The Monogram bracelet (Yearly Co.)

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NSTYLE

In2Design Diddi earrings, In2Design Ida earrings, In2Design Molly earrings, Neely & Chloe jewelry cases, Turkish-T basic cotton towels (AshBlue); Addison Ross enamel picture frame, Herend monogrammed trinket trays, Tizo crystal bud vase (Corzine & Co.); Salisbury pewter Revere bowl (Draper Jewelry Co.); Eberjey short PJ set (Habit)

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63

NSTYLE

Adieu pocket square, Chevy bow tie, Timshel bow tie (Clifton + Leopold); J. Charles monogrammed bar glasses, Match pewter jigger (Corzine & Co.); Mil Días cigars (Crowned Heads); Salisbury pewter cocktail shaker, Sheridan monogrammed flask (Draper Jewelry Co.); Leather coasters (Lockeland Leather); Trask wallet (Oak Hall)

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NSTYLE

August tie, Fleur pocket square, Icarus tie (Clifton + Leopold); J. Charles monogrammed bar glasses (Corzine & Co.); Gravati dress shoes, Persol sunglasses (Oak Hall); Key fob, Valet tray (Lockeland Leather)

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STEP INSIDE

Lost in the Stacks The Tennessee State Library and Archives has a new, state-of-the-art facility In the new Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) building, history and technology intersect, allowing visitors to view the past through a state-of-the art lens.

In April, TSLA moved from its longtime home near the State Capitol to 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N., completing the 1998 Bicentennial Mall Urban Master Plan. The $123.8-million limestone building, designed by Tuck-Hinton Architecture & Design, includes touch-screen maps, the latest in audio recording and digital equipment, and even a robot.

The lobby of the 165,000-square-foot building features interactive maps showing counties in the past and what they look like now and a variety of exhibits, including the state’s three Constitutions housed in a glass display case. Another highlight is the Rare Book Room, showcasing close to 1,000 books from as early as the 1500s, some unrelated to Tennessee, such as a 1570 German Bible, as well as those bearing presidential signatures.

A grand staircase with a large metal state seal at the top of the landing leads to a reading room that has the look of a traditional library with shelves of books and reading tables. Chuck Sherrill, state librarian and archivist, envisions having a room full of middle schoolers on a class trip, studying Tennessee history and, possibly, their own family genealogy.

“Our traditional user group has been genealogists, historians and lawyers, and we have an opportunity now to expand that,” says Chuck. “The lobby, in particular, was designed for tourists and school groups and just people who might wander in. And we’re already seeing that in this great location. We get people coming up to the door saying, ‘What’s in here? Can I see it?’”

For history buffs, the building is conveniently located near the Tennessee State Museum, which opened in 2018. Appointments are required for visitors who would like a tour and to explore parts of the three-story building other than the main lobby, including the rare book collection, which is kept under lock and key.

One of the highlights of the new building is the automated storage and retrieval system, informally referred to by staff as “the robot.” When a visitor requests a book or document, it is given to an archivist, and the bright yellow machine that mildly resembles a forklift will scan the multitude of resources and typically find the requested item in less than 10 minutes. The visitor can then go to the reading room to do further research.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TENNESSEE STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES

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SEEN AND HEARD The building also has a studio dedicated to recording books on tape for patrons who meet the requirements, whether it’s a visual impairment or another condition that might make it difficult for them to read. Because these books are provided by the Library of Congress specifically for audiobooks and TSLA has special copyright permission, even the latest John Grisham novel is available to qualified Tennesseans without having to wait. In addition, there is an educational playroom, complete with Braille and tactile games for children with disabilities.

A RETURN TO FORMER GLORY A gigantic blast freezer kept near the loading dock, with temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, is able to stop the aging process when pieces come into TSLA until personnel can attend to them in the Conservation Lab. Recently, they received a series of panoramic photographs of the Old Hickory DuPont Gunpowder Plant.

They had been rolled up and become dry and brittle. With the help of a specialized piece of equipment with a built-in humidity chamber, the conservators were able to restore moisture and preserve the photos.

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TA K I N G V O W S

Carolyn E

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUSTIN WRIGHT

dwards F isher Marries Benjamin Max E isem ann

Carolyn Fisher and Ben Eisemann met at Vanderbilt University in 2012. Seven years later, Ben proposed on the balcony of his family home in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. As they descended the stairs, family and friends greeted them with tears and a beautiful celebratory dinner.

Plans for a wedding in April 2020 changed to May 8, 2021, when they married at West Glow Farm in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. Reverend Mark Forrester officiated the ceremony with Southern Strings and Echelon Choir providing the music.

Pure Party Band from Atlanta played at the reception, which was coordinated by Amos Gott of AmosEvents. Dessert Designs created the wedding

cake, and the evening was documented by Phil Colling of Colling Films for friends and relatives who could not attend.

Guests entered the ceremony through a garden arch leading to a birch chuppah adorned with flowers. Tables draped in lavender linens with a marbleized pattern created by the groom’s grandmother flanked the white dance floor. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed hibiscus lavender prosecco punch.

Carolyn’s wedding dress, designed by Muna Abboud of Muna Couture and fashioned of Chantilly lace, was fitted and flared with a scooped neckline, capped sleeves and a V-line back. It was lined with

silk organza over a short-fitted dress of ottoman silk.

Her fingertip veil was edged with a narrow scallop of Chantilly lace. For dancing the night away and leaving to waving sparklers, she changed to a midlength floral Italian crepe de Chine silk dress with a low waistline, full skirt and a long tie in the back.

After a domestic honeymoon in our nation’s national parks, the couple returned to their home in Washington, D.C., where Carolyn is a manager at Deloitte Consulting and Ben is a vice president at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Their parents are Irwin and Jeff Fisher of Nashville and Maggie and Joe Eisemann of Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

BY SANDRA NELSON

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69

BEST B E H AV I O R

sa v e t he date!

The Not-SoPerfect Fit

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

THE MIDDLE MAN A couple of years back, two of my best friends got married. I knew it wasn’t a good idea, and I knew there would be trouble from the start, but I kept my mouth shut. They both want to be in charge of everything. As I might have predicted, they’re getting a divorce now, and it doesn’t look good. I haven’t seen either of them for a year, but I’m determined to stay friends with both of them. How do I do that? I don’t want anybody to think that I’m looking for a date. — Anonymous, East Nashville

a boutique warehouse sale

You want to be both guys’ best friend forever. Good for you, I guess. Two years isn’t a long time, but it must be long enough for a marriage to come and go.

Keeping everybody in balance will be a challenge, should you choose to take it on. To make it clear that you’re not taking sides and to keep it clear that you’re not trolling for a date, let them call you. That way, you’ll stay out of the crosshairs. Since the two of them are control freaks, it will be best to steer clear until the thunderclouds are gone. You didn’t bring the pair together, and you’re not responsible for the marriage falling apart. If you get together with either of them, listen to what they have to say without offering your opinion. Don’t offer it unless you’re asked for it — and probably not even then. You may have been in need of friends over the course of the past year, but keeping your distance still may be the best way to stay close to both of them. They’ve been your friends, and they may want you back. Maybe.

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We’ve been back at the office in person for a couple of months now. While we were away, we met all the time via Zoom, so I guess it didn’t make much difference what anybody was wearing. At least everybody looked decent. But now, women are showing up at work in leggings and men are wearing polo shirts and jeans — even T-shirts — and these are not young people. Don’t tell me to take my complaints to the boss. I’ve already done that. We don’t have a dress code, but surely we can do better than this. What, if anything, should I say? — Anonymous, Cherokee Park Dress codes do exist, whether they’re on the page or not, and whether we like them or not. A pandemic alters things — some for the good, some for the notso-good. You may have to live with Casual Every Day, not just Casual Fridays, for a while. You might form a coalition of the appropriately attired and come to the office every day wearing the right thing on the chance that the ragtag crowd will take the hint. If the down-dressers are in the minority, they’ll probably get the message before too long. If not, you don’t have to capitulate. If they’re wearing what they please, go ahead and do the same thing. Let’s just hope that the T-shirts and leggings are clean.

Stay tuned for information on tickets and participating boutiques! @NFOCUSMAGAZINE

#FASHIONFORAFRACTION

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BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems at nfocusmagazine.com.

Coming out of quarantine with a fresh new look!

Check out our new website at nfocusmagazine.com. nfocusmagazine.com

| JUNE 2021 <<

71

NRETROSPECT

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FIFTYFORWARD, 1956-1960

Forever Young Looking back at the history of FiftyForward

Officially chartered in 1956 by Mayor Ben West, the then-called Senior Citizens Inc. first opened its doors to Nashville’s active seniors.

Quilting sessions and dances were popular among the programs offered three days a week at the original downtown Knowles Center.

In 2008, the name change to FiftyForward more accurately reflected the programs offered to those 50 years and older at seven locations in Davidson and Williamson counties. This year marks a big milestone for the organization as it celebrates 65 years of service, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Keep current on anniversary happenings and the wide range of activities for older adults and their families by visiting fiftyforward.org.

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