Issuu

JANUARY 2026

EXPERIENTIAL WEDDING TRENDS WINTER EVENTS DRE A MY DESTINATIONS

LASTING LOVE Bridal looks that transcend time

NATURAL & LAB GROWN DIAMOND COLLECTIONS

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Making Moments Together Extraordinary

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With expansive environments, flexible spaces, flawless service, and the expert teams to bring your event to life, Gaylord Springs Golf Links brings people together in an extraordinary way. Our destination venue is purpose-built for your needs and those of your attendees. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting or a dream wedding, our industry-leading planners are ready to help you realize every detail and possibility of your vision in breathtaking, one-of-a-kind settings.

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J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Gaylord Springs Pavilion

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CONTENTS January 2026 | Vol. XXXIII, No. 1

features 23 39

Lasting Love

Bridal looks that transcend time

May the Circle Be Unbroken Centennial Park Conservancy’s fresh take on philanthropy celebrates 3 years

Holiday Sparkle

Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea provides festive fun for all ages

ON THE COVER

Daystar’s Night to Shine

The 36th Evening in December fights barriers to mental health care

Light Shines in the Darkness

Bill Haslam speaks at the Gentlemen’s Breakfast

One Two Three, One Two Three

Tabletop Tidings

The 41st annual Symphony Ball transforms into a Viennese Waltz

Gia Sta Heria Sou

departments

Sparkling Settings spreads holiday cheer with charming tablescapes 52

Jawana Kindred of AMAX Talent in a Mark Ingram Bride Fernande set from The Bride Room and hat by Christine A. Moore. Photographed by Tausha Dickinson on location at Watson House, the private home of Ellen Smith. For more on bridal fashion, turn to page 23.

Resilience and Renewal

The 2025 Light the Way Luncheon is a poignant reminder that hope shines brightest together

Elevated I Do’s

Immersive experiences are the present — and future — of wedding trends

parties

The Centennial Park Conservancy celebrates Greek cuisine at the Centennial Circle Dinner

A Very Viennese Evening

The Symphony Ball Patrons Party is a triumph

13 14

In Our Words

Facing a new year with optimism for the future

Behind the Scenes

Holly Kernan, Nashville Public Radio

Step Inside

Famed New York City Chinese restaurant, Philippe Chow, opens in Music City

Worth the Drive

Nretrospect

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort John Bouchard & Sons Co. celebrates 125 years

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

IN OUR WORDS

Editorial

founding editor

Herbert Fox Jr. editor-in-chief

Janet Kurtz

contributing editor

Lindsey Lanquist associate editor

Madeleine Bradford social correspondent

Gloria Houghland editorial intern

Ria Skyer

contributors

Beth Alexander, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Carrington Fox, Paige Gawley, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, D. Patrick Rodgers, Nancy Vienneau

Art

art director

Christie Passarello senior photographer

Eric England

staff photographer

Angelina Castillo

contributing photographers/videographers

Tausha Dickinson, Kristen Drum, Michael Scott Evans, Peyton Hoge, Iris Leonardo, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Alan Poizner graphic designers

Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck

Advertising publisher

Stepping Boldly Facing a new year with optimism for the future

Olivia Moye Britton

advertising solutions consultants

Teresa Birdsong, Kailey Idziak, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Allie Robbins, Niki Tyree, Andrea Vasquez, Alissa Wetzel sales operations manager

AS MANY AROUND the world welcome the new year, they enter a moment that invites reflection on personal growth and the possibilities ahead. The season naturally lends itself to themes of renewal, confidence and stepping boldly into what comes next. The wind carries a whisper of anticipation for the great things to come. Many brides this year are ready to move into a new season of their lives — and they want to look their absolute best. In this issue, we explore contemporary bridal styles that nod to the past while fully embracing the future. Associate editor Madeleine Bradford visits with event planner Bruce Pittman to discuss how experiential bridal trends are defining today’s weddings. And Margaret Littman takes us on a journey to the beautiful Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, a perfect wedding venue. This month, Carrington Fox also takes us behind the scenes with Holly Keman, the new president and CEO of Nashville Public Radio. Whitney Clay steps inside the new Gulch hotspot Philippe Chow to dish on design. I sit down with Centennial Park Conservancy president John Tumminello and Four Seasons Hotel Nashville chef Derek Simcik to talk about the vision of the Centennial Circle Dinner. And we close the 2025 social season with Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea, Sparkling Settings, Symphony Ball and more. As we look ahead, Nashville feels very much in stride with the season — full of energy, new ideas and a fresh sense of purpose. We are watching nonprofits pivot to meet the challenges of fundraising, and we see Nashville walking in tandem with this mission. As several organizations celebrate milestone anniversaries this year, we will be there to share their stories with you, our Nfocus friends. This issue reflects that momentum, and I hope it inspires you to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

Chelon Hasty

advertising solutions associates

Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal

Marketing

events and marketing director

Robin Fomusa event manager

Tristan Maryanski

director of brand partnerships

Alissa Wetzel

Circulation

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

Business president

Mike Smith chief financial officer

Todd Patton IT director

John Schaeffer BY JANET KURTZ Janet moved to Nashville 27 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler.

digital director

Caroline Prater

Owner

FW Publishing, LLC Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Thursday, January 15, 2026. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusmagazine.com. Firstclass subscriptions are available for $100 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 615 MAIN ST., Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37206 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call OLIVIA MOYE BRITTON at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2025 FW Publishing, LLC.

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Immerse yourself in a performance where romance, magic, and destiny collide.

FEB 27 - MAR 1 T PA C ’ S J A C K S O N H A L L

For More Information or to Purchase Tickets, Visit NashvilleBallet.com

Ballet Ball Saturday, March 7, 2026 Schermerhorn Symphony Center

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Thank you Centennial Circle members for another wonderful evening at the Parthenon!

Centennial Park Conservancy extends its sincere thanks to our dedicated Centennial Circle members for supporting our mission to sustain the vibrancy of the Park and Parthenon. We recently gathered for our annual Centennial Circle Dinner, which featured an exquisite Greek-inspired culinary experience prepared by the talented team at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. We are also grateful for our presenting partner The Smith Group of Truist Investments Services for making this event possible.

Learn more about the benefits of Patron Circle membership and how to Centennial Park at ConservancyOnline.com/Patron-Circles. J A N U A R Y 2 02 6support | nfocusmagazine.com

BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes With Holly Kernan of Nashville Public Radio

IN MAY 2025, Nashville Public Radio announced that veteran journalist and fourthgeneration Californian Holly Kernan would move from KQED-FM in San Francisco to serve as president and CEO, overseeing the local news and NPR station WPLN-FM 90.3, the music discovery station WNXP-FM 91.1, and the classical music streaming service 90.3 HD-2, starting in August. Then in July, before Holly and her husband, Mike Woitalla, touched down in MetroCenter, federal funding cuts eliminated approximately $400,000 from the Nashville stations’ budgets, raising the challenge — and the opportunity — for Nashville Public Radio and its new leader. Fluent in English and Spanish, with degrees from the University of California at Santa Barbara and New York University, KQED’s former chief content officer now brings her decades of public media leadership and a résumé of innovation and growth in broadcast journalism to this pivotal moment in Nashville Public Radio’s 63-year history. What attracted you to Nashville and Nashville Public Radio after decades in California? My husband, Mike, and I are so excited to become part of this community. Nashville is such a vibrant city, full of magic and dreams and possibility and such kind and friendly people — it’s a place where people give back and step up to make things happen. And you can’t beat the music here, but you can move to it! Why is public radio important to the Nashville community? Public radio supports an informed and connected community. It’s a place to bring people together, so we can [connect with] our neighbors in rural Tennessee, listen to new music together, examine what makes Nashville magical and what needs to be fixed, and imagine our shared future together. What are the top challenges and priorities as you settle in? Over the summer, we lost federal funding for public broadcasting, which is almost half a million a year in annual support for Nashville Public Radio. I came here on a mission to revitalize public radio at a time of crisis, and to turn [that crisis] into an opportunity to build on the six decades of community service of Nashville Public Radio.

THE BASICS Name: Holly Kernan Hometown: Formerly Oakland, Calif., and now Nashville, Tenn. Time in Nashville: 5 months ZIP code: 37228 Greyhounds rescued: 3 (soon to be 4)

What opportunities are you most excited about for listeners of Nashville Public Radio? There are so many! WNXP, our music discovery station, is celebrating its fifth birthday. We are also expanding community events. Bringing people together in real life in a time of so much technological change is exciting — combining what we do on air and also offering opportunities for people to meet and share conversation. We want to help retain that smalltown feel in a growing village of 2 million people. Coming from a public radio community with a supporter base many times that of Nashville Public Radio, how can you build a broader subscriber base here? Nashville has all the ingredients already, and Nashville Public Radio has an impressive record of six decades of service. We just have to get the word out about this community jewel

and remind people that our strength is in joining together to build on our anchor institutions and increase our service together. Now, all of our support comes directly from our community. How can the Nashville community engage with and support this media resource? Please come to an event, listen in, follow us on Instagram, download our app, contact me to collaborate, and do become a member. Where might we bump into you in your free time? My husband and I rescue greyhounds. We lost our beloved boy Cody over the summer ... but we hope to adopt a greyhound again here in Nashville. We love hiking and riding bikes, and the Nashville area is great for that. I like to take dance classes and look forward to having time to do that again soon. I love history and am enjoying the many museums here. My husband is a soccer writer and the executive editor of Soccer America, so we like to attend the SC Nashville games. What a great crowd! BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

STEP INSIDE

When in Beijing Famed New York City Chinese restaurant, Philippe Chow, opens in Music City PHILIPPE CHOW, the legendary New York City restaurant that’s almost as well known for its celebrity patronage as it is for its Peking duck, has opened in Cummins Station. On a recent weeknight, upbeat pop music blared from speakers on the patio to welcome patrons. The 10,000-squarefoot space — a former 1906 train depot — has been transformed. As guests enter, they’re greeted by a 40-foot fixture covered in porcelain ginkgo leaves. “[The gingko tree] is 200 million years old, and it has survived everything,” says Abraham Merchant, CEO of Philippe Chow. The piece, which took three weeks to hand assemble, honors longevity, an appropriate symbol for a restaurant concept celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the years, Philippe Chow has amassed a devoted following. Rapper Cardi B name-drops the upscale Chinese eatery on both her studio albums — once calling it her “favorite restaurant in the world” on Instagram. Celebrities including Oprah, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Matt Damon and Stephen Curry have been spotted at its flagship Upper East Side location (which opened in 2005 and is now moving to

Midtown). The Nashville restaurant, which seats 290, is its fourth outpost. Other locations include downtown Manhattan, Washington, D.C., and Kuwait City. “None of the restaurants look the same — and none in the future will look the same — but they will exude the same understated luxury,” says Abraham. “Everything is designed. It’s deliberate.” Just like the ginkgo fixture represents the restaurant’s endurance, its gold décor has a purpose, as the color is considered auspicious in Chinese culture. Architect and design firm //3877, which has offices in New York and Washington, D.C., helmed the project. The space itself dictated some of the design decisions. A row of structural columns could have been a challenge, but encased in matte gold and antiqued mirrored tiles, they add to the opulence. Tables with white linen tablecloths are surrounded by jewel-toned chairs and banquettes covered in real velvet. “We try not to shout,” says Abraham. “But when you touch a velvet chair, you feel it.”

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BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY SETH PARKER AND NATHAN ZUCKER

PRIVATE DINING A gold statue of a Chinese terracotta warrior stands sentinel outside a private dining room, which can seat up to 80 guests. Wine-colored banquettes and gold velvet chairs flank tables dressed in white. A large-screen TV — discreetly hidden — is available for corporate events and rehearsal dinners, where audio-visual options might be requested. In addition to the private dining room, the main dining room and the Gibson Cocktail Lounge (created in collaboration with Gibson Guitars), there’s an outdoor patio — perfect for people watching.

STEP INSIDE

GOOD NEIGHBORS Philippe Chow and Gibson’s collaboration, the Gibson Cocktail Lounge, features blue velvet club chairs, yellow velvet ottomans, and gold-toned cocktail tables. Shadowboxes showcase a Gibson guitar being built from beginning to end. “We want to immerse [ourselves] in Nashville,” says Abraham. “We’re outsiders, right? We’re not saying we’re not, but we need to immerse [ourselves] in the culture.” Paying homage to an iconic guitarmaker was one way to do that. “That was just the most excellent thing we could do,” he adds. “Fortunately, [Gibson is] two doors down from us.”

ON THE MENU Executive chef and founder Philippe Chow worked with Nashville chef Jason Francisco to design the Music City menu. One highlight is the famed Peking duck, carved tableside. A fan favorite is the Beijing chicken, as delicious here as it is in New York. The wok-fired green beans are the perfect accompaniment. Because, as Abraham has observed, Nashvillians love their steak, menu additions include a wagyu New York strip steak with Szechuan sauce and a dry-aged cowboycut ribeye drizzled with miso-and-mango butter.

WORTH THE DRIVE

THE BASICS What: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Where: Braselton, Ga. Distance from Nashville: 280 miles

Worth the Drive: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

Why it stands out: The large resort has a focus on wine, thanks to its vineyards.

A North Georgia resort offers a wine-centric weekend getaway NORTH GEORGIA ISN’T immediately synonymous with winemaking, but at Chateau Elan, you get to experience the first winery and vineyard built in the area since Prohibition. It started as a small vineyard producing muscadine wine and now includes a 3,500acre resort with vineyards, a winery, a spa, swimming pools and golf courses. Muscadine grapes still grow on these rolling hills, and the winemakers now bring in California grapes as well. Grapes, wine and the vineyards — which are planted throughout the resort so you can see them from different vantage points — are the foundation of Chateau Elan today. The resort has been designed to resemble a 16th-century European château (hence the name) with a lot of decidedly American amenities. It’s hard to believe you’ll encounter a replica of the French countryside when you exit I-85 and enter the resort from a suburban roundabout. But once you drive through the gate, you’ll see a sculpture of a woman stomping grapes in a fountain, surrounded by symmetrical plantings and roads, leading to Chateau Elan’s winery. From some areas of the resort, you do hear and see the roadway, but even in winter when the leaves are off the trees, it isn’t obtrusive. In addition to its winery roots, Braselton, Ga., has more interesting history. In the late 1980s (just a few years after Chateau Elan opened), actress Kim Basinger purchased the majority of the town, hoping to build a movie studio. She sold it in the mid-1990s when facing financial difficulties. Some say her story

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was an inspiration for the TV show Schitt’s Creek. There are other Hollywood connections, too. Many TV programs have been filmed at the resort, including Murdaugh: Death in the Family. Recently remodeled, Chateau Elan is now a multifaceted resort with a gated living community, as well as an inn, a lodge, a spa, a racquet club, golf courses, and other amenities for locals and visitors. The area’s many beautiful views — and the capacity to host parties and conferences — make it a destination for weddings, too. The winery and vineyards are the draw. The resort offers tastings with a sommelier and extensive wine lists at each of its restaurants — not to mention more than 175 bottles of bourbon. But even those with limited interest in wine will be able to amuse themselves. There’s plenty of lounge space, including cabanas by the outdoor pool and hammocks behind the winery and spa. There are outdoor firepits for s’mores and indoor fireplaces for reading or playing board games (which you can check out from the hotel staff ), plus volleyball, bocce ball and hot tubs with waterfall backdrops. There’s a full-service, multi-level spa. Some of the products used in the treatments are made from grapeseed oil and other wine-related ingredients. And there are 45 holes of golf, plus multiple gift shops. Thanks to its proximity to Atlanta (and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), Chateau Elan welcomes a diverse crowd, including wedding parties and wedding-goers who appreciate the resort’s many good photo ops.

WHAT’S NEARBY Chateau Elan is about 45 miles from Atlanta. Near the resort are all sorts of suburban offerings, including several restaurants. While it’s easy to head into Atlanta, there’s enough to do at the resort to keep you entertained. And shuttle service is included with your resort fee, so you can get from the golf course to the spa to the inn without getting in your car.

WHAT TO DO The resort fee includes use of bikes and nature trails, tennis and pickleball, swimming pools and hot tubs, and three different golf courses. Take advantage of the spa treatments, or just unwind with live music at the Irish pub. Seasonal activities run the gamut from Vineyard Fest, a two-day wine festival, to Mother’s Day afternoon tea.

WORTH THE DRIVE

WHERE TO EAT Unlike some resorts, Chateau Elan has a number of on-site restaurants — each with a different feel and menu. This lets you stay on property for multiple days and nights without getting bored. Options range from Marc Bar & Restaurant, a chophouse in the winery, to Versailles Restaurant, which serves French-inspired food under a giant atrium (reminiscent of Gaylord Opryland). There’s also spa dining, a gastropub, a golf-course-adjacent lunch spot near a coffee shop, a tasting room, and an Irish pub.

HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP As is the case with dining, there are lots of options for places to stay, including standard hotel rooms in the inn, suites in the spa building, and multi-bedroom villas. The resort also owns the onsite Hampton Inn, which is referred to as the lodge. Many rooms have views of the area’s rolling hills, including the vineyard, nature trails and surrounding landscape. BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHATEAU ELAN WINERY & RESORT

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

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FA S H I O N

LASTING LOVE Bridal looks that transcend time

Editor: Janet Kurtz Associate Editor: Madeleine Bradford Art Director: Christie Passarello Photographer: Tausha Dickinson Photographer Assistant: Anthony Romano Stylist: Bruce Pittman Inc. Stylist Assistants: Caroline Pittman, Hannah Preston, Linnea Tweedy Models: Jawana Kindred | AMAX Talent, Laura Hanson Sims | AMAX Talent Hair and Makeup: Madison Dennis, Nichole Holloway-Smithson Florists: FIORELLA Nashville, Jen Solesby Designs, Geny’s Flowers, Pardon My Petals, Lauren Marie Atkinson Designs Location: Watson House, the private home of Ellen Smith

Shop: The Bride Room Dress: Monique Lhuillier Nicoletta embroidered ball gown Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamra true white pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: White topaz drop earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Ring: Hummingbird and bird bath ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

FA S H I O N

Shop: The Dress Theory Dress: SAINT Bridal Couture Scarlette boiled chiffon gown Shoes: Dolce Vita Kanika vanilla pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: Golden South sea pearl and canary diamond briolette drop earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Hairpiece: Yellow gold and green sapphire tulip earrings (pinned in hair) (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Florist: Jen Solesby Designs

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Shop: The Bride Room Dress: Mark Ingram Bride Alexa strapless crêpe bodice gown Cape: Mark Ingram Bride plissé tulle collar Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamra true white heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: Sophie Bille Brahe Botticelli Diamant pearl earrings (Department Nashville) Florist: Geny’s Flowers

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

ORGINAL . EPIC. YOURS .

Photo Credit: Rachel & Noah Ray Photography

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FA S H I O N

Shop: Olia Zavozina Bridal Dress: Olia Zavozina Versailles Leighton jacquard gown Corsage: Olia Zavozina Versailles Leighton neck tie (worn on wrist) Shoes: Dolce Vita Kanika vanilla pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: Ginkgo leaf earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry) Ring: Model’s own

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

KAREN MOORE

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Scan For Video Footage

FA S H I O N

Shop: The Bride Room Top: Mark Ingram Bride Fernande silk mikado strapless top Pants: Mark Ingram Bride Fernande silk mikado cropped pants Fascinator: Christine A. Moore Millinery silkcovered juliet cap fascinator (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamra true white pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: Baguette diamond flower earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Necklace: Pear- and brilliant-cut diamond necklace (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Florist: FIORELLA Nashville

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

FA S H I O N

Shop: The Dress Theory Dress: SAINT Bridal Couture Fiora strapless chiffon gown Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamra true white pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: Sophie Bille Brahe Venus Blanc pearl earrings (Department Nashville) Florist: Pardon My Petals

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Shop: Adorn Nashville Bridal Shop Dress: Rita Vinieris Alyne Pippa satin ball gown Shoes: Dolce Vita Kanika vanilla pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: White Topaz and diamond yellow-gold earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Ring: Model’s own Florist: Geny’s Flowers

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

Say YES to an elevated bridal experience in Nashville with exclusive designers, customized wedding dresses, and expert bridal styling. ADORN Bridal | Located on historic Music Row AdornNashville.com 32

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FA S H I O N

Shop: Adorn Nashville Bridal Shop Dress: Nicole + Felicia NF114 textured petal ball gown Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamra true white pearl heels (Dillard’s) Earrings: White topaz mixed-shape Blossom earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Florist: Lauren Marie Atkinson Designs

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

FA S H I O N

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F E AT U R E

ELEVTED I DO’S Immersive experiences are the present — and future — of wedding trends

GONE ARE THE DAYS of cookie-cutter weddings. Experiential celebrations are in — and here to stay. Wedding industry pros, like Nashville-based event planner Bruce Pittman, have observed a shift away from the traditional and toward the immersive, where every element of a couple’s day is expertly tailored to their love story. “We’ve trended from, ‘We want to host a nice event,’ to pushing the limits a little bit further with these experiences,” he says. By today’s standards, an awe-inspiring wedding engages all five senses — and should reflect the couple in everything from the cuisine to the décor. “If we can find something that represents them, that’s always going to be remembered,” says Bruce.

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F E AT U R E

FIRST IMPRESSIONS BRUCE OFTEN STARTS his planning process by asking clients a crucial question: “What are we going to do for the wedding that is going to touch your guests’ senses?” He believes wonder should set in at the entrance. Candles or diffusers can draw revelers in with scent and set the mood. Passed Champagne and cocktails upon arrival — maybe presented with tastefully branded trays, lamps and cocktail napkins — also do the trick. Then comes the ceremony — perhaps the most pivotal first impression of all. “I would equate it to going to a play,” says Bruce. “The curtains are opening, and you’re seeing the first scene of their marriage.” Couples can enhance this moment with personal vow presentations — penned in a shared journal or displayed as art — and projected videos of cherished memories.

IMMERSIVE INSTALLATIONS NOTHING SUCKS GUESTS into the world of a wedding like breathtaking visuals. Immersive installations and elaborate décor help set standout weddings apart from the rest — and offer even more opportunities for personalization. “Social media has changed the norm of what should be expected, or what a wedding does include,” says Bruce. “It’s very important for [couples] to do something different than their friends. That pushes us to do something great.” When appropriate, tasetful cultural nods can elevate celebrations. To enhance one couple’s Indian wedding, Bruce played with bright colors and lavish florals. For another couple, his team arranged an authentic Persian cake and tea service, where servers wore traditional dresses to further transport guests. Honoring the bride and groom’s family heritage can also create meaningful moments. At one wedding, a family floral business provided all the flowers. At another, the couple had escort cards crafted out of wood from a family barn.

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F E AT U R E

CUSTOM BITES AND BEVS WHO SAYS WEDDING food must adhere to the age-old question “chicken or beef ?” Nowadays, a menu can be just as experiential as the rest of a celebration — and hardly any two couples crave the same culinary lineup. Catering companies have begun prioritizing higher-end offerings with experiential and global flair. These menus are tailored to clients’ wishes and often not found online. Standardization is out, and customization is in. The bride and groom may want their oysters freshly shucked. Or their cannolis prepared in front of them and delivered on gleaming trays. Maybe they even want their sides to feel a little sentimental. (One couple served asparagus grown from a family farm with every entrée.) And of course, cocktails offer plenty of room to play. “For every wedding, I feel like we have signature cocktails,” says Bruce, adding that cocktails warrant their own planning meeting. While some opt for a few curated beverages, others create fully customized drink menus. “In Nashville, we’ve caught up — and even surpassed — some other cities on what we offer in the food scene and bar scene,” says Bruce. “When we go out, we’re accustomed to craft cocktails, and we love them. Now our couples want that to be part of their wedding.”

Don’t be surprised if you attend a wedding and find the bride and groom’s signature drink orders on the menu. Or cocktail recreations from their favorite bar or restaurant. Bruce attests that drinks shouldn’t just be tasty — they should be visually enticing. Think a custom cosmopolitan topped with a dissipating smoke bubble. Those who want to go above and beyond can reimagine the bar with a unique drink-serving setup. “We [can] have something built where they’re ringing a doorbell for the beverage,” says Bruce.

LATE-NIGHT SNACKS COPIOUS TRIPS TO the dance floor can work up an appetite — and once their fine dining digests, many couples want their favorite takeout at the reception. Bruce says the late-night snack is one of the most fun elements to plan, and like everything else, it should be significant to the couple. Are soft pretzels the bride’s go-to snack? There should be trays and trays of them. Is the groom prone to midnight hankerings for Taco Bell? Add Crunchwrap Supremes to the lineup. “We had one couple a few years ago that were at Vanderbilt University, and their first date was at SATCO,” says Bruce. “We got their favorite two tacos and passed those for the late-night snack.”

DESIRABLE KEEPSAKES BRUCE ARGUES THAT the modern challenge is coming up with fresh, enticing party favors that won’t be shoved in closets once the wedding ends. To avoid this unsavory fate, couples can reimagine parting gifts as a way to commemorate each guest’s experience. Customizable trucker hats have become popular in the South, and there’s even been a rise in on-site tattoo artists — a must-stop reception spot once drinks start flowing. But if having people get inked up at your wedding isn’t your speed, you could instead have a live artist draw or paint custom guest portraits. Rented photo booths provide the same effect — a lasting impression of the friends and fashion that make an evening extramagical. “These guest portraits and sketches are very popular,” says Bruce. “Photo booths … have morphed into black-and-white glamour shots. We want that very luxe, sleek photo that we look fabulous in.” And for the newlyweds, an event painter can create the most meaningful keepsake of all — a snapshot of their love being celebrated among their closest family and friends. BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO, ERIC ENGLAND

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F E AT U R E

John Tumminello

MY THE CICLE BE UNBOKEN Centennial Park Conservancy’s fresh take on philanthropy celebrates 3 years IN 1903, just six years after the Tennessee Centennial and International Exhibition, Centennial Park opened as Nashville’s first large public park. As industrialization reshaped cities, public parks offered residents a respite from crowded urban centers. Centennial Park quickly became a beloved centerpiece of a growing Nashville.

 STOIED HISTOY OVER ITS 123-YEAR history, Centennial Park has relied on many stewards and supporters. In 1985, the Athena Fund Foundation formed to raise money for an Athena statue inside the Parthenon. As the organization’s mission expanded, its name and focus evolved — from the Parthenon Patrons Foundation, to Friends of Centennial Park and the Parthenon, to The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park — before settling on the simpler name Centennial Park Conservancy in 2019. Originally created to support only the Parthenon, the organization broadened its scope in 2005 to include all of Centennial Park, reflecting a more holistic approach to preservation and programming.

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

F E AT U R E

As the park evolved, so did its fundraising strategy. For years, the Conservancy Gala served as the organization’s signature fundraiser, engaging donors while raising critical funds. Attendance often reached 500 guests, who gathered under a tent beside the Parthenon. As the guest list grew, costs increased. After the final gala in 2021, founding conservancy president Sylvia Rappaport approached current president John Tumminello with a suggestion: It might be time to sunset the event. “And then it was, what do we do next?” John said. “I started thinking about a different model — something more relationship-based rather than event-based — and that’s how the idea for the Centennial Circle came about.”

 NEW MODEL THE CENTENNIAL CIRCLE introduced a more intimate and costeffective way to raise essential funds for the conservancy. The vision called for 25 donors to join the inner circle, with members invited to an annual thank-you dinner. The concept was intentionally simple: Gather once a year, without tuxedos, ball gowns or crowded receptions — just a small group of friends sharing an unforgettable evening. From the start, the program resonated with Centennial Circle members. The dinners brought guests back year after year, solidifying relationships while sustaining the conservancy’s mission and strengthening its financial footing. By reducing the overhead associated with a large-scale gala, the program has allowed more donor dollars to go directly toward the care, preservation and programming of Centennial Park. The model has been so successful that it’s only natural to wonder whether it will catalyze change across Nashville’s nonprofit sector. “I think when we were presented with the opportunity to sunset the gala, it gave us a point to sit back and talk about what might be next,” John said. “One of the things that it has enabled us to do is to have a more in-depth relationship with everyone.”

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Derek Simcik

FIVE-STR PTNES “WHEN WE FIRST envisioned it, we imagined a chef ’s odyssey,” John said. “A culinary journey where each year explores a different country and cuisine.” From the beginning, the goal was to create a oncein-a-lifetime experience — something guests would never experience quite the same way again. In the Centennial Circle Dinner’s inaugural year, the conservancy partnered with Four Seasons Hotel Nashville to bring the chef ’s odyssey to life with an evening inspired by Italy. During dinner, the Caloroso Quartet serenaded guests with music selected to complement the menu. The following year transported guests to France, pairing refined dishes with musical interludes. Each year built upon the last, culminating this year in a tribute to Greece. With the 35th anniversary of the Athena statue, the 40th anniversary of the Centennial Park Conservancy, and chef Derek Simcik’s Greek heritage all in play, the evening surpassed its predecessors.

The dinners come with logistical challenges — chief among them, the Parthenon’s lack of a kitchen. Each year, chefs must think creatively to execute the menu within the historic space. But creativity is no stranger to Four Seasons chefs — and Derek is no exception. When planning this year’s dinner, he liked the idea of “taking a modern approach of telling the story of the statue being created.” So he did just that. When asked whether he’d begun thinking about a theme for the 2026 dinner, Derek offered a thoughtful pause. “One day, the inspiration is going to come,” he said. “And when it does, it sparks something magical, like what happened that night. I don’t try to force it.” BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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PA R T I E S

esilience nd enewl

The 2025 Light the Way Luncheon is a poignant reminder that hope shines brightest together

Willie Sims, Matthew Thigpen

Stephen Francescon, Ellen O’Neal, Karen Thompson

Susan Galeas, Gretchen Funk

he Belle Meade Ballroom at the Green Hills Hilton glowed with soft candlelight as more than 200 supporters gathered for the 2025 Light the Way Luncheon, an annual celebration of resilience, renewal and the profound mission of Thistle Farms. The crowd reflected the familiar and devoted mix of community leaders, dedicated volunteers, corporate partners and longtime advocates who return each year to stand with women rebuilding their lives. Guests settled into their seats as Kim Stevens, national network specialist for Thistle Farms, opened the program with words of gratitude and a reminder of the organization’s ongoing work to support women who have experienced trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Presenting sponsor Karen Thompson of HCA Healthcare followed with heartfelt remarks underscoring the importance of corporate partnership in sustaining opportunities for healing and employment. Board chair Brooke Schiferle offered a powerful reflection on the steep barriers survivors face. She asked the audience to consider the so-called “rap sheet” many of them carry — a lasting record of crimes committed under the manipulation, coercion and violence of traffickers. She emphasized how rarely these circumstances are understood or explained, and how essential Thistle Farms is in opening doors that would otherwise remain closed. The afternoon’s most moving moments came during a panel discussion moderated by Thistle Farms CEO Tasha Kennard. Four alums openly shared their journeys, describing how they found refuge at Thistle Farms, gained meaningful employment, and eventually stepped confidently into the wider world. Their stories, delivered with honesty and grace, drew both tears and applause. Then, Thistle Farms founder and president, the Rev. Becca Stevens, took the stage barefoot, as is her tradition. She thanked the board members, sponsors and attendees, whose generosity fuels the mission. She repeated her timeless reminder that love is the force that changes everything, and that when you invest in women, entire communities are transformed. Volunteers and corporate partners, she noted, are the spark that keeps the candle lit. BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Brooke Schiferle

Annie Thornhill, Kelly Jamerson, Sara Bogue

Mandy Broderick, Terrié Moore, Emily Winkler

Mark Yancy, Sarah Lonn-Maher, Annie Thornhill

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PA R T I E S

Holidy Sprkle

Gabrielle Willis with Louise, Emily, Paige

Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea provides festive fun for all ages



s always, Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea overflowed with cookies, dancers and festive fun for the whole family. The beloved annual fundraiser supports Nashville Ballet’s masterful programming — and gives children the opportunity to roam a land where sweets and costumed ballerinas abound. This year, Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts boasted a lengthy line out the door, with kids, parents and grandparents alike donning their best seasonal looks. Co-chairs Ashley Herring, Kayla Clayborne Counts and Blair Steakley Lund circulated the room and greeted guests upon arrival, alongside Nashville Ballet’s leadership team. Children excitedly lined up for photo ops with characters from Nashville Ballet productions. Many also grabbed treats from elegantly decorated tables covered in red and green sugar cookies and delicate macarons. True to form, the event offered activities galore, including a pointe-shoe-decorating station, coloring pages, face painting and holiday-themed balloon art. The pinnacle of this Sunday afternoon occurred when cast members of Nashville’s Nutcracker performed a condensed version of the upcoming production, beginning with Clara receiving a nutcracker at her family’s holiday party and ending with a grand finale — “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Guests of all ages gathered around in wonder, eagerly catching glimpses of the spectacle, which teased what would take center stage at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center later that month. For just launching in 2023, Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea garnered yet another impressive turnout — and has already cemented itself as an annual family-friendly holiday staple.

Karyn Frist with Campbell, Kathryn, Amelia Fearn

Nick Mullikin, Katie Vasilopoulos

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Gigi Wingo, Cora Jane Schrader, Laine Sharp

Doreatha Churchwell, Crystal Churchwell Evans with Julia

Co-chairs Ashley Herring, Blair Steakley Lund, Kayla Clayborne Counts

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Ann Ralls Brown, Laura Niewold, Katie Atkins-Ritzen

Tori Alexander with Mamie, Eliza, Birdie

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PA R T I E S

Co-chairs Murray Clayton, Gloria Houghland

Deby Pitts, Vicki Horne, Laurie Seabury

Tbletop Tidins

Sparkling Settings spreads holiday cheer with charming tablescapes

Ginger Stephenson, Irwin Fisher, Lynn Green



full house of holiday revelers gathered to admire the range of festive tables and décor at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for the 20th anniversary of the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee’s Sparkling Settings. Well-loved chairs mean a robust crowd. Co-chairs Murray Clayton and Gloria Houghland began planning in July, and it showed. The event drew friends of all ages, including special guest Jim Marvin, who decorates the White House for all seasons. Many who’ve attended this event for decades were agog at the tabletop displays — naturally, so were the first-timers. Celebrating the season, guests donned Christmas red and firtree green, while others opted for winter white. Perhaps following the cues of the event title, jackets and sweaters with tasteful spangles and sequins glittered, reflecting the lights of Botanic Hall while Santa (pianist John Starbuck) played familiar holiday tunes, as sweet and spicy as gingerbread. Guests wove between the tables comparing the themed centerpieces, linen and décor. Each table hostess interpreted a theme — red-and-green plaid, heirloom silver, elegant black. The Wild Animal table was a standout. Elsewhere, a dreamy rotating carousel, quietly playing a holiday repertoire, was straight out of Babes in Toyland. Other themes included Merry Mah Jong, the Hunt, blue chinoiserie, and Wild About Christmas, which was all silver flatware and embroidered linens. The co-chairs took a moment to thank those who’d contributed to the event and the many who attended. Gloria added, “If you’re ever asked to chair something with Murray Clayton, do it. She can make anything happen!” Murray returned the compliment, of course. The two of them are a creative force for a fun and sophisticated event — emphasis on fun. A generous buffet from Chef ’s Market included crisp red- and green-leaf lettuce salad, chicken breasts, and passed chocolate truffles for a sweet finale. Santa’s sleigh might have floated through as spirits were high. And Sparkling Settings greeted the occasion with a spritz of Christmas magic.

Liz Sillay, Rene Houghland

BY BETH ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Joy Smith, Michelle Dermenjian

Lacey Houghland Samuel, Sara Jo Walker

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

PA R T I E S

Gi St Heri Sou

Trish and John Lindler

The Centennial Park Conservancy celebrates Greek cuisine at the Centennial Circle Dinner Starters: Poseidon’s Pearls Oyster, pomegranate pearls, seaweed powder

Denise Cummins, Eric Cook, Sylvia Rapoport

Dalmas Grape leaves, yogurt spheres, pistachios First Course: Spanakorizo Lamb, spinach, quinoa, feta Main Course: Bekri Meze Mosaic pork tenderloin, bell pepper tartare, spiced broth Dessert: Chipped Marble Shattered foie, white chocolate crumb, freeze-dried berries Athena Statue Centennial Park honey, Bavarian pear cream, olive oil-pistachio crumble

Cordia Harrington, Nancy Peterson Hearn, Tom Harrington

John and Catherine Tumminello

Rachel Keene, Sondra Morris, Ruthie Keene Hope Stringer, Milton Johnson

n 2022, the Centennial Park Conservancy ended its long-running Conservancy Gala and reimagined its approach to fundraising. The following year, the organization created the Centennial Circle — a donor club of passionate CPC supporters. To honor the inaugural group, the CPC, in concert with the Four Seasons Nashville Hotel, hosted an intimate thank-you dinner. The evening delivered on every expectation. The Greek saying gia sta heria sou — meaning “bless your hands” — is a way to compliment someone on cooking an exceptional meal, and the CPC’s 2025 dinner lived up to the phrase. Under the watchful eye of Athena, chef Derek Simcik and pastry chef Hector Llompart entranced guests. Each course, thoughtfully conceived and artfully plated to match the theme, captivated Centennial Circle supporters with both presentation and flavor. The chefs cleverly interpreted the spanakorizo, shaping the classic spinach-and-rice dish into ruined columns, rather than wrapping it in traditional grape leaves. The bekri meze was a triumph, as was the wine pairing for the course — a Kermit Lynch Côtes du Rhône rouge. Another smart nod to the evening was the Athena Statue dessert, which was shaped like a marble ruin featuring only Athena’s lips. Each year, the CPC has had marvelous musical entertainment at its dinner, and 2025 was no exception. Vocalists Analise Scarpaci and Mamie Parris performed songs from the Broadwaybound musical Mythic, alongside pianist Stephen Kummer. The duo sang “Sweet Summer Days,” “My Own Place in the Pantheon” and “Beauty in the Darkness.” The evening closed with a reminder of xenia, the Greek ideal of welcoming guests as friends — a fitting tribute to the spirit of the Centennial Circle. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON BIHLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Neil Krugman and Lee Pratt

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PA R T I E S

 Very Viennese Evenin

The Symphony Ball Patrons Party is a triumph

Larry and Sandra Lipman, Jerry Williams, Janice Elliott Morgan



s guests entered the Belle Meade Country Club, the soft glow of holiday lights added a special magic to the 41st annual Symphony Ball Patrons Party. Supporters and donors gathered for an evening of fellowship and fundraising for the Nashville Symphony’s community outreach programs, which — through the almost 80-year history of the symphony — have engaged the Nashville community, supported local artists and introduced thousands of schoolchildren to symphonic music. During the reception, guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, including mini-crab cakes and brie tarts. The mood was festive, and it was a Herculean feat to entice everyone to find their seats in the ballroom. Co-chairs Grace Awh and Sarah Ingram worked with event planner Bruce Pittman to create a stunning look for the dining room, lit softly with votives, taper candles and burnt-orange rose centerpieces. The decor was a preview of the Viennese Waltz theme to come for the Symphony Ball. As revelers found their seats, dinner began. Nashville Symphony president and CEO Alan Valentine addressed the crowd. After many thank-yous to the chairs and the long list of underwriters, Alan shared some major milestones — most notably, that through the generous support of those in the room, the symphony exceeded its revenue goals for the evening by $100,000. As the night progressed, guests eagerly talked about the upcoming Symphony Ball and this year’s Harmony Award winners, T Bone Burnett and the Grand Ole Opry. Launched in 1986, the award has honored recipients including Randy Travis, John Esposito, Kix Brooks, Lady A, Maren Morris, Keb’ Mo’, Kelsea Ballerini, Toby Keith, Steven Tyler and more. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Barbara Bovender, Katie Crumbo

Rob Turner and Jay Jones

Co-chairs Grace Awh, Sarah Ingram

Darryl and Carol Yochem, Vicki and Rick Horne

Lynn Scarola, Laurie Seabury

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

PA R T I E S

Shari and Red Martin

Memorie White, LaDonna Boyd

Marci Houff, Laura and TK Kimbrell

Neil Krugman and Lee Pratt, Larry and Elizabeth Papel

Serena Collins, Ashton Jennings

Ridley and Betsy Wills

Alan Valentine

Sharon and Will Cheek

Gail Danner Greil, Kaylee Wilson

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Sandra Reaves, Nicole Dunigan

Billy Eskind, Jennifer Puryear

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Dystr’s Niht to Shine The 36th Evening in December fights barriers to mental health care

ights, camaraderie and philanthropy brought holiday cheer to Loveless Barn during Daystar Counseling Ministries’ 36th Evening in December. Since 1985, the faith-based organization has offered mental health support to children, adolescents and young adults on a sliding scale — and Daystar is committed to never turning away a family based on an inability to pay. Daystar counselors believe the need for therapy is greater than ever. Anxiety affects 1 in 4 children, and suicide is the second-leading cause of childhood death. Daystar’s Evening in December — the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year — helps ensure every child receives the care they need, regardless of cost. “This is Daystar’s night to shine,” said board chair Jane Smith, who welcomed this year’s crowd and encouraged donations. Supporters made their passion for Daystar evident upon arrival. Many laughed, embraced, and mingled with leaders, including Jane and founder Melissa Trevathan. Once guests made their way to their seats, the comfort of a heated tent and the glow of countless Christmas lights met them in the dining room. Soft guitar picking subtly completed the festive atmosphere. Revelers enjoyed Southern staples, like fried chicken, mashed potatoes and, of course, The Loveless Cafe’s famous biscuits. The evening reached its pinnacle when Daystar supporters Don Schlitz, Blessing Offor, Joy Williams, Vince Gill and the Lipscomb Gospel Choir took the stage and captured the audience with soulful Christmas tunes that emphasized the power of community, encouraging many onlookers to clap along.

Tom and Jane Smith, Janie and Tom Vallett

Emily Sutherland, Mary Barfield, Dorothy Sifford

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Melissa Trevathan, Jean Anne Collier

Hayley Beals, Kelli Haywood

Heather Smith, Jenny Foster, Lisa Ask

Victoria and Evan Rothey

Hannah Varghese, Michael Walter, Aaron Howard

Jeremy and Lauren Crabtree, Courtney and Garrett Davis

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

PA R T I E S

John Seigenthaler, Harry Chapman

Alan Valentine, Larry Keele

Liht Shines in the Drkness

Greg Burns, Tom McRae, Mike Sontag, Clay Jackson, Christopher Redlich

Tim Douglas, Chad Blackburn, Austin Pennington, Tony Ewing

Bill Haslam speaks at the Gentlemen’s Breakfast

n a sea of festive blazers, Gordon Inman — cohost of the 25th annual Gentlemen’s Breakfast — towered above the crowd. Guests exchanged hearty handshakes as political rivals crossed proverbial aisles to share holiday cheer. Created by Gordon and his friend Clayton McWhorter after returning from a quail hunt, the breakfast has remained a beloved tradition for more than two decades. In recent years, Chris Holmes has joined Gordon as cohost. Guests gathered in the home of Gordon and his wife, Shaun, for a morning marked by laughter and camaraderie. Friends lingered in conversation as servers wove through crowded rooms with polished silver trays bearing mimosas, bloody marys and Kristen Winston’s signature sausage balls. It’s always tough to tear guests away from great conversations. But after the reception, attendees quickly found their seats, eager to hear the morning’s speaker, former Gov. Bill Haslam. Bill delivered a Christmas-themed message and reflected on life after politics. He shared a recent experience in Knoxville, where a group of students approached him after a talk. “When you’re in office, you’re used to having people come up and talk to you,” Bill said. “But when you leave that, the people, for whatever reason, aren’t quite as interested.” The students, however, were eager to chat with him — they told him he was their grandparents’ favorite politician. Mike Glenn, former senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, followed Bill at the podium and, as in years past, held the room’s full attention. When breakfast concluded, many guests lingered, reluctant to leave the warmth and magic of the morning.

Jay DeMarcus, Ed Ewing

Gordon and Shaun Inman

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Bill Haslam, Bob Corker, Bill Hagerty, Gordon Inman, Lamar Alexander, Chris Holmes

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Happy New Year! Opening Nashville’s Finest Doors MELANIE SHADOW BAKER 615.300.8155 melanie.baker@zeitlin.com

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nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

Private Residence

Planner: The Social Office Photographer: Mary Rosenblum Photography

Planner: Debbie Lundy, Jayne Bubis Events Photographer: Heather Durham Photography

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Planner: Infinity Hospitality Photographer: Faith Collins

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1 Hotel

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Private Residence

Planner and Designer: Bruce Pittman Inc. Photographer: Clark Brewer Photography

Planner: Jenny Richter Events Photographer: Kristin Sweeting Photography

1 Hotel

Belle Meade Country Club

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PLEASE CALL 615.884.5455 TO SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT NASHVILLE@QUESTEVENTS.COM | QUESTEVENTS.COM 3308 BRILEY PARK BLVD SOUTH / NASHVILLE, TN

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Planner: Jenny Richter Events Photographer: Kristin Sweeting Photography

PA R T I E S

David and Lisa Manning

One Two Three, One Two Three

Will and Sharon Cheek

The 41st annual Symphony Ball transforms into a Viennese Waltz

Carol and Darryl Yochem

Co-chairs Sarah Ingram, Grace Awh

Emily Frans, Nicole Judd

T Bone Burnett

Todd Matthews, Alan Valentine, Trey Smith

he Schermerhorn Symphony Center shimmered with Old World glamour as guests arrived for the 41st annual Symphony Ball, which unfolded as a lavish Viennese Waltz-themed evening. A Gustav Klimt-inspired painting greeted guests in the lobby, setting the tone for the night, while elegant escort cards and thoughtful design details appeared throughout the space. Co-chairs Grace Awh and Sarah Ingram partnered with event planner Bruce Pittman to bring the vision to life, ensuring every element felt intentional and refined. During the reception, servers circulated with hors d’oeuvres from Kristen Winston Catering as guests browsed a beautiful display by Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry. Many paused at the Nfocus Portrait Studio to capture the moment before continuing to mingle — all in support of the evening’s mission to raise critical funds for the Nashville Symphony. Guests then moved into Laura Turner Concert Hall for the main event — a particularly meaningful moment as the evening marked the final Symphony Ball under Nashville Symphony president and CEO Alan Valentine’s leadership. During dinner, Alan shared memories of Symphony Balls past and reflected on his tenure with the organization. He also shared that this year’s ball exceeded its revenue goal and congratulated the co-chairs on their hard work. As starters hit the tables, the Nashville Symphony took the stage, delivering the magic that defines the evening year after year. The orchestra performed themes from Silverado, quickening pulses throughout the room. Alan presented this year’s Harmony Award to two extraordinary honorees: the Grand Ole Opry, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, and T Bone Burnett, a legendary record producer and singer-songwriter. “Music is a language underneath all languages — the international language, it is often said,” T Bone said. Between honors, music and comedy group Riders in the Sky delighted guests with performances infused with their signature humor. The celebration continued late into the night, as Late Party co-chairs Bronson Ingram, Eva Landstreet and Warner Tidwell set an energetic tone. The Craig Duncan Orchestra kept the dance floor full with a setlist of crowd favorites, and guests erupted into applause when Alan surprised everyone by stepping behind the drums to play alongside the band. Revelers flooded the stage, dancing well into the night and closing the Symphony Ball on a high note. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

PA R T I E S

Arnita and Tim Ozgener

Steve and Mary Jo Shankle

David and co-chair Sarah Ingram, Lise and Lindsay Bohannon

Lee Pratt and Neil Krugman

Katie Crumbo, Todd and Heather Rolapp

Sarah Reisner, Amy Hobbs

Apphia Maxima, Milton White, Emily Humphreys

Laurie and Jim Seabury, Sue and Bob Mendes

Julie and John Schneider

Brian and Haden Cook

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

Mark and Nancy Peacock

Jay Jones and Rob Turner

Riders in the Sky

Marci and Stephen Houff

Sharon McMahan, Pamela Bollinger

Larry and Elizabeth Papel

Morel Enoch, Steve Sirls

Carl and co-chair Grace Awh

Rick and Lynn Scarola

Tracy and Bill Wade

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

PA R T I E S

Michael and Sharry Beard, Kim Hewell and Norm Scarborough

Janice Elliott Morgan and David Morgan

Waddell Wright and LaDonna Boyd

Mary and Joe Cavarra, Lindsay Cavarra

Norah Buikstra, Sheila Shields

Vicki and Rick Horne

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Frederick and Catherine Grace, Ashley and Hunter Herring

Russell Bates and Ben Scott

TK and Laura Kimbrell

Steeplechase

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW iroquoissteeplechase.org nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

NRETROSPECT

Iron e John Bouchard & Sons Co. celebrates 125 years IN AUGUST 1925, a John Bouchard & Sons Co. team assembled in front of the newly completed Vanderbilt Hospital and School of Medicine (now Medical Center North), for which the company designed and installed a refrigeration and icemaking plant. (The company continues to service and build expansions there a century later.) Founded in 1900, the family-operated John Bouchard & Sons Co. is still headquartered on Harrison Street and recently published a book chronicling 125 years and five generations of manufacturing and maintaining infrastructure — including JBS-stamped manhole covers and drainage grates — across the mid-South. BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JOHN BOUCHARD & SONS CO.

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

nfocusmagazine.com | J A N U A R Y 2026

J A N U A R Y 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com