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Mandy Schexnaydre Wienhusen “Seeing a bride’s face when she has found the dress gives you a small glimpse into her heart and her love story,” smiles Mandy Schexnaydre Wienhusen. “It’s my absolute favorite part of the business.” As owner and operator of Town & Country, Mandy enjoys helping brides find the perfect dress. “We give every bride our full attention, exploring and building on her personal aesthetic to find the most perfect dress for her silhouette, style and wedding location.” The calming, easy experience at Town & Country has been even more improved with a fresh renovation. In September 2016, Mandy purchased the century-year-old business. “The Garden District space, while beautiful before, has been modernized to a more light-filled, romantic atmosphere,” Mandy says. “Rather than a singleopen space, we have separate areas for brides to enjoy a genuinely personal experience with her loved ones.” From bold and robust silhouettes to simple, clean-lined dresses, Town & Country offers a hand-selected, curated mix of wedding dresses that meet every taste and budget. “We truly have something for everyone, with dresses ranging from $800 to $10,000. Within every dress, you will find a marriage of artistic imagination and craftsmanship. Above all, our dresses exude a sense of elegance and love designed especially for your big day.” Designers include BERTA Bridal, Badgley Mischka, Hayley Paige and Pronovias, among many others. Town & Country also has a thoughtful selection of gowns for bridesmaids, flower girls, mothers of the bride and groom and debutantes. When not in the midst of wedding season, Mandy enjoys spending time
B U S I N E S S
Donna Shay
Donna Shay never thought that her college job on the Steamboat
NATCHEZ would have led to her soon-to-be-twenty-year career at Café Beignet. “I worked on the NATCHEZ during college before moving to New York for a few years,” says Donna, General Manager of Café Beignet. “When I returned to New Orleans, I happened to run into Gordon Stevens, who invited me to their coffee shop on Royal Street—I’ve been here ever since.” Café Beignet has grown to three French Quarter locations since then, the newest opening before Mardi Gras this year on Decatur Street. “I’m able to walk from location to location. I love that I walk the same path everyday, but there’s always something different to see! It’s continually exciting and fresh.” Also fresh is each beignet ordered at Café Beignet. “Our beignets are rolled out and fried as soon as you order them,” Donna smiles. “There are no machines involved.” Café Beignet also offers breakfast and lunch from open to close, allowing visitors and locals to eat whatever they fancy, whether morning or night. “It works better that way. If someone getting off a plane wants breakfast in the afternoon, they can. If someone wants gumbo for breakfast, they can.” Sandwiches, breakfast and Cajun fare are not the only things served at Café Beignet. Jazz music is always to be heard at the outdoor courtyard and patio bar on Bourbon Street inside Musical Legends Park; that location is committed to preserving New Orleans musical culture, one legend at a time. When not enjoying the jazz and powder sugar-filled air, Donna relaxes in the outdoors by gardening and also fishing with her husband in Grand Isle.
with her husband, Freddie, and their 2-year-old son, Cruz.
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Town & Country is located at 1514 St. Charles Ave. 523-7027.
Café Beignet has locations at 311 Bourbon St., 334 Royal St.
townandcountrybridal.com.
and 600 Decatur St. cafebeignet.com.
Inside New Orleans