Emerald Coast Magazine- April/May 2017

ART WEEK SOUTH WALTON

← At South Walton’s many splendored

ARTS FESTIVAL,

exhibitors express themselves on paper, stages, canvases, the white walls of Alys Beach and more.

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BLUE WAHOOS ROUND THE BASES

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In January of 2015, Panama City began collecting a bed tax used to fund a new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).

After collecting the tax for 10 months to build sufficient operating capital, Destination Panama City was formed and I was hired as President and CEO to guide the organization. After taking a couple of months to establish the necessary infrastructure, Destination Panama City officially began formulating a comprehensive and strategic plan for promotion last January. With a year’s work behind us, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what we have accomplished together.

Branding was our first goal: creating collateral to emblematically communicate who we are and how we wish to be perceived by potential tourists, tour operators, meeting planners and media. After much study, brainstorming and an in-depth creative process, we unveiled a logo featuring a stylized sailboat and sun motif accompanied by the tagline “Where Life Sets Sail.”

Dovetailing with the unveiling of the logo and tagline, we developed and launched a website – destinationpanamacity.com – that serves as our virtual window to the world. The website integrates best practices to meet the dual purpose of educating and helping plan travel for both individuals and groups, such as weddings, meetings and events.

Complementing the website, we developed an extensive Visitors Guide, available both in a lush printed edition as well as a downloadable digital version accessible from the website. To maintain a cohesive message, the sections in the Visitors Guide correspond with those on the website, and the design of both the website and Visitors Guide feature a complementary look-and-feel.

At the same time, we developed, produced and launched a series of themed, image-heavy commercials focusing on key tourism assets that distinguish us from other destinations, such as “Arts & Entertainment,” “Food, Wine and Music,” “Outdoor Adventures,” “Local Treasures,” and “Uniquely PC.” The commercials include a strong call-to-action and feature an original theme song determined by a local contest and performed by our own Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews.

It is vital to have a bricks-and-mortar presence in Panama City – a gateway through which visitors can launch their Panama City adventures. On June 10, we hosted an open house to officially launch the Visitors Center located on the corner of Beck Avenue and West 10th Street. The success of the Visitors Center is probably best attested to the fact that by October, after a multistep application and review process, it successfully earned the status of a Certified Travel Information Center from VISIT FLORIDA, further enhancing and adding value to our vital partnership with the state destination organization and the many benefits derived from it.

Enlisting national and regional media to tell the story to the general public that we are open for tourists is critical for establishing Panama City as a top-of-mind tourist destination. Out of the gate, we partnered with industry leaders Robin Malpass & Associates and Lou Hammond Group to develop media and PR plans for ad buys, earned media placements in strategic regional and national outlets, as well as development, execution and maintenance of official social media channels.

NAMA CITY FLORIDA

Where Life Sets Sail

Finally, our community hosts a number of events that extend interest well beyond our city limits. Recognizing that they add to our overall culture cache and serve as year-round tourism draws, we have provided grant funding to help support the success of a number of these events when we’ve discovered through an application process that what they have to offer corresponds with our overarching mission. The recent Emerald Coast Professional Redfish Series Championship is just one example.

It has been an exciting, eventful and successful first year as we’ve established a firm foundation as an organization to successfully market Panama City as a distinctive, compelling tourist destination. Our plan for the future is to continue to be true to the brand promise adopted one year ago: “Only in Panama City can one experience waterfront access to historic St. Andrews Bay, year-round recreational activities and a diverse selection of unique cultural amenities housed within a community that intelligently blends innovation and creativity.” Thank you for your support, and we look forward to partnering with you going forward.

- Advertorial

Jennifer M. Vigil - President & CEO Destination Panama City

PA

1000 Beck Avenue • Panama City, FL 32401 • (850) 215-1700 • info@destinationpanamacity.com

Learn more at DestinationPanamaCity.com

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YEAR ANNIVERSARY

ANAMA C PA N A M A C I T Y FLORIDA

Where Life Sets Sail

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April–May 2017

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Contents

APR/MAY 2017

Beth Godwin, owner of Jolly Bay Farm in Freeport, breeds prizewinning Dutch Warmbloods.

FEATURES

52 ART WEEK

↗

64 SADDLE UP

Local equestrians make leaps and bounds in the sport.

by KAREN MURPHY

South Walton paints the town during Art Week, from canvas to paper to buildings.

by STEVE BORNHOFT

58

ON THE RIGHT PATH

The Pathways for Change program provides rehabilitation and redemption.

by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

photo by TODD DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Contents

APR/MAY 2017

21 24 21 SPORTS Can we get a “woo-hoo” for Pensacola’s home team, the Blue Wahoos?

24 CHAMPIONS The HER

Foundation, headed

by Nancy BullockPrevot, serves female veterans.

14 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 16 EDITOR’S COLUMN 47 DINING GUIDE 114 SOCIAL STUDIES 226 I T’S NOT ROCKET

28 HEALTH & EXERCISE

The Eye Center of North Florida provides clear, near vision.

PANACHE

31 CITIZEN OF STYLE

Eddie Parsons hits the streets — and the skies — in style.

34 FOR HER Raid your parents’ closet!

Fashions of the past are making a comeback.

42

ART WEEK

36 WHAT’S IN STORE

42 DINING OUT The Gulf

GASTRO & GUSTO

A BODES 73 INTERIORS Home

A roundup of retail happenings

39 DINING IN Harvest all the flavors of spring into one bowl.

73 Light up your house with fragrances galore.

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

SURGERY

Okaloosa Island is fresh, flavorful and fun.

sweet home scents!

76 EXTERIORS Fishing for

an updated backyard?

Consider koi.

78 DIY Better safe than

sorry! Make your own emergency prep kit.

86 GARDENING

Spring clean your garden and grow some ginger, too.

SOUTH WALTON

← At South Walton’s many splendored ARTS FESTIVAL, exhibitors express themselves on paper, stages, canvases, the white walls of Alys Beach and more.

+

TIE DYE, CHOKERS ARE BACK

HOW CHARITIES TRANSFORM LIVES OUR BIGGEST-EVER WEDDINGS ISSUE PENSACOLA WAHOOS ROUND THE BASES

ON THE COVER: Projection artists from throughout the world dramatically color the white walls at Alys Beach each year at the Digital Graffiti Festival, now in its 10th year.

The festival is currently part of Art Week South Walton, a consolidated event that involves various venues and art forms and helps fund art programs in schools. PHOTO

COURTESY DIGITAL GRAFFITI AT ALYS BEACH

PHOTOS BY KATE TREICK PHOTOGRAPHY (24), SCOTT HOLSTEIN / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO (21), CLAUDIU MIHAI BADEA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (73) AND COURTESY OF THE GULF OKALOOSA ISLAND (42)

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Contents

APR/MAY 2017

SPECIAL SECTIONS AND PROMOTIONS

INSPIRED

Tradition

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This recently sold home is appropriately named H2O, for its endless waterfront views of Miramar Beach.

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directory provides essential information about leading area physicians who represent a range of specialities and is a helpful resource for people facing decisions about health care providers.

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Heart” section features heartwarming and inspiring stories from those who impact and have been impacted by The Sacred Heart Foundation. These stories revolve around people helping people.

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BOHEMIAN BABE: your guide to this blooming trend

MAKING HAPPY COUPLES EVEN HAPPIER THE BEST VENDORS & VENUES

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Sip and Savor: creative libation and dining tips

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WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE STORY

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Next Issue Best of the

Emerald Coast Ballot

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

CALENDAR

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Join as a new Junior or Equity member by June 30, 2017 and your first month of dues will be waived.* Plus, enjoy complimentary beach chairs, practice facility access and waived cart/walking fees.

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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE

VOL. 18, NO. 2

APRIL–MAY 2017

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BRIAN E. ROWLAND

EDITORIAL

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CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lawrence Davidson DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Saige Roberts ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Charles Bakofsky, Shruti Shah GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Meredith Brooks, Sarah Mitchell DIGITAL PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Chelsea Moore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matt Algarin, Theresa Marie Bender, Kathleen Broaderick, Cheryl Casey, Margot Doelker, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Lauren Gall, Scott Holstein, J. Conley Images, Jacqueline Ward Images, Kate Treick Photography, Bob O’Lary, Alicia Osborne, Kay Phelan, Pure 7 Studios, James Stefiuk, STM Photography, Todd Douglas Photography, Chandler Williams, Chase Yakaboski

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT McKenzie Burleigh Lohbeck DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS Daniel Parisi ADVERTISING SERVICES COORDINATORS Tracy Mulligan, Lisa Sostre ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Dorr, Darla Harrison, Rhonda Lynn Murray, Dan Parker, Linda Powell, Sarah Scott, Brianna Webb, Lori Magee Yeaton EVENTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Mandy Chapman INTEGRATED MARKETING SPECIALIST Jennifer Ireland INTEGRATED MARKETING COORDINATOR Bria Blossom SALES AND EVENTS ASSOCIATE Mackenzie Ligas SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS INTERN Alexandra Matthews

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR Marah Rhone CORPORATE CLIENT LIAISON Sara Goldfarb CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE/PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan STAFF ACCOUNTANT Jackie Burns ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Lisa Snell RECEPTIONIST Alyssa Cunningham EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE emeraldcoastmagazine.com facebook.com/emeraldcoast twitter.com/emeraldcoastmag instagram.com/emeraldcoastmag pinterest.com/emeraldcoastmag youtube.com/user/emeraldcoastmag ROWLAND PUBLISHING rowlandpublishing.com

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SUBSCRIPTIONS One year (6 issues) is $30. Call (850) 878-0554 or go online to emeraldcoastmagazine.com.

Single copies are $3.95. Purchase at Barnes and Noble in Destin and Pensacola and Books-A-Million in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and Panama City Beach.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Emerald Coast Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Emerald Coast Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor.

Copyright April 2017 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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from the publisher

Recently, I watched a show on HBO hosted by Bryant Gumbel, who was joined by an Ivy League psychologist. Jointly, the two men interviewed two accomplished individuals — a retired Navy SEAL and a former professional football player.

The interviewees were both in their early 30s and, for 10 years, had led high-octane, adrenalin-filled lives before subsequently experiencing severe depression and resorting to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms following their abrupt retirements.

Fortunately, the former SEAL and the NFL veteran received interventions at the right time and successfully recovered. In response to questions from Gumbel and the psychologist, they shared what they did to regain a sense of contentment in their day-to-day lives. Most importantly, they talked about learning to actively create a sense of happiness and wellbeing each day.

Attaining and maintaining happiness, they said, is a challenge that needs to be addressed and nurtured continuously.

The psychologist explained that every individual has a unique set of five or six daily activities that, for him or for her, result in a sense of happiness or overall contentment.

My list includes going out on the lake with my wife, Cherie, and catching a sunset over some conversation; going out for dinner; taking a long walk with my dogs; and arriving at the office an hour before others do and having a cup of coffee in silence while strategically thinking about the publishing business.

The psychologist stressed that each of these activities on our lists promotes a sense of happiness even though none is “monumental.”

The SEAL, the football player and all of us, if we are to bring about happiness, need to infuse each day with a few simple things that reliably make us feel relaxed and content. Cumulatively, a series of happy days will result in a general sense of satisfaction that will extend to partners and children.

The psychologist also said that people set themselves up for disappointment or worse whenever they believe that one big achievement will guarantee long-term happiness. We may try to convince ourselves that everything will be grand once we win the job, land the promotion, hit the sales goal, have the baby, buy the house or the dream car, earn the diploma or receive the gold watch from the company, but life doesn’t work that way.

This show inspired me to better appreciate and be content with each and every day. I urge you to assess yourself and consider where you stand on the overall scale of happiness.

Ingredients in a recipe for happiness might be as simple as something to do, something to look forward to and someone to love and be loved by.

We have arrived at an inspirational time of the year, the springtime period of renewal. Slow down, ditch the phone, take a deep breath and enjoy what you have.

And be sure to live your own life, not someone else’s.

Until next time,

BRIAN ROWLAND browland@rowlandpublishing.com

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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editor’s letter

Along the Emerald Coast each spring, a fondness for reds and whites translates to a lot of green to the benefit of children in need.

Wine lovers with lots of heart, from Pensacola to Panama City and throughout the Southeast, gather during the last week of April for the Destin Charity Wine Auction and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.

Both events support the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s efforts to help children. The organization has been making contributions to nonprofit organizations since 2005 and, in total, has donated more than $13 million, which has improved the lives of more than 75,000 children in Northwest Florida.

Talk about impressive.

At the Foundation’s check presentation ceremony last year at the LakeHouse in WaterColor, happiness, anxiety and relief filled the room as charity partners awaited checks that would help them carry out their missions. A total of $2.66 million, the largest donation to date, was awarded that day to organizations including AMIKids Emerald Coast, Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Autism Society, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, Homelessness & Housing Alliance, Opportunity Place, Pathways for Change, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Youth Village and the DCWAF Children’s Fund.

These are all amazing organizations, and it’s incredible to see how they work day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. If you were to take three minutes to speak to their executive directors or one of their volunteers, you’d immediately want to open your wallet and make a donation.

One of the cool things about the DCWAF is how it started out from very humble beginnings with a group of folks who love to drink wine and give back to the community.

Many along the Emerald Coast are familiar with Chan Cox, but they may not be aware that Cox, along with good friend Todd Vucovich and a dedicated board of friends

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

and customers, were the early faces behind the annual wine auction. I once sat down with Cox and Vucovich as they recalled the auction’s beginnings when nothing came easy.

“There was no roadmap for this type of thing,” Cox told me at the time. But that didn’t stop them from raising $80,000 during their first auction.

A lot has changed from the initial auction to today, but the goal is still the same. The DCWAF, which is one of the top 10 wine auctions in the country, according to Wine Spectator magazine, will continue to raise money for local children’s charities and have a good time while doing so.

The Emerald Coast is home to great people who are incredibly giving. It seems as though whenever there is a need, our community always finds a way to give, and give generously. We salute your efforts.

In just weeks, thousands of wine lovers will converge on Grand Boulevard to enjoy a weekend full of amazing reds and whites, great food, interactive experiences with celebrity vintners, and charitable giving at the 2017 Destin Charity Wine Auction and South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.

Who doesn’t want to help make a difference in the lives of children? I hope to see you out and about during the wine auction weekend and at the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.

Cheers.

MATT ALGARIN malgarin@rowlandpublishing.com Are you passionate about Northwest Florida coastal living? Share your story by using #inspiredEC.

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CHAMPION Helping Her || HEALTH & FITNESS Death to Cheaters

THE

APR/MAY 2017

A CONSCIOUS, COOL COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF

BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO

↗ Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer (left) with Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward show their home team pride and spirit at the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, where the 2017 season will begin on April 6.

SPORTS

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME Blue Wahoos shine in Pensacola

by MATT ALGARIN

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

April–May 2017

21

THE

wave

↗

Pensacola Bayfront Stadium provides an extraordinarily picturesque setting for baseball and has stimulated economic activity in Pensacola’s revitalized downtown area.

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

➸ The Pensacola Blue Wahoos open their season April 6 at home against the Tennessee Smokies.

APRIL 6–10 Tennessee Smokies

incredible, especially out past the outfield walls, where there are gorgeous views of the Inner Harbor Channel and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.

The Blue Wahoos, founded in 1959 as the Charleston White Sox, have been playing ball in Pensacola since the 2012 season. They are the Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds and play in the South Division of the Southern League, a 10-team league that is home to the Biloxi Shuckers, Birmingham Barons, Chattanooga Lookouts, Jackson Generals, Jacksonville Suns, Mississippi Braves, Mobile BayBears, Montgomery Biscuits and Tennessee Smokies.

Double-A baseball is the second highest level of play, just behind Triple-A and MLB. From a baseball standpoint, the Cincinnati Reds organization controls and oversees all on-the-field aspects of the Blue Wahoos team, such as signing and trading players and hiring the management and coaches. Gardner likes to say they are responsible for what happens from the seats up.

Since their founding, the now Blue Wahoos have donned quite a few monikers, whether fans called them the White Sox, Astros or Mudcats, which was their most recent name from 1991 to 2011.

Local businessman and entrepreneur Quint

APRIL 17–21 Jacksonville Suns APRIL 27–MAY 1 Biloxi Shuckers MAY 8–12 Birmingham Barons MAY 18–22 Mobile BayBears MAY 30–JUNE 3 Jacksonville Suns JUNE 9–13 Mississippi Braves JUNE 28–JULY 3 Montgomery Biscuits JULY 9–12 Chattanooga Lookouts JULY 13–17 Mississippi Braves JULY 25–29 Biloxi Shuckers AUG. 10–14 Mobile BayBears AUG. 21–25 Jackson Generals AUG. 26–30 Mississippi Braves

COURTESY VISIT PENSACOLA, INC

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alking onto the field at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, it’s easy to imagine yourself standing on the pitcher’s mound, hurling a fastball low and inside for strike three to beat your rival, then basking in the cheers from the stands, which seat 5,038 baseball lovers.

It goes without saying, the fans that fill the seats at the waterfront stadium in Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park are passionate about America’s Pastime. The attendance numbers can certainly back that up.

“Our mission and vision is to improve the quality of life for the people in Pensacola and to make Pensacola the greatest place to live in the world,” said Maryjane Gardner, media and public relations manager for the team. “There’s nothing in there about baseball. We want to make sure, when somebody comes here, whether it’s their first game or 100th, they have a great time and feel welcome from the time they leave their car until they get to their seat.”

For those who have yet to catch a game at the home of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, you are truly missing out on an experience like no other. No matter where you sit in the stadium, the views are

2017 HOME SCHEDULE



Studer and his wife, Rishy, along with two“Baseball has always been a really good cultime Master’s Champion Bubba Watson, who tural melting pot for the community,” Studer is a native of Bagdad, Florida, are part of the said. “The Blue Wahoos have really become Blue Wahoos ownership group. Studer, who a great brand for this community, because it grew up listening to baseball on the radio and has Pensacola in front of it. It’s really put Pengoing to games in Chicago, never imagined sacola on the map.” owning a baseball team, but that’s exactly what And it doesn’t hurt to have Watson aboard happened in 2002 when he purchased the Penfor the journey. Studer said he’s not sure Watsacola Pelicans, an independent baseball team son would call Pensacola home if it weren’t for which now plays in the American Associahis investment into the Blue Wahoos. tion. Studer purchased the current franchise “But it’s more than that,” Studer said. in 2010.

“He’s bought into a candy store, bought into “After Hurricane Ivan, we started this long, a Chevy dealer and just bought into an apartlong journey to get a stadium built downtown, ment complex. which wasn’t complete until 2012,” Studer says.

“Seeing him and his wife Angie involved in “It was a very long pregnancy.” downtown and all the philanthroBut now that the Wahoos call py they do is great,” Studer added.

Pensacola home, the community, Watson is more than just an inTo learn more as a whole, has benefitted through vestor though; he’s involved in the about the Pensacola Blue Wahoos various partnerships and the team and regularly brings ideas to or to purchase jolt of energy the new stadium the table and sorts through budtickets, visit and players have brought to the gets. He even attended baseball’s bluewahoos.com. downtown area.

Winter Meetings in 2016.

BOD0039 Emerald Coast half pg.indd 1

Studer said he was amazed to see how starstruck some of his colleagues were by Watson’s presence.

“Will Lingo, the publisher of Baseball America, says, ‘I sat next to a two-time Master’s champion today,’ and that’s what Bubba brought to our team,” he said.

Not only have the Wahoos seen success off the field, they’ve seen a great number of their players make a name for themselves on the Major League level, such as the Cincinnati Red’s Billy Hamilton, who holds the Minor League Baseball record for stolen bases in a season with 155, and the New York Yankees’ Didi Gregorius, who replaced the retiring Derek Jeter at shortstop in the Bronx.

There are big things ahead for the Blue Wahoos, as Pensacola is set to host the Southern League All-Star game, which will be held in June.

“We have to maximize this exposure,” Studer said. “We don’t know if this will ever happen again.” EC

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

1/25/17 1:2223 PM April–May 2017

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

THE

HOMELESS VETERAN STATISTICS From the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans ➺ 11 PERCENT of all homeless adults are veterans; 20 PERCENT of all male homeless adults are veterans; the number of homeless female veterans has doubled from 1,380 in FY 2006 to 3,328 in FY 2010.

➺ 51 PERCENT have disabilities; 50 PERCENT have a serious mental illness. ➺ 70 PERCENT have substance abuse problems. ➺ 50 PERCENT are age 51 or older, compared to 19 PERCENT of non-veterans. ➺ According to the VA, in FY 2010, 77 PERCENT of homeless female veterans were unemployed. ➺ A 2010 study found that OVER 25 PERCENT of existing programs providing transitional housing to homeless female veterans cited safety concerns as a barrier to service delivery.

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CHAMPIONS

HELPING HER

Nonprofit aims to honor, empower and rebuild sisters-in-arms

N

ancy Bullock-Prevot served her country for almost 21 years in the United States Navy.

After her retirement in 2015, the former cryptologic technician found a new way to serve her fellow veterans: The HER Foundation, Inc. The HER Foundation, which Bullock-Prevot established in August 2016, is a non-profit organization that focuses on aiding homeless, single, female veterans along the Gulf Coast.

The foundation’s mission is to provide services for female veterans while they are transitioning into affordable housing.

Services include lodging, meals, access to medical and dental

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

by MATT ALGARIN

care, counseling and job placement, among others.

Bullock-Prevot says that The HER Foundation’s goal is to honor, empower and rebuild “military sisters” so they can regain their independence and lend a helping hand, love and hope to other sisters-in-arms.

“We had done a lot of research and noticed that everyone was focusing on men,” she says. “Being the inquisitive woman that I am, I began to research about our female veterans. I called D.C. and began to ask questions.”

In fact, Bullock-Prevot’s research shows that women account for 10 percent of the total veteran population and that

the number of homeless female veterans has more than tripled since 2006.

The reasons for homelessness can vary, but most can be attributed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). According to a study by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, California, Florida and New York account for »

NANCY BULLOCK-PREVOT

PHOTOS BY KATE TREICK PHOTOGRAPHY

➺ 68 PERCENT of homeless veterans reside in principal cities; 32 PERCENT reside in suburban/ rural areas.

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THE

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44 percent of all homeless veterans across the country.

The findings showed that Florida had 5,505 homeless veterans.

Another study by Long March Home, authored by Charles Mostoller and Daniel Johnson-Kim through the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, reports a total of 756 homeless female veterans in Florida.

“We knew there was a problem,” Bullock-Prevot says.

“We need to find a way to get these women off of the streets and get them help.”

In addition to her board of directors, Bullock-Prevot has been working with organizations such as CareerSource Escarosa and Pathways for Change to further her mission. Her goal is to open a facility where women can live while in transition.

“It’s been breathtaking,” she said of the early response to The HER Foundation’s efforts. “I’ve been speechless at times, and nobody has told me ‘no’ so far.”

The HER Foundation will be holding its inaugural gala, “Dining with HER,” on Aug. 18 at the Sanders Beach Community Center in Pensacola. The event will serve as a focal point for raising awareness about the issues facing homeless female veterans.

“Our veterans, who have served this great nation with honor and pride, shouldn’t have to face housing insecurity or homelessness,” Bullock-Prevot says. “Although there are existing housing programs and other supportive services available, they are not designed to meet the needs of the increasing number of single female veterans.” EC

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Visit NatureWalkAtSeagrove.com or call 888.405.9259

For more information about THE HER FOUNDATION, visit honorher.org or find the foundation on Facebook at facebook.com.

Bullock-Prevot can be reached by email at nprevot@honorher.org.

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

KNW17_003 EmeraldCst_3-8125x10.indd 1

2/13/17 3:13 PM

PHOTO BY KATE TREICK PHOTOGRAPHY

↗ Staff and board members at The HER Foundation combine to rebuild the lives of “military sisters.” Seated, from left: finance director Juanita Stevens, board member Gregory Johnson, CEO and founder Nancy Bullock-Prevot. Standing, from left: marketing director Barbara Francis, fundraising director Michelle McGhee and board member Marsha Laughin.

SEASIDE_halfpageAD_R&J_LaVie-EC Mag 7.875x4.875.pdf 1 2/20/2017 11:54:38 AM

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April–May 2017

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wave

↖ The circle represents the size of a Raindrop inlay as compared to a penny.

The inlay is placed inside the cornea to enhance near vision.

HEALTH & FITNESS

DEATH TO CHEATERS I New surgery restores near vision t’s not the first time that the Eye Center of North Florida has emerged as an early adopter of new procedures and devices, but it is the latest.

At this writing, the Eye Center, with headquarters in Panama City, is the only ophthalmology practice between Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Jacksonville offering Raindrop near-vision inlay surgery, a procedure designed to compensate for the inescapable effects of presbyopia.

Presbyopia, explained Dr. Bret Fisher, the Eye Center’s medical director, is “God’s gift to all of us who are over 40.” It’s the loss of the autofocus function of the eye due to diminished elasticity of the lens and weakening of the muscles that control it.

“Your eye has a lens just like a camera that shifts your focus from near to far and vice versa,” Fisher said. “If your eye is otherwise normal and you are 20 years old, you can look down the road and read a billboard and then you can look down and read a fine-print novel. When you are 45, that billboard may remain in focus, but it’s harder to read that book or that menu or that cellphone.”

Or that map — and if you are 40-plus, there is a chance you still have such a thing in your glove box and know how to fold it.

28

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

by STEVE BORNHOFT

The Raindrop procedure does not bring back autofocus ability, but the inlay — a tiny disc about the size of a pinhead that is placed inside the cornea of the non-dominant eye — does serve to expand range of vision and obviate a need for drug-store “cheaters.”

“Certainly, you can wear reading glasses to deal with the issue, but this is more than a vanity surgery,” Fisher stressed. “We are enabling people to see clearly at mid-range and close range by restoring a functional component of the eye.”

The disc, said to be “biocompatible,” is similar to a soft contact lens and comprises 80 percent water. It works by changing the curvature of the center of the cornea.

Fisher assesses candidates for the surgery individually. They need to be of an appropriate age between 40 and about 60, when cataracts begin to develop. The cornea must be sufficiently healthy and thick. The inlay is placed beneath a lasik flap, comparable to the way in which laser vision correction is performed.

The surgery takes only about 10 minutes and patients may resume normal activities a day later, but need to be willing to faithfully use eye drops for three months. The drops ensure that the eye heals properly and that

the Raindrop disc is accepted. Should the patient be displeased with the outcome for any reason, the disc can easily be removed.

Left in, it will see the patient through to the age of cataracts.

Jerry Powell, 51, who underwent the procedure late in 2016, is delighted with the results and currently enjoys 20-20 vision for distance and at close range. And, as a designer for an engineering firm, he does a lot of close work. He was on the job a day after his surgery.

“I was working in the yard with a weed trimmer one day and it quit on me,” Powell recalled. “I called my neighbor over and he pointed to a yellow wire that had broken. I said, ‘What yellow wire?’ I hated wearing glasses, but I knew I had to do something.

I would recommend Raindrop surgery to anyone.”

The procedure is not covered by the insurance industry, which places it in a league with cosmetic surgeries. The cost for the Raindrop inlay at the Eye Center of North Florida is $3,500, which includes the procedure, drops, evaluation and follow-up care for a year.

The developer of the Raindrop surgery, Fisher said, is roll“We are ing it out slowly by making it available enabling only to selected docpeople to see tors whom they trust clearly at to deliver the same results that patients mid-range and enjoyed during cliniclose range cal trials. by restoring In that regard, Fisher qualifies. He a functional completed undercomponent graduate studies of the eye.” and went to medical school at Duke Uni— Dr. Bret Fisher, versity before studydirector of Eye Center ing his specialty at the of North Florida Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, consistently ranked among the top three eye schools in the country. He has practiced in Panama City for 24 years and previously practiced in San Diego. EC

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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ELEMENTS OF STYLE RANGING FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MORE SUBLIME

↘ Eddie Parsons is a style storyteller imparting his fashion knowledge from Pensacola to Paris.

CITIZEN OF STYLE

HAVE STYLE, WILL TRAVEL Itinerant stylist returns home to Pensacola

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

FOR HER photography by CHERYL CASEY

Fashion Resurgence

|| WHAT’S IN STORE Retail Roundup EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

April–May 2017

31

F

or Eddie Parsons, fashion isn’t merely a job; it’s his way of life.

And, at 45 years old, Eddie has enough experience and enough international travel under his perfectly coordinated belt to keep blog pages full of insider tips, tricks and up-to-the-minute info on what’s in or out.

It’s a head-spinning life he’s led, to be sure. Parsons set out from his hometown of Pensacola to pursue a career in fashion that has since taken him all over the world, working for design houses whose names regularly grace the pages of Vogue and WWD and then, by chance, meeting the famed publisher of The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, in a dressing room.

Always a creative at heart, he offered her a bit of sartorial advice and pitched an idea he had been toying with, neatly landing himself a blogging gig for her highly regarded cultural news site.

“She told me to go home and write down the concept that I had explained, and then the words just started to flow,” Parsons recalls. “I don’t really consider myself a writer — but a storyteller? Definitely.”

32

His stories are many, given the time he has spent in New York, London, and Paris, experiencing the very fabric of the fashion world.

It is fitting, perhaps, that with a last name like Parsons — a name so deeply woven into the history of fashion — Eddie would find inspiration in that world.

“For me, fashion has always been a way of storytelling, even as a kid,” he explains.

“I grew up as a Navy brat, constantly moving around with my father’s job, so I was always the new guy. Fashion was really a way for me to get past all of that, because I could express myself and show my personality right away, even before I had a conversation with anyone.”

A self-proclaimed student of life — and the mall — Parsons has never had formal education in fashion, but one look at his resume proves that his lack of schooling has hardly held him back. Threaded to his core with an intuition about style, his talent for self-expression, balanced with an understanding of well-chosen pieces, has served him well throughout his life, taking him through all manner of situations with well-dressed ease.

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

“I’ve been able to navigate all sections of society by what I wear,” he offers simply. And those sections of society are easily as varied as the kaleidoscopic colors that glide down Alexander McQueen’s fantastic runways at Fashion Week.

Despite his travels, Parsons has retained a fondness for Pensacola, and he came in off the road to move back to the city where he was born. Now, launching a career as a wardrobe stylist and independent consultant for start-up businesses, he lends his creativity, talent, and expertise to emerging entrepreneurs, emulating the very same eye for untapped potential that took him from being a de facto dressing room advisor to a deep friendship with the “Huff.”

“She’s changed my life in many ways,” Parsons reflects. “The most inspirational moment, though, was when she told me to sit at her desk and then explained to me that it was in that exact spot that she had the idea for The Huffington Post at the age of 55. There’s always time to start something new.”

For Eddie Parsons, that something new is starting now. EC photography by CHERYL CASEY

PHOTOS BY AFRICA STUDIO (JEANS), OPTIMARC (CAP), DJ SRKI (SWEATER), MICHAEL KRAUS (SANDALS) AND SURRPHOTO (TEE) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

➺ EVERY FASHION INSIDER HAS THEIR TOP FIVE, AND HERE ARE A FEW ESSENTIALS THAT EDDIE PARSONS SAYS SHOULD CLAIM A SPACE IN EVERY STYLISH GUY’S CLOSET: A baseball hat that shows off local team pride Fresh, white, cotton V-neck tee shirts A lightweight cashmere sweater Birkenstocks (“Yes, they’re back!”)

Baggy, ripped-up jeans for a day off

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panache RETRO WEAR Chokers:

➺ DON’T pair with a highneck top. DO wear with a sweeping collar, V-neck or other loose-cut neckline.

These accessories are meant to show off and elongate the neck.

Flare pants:

➺ DON’T wear with a baggy top. DO throw on a fitted shirt. Flair jeans are meant to accentuate the leg and trim the waist.

DO

Crop-tops:

➺ DON’T pair with hip

huggers or other low-rise pants that expose your midriff. DO wear with highwaisted jeans, shorts or skirts that complement your body’s shape.

FASHION RESURGENCE Blast from the past trends today

by HANNAH BURKE

I

n the words of Alexander McQueen, “Fashion should be a form of escapism, not a form of imprisonment.”

Escaping, perhaps to a favorite decade, is as easy as stepping into a clothing store.

For the woman who is Bohochic, feel free to get lost among endless rows of bell-sleeved blouses and free-flowing dresses.

A freer spirit can embrace her inner hippie with flare jeans, tie-dye patterns and crop-tops.

Even trends from the ’80s have made an appearance (we are NOT looking at you, shoulder pads!), from acid-wash jeans to bomber jackets to iron-on patches. A stroll over to the accessories station flings you into the ’90s, where

34

you’ll find dark shades of lipstick and chokers made of lace, ribbon and even metal.

Whatever you choose, all of it is back. These looks are coming right from New York’s runways, where fashion designers are showing off their spins on vintage fashions. But you don’t have to go to the Big Apple to enjoy the best fashion has to offer.

Melanie Schweizer is the owner of Destin’s LuxExchange, a haven for those who seek designer accessories and handbags.

“We tend to sell a lot of Chanel,” Schweizer says. “Chanel is dated back so far, and people love to come into the store and look at jewelry … bracelets, brooches that are from the ’70s and ’80s. It’s

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

not just about the trend, it’s about having a piece of history from that time.”

Perhaps this is why past fashions have made such a strong comeback in the modern era. We still look back upon style icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor as the epitome of beauty, though their reigns have long since passed.

“I think that fashion goes in full circles,” Schweizer explains.

“Designers keep creating trends, but some of the old stuff is just so classic that even though it may go away for a while, we keep returning to it with the fascination of where fashion was, to where it is today.”

With that fascination for the past, fashion will continue to evolve from what has already been created. Now, one specific trend does not dominate the fashion industry, and pressuring wouldbe style mavens to conform to a certain look. Whether you’re a hippie, an ’80s fanatic, or grunge for life, 2017 is all about finding your style. EC

➺ DON’T go for wide, large patterns of spotfaded denim. It will look as if someone poured bleach on your pants at random. DO look for small, evenly distributed patterns of acid-wash that are purposeful in design.

Metallic Eyeshadow:

DO ➺ DON’T go overboard or use with a bold lip color.

DO remember that a little goes a long way. Select shades like gold, silver and pastels, and then pair with a nude lip.

DON’T

Vintage Designer Handbags: ➺ DON’T invest in

designer purses that come in “trend” colors, like neons and bold hues. DO what Melanie Schweizer recommends and purchase handbags in neutral colors, like black and brown, that can be paired with looks from any fashion era.

SYDA PRODUCTIONS (GIRL), ANN HARITONENKO (VINTAGE PURSE), AMS STUDIO (CROP-TOP) AND SELORA (METALLIC EYESHADOW) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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panache CHEERS TO WINE SHOP SHOPPING EMERALD COAST WINE CELLARS on Scenic Highway 98 in Destin has been a tourist favorite attraction in Miramar Beach for years. The “sister store and vineyard” to Chautauqua in Crestview, Emerald Coast Wine Cellars’ light-hearted, whimsical approach to wine and winerelated gifts put them at the top of the wine shop list.

PANAMA CITY BEACH WINERY on Thomas Drive is the home of award-winning Florida citrus, berry and fruit wines and is the only tropical winery in Bay County. Check out their daily wine tastings.



OPHELIA SWIMWEAR

WHAT’S IN STORE? A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast

by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

In 2017, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin will welcome KINNUCAN’S, the Auburn, Alabama-based apparel and active lifestyle store, to a new location across the street from Boulevard 10 Cinema. OPHELIA SWIMWEAR, owned by Victoria Von Hoene, will open its third location next to Lilly Pulitzer and will feature the latest in swimwear and flirty beach accessories.

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

CHEERS TO WINE SHOPS, SHARED SPACES AND RETAIL IN UNLIKELY PLACES Kitchen, have opened THE DEEP SOUTH MARKET, a combination delicatessen and boutique gift shop in Gulf Place on 30A.

↑ THE DRESSING ROOM BOUTIQUE, a new upscale, ladies’ fashion boutique that reflects the principle that building a quality wardrobe shouldn’t break the bank, is the latest addition to The Market Shops in Miramar Beach.

Jeff and Vickie Miller, the husband and wife duo behind The Perfect Pig and Preacher’s

In addition to boasting the best pecan products in the South for more than 60 years, J.W. RENFROE PECAN COMPANY in Pensacola now has more types of nuts available in natural, whole or chopped, candied or roasted varieties.

Their candy kitchen also makes several dozen flavors of creamy fudge, toffee and melt-in-yourmouth New Orleans-style pralines. Ask for free samples!

Strawberry Kiwi Splash, Pomegranate Pop and Cherry Bomb are just a few of the fun-and-flirty flavored fruit wines under the label DON TRISTAN DE LUNA WINE, based in Pensacola.

Order online or pick up a bottle at local restaurants, wine and spirits stores and grocery stores. Go to deluna.com for a list of retail locations and to read the storied tale of this sexy elixir. Owner/winemaker Steve Brown says, “We stand behind the quality of our wine 100 percent. If you open a bottle and don’t like what you taste, send the unused portion back to us.

We’ll drink it for you.”

This April, don’t forget to hit the Retail Wine Sales Tent at the SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL (April 20–23) in The Village of Baytowne Wharf and the SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin (April 27–30) to snag great deals on more than 800 domestic and imported wines, many of which are difficult to come by.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN GALL (THE DRESSING ROOM) AND COURTESY GRAND BOULEVARD AT SANDESTIN (KINNUCAN’S AND OPHELIA SWIMWEAR) AND BAY BREEZE PATIO (LOUNGE)

KINNUCAN’S

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gastro&gusto DINING OUT

The Gulf Okaloosa Island

|| LIBATIONS

A Taste of Juniper

|| DINING GUIDE

See Page 47

APR/MAY 2017

DINING, IMBIBING AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

↘

Spring has sprung, producing a crop of bountiful vegetables and glorious greenery.

DINING IN

GARDEN TO TABLE Savor the magic of spring salad season

by AUDREY POST

photography by JAMES STEFIUK

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39

gastro & gusto RECIPE

← Shrimp and Asparagus Salad with Wasabi Mayo

Mary Thweatt is a professional chef and the owner of Edible Bay Catering and Personal Chef Services in Panama City Beach. She was trained at the Culinary Institute of America and at the InTavola Cooking School in Tuscany and has been cooking for over 30 years. Her recipe, “Shrimp and Asparagus Salad with Wasabi Mayo,” uses fresh Gulf shrimp.

To find out more about Edible Bay, visit ediblebay.com or call (850) 303-9513.

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

almost magical window when traditional spring vegetables ripen. Fresh green peas, which my grandparents called “English peas,” snow peas, asparagus and kohlrabi are wonderful additions to the spring salad bowl. My mom used to make a salad with iceberg lettuce, asparagus, peas and sliced boiled eggs. A creamy dressing loaded with fresh dill, an herb that does better in cool weather than warm, is a great complement.

Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, particularly if sliced or shaved thinly, offer both color and texture variety. Throw in some coolweather edible blossoms, such as nasturtiums or violas, and you have a salad fit for the pages of a glossy cooking magazine. A word of caution: Make sure your flowers are edible, because not all flowers are, and that they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides.

Most restaurants offer seasonal salads, and eateries that emphasize a “farm to fork” or “farm to table” menu particularly appreciate Spring Salad Season. The menu is determined by what’s available, and creativity reigns. Just like the chefs, you don’t have to limit yourself strictly to what is seasonal; a cucumber, tomato or sweet red pepper can enhance a spring salad.

The point is to let the spring crop take center stage and use the freshest ingredients you can find. If your idea of green peas comes from the “push-around peas” of a rubber-chicken banquet, prepare to be amazed and delighted when you use fresh ones. EC

DIRECTIONS Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil. Add salt, Old Bay Seasoning, lemon and shrimp. Cook approximately 2 minutes, then add asparagus and cook an additional 2 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Drain shrimp and asparagus and place in a bowl of cold water to stop cooking.

Peel and devein the shrimp; chop shrimp and asparagus and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red onion, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice and wasabi paste.

Add chopped shrimp and asparagus and combine well.

Refrigerate for a few hours; serve over mixed spring greens. Enjoy!

A9PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

W

e are fortunate to live in an area where fresh, locally grown vegetables are available year-round. Farmers’ and growers’ outdoor markets provide beautiful, bountiful displays of produce. The number of specialty grocers and food co-ops in the region continues to grow, and mainstream grocery stores have responded to customer demand with more organic produce and locally grown food. Certainly, foods that come out of nearby ground will be fresher and tastier when they land on your plate.

In addition, there are plenty among us who maintain a little patch of vegetables in the back yard — or in my case, the side yard, which faces south. In the summer, it is home to those vegetables that can take the North Florida heat and afternoon downpours: sweet and hot peppers, eggplants and a few cherry tomatoes. But from fall to spring, it’s my salad garden. Lettuces, ranging in color from pale green to dark green to red-fringed bronze; arugula and Asian salad greens in a variety of leaf textures and colors; spinach, kale, and cabbage; radishes, carrots and green onions. It’s a gorgeous palette that can sometimes seem almost too pretty to disturb — almost. Snip a few leaves for your dinner and new ones will grow in their place, providing a steady supply of salad ingredients until the heat of late spring causes these cool-weather stalwarts to set seed and the leaves become bitter.

Before that happens, though, there’s an

INGREDIENTS ➸ ¼ cup kosher salt ➸ ¼ cup Old Bay Seasoning ➸ 1 lemon, quartered ➸ 2 pounds large shrimp (16–20 per pound) ➸ 1 pound thin asparagus, trimmed ➸ 1 ½ cups mayonnaise ➸ 1 cup red onion, minced ➸ 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ➸ 2 tsp. sugar ➸ 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice ➸ 2 tsp. wasabi paste (sold in tubes in most stores’ produce aisle)

Capt.on Dave’s the

SERVING LOCAL FLORIDA SEAFOOD AND STEAKS Dinner 4pm UNTIL …

For more information visit captdavesonthegulf.com Enjoy cocktails on the deck for sunset

Gulf

Casual Gulf Front Dining The locals’ favorite since 1968!

Happy Hour: 4–6pm Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) Live Music

3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin 850.837.2627 captdavesonthegulf.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST HIBACHI

HIBACHI

ASIAN | HIBACHI

HIBACHI

18 Hibachi tables | Sushi bar Private dining | Large parties welcome Open daily for lunch and dinner

DESTIN | 34745 Emerald Coast Parkway | 850.650.4688 TALLAHASSEE | 16900 Raymond Diehl Road | 850.531.0222 PANAMA CITY BEACH | 15533 Panama City Beach Parkway | 850.588.8403 OSAKAHIBACHIANDSUSHI.COM EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

April–May 2017

41

gastro & gusto

THE GULF OKALOOSA ISLAND Bringing flavors to savor to Northwest Florida

42

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM



N

estled on the corner of Marler Avenue and Siebert Drive is Okaloosa Island’s newest restaurant for seafood lovers: The Gulf Okaloosa Island.

This two-story waterfront space, which is constructed from recycled shipping containers, is the latest venture of Hangout Hospitality restaurant group — the corporation behind The Gulf in Orange Beach and The Hangout Restaurant and popular Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The Gulf Okaloosa Island features family-friendly indoor and outdoor dining, two unique bars and a fantastic gift shop filled with a curated selection of lifestyle items. The lunch, dinner and weekend-brunch menus are constantly evolving and boast seasonal options crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Menu staples that are gaining popularity include the crisp grouper sandwich with lemon-dill sauce, the hand-cut fries (with the perfect amount of crunch) and The Gulf Burger with garlic aioli served on a brioche bun. Many patrons crave the daily taco selection, which includes pork from NoWal Farms topped with a house-made tomatillo relish. Another favorite

by SUSAN BENTON

Appropriately, The Gulf has adopted as its logo a trident of a sort that a god of the sea might use. The restaurant is committed to delivering menus, changed daily, that feature locally sourced ingredients including, especially, seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, along with the products of nearby farms.

With its approach to business, The Gulf reflects respect for its waterfront setting and the environment as a whole.

It makes a concerted effort to engage in sustainable practices and to limit its carbon footprint and other impacts. Its very building is made up of shipping containers and includes recycled, reclaimed and salvaged building materials.

↖ At The Gulf on Okaloosa Island, the emphasis is on relaxation. (The dress code dictates that shirttails are to be worn out.) Patrons couple their favorite eats — a selection from the daily taco menu, perhaps — with activities that include pingpong on the beach.

meal is the Apalachicola oysters that are offered at the raw bar. The Gulf Okaloosa Island also serves a unique selection of mojitos and craft beers.

The restaurant’s expansive, flexible floor plan and relaxed environment provides an ideal venue for events of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties to full-scale weddings. A dock, which will be built in the near future, will allow visitors to arrive by boat for a day of lounging on the beach, playing Ping-Pong on the lawn and dining on some of the freshest, tastiest seafood the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Shaul Zislin, a partner in the restaurant said, “Our staff is genuine, passionate and well-trained. We truly want to provide an experience that is unique and memorable to those visiting us at The Gulf.” EC

COURTESY OF THE GULF OKALOOSA ISLAND

DINING OUT

RESTAURANT • LOUNGE • WEDDINGS & EVENTS

INSPIRED

Perfection INSPIRED EXPERIENCES AT VUE ON 30A

Named “Best Waterfront Dining” by Travel + Leisure magazine, Vue on 30a is open to the public and showcases one of the best views for dining in all of South Walton. It is a great place for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch or special occasions with family and friends. Ask us about planning your wedding or special event today.

RSVP EARLY FOR OUR EASTER BRUNCH ON APRIL 16 AND MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH ON MAY 14.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE. santarosaclub.com | vueon30a.com 4801 W Hwy 30A | Santa Rosa Beach, FL

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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43

ADVERTORIAL

Restaurant Spotlight

Capt. Dave's On The Gulf OWNER JANE MARLERVAYDA grew up in the

restaurant business and has flourished as the captain of her own eatery. She provides a comfortable, casual atmosphere with food that makes people eager to return.

“I measure my success by all the customers who have dined with us since we opened, and now their

children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren dine with us regularly,” said Marler-Vayda.

She wanted to set Capt.

Dave’s apart by moving beyond the usual fried and broiled options and offering something unique. Grouper Parmesan came to life as an instant hit and remains a top seller to this day.

The menu reflects a classic Florida style with Gulf catches, savory sauces and a full-service bar. Diners enjoy the waterfront scenery from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

With four experienced chefs, reputable service, scenic backdrops and tastes of the Gulf, it is apparent why Capt. Dave’s is a beloved staple of the Emerald Coast.

CAPT. DAVE'S ON THE GULF 3796 SCENIC U.S. HIGHWAY 98, DESTIN | 850.837.2627 | CAPTDAVESONTHEGULF.COM

44

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTOS BY CHASE YAKABOSKI

provides the freshest local seafood, breathtaking views and an inviting atmosphere — the keys to its success since opening in 1968. Since then, Capt. Dave’s has been exceeding the expectations of customers, be they longtime locals or first-time tourists.

#localsservinglocals @jackacudas #jackacudas 8 5 0

APPETIZER Harborwalk Village Destin, FL

Eat Local

4 2 4 3 5 0 7

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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45

SPECIAL PROMOTION

chefyi

Devin Simpson Manager, Bruster’s Real Ice cream

 4655 Gulfstarr Drive

What makes eating Destin Bruster’s ice cream special?

850-269-2920 Brusters.com Our ice cream is unique because we make it on site every morning in the Destin shop, with farm fresh ingredients such What is your favorite as fresh cream. Customers love to menu item and why? Our add candy mix-ins to create their own milkshakes because we blend sundaes. We also offer Nathan’s hot our homemade ice cream with dogs with chili, cheese and a variety whole milk and no additives. of other tasty toppings.

They are creamy and delicious!

CHASE YAKABOSKI

What are some of your most popular flavors?

Sea salt caramel with toffee, birthday cake and death by chocolate.

What do you hope customers experience when visiting Bruster’s?

Our customers have a very unique experience of meeting the wide array of

people from all over the world who travel to Destin.

But, most of all I hope they really enjoy our delicious ice cream made by our ​staff of Certified Ice Cream Makers.

MIMMOS Italian

Magnolia Grill fort walton beach

tom & peggy rice, proprietors

(850) 302-0266

www.magnoliagrillfwb.com bridal luncheons • wedding rehearsals unique receptions

46

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

979 US HWY 98 E

|

Destin

(in the 98 Pa lms Shopping Plaza)

850.460.7353 EatMimmos.com

dining guide AMERICAN

of Baytowne Wharf, 126 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 502-4590. $$ D

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★

45 CENTRAL

Big wines and small plates in an intimate atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–midnight.

45 Central Square, Seaside. (850) 231-4545. $$ L D

A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Open daily from 4 pm. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D

THE BEACH HOUSE

MAGNOLIA GRILL

Casual, beach-front dining. Open daily 11 am–10 pm 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-4800. $$ L D

BUFFALO’S REEF ★

Hot wings and cold beer. Tues–Sat open at 10:30 am, Sun open at noon.

116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach.

(850) 243-9463. $ L D

CALLAHAN’S RESTAURANT & DELI

Great sandwiches, seafood specials and prime rib. Mon–Sat 10 am–10 pm.

791 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-6328. $L D

THE CRAFT BAR ★

Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Open daily 11 am–12 am. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin.

Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola.

(850) 460-7907. $$ L D

CUVEE DESTIN & CUVEE 30A ★

Classic Italian, French and Asian-inspired dishes. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Destin. (Also at 30Avenue, 12805 Hwy. 98 in Inlet Beach) (850) 650-8900. $$$ D

FIREFLY ★

Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, artisan pizzas and signature cocktails. Open daily from 4 pm. 535 Richard Jackson Pkwy., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D

GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH

Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily 11 am–3 pm and 5–9 pm. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D

JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. Open Mon–Wed 11 am–9 pm, Thurs–Sat 11 am– 10 pm and Sun 10 am–9 pm. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D

JOHNNY O’QUIGLEY’S

Steak, seafood and barbecue. Mon–Thurs 11 am–midnight, Fri–Sun 11 am–1 am.

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin.

(850) 837-1015. $ L D

JOHN WEHNER’S VILLAGE DOOR BAYFRONT RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB ★

Dinner and dancing, serving barbeque and seafood. Open daily 5–9 pm. The Village

THE KEY

Seafood, steak, pasta and sushi. Lunch Tues– Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Tues–Sun from 5 pm.

2260 W. County Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 278-6856. $$ L D Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads.

Open daily 11 am–7 pm, breakfast Sat–Sun 8–11 am, kitchen closed Mon–Tues. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778.

$B L D

MARINA CAFÉ

Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Open daily 5–10 pm. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D

NICK’S BOATHOUSE

Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront.

Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am–9 pm. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola.

(850) 912-8775. $$ L D

THE RED BAR ★

Live music and a menu of varied options including pastas, seafood, salads and cocktails. Lunch and dinner daily 11 am– 10 pm. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach.

(850) 231-1008. $ L D

SUNSET BAY CAFÉ ★

Chef-inspired twists on classic dishes.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail.

Open daily 7 am–2 pm. Tiki Bar open noon to sunset. Linkside Conference Center, 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach.

(850) 267-7108. $ B L

VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE & BISTRO Seafood, salad, chef specials. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 10859 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy., #103, Miramar Beach.

(850) 650-9820. $$ L D

ASIAN BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE & SUSHI

Asian dishes and full sushi bar. Open daily from 4 pm. 3295 W. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-3028. $$ D

$$ Moderately

Open Daily To The Public Private Events & Catering Available

SunsetBayCafeSandestin.com 850-267-7108 158 Sandestin Blvd. N.

Located at Linkside Conference Center at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

set

Sun

Bay

Cafe

Baytowne Marina

Horseshoe Bayou

Sa

nd

pip

er

Dr

Audubon Dr

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

Blue Her

on Dr

N

Expensive $$$ Expensive

Open Daily Breakfast & Lunch served 7am–2pm Tiki Bar Poolside 11am–Sunset (Seasonal)

lvd

Outdoor Dining Live Music $ Inexpensive

BRUNCH

nB

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

VIEW

MARINA BAR AND GRILL

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted.

B L D

with a

esti

Emerald Coast 2016 Winner

MARIE’S BISTRO & BAR ★

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

nd Sa

★ Best of the

Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Lunch Mon-Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sat from 5 pm. Closed Sun. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach.

(850) 302-0266. $$ L D

Bay side

Sandestin Golf Club & Beach Resort

Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hwy 98

April–May 2017

47

JASMINE THAI ★

Traditional dishes in a contemporary atmosphere. Lunch Tues–Sun 11 am–3 pm, dinner Tues–Sun 5–9 pm. 4463 Common Drive W., #108, Destin. (850) 460-7780. $$ L D

OSAKA ★

Known for its sushi but serves a variety of d ishes, including chicken, steak and seafood.

Lunch 11 am–2:30 pm, dinner 5–10:30 pm.

34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin.

(850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D

THAI DELIGHT

Traditional dishes in a casual atmosphere.

Open daily 11 am–9 pm. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $$ L D

BBQ 98 BAR-B-QUE

Award-winning barbeque, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering. Mon–Sat 11 am–8 pm. 5008 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L D

BUCK’S SMOKEHOUSE ★

Brisket, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches and plates in a casual, rustic atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 303 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-3600. $ L D

JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q ★

Smokehouse barbecue, beer and wine. Open daily 11 am. 14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin.

(850) 351-1991. $ L D

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ ★

Breakfast all day, plus sandwiches, patty melts,

specials, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily 7 am–2 pm, closed Mondays. 979 E. Hwy. 98, #F, Destin (Also in Miramar Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Sandestin and Grayton Beach).

(850) 650-0499. $ B

BON APPETIT FRENCH BAKERY & CAFÉ

French pastries, croissants, crusty breads, soup, salads and sandwiches. Mon–Fri 7:30 am–5:30 pm, Sat 7:30 am–2 pm, Closed Sun. 420 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-2848. $ B L

DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE ★

Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. Open daily 6 am–10 pm. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin.

(850) 837-8824. $ B

MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST ★

Award-winning breakfast. Old World family recipes. Brunch Wed–Sun 8 am–1 pm, seasonal Hours Memorial Day to Labor Day Mon–Sun 8 am–1 pm. Holiday Plaza, 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W, Destin.

(850) 424-3157. $$ B

GREEK AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★

Authentic Greek restaurant. Breakfast 8–11 am, lunch 11 am–4 pm, dinner 4–9 pm. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar).

(850) 460-2728. $$ B L D

ALA BABA GRILL CAFÉ

Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 10 am–9 pm. 550 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 986-5555. $ L D

YIOTA’S GREEK DELI

Traditional Greek food made from family recipes. Order at counter. 10 am–5 pm.

130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther.

(850) 302-0691. $ L

DESSERT BRUSTERS ★

Ice cream selections made fresh on-site, daily. Noon–7 pm. 4655 Gulfstar Dr., Destin.

(850) 269-2920. $

IRISH JOHNNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB

Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating.

11 am–2 am. 2298 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0101. $$ L D

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★

Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D

ITALIAN/PIZZA ANGELINA’S PIZZA & PASTA

Authentic homemade pizza pie and Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 4005 E. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2500. $ B L D

CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner.

Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707.

$$ B L D

FAT CLEMENZA’S ★

Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner.

Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat 5–9 pm.

Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach.

(850) 650-5980 $$ L D

GRAFFITI

Traditional, Italian house specialties, like seafood pizza. Mon–Thurs 5–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10 pm. 707 E. Hwy. 98, Destin.

(850) 654-2764. $$ D

HELEN BACK

Pizza and cold beer in a sports bar atmosphere.

Open daily 11 am–4 am. Locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach. (850) 796-1451. $ L D

MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★ Italian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun 5–10 pm. 979 Hwy. 98, #5, Destin.

(850) 460-7353. $$ L D

THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Open daily from 11 am. 2236 E. County Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-3113. $$ L D

TRADEWINDS

A cozy favorite among locals, serving heaping portions from old family recipes. Enjoy a number of pasta variations as well as seafood, chicken, veal, steak and thin-crust pizza. Expansive wine and beer list. Reservations required. Open Tues– Sat from 5 pm. 205 Government St., Valparaiso.

(850) 678-8299. $$ D

TRATTORIA BORAGO

Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the

The Tradition Continues Best Italian 2013, 2014, 2015 Best Restaurant Okaloosa County 2013, 2014, 2016 Best Service, Food & Beverage 2015

Best Brunch 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Mama Clemenzas | 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach 850.424.3157 | mamaclemenzas.com Clemenzas At Uptown | 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach 850.243.0707 | clemenzasatuptown.com

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Bruster’s & Nathan’s of Destin 4655 Gulfstarr Drive 850-269-2920 BRUSTERS.COM

open kitchen. Open daily from 6 pm. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D

TUSCANY ITALIAN BISTRO

Northern Italian cuisine: meats, fresh seafood and garden vegetables. Tues–Sun 4 pm–close. 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-2451. $$ D

MEXICAN CANTINA LAREDO ★

A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites.

Sun–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am– 11 pm. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach.

(850) 654-5649. $$ B L D

CRAB ISLAND CANTINA

Latin-inspired Mexican cuisine. Mon– Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 11 am–9 pm. 2 Harbor Blvd., Destin.

(850) 424-7417. $$ L D

PEPITO’S ★

Authentic Mexican cuisine, delicious margaritas and weekly specials. Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 11225 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Niceville and Miramar Beach).

(850) 269-7788. $$ L D

THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. Open daily from 11 am (in season). 2236 E. Country Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L D

SEAFOOD BOATHOUSE OYSTER BAR ★

Ice cold beer, raw oysters, award-winning gumbo. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 288 B Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-3645. L D

BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★

Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine.

Open daily from 11 am. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D

BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER ★

HARBOR DOCKS ★

A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and the best sushi on the Emerald Coast. Open daily 5 am–11 pm.

538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D

HARRY T’S ★

Enjoy seafood and American food in a roomy waterfront space stuffed with circus memorabilia. Mon–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri– Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 10 am–10 pm. 46 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 654-4800. $$ B L D

HIGH TIDE RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR ★

Casual eatery featuring an oyster bar.

Open daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-2124. $$ L D

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI

Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches.

Open daily from 11 am. Sunday brunch at 10 am. 56 Harbor Blvd., HarborWalk Village, Destin. (850) 424-3507. $$ L D

POPPY’S SEAFOOD FACTORY

TAKE OUT DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★

Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more.

Open daily 8 am–7 pm. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin. (850) 837-8333. $$ L D

SARAH K’S GOURMET ★

WENDY’S KITCHEN

Homemade meals from Wendy’s kitchen to your table. Comfort food, casseroles.

Mon–Fri 11 am–6 pm. 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8837. L D

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks.

Open daily 4–10 pm. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D

Award-winning seafood in a quaint house.

Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$$ L D

BIJOUX RESTAURANT & SPIRITS ★

JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE

High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection.

Lunch Tues–Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Tues– Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898. $$$ D

DEWEY DESTIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET ★

MARLIN GRILL ★

Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. Open 11 am–8 pm. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin.

(850) 837-7575. $$ B L D

Seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers.

Open nightly from 5 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach.

(850) 351-1990. $$$ D

THE FISH HOUSE ★

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ★

Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. Open daily from 11 am. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola.

(850) 470-0003. $$ L D

FISH OUT OF WATER RESTAURANT Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. Located in the WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach.

(850) 534-5050. $$$ D

Lunch M–F 11–2 · Dinner M–Sat 5–9 · 850.650.5980 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach · fatclemenzas.com

Ready-to-heat cuisine. Jumbo lump crab cakes and fresh chicken salad.

Open from 11 am. 34940 Hwy. 98, Destin.

(850) 269-0044. $ L D

STEAK & SEAFOOD

DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ★

The original, award-winning wood-fired pizza and classical Italian cuisine

Fresh seafood, steak and poultry dishes.

Open daily 11 am–9 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach.

(850) 351-1996. $$$ L D

Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Sunday brunch. Destin Harbor, Destin.

(850) 460-8900. $$$ B

Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Open Mon– Fri 11:30 am. Roof bar open in summer 11:30 pm–2 am. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside.

(850) 231-5900. $$$ L D

2008 - Best Italian 2009 - Best Pizza 2010 - Best Pizza & Best Chef 2011 - Best Pizza, Best Italian & Best Chef 2012 - Best Italian 2013 - Best Pizza & Best Walton Restaurant 2014 - Best Pizza, Best Walton Restaurant & Best Chef 2015 - Best Pizza 2016 - Best Pizza

Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired.

Mon–Sat 5:30–10 pm, Sun 5:30–9 pm. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108. $$$ D

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS AND SEAFOOD ★

Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Open daily from 6 pm. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D

Private dining rooms and outdoor courtyard spaces accommodate anything from an intimate meal to an extravagant event. Our bar features an exclusive menu and drink specials. Looking for something even more unique?

Our private wine room can be reserved for your next event.

(850) 622-0760 bijouxdestin.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Avantgarde Salon Spa A Fashion-Forward, Philanthropic Family

By Matt Algarin

W

alking into the Avantgarde Salon Spa in Destin, one’s senses immediately come alive. It’s modern, progressive, sexy and filled with an undeniable energy that radiates throughout the 4,000-plus square feet of space.

Your eyes are naturally drawn to the Aveda product-lined walls and wooden backdrop bearing the Avantgarde name, while stylists, most of which have been with the salon for more than a decade, consult with clients to create an unforgettable look. It’s exactly what owner Joseph Rogers envisioned when he designed his flagship location about 10 years ago.

Joseph and his business partner, Deke Rogers, may be the most recognizable faces behind the brand’s three locations (Shoppes of Destiny, Destin Commons and Niceville), but they are only as successful as the stylists who serve as their ambassadors. The Niceville location, which has been open almost three years, is the newest addition to the Avantgarde family. Joseph wanted to expand north of the Choctawhatchee Bay as it’s where he grew up — think of it almost as a homecoming.

All told, Avantgarde employs more than 40 men and women along the Emerald Coast.

“We have people who have been with us since day one and people who have been here 17 years, 10 years,” Deke said. “It’s been really incredible watching them grow. From assistants right out of school to buying a new car, a house and having kids.”

It’s that family aspect and commitment to excellence that has led to Avantgarde’s success throughout the years. The salon has been a constant fixture in the winner’s category of Emerald Coast Magazine’s “Best of,” as well as three-time winners of Emerald Coast Magazine’s Top Salon event.

To learn more about Avantgarde Salon Spa, visit avantgardeaveda.com or call 850.654.5057.

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ADVERTORIAL

Avantgarde Salon Spa presenting check of $15,000 to Apilachicola Riverkeeper for Earth Month 2016

T

o ensure its stylists are the best of the best, Avantgarde offers on-site training for each of its employees.

“We have a huge education program here at the salon,” Joseph said. “When someone comes to work here they go through our training program, so they are assisting other stylists and educators four days a week before they ever go on the floor by themselves. It really creates a culture here at the salon,” he added. “We really do a lot of team activities and meetings to help bring everyone together as a group outside of the salon.”

Each September, Rogers and members of their team attend the AVEDA “Dare To Dream” conference, an interactive event in South Florida where salon professionals from all over the country come together to learn and inspire.

And not only are Deke and Joseph dedicated to their team, they are dedicated to the community and continually find ways to give back, whether locally or abroad.

“We really just want to give back to the community that has kept us in business for 20 years and given us so much,” Joseph said.

The Avantgarde team works with the Apalachicola Riverkeeper organization for part of their philanthropic efforts. The nonprofit organization provides stewardship and advocacy for the protection of the Apalachicola River and Bay, its tributaries and watersheds, in order to improve and maintain its environmental integrity and to preserve the natural, scenic, recreational and commercial fishing character of these waterways.

“We raise a lot of money each year for Earth Month,” Deke said. “It’s a big charity for us, which partners with AVEDA.” In fact, the Avantgarde team’s donations for Earth Month have been tremendous, as they raised the most money in Florida last year and the most money in their eight-state territory another year.

“AVEDA sent us to India to see the water wells they fund through the Earth Month candle sales program,” Deke said.

“It was mind blowing,” Joseph said of the trip. “It was very humbling, and we were able to see how a village can be changed when they have access to clean water.”

Avantgarde Salon Spa is truly a gem along the Emerald Coast. The salon has been recognized as a “Top 200 Salon” for 15 consecutive years by Salon Today Magazine.

“We really just want to give back to the community that has kept us in business for 20 years and given us so much.”

– Joseph Rogers, owner

Shoppes of Destin 850.654.5057 | Destin Commons 850.654.1303 | Niceville 850.678.1000 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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ARTW Celebration travels many avenues of expression →

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WEEK

SOUTH WALTON

by STEVE BORNHOFT

JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES

T

en years ago, Mike Ragsdale looked upon the alabaster facades that uniformly characterize the buildings at Alys Beach in South Walton County and saw something more than white walls.

The founder of The 30A Company, a brand that promotes kicked-back beach life, Ragsdale viewed them as empty canvasses that artists might paint with projection art.

Kelli Siler, the director of events at Alys Beach, was around for Ragsdale’s epiphany and wishes that what would become Digital Graffiti, a highly regarded art festival known internationally, had been her idea. Instead, it has been substantially up to her to speed the evolution of the event through its first decade.

“Projection art is a fairly new art form, and I can recall our first years when we had to try to explain what we were doing,” Siler said. “And, if you’ve never witnessed projection art, it is not an easy concept to picture. Today, though, it’s advanced to the point where artists are doing it not just for commercial applications, but simply as a way of creating art.”

Alys Beach continues to grow and Digital Graffiti has grown with it. More buildings make for an enlarged blueprint for the festival with more projection stations.

Projection art was born as a product of commercial applications, but has evolved in the 10 years that the Digital Graffiti festival has been around to the point where it is being created purely for (projection) art’s sake. Some 200 entries were received for the 2017 show. Above, a projected image from Digital Graffiti 2014.

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I am “forthankful the

opportunities that ArtsQuest extends to artists.

I would have been content to be an art teacher forever, but when my career as an artist took off, I found that I had to give it up.

”

Artist Kathleen Broaderick →

This year, the festival also stands to grow owing to its participation in Art Week South Walton, an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. The alliance is succeeding in consolidating several events beneath the Art Week banner.

Art Week began to become a reality after the alliance acquired the Seaside Writers Conference, explained CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele.

A year ago, the alliance co-promoted the conference and its long established ArtsQuest as parts of the same whole. (ArtsQuest is a juried art show and art sale that is in its 29th year.)

This year, additional events have been added to the alliance’s Art Week, including, notably, Digital Graffiti.

“We’re finding that it is to everyone’s advantage from a marketing standpoint to combine forces,” Steele said. “We’ve already achieved success given the number of partnerships Art Week has generated.”

There is strength, it seems, in the number, one, and Siler is fully on board.

“Our call for entries is highly targeted,” Siler said. “Art Week is spreading awareness of Digital Graffiti among artists representing other genres and their followers.”

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PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES (DIGITAL GRAFFITI), AND COURTESY CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY (BROADERICK) AND KATHLEEN BROADERICK (PAINTINGS)

Nothing says that Digital Graffiti cannot build on its already global reputation. When asked whether she has seen any interplanetary entries this year, Siler said, “No, but we’re working on Mars.”

Again this year, Digital Graffiti will bring to town four artists in residence, but they will arrive just nine days prior to the festival, a departure from previous years when they arrived months earlier. They will participate May 12 in an Art Week kickoff party that will serve, in part, as a Digital Graffiti sneak preview.

Art Week is intended to enrich all who attend, to advance artists and writers and to benefit the community. In the latter regard, the alliance works closely with the Walton County Tourist Development Council, from whom it receives a marketing grant, to stimulate visitation, and to, as Steele says, “demonstrate that we have much more to do here than enjoy the Gulf of Mexico, as fabulous as it is.”

Too, proceeds from Art Week are dedicated to the alliance’s Art for All program, which provides for art education.

Kathleen Broaderick is among artists whose careers were kick-started by ArtsQuest. She had been an art teacher for many years in Niceville when she elected to take a figure drawing class at Northwest Florida State College. There, she participated in a student art competition and was

Painter Kathleen Broaderick’s favorite subjects include Gulfscapes and the most colorful of birds — flamingos and roosters and such. A long-time art teacher, she gained entry into the world of commercial art when she entered a student art competition at Northwest Florida State College and won an opportunity to display her work at ArtsQuest. Opposite page: the scene at Digital Graffiti in 2014.

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COURTESY CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY

“I try to remember how lucky I am and how little I deserve that good fortune,” says writer Seth Brady Tucker, who served with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq. “I try to honor those less fortunate, and those soldiers and marines and air persons and sailors we put in harm’s way, every day. I regret we have not learned enough as a species to not need them.” Brady’s books of poetry, lower photo, include “Mormon Boy” and “We Deserve the Gods We Ask For.”

among three students selected to exhibit her work at the college’s booth at ArtsQuest.

That exposure launched her as a professional artist, and today she enjoys a productive relationship with the Galerie du Soleil in Naples.

“I am thankful for the opportunities that ArtsQuest extends to artists,” said Broaderick, who works in oils, but uses a technique that produces a watercolor effect. “I would have been content to be an art teacher forever, but when my career as an artist took off, I found that I had to give it up.” (And she traded Niceville for Miramar Beach.)

Art Week, it becomes clear, is a transformational experience led by people whose lives have been transformed by art.

Like Broaderick, Dr. Seth Brady Tucker is not far removed today from the onset of his commercial success as a creative. A poet and author, he published his first book, “Mormon Boy,” a collection of poems, in 2012, the year in which he earned his doctorate in creative writing from Florida State University. He is a co-founder and co-director of the Seaside Writers Conference and will be a presenter this year.

The conference, Dr. Tucker said, “provides the local area with a means to meet some of the best writers of the day and learn from them, and also creates an inviting and welcome community of writers to learn from and befriend. I look forward to this conference more than anything else I do, even though it’s the most difficult undertaking in my life.

“To the conference, I bring enthusiasm and joy and my hard work — and a pack of wonderful people who also happen to be great artists and teachers, whom I try to emulate at every turn.”

A native of Wyoming who lived for a year in Seaside while working on his dissertation — and bartending and waiting tables at Borago’s Italian restaurant — Tucker has a close relationship with Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“When I was hired at the Colorado School of Mines (in Golden), I had to leave the beach behind, with regrets,” Tucker said. “It is nice to live closer to my family, and I love teaching, but a good chunk of my heart will always reside in Northwest Florida.”

Tucker has written a poem about the comic book character, Popeye the Sailor, in which the one-time hero is down on his luck, living in a flea-bag hotel room “like a fly sucked up in a sweeper bag,” as the poet W.D. Snodgrass once wrote, and draining bottles of booze.

With a nod to that poem, Tucker is asked to consider a healthy Popeye and complete a sentence: Spinach is to Popeye as …

Responded Tucker: “as Poetry and Prose are to Grace.” It would be great to have the chance to ask Tucker to unpack that answer.

And, in May, conference attendees will. EC

out for a weekend of art, great food, live music and family entertainment.

ART WEEK SOUTH WALTON CALENDAR OF EVENTS ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 13–14 Celebrate Mother’s Day and the 29th year of the ArtsQuest Fine Arts & Music Festival all at once and in one exciting location: the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. ArtsQuest is a juried art show that awards $10,000 in cash prizes to visiting artists whose works will be available for view and purchase.

Bring the whole family

“

More information may be found at culturalartsalliance.com/events/ artsquest.

DIGITAL GRAFFITI MAY 19–21 The white walls of Alys Beach are the perfect canvas for graffiti artists; but don’t worry — there’s no spray-paint involved in the Alys Beach event known as “Digital Graffiti.”

Instead, artists will use projection technology to cast images of their creative works onto buildings. This exploration of the relationship among art, technology and architecture brings artists from across the globe to the Emerald Coast to display their creative genius and to vie for cash prizes.

For more information, call (850) 213-5500 or visit digitalgraffiti.com.

SEASIDE WRITERS CONFERENCE MAY 14–20 Every year, poets, novelists and screenwriters from all over the country gather together in beautiful Seaside to celebrate the written word. The Seaside Writers Conference features educational and networking opportunities galore.

Writers of all skill levels are invited to participate in workshops conducted by award-winning authors and to attend seminars and one-onone consultations with literary agents and professional editors.

Visit seasidewritersconference. weebly.com for more information.

THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA THEATRE FESTIVAL MAY 12–21 Hosted by Emerald Coast Theatre Company, the Northwest Florida Theatre Festival is an

uncensored celebration of life and all of its diversity, as interpreted through theater and the performing arts.

Performances are open to the public, and tickets range in price from $5–$20. The application deadline for groups is April 10.

For more information, visit NWFTheatreFestival.com.

THE JOFFREY BALLET CONCERT GROUP TBA This will be the third year in which the New York City-based Joffrey Ballet Concert Group will perform at the Seaside Amphitheater.

This renowned group’s repertoire includes modern dance, jazz and ballet, all showcased in a one-night-only performance. This event is open to the public at no cost.

To learn more about the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, visit joffreyballetschool.com/ joffrey-ballet-concert-group. compiled by

KIM HARRIS THACKER

To the conference, I bring enthusiasm and joy and my hard work — and a pack of wonderful people who also happen to be great artists and teachers, whom I try to emulate at every turn. ← Poet and auther Dr. Seth Brady Tucker

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TIM’S STORY PENSACOLA MAN FINDS HIS FOOTING WITH PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE

by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

In 2006, the year the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) was created, Chan Cox, DCWAF founder, lost his 30-year-old son, Clinton, to the devastating effects of addiction.

To create a legacy for his son and to promote addiction awareness, Cox created the Clinton Cox Memorial Fund from the proceeds of the “paddle raise,” a now-traditional part of the DCWAF’s annual live auction. The memorial fund supports Pathways for Change, which is a faith-based organization that was initially funded by Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.

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PHOTO BY MARGOT DOELKER COURTESY PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE

Following a past filled with physical, emotional and substance abuse, Tim Zoulek seeks the right path thanks to Pathways for Change.

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TIM’S STORY

PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE FOUNDER CONNIE BOOKMAN

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PHOTOS BY STM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION

Since 2005, Pathways for Change has served hundreds of men who are undergoing intensive substance-abuse treatment. Their mission of “Changing Lives, Reducing Crime, Building Futures” is actively preventing heartbreaking losses. Since 2007, DCWAF has raised more than $1.2 million for Pathways. It operates a Residential Treatment Program at the Clinton Cox Residence, and it runs The Family Center in Pensacola — a site that served approximately 600 people and families during 6,885 visits in 2016.

Pathways for Change has put the money from the Clinton Cox Memorial Fund to good use, and many people have taken notice.

“The impact of dollars has brought statewide recognition not only because of the Residential Treatment Program, but because of its success rate, which is twice as successful at half the cost of any other program in the state,” says Pathways for Change founder Connie Bookman, who has operated Pathways for Change for 13 years.

Bookman, 58, says her program has a 67 percent success rate with 33 percent recidivism, whereas the state is the opposite: a 33 percent success and 67 percent recidivism.

Needless to say, the program is being looked to for replication by four other counties.

Bookman says Pathways’ success is due in large part to private funding from organizations such as DCWAF. “These donations bring eyes and ownership to the community,” she says. Funds from DCWAF enabled Bookman to “adopt” six men into Pathways’ Residential Treatment Program.

Annually, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation raises thousands to assist the men in the Pathways program. Over 13 years, founder Connie Bookman has graduated 220 men from the 18-month program.

She thanks private funding, like DCWAF, for the support and success.

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TIM’S STORY

What is a Therapeutic Community?

A Therapeutic Community (TC) is a positive group environment where people who have similar problems live and work together to better their lives. In the 1940s, TCs were introduced in the United Kingdom for the treatment of mental illness and drug addiction. They have been in existence in the United States since the late 1960s and are commonly located within correctional institutions.

A MODEL PROGRAM WITH PROVEN RESULTS Pathways For Change

Typical Corrections Intervention

$30 per day

$40–$70 per day

70 percent success rate

32 percent success rate

30 percent recidivism rate

68 percent recidivism rate

Empirically validated treatment strategies

Punishment modality

Intervention with inmate’s family

Inmate returns to old lifestyle

Pathways For Change is a strategic plan that stops the cycle of release and re-arrest.

The Good Fight

COURTESY PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE

Below, are some of the most recent graduates of the Pathways for Change program.

The men in the program often suffer from substance abuse and each was court-ordered to participate. There are six phases to the program, each teaching a new skill ranging from community service to accountability to workforce related tasks.

Not surprisingly, the men who are referred to Pathways are individuals who have had a tough go of things. According to Bookman, they are typically fatherless, have a history of substance abuse and have little means. “The program looks at barriers to get these men out of poverty, so we can break that cycle,” Bookman says.

The intense 18-month, court-ordered, faith-based treatment program is administered in a secure facility and hinges on structure and discipline. There are six phases to the program: For the first six months, the men enrolled are on lock-down. By nine months in, they will have completed a 27-class curriculum. Then, they are given liberty to do supervised community service projects. During the final portion of the program, they begin to gain independence. They go to work or school, easing into reintegration under the supervision of the reentry director while also attending 12-step meetings and other rehabilitation activities. After treatment, the men live at home, but they can receive up to a year of re-entry treatment.

The program started in 2007 with one graduate; today it has graduated 220 men.

Although the program boasts a 100-percent employment rate, it’s not for everyone.

“This program is harder than prison,” Bookman says. “We lose at least one man each quarter, I’d say.”

Everyone is up at 5:30 a.m., and it is expected that each will follow the policies and procedures that are in place for every action. “They have to complete a pink slip to get a Tylenol,” Bookman says.

They also are asked to write a monthly letter to the Chan Cox family and the DCWAF foundation to demonstrate accountability and to discuss the progress of their treatment.

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As a former firefighter, Tim Zoulek, 45, is one man who knows a little something about fighting. But right now, he is fighting for his life — fighting to break his cycle of downward spirals.

Zoulek, a strapping man with bright blue eyes, lost his footing along his life’s path on Dec. 3, 1978. That day, a homicide detective came to his Kansas City home, because his father had shot and killed his mother and then himself. Zoulek was just seven years old.

He was sent to Chicago to live with his uncle, who abused him mentally and physically. When he was 12 or so, Zoulek found relief and a welcome sense of structure at a military academy in Illinois; but his uncle moved to Gulf Breeze and enrolled his nephew in a public middle school, which proved to be a bit of a “culture shock” to Zoulek. The abuse continued.

“My uncle would talk bad about my parents,” Zoulek recalls. “He handcuffed me to furniture. He beat me and spit on me.

Sometimes he didn’t give me silverware and made me eat like a dog.”

So Zoulek ran away, hitchhiking with truckers. He got as far as Montgomery, Alabama, returning to Gulf Breeze only when he ran out of money. He “couch surfed” with friends to avoid going to his uncle’s house, but eventually, the police picked him up. Threatening to kill himself rather than return to his uncle’s house landed Zoulek in and out of hospitals, group homes and the court system.

Eventually, he got an apartment and tried his luck as a junior fireman in Escambia County. He was good at it. He completed the first-ever fire academy at Pensacola Junior College, was hired by the City of Pensacola in 1994 and proudly served as a fireman until 2000. He worked up to Acting Battalion Chief and served as a SWAT team medic for five years.

How You Can Help

Donate funds for GED registrations, supplies and uniforms for Pathways men who provide community service. Pathways is also seeking funds for a five-passenger vehicle to transport enrollees to and from appointments.

Volunteer your time to teach or tutor.

Save the date to attend a fundraising event for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation:

COURTESY PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE

APRIL 28 South Walton Wine & Food Festival: patron dinners at 6 p.m.; various locations

The men’s residential treatment program aims to eliminate destructive and criminal behavior through group therapy, instructional classes and faith-based treatment. The classes address substance abuse, criminal thinking, anger resolution and life skills. The program is respected for its 80% success rate.

Life was pretty good, and Zoulek wasn’t the only emergency responder who liked to relax with a beer after a shift. But in 2013, someone at a party offered him a hit on a crack pipe. It offered an escape … before becoming a near-deadly trap.

“It numbed my emotions, and I didn’t have to worry about stress or work,” Zoulek says.

The drug use continued, until he failed a random drug test and was suspended. That’s when Zoulek’s downward spiral began.

Around the same time, a fellow firefighter, who was also a close friend, committed suicide. Zoulek relied on drugs to try to ease his depression. His lowest moment may have been when he was shot in a police standoff.

After surgeries and rehab, Zoulek experimented with more drugs, snorting bath salts, smoking crack and eventually shooting up.

After still more trouble that arose from leaving the scene of an accident, he violated his probation and was ordered to Pathways for Change. That was Oct. 15, 2015. It wasn’t the first program he had tried, but it was the first he stuck with.

“I’m looking forward, not back,” Zoulek says. “Your past doesn’t define who you are.

The future can trigger fear, so its enough to live for today. Just for today.”

It’s been just over a year, now, and Zoulek credits the strict, step-based educational program and group sessions with helping him to heal his “deep-seeded wounds.”

He finds motivation in something he didn’t have growing up: being a father. “I made a vow to myself and my son to do this,” he says.

“I want to show him that no matter what we do in life, we can come back. We can learn

APRIL 29 South Walton Wine & Food Festival: reserve tasting at 1 p.m., live auction at 3 p.m.; Grand Boulevard at Sandestin For more information on how you can help, email info@pathwaysforchange. org or call (850) 637-1429.

from others and learn from our mistakes, and we can make the right choices.”

But Zoulek’s son, Austin, isn’t the only person Zoulek hopes to help. He succeeded in landing an on-site job at the Residential Treatment Program as the Pathways office coordinator, so he is one of the first people new enrollees meet when they walk through the door.

“I help them fill out paperwork and talk to them,” Zoulek says. “I can relate to them and they to me.”

Soon, he may help even more. His goal is to complete a degree in social work so he can begin to pay his blessings forward. “I want to give back and help others,” he says. “I want to give hope. I know the despair. Maybe, if I touch one person, I will have done what I have been called to do.”

AUTHOR’S UPDATE: During the holidays in Dec. 2016, with just four months remaining to his treatment, Tim Zoulek left the Residential Treatment Program at the Clinton Cox Residence. The court will now determine whether he can return to Pathways to try again. “We may love him more than he can love himself right now,” says a tearful Bookman. “This is the reality we deal with. If he wants to come back, we’re here for him. We are here to help him get his footing when he’s ready.”

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CHOMPING

at the

BIT AREA EQUESTRIANS GALLOP INTO THE BIG TIME

BY KAREN MURPHY PHOTO BY TODD DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Beth Godwin is a breeder of Dutch Warmbloods in Freeport. She saddled up the 2016 third level Horse of the Year, Caymus.

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ALICIA OSBORNE

idden in the tranquil countryside of North Florida is a community of elite athletes who are quietly gaining national and international attention.

Bounded by our famous canopy roads, the area’s hilly terrain and green pastures are the training ground for some of the country’s top ranked equestrians and their horses.

From foxhunting and polo to western, show jumping, eventing and dressage, there are local equestrians ranked among the country’s very best and a slew of young riders to watch in the future.

Among those equestrians are two teams, in different disciplines that combine beauty and athleticism with incredible results.

Team Wallace comprises a father/daughter pair, Rick and Elisa Wallace. Both were considered for the Olympic Eventing Team at different times. Elisa almost rode in last summer’s Olympic Games and was the highest finishing American at a prestigious event in England. The Wallace’s protegee, Briggs Surratt, is a young man with a passion for horses and his own dreams of competing internationally.

Team Pink, contrary to its name, is not a bunch of girly girls playing with pretty ponies. These equestrians, through grit, determination and perseverance, have risen through the ranks and racked up victories on this year’s dressage show circuit.

Team Pink, led by Destin trainer Jodie Kelly, had two horses take Horse of the Year honors and win championships in their levels in 2016.

Kelly says of the local horse community, “The people are here. There is such a huge group of horse lovers in this area that I really think it is very understated. We are all here and have a lot going on. I have some young riders who are the top young riders in the country. I have jumper kids who went on to top competitions in the country.

“We’re not just riding around in our backyards.

We’re really doing it,” she says.

THERESA MARIE BENDER

Elisa Wallace (right) and her father, Rick, plan to compete in the 2017 Red Hills Horse Trials.

Elisa and Simply Priceless (Johnny) were alternates for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

TEAM WALLACE Team Wallace members Elisa and Rick Wallace and Briggs Surratt are garnering national and international recognition in the tough and grueling sport of eventing.

Eventing is not for the faint of heart. During a traditional three-day event, the partnership between horse and rider is tested. They push the limits of their trust for each other, their strength, their endurance and their ability.

On the first day of competition, horse and rider are tested in the dressage arena. The team is put through a series of maneuvers that test their communication and abilities “on the flat,” meaning with no jumps.

The next day, drama and daring rule as riders compete on the cross-county course. Brightly clad riders thunder over natural terrain on their horses, jumping a variety of fixed obstacles along the way.

On the third day, during the stadium jumping phase, the horse-and-rider teams attack a pattern of brightly painted jumps. Hoping for a clear round, their success determines their final placement for the three-day event.

Elisa is an American eventing superstar who calls North Florida her “home away from home.”

Her farm is in Jasper, Georgia, but she trains with her father, Rick, also an accomplished equestrian, who has lived in the Tallahassee area for more than 20 years. The two plan on competing together at this year’s Red Hills Horse Trials (RHHT) in Tallahassee.

She says, “We go together to most competitions, but it’s great when we’re in Tallahassee.”

In 2016, Elisa was named an alternate for the summer Olympic Games in Rio. Most recently, she was the highest finishing American in the world’s toughest four-star event, Burgley, in England.

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“It’s surreal,” she says of competing and succeeding at the elite levels, “I don’t feel like I’ve really done it, but I’m starting to feel like it’s not a fluke.”

She has also competed in the Super Bowl of American eventing, the Rolex Kentucky International Three-Day Event, several times.

With both parents being horse people, Elisa has riding in her blood. At the age of 9, Elisa was the youngest eventer to win a gold medal at the Georgia State Games in Combined Training.

She also successfully competed in the USEF Medal and Maclay equitation and qualified for the 1995 USEF Maclay Finals, in Newark, New Jersey, at the age of 12.

In her 20s, she took two horses, Jackson and Leap of Faith, to the three-star level in eventing. In 2006 and 2007, Elisa had top finishes at almost every completion and was long-listed for the Olympics and Pan Am games. Unfortunately, by 2008, both horses were retired due to injuries.

It was during this time that Elisa found another love, training wild American mustangs.

Today, Elisa is a well-known ambassador for the mustang and has six currently in training. Her mustang mare, Hwin, is currently eventing at the Preliminary level.

Her top eventing partner is Simply Priceless (Johnny), a 2001 Australian thoroughbred gelding. She and Johnny placed third in their first Concours International Combine (CIC) three-star competition at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Maryland, in May 2014 and eighth in their first Concours Complet International (CCI) three“You are putting star at the Bromont International Three-Day Event in Quebec, one all your trust into month later. An eighth-place finish an animal that at the 2015 RHHT qualified them is stronger than for Rolex. you but who also With Johnny, Elisa finished in the top 20 at the four-star 2015 Rolex listens to you. It’s and was the highest placing Rolex very special. I’d Rookie. At the 2016 RHHT, Elisa rather be with a finished 20th in CIC three-star on horse than a lot Johnny, returned to Rolex and finished in the top ten. This led to of people. Horses her consideration for the 2016 U.S. look into your Olympic Team. soul and see who Rick looks forward to competyou are, and you ing and traveling with his daughter this year. Sitting in his barn outside can’t hide that.” of Monticello, on beautiful Patchuk —Briggs Surratt Farm, he points to the huge horse trailer which he, his students, and Elisa use traveling to shows together.

He says, “We’re lucky that we travel together.

It’s nice to have the whole group together.”

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ALICIA OSBORNE

Blazing the trail for his daughter, Rick was long-listed for the 1991 Pan Am Games and the 1992 Olympic games. He has competed internationally and is well known and beloved in the Tallahassee horse community.

Rick began riding in 1972 in Nebraska and South Dakota. Upon moving to Georgia in 1980, Rick began competing in eventing and progressed through the levels to Advanced on his horse, Ultimate Trial (Lexy). Rick and Lexy were named USEF’s Zone IV Intermediate Horse of the Year in 1989 and 1990 and Advanced Horse of the Year in 1991. Rick and Lexy competed at national and international three-day events such as Radnor, Essex, North Georgia, Fair Hill and Rolex.

Already a well-established eventer by the time he arrived in Tallahassee in 1999, Rick came from Atlanta to work for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). At the time, he thought he wanted to return to the corporate world and not be a full-time horse trainer. He was with FRLA for seven years and became vice president of Education and Training. But he credits FRLA president Carol Dover (Dover is spotlighted below) and the former Florida lieutenant governor’s wife and local horse breeder, Patti Brantley, with getting him back into coaching.

He left FRLA in 2006 to help Elisa follow her Olympic dreams and began competing avidly again.

“It’s always a challenge to get back up through the ranks and levels,” he says. By 2012, Rick was ranked 1,665 out of 3,450 world-ranked eventing riders. Rick rides Ultimate SeaQret (aka Q), a seven year-old Russian Trakehner stallion.

Rounding out Team Wallace is Briggs Surratt, 20, an up-and-comer in the eventing world.

Surratt began riding hunter/jumpers as a teen at Cavallo Farms. Rick began coaching him when he was 14. Surratt transitioned from hunters to eventing with Elisa’s horse, Faris.

He says that riding horses is unlike anything else. “You are putting all your trust into an animal that is stronger than you but who also listens to you. It’s very special. I’d rather be with a horse than a lot of people. Horses look into your soul and see who you are, and you can’t hide that,” he says.

Surratt began riding a big, gray horse named Hat Trick while at Cherry Hill Farm near Monticello.

“Briggs took him all the way to the two-star level in three years and the Jr. Olympics,” Rick says.

Surratt’s first CCI one-star was at RHHT on Hat Trick.

His father, Andy, wrote of Surratt’s first major three-day event, “There is nothing more

exciting than watching your child thunder by with confidence conquering every jump with ease. Once we heard he finished with no jump penalties, a sense of pride hit us. The overwhelming pride made it very hard to button our jackets. As Briggs made his way over to the sponsor tent, shaking hands as family, friends and colleagues congratulated him, I realized I watched my little boy turn into a young man overnight.”

In 2014, Surratt qualified for the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) North American Young Riders championships in Lexington, Kentucky, where he competed for Area Three on the one-star, four-person team.

By the fall, he was competing at the two-star level. He finished seventh at Popular Place in Georgia. Rick, Elisa and Surratt went to Fair Hill for the national championships.

Surratt has traveled with Elisa and Rick internationally as Elisa competed in the elite horse trials. He has dreams of riding there himself.

Rick says, “He’s got a young horse. He’s being patient. But he’s really, really chomping at the bit to get back up the levels.”

Surratt is currently riding the full brother of Rick’s horse, Ultimate SeaQuest (Fargo). Surratt broke this horse himself and says Fargo “is the smartest horse I know.”

TEAM PINK While there is a dressage element to eventing, competitive dressage is a completely separate equine sport. As Team Wallace is turning heads in the eventing world, Team Pink, whose name comes from Kelly’s famous pink dressage boots and the team’s support of breast cancer survivors, is garnering its share of accolades in the more refined world of dressage.

Dressage is probably the least understood by non-horse people of all the equestrian sports. It is the foundation upon which all other riding is based. Often compared to figure skating, the elegance, beauty and fluidity of the horse and rider teams often hide the complexity and difficulty of what they are actually doing. The rider communicates through subtle aids to the horse.

The horse responds and the movements are carried out, hopefully, in a graceful dance in which horse and rider appear to be one. In competitive dressage, a series of these movements are put together in tests which strive to exhibit elegance, obedience and communication in the dressage arena.

“I just love the beauty of dressage,” says Team Pink’s Kelly. “I have tried a little of everything but I always go back to dressage. I love its technicality, the ability to tell a 2,000-pound animal EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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COURTESY BETH GODWIN

Beth Godwin (above) gets an approving nudge from her ribbon-winner, Caymus.

to put its foot right there, and it does. It is so beautiful.”

Kelly has ridden horses all her life. At the age of 15, she was on the FEI junior team. She won the team and individual gold medals. She was on multiple other FEI Young Rider teams and won several gold medals. She also won an individual bronze medal. Kelly also competed in the Brettina Cup, a grand prix for riders under the age of 25, on Manhattan, a horse she trained herself. She bought him as a 2 ½-year-old and trained him through Grand Prix while she was working with Holland’s dressage legend, Anky van Grunsven.

A little later, she became a professional trainer and had a few great years and a few bumpy years.

Kelly says of 2016, “It is my crowning success as a professional.”

She is training and riding the United States Dressage Federation’s (USDF) 2016 reserve third level Horse of the Year, Caymus, who was bred by owner Beth Godwin, a breeder of Dutch Warmbloods in Freeport. Kelly was also riding and training the USDF 2016 second level Horse of the Year, Shirocco, who is owned and ridden by Carol Dover in Tallahassee.

Another horse ridden by Kelly, Grayton Beach, has qualified for the USDF Young Horse Championships. She calls them all “Super Star horses.”

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She writes in a Facebook post, “Between these three, we have won Horse of the Year, reserve USDF Horse of the Year, dominated individual breed yearends, qualified for Young Horse Championships with an 81 plus percent, and now have invites to Nationals. To say it’s been a fairytale year of showing would be an understatement.”

Godwin owns Caymus’ mother and grandmother and he was born on her farm, Jolly Bay Farm.

“When Caymus was started under saddle, he was awkward and undeveloped, but he showed an amazing work ethic,” Godwin says.

Now she says the big bay colt has beautiful movement and athleticism and, most importantly, “He loves his job. You just don’t come across ones with that kind of willingness.”

Godwin is an adult amateur rider and competed him to second level. She confesses, “Caymus just has so much more talent than me. I turned him over to Jodie. It was really important to me that she have a super horse.”

Kelly recalls, in 2015, right after Regionals, Godwin took Kelly to lunch.

Godwin told Kelly, “You should keep him.”

Godwin says, “We don’t know the limits for him yet. He’s getting strong and he has the ability to go all the way. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Kelly says, “Caymus is very, very special.”

The second of Kelly’s special Super Star horses is Dover’s Shirocco. Dover was looking to buy a new horse after her Hanoverian horse died.

Kelly says that after looking all over Florida with no luck, Dover and Kelly went horse shopping in Europe. Kelly and Dover met Shirocco at the end of the first day in Holland.

Kelly says she rode the big bay 6-yearold Rheinlander horse and thought Dover would like him. Dover then rode him and fell in love.

Dover bought Shirocco and brought him to her farm between Havana and Tallahassee.

“We uprooted his entire world,” says Kelly. The horse had spent his life sheltered in an inside arena. At Dover Farm, he had to adjust to life on a Florida farm, complete with golf carts and trucks and trailers. Dover and Shirocco got off to a

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

rocky start, with Dover being bucked off several times. Kelly took over his training as both the horse and rider gained confidence.

Dover, a breast cancer survivor, was determined to ride him again. She worked with him on the ground, developing a bond and trust.

“At the end of the season, Carol started showing him,” says Kelly.

“I’m bowing out from showing him now,” Kelly says, proud of Dover. She says Dover and Shirocco are doing well.

Dover says, “I hope that I look back and he’s the horse of a lifetime. He’s a friend, companion and partner. He comes running to me (across the pasture). We truly have a bond that I haven’t had before.”

Dover says, “Dressage is not an easy sport. It takes a team. If Jodie wasn’t here, I wouldn’t have made it to this level.”

She continued, “Jodie is a very special trainer. I hope to see her riding down centerline at the Olympics one day.”

Kelly is not the only one at Dover Farm dreaming of the Olympics. Lindsey Holleger works with Kelly and boards her horses at Dover’s beautiful farm.

Holleger, who trains with Erin Brinkman of Valhalla Farm in Wellborn, is a FEI Young Rider on the cusp of international competition. In fact, she had hoped to have her first international competition under her belt by now, but injury to her beloved horse, Fenway, delayed those plans.

Her last competition on Fenway in March 2016 was their first Concours Dressage International (CDI) qualifier at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington. Holleger and Fenway won their class.

“It was so intimidating riding with some of the best riders, not just in the country, but in the world. They were really good,” says Holleger, “top riders and top horses.” Competitors came from Austria, Canada, Germany and Spain.

She says, when she won, it was the happiest moment of the year.

“I cried,” she says.

She needed two more CDI scores

by May to qualify for Young Rider European Tour, which took the top three Young Riders in the country to Hagen, Germany.

More tears surely followed when the severity of Fenway’s injury was learned and they were unable to continue.

they know is RHHT. Other places in Florida, like Ocala and Wellington, you know it’s horse country. In Tallahassee, it’s not like that.”

Godwin says, “I absolutely love every minute of this lifestyle. It’s a lot of hard work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I Beth Godwin, don’t mind getting up owner of Jolly at 5 a.m. to go feed and Bay Farm, pets Caymus' uncle doing 10 p.m. night Apalto. Caymus' check. I just love it. I family was born love every bit of it.” EC and raised here.

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

TODD DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

“He will have a long recovery and reSapp, the 2015 Western Dressage Ashab, but we are getting him the best help sociation of America (WDAA) World he can get,” says Holleger.

Champion.

“I want to compete in the Olympics “There are also a lot of great places to with Fenway,” she says. “He’s my best start riding and lots of opportunities to friend, someone I love so much. On any learn,” she says. She points to the local horse it would be cool, but he’s the first dressage and eventing club, South Wind one I’ve trained myself.”

Dressage and Eventing Association, for Since 2010, Holleger and Fenway have local shows and programs for budding been the USDF Regional Champion at equestrians to learn and grow. each level all the way up, from First LevRick says of the area equestrians, “I el to Intermediate 1. don’t think Tallahasseans know how big In 2012, they won Individual Fourth the horse community is in this area. All Place at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. In 2013, they won the Individual Gold Medal at the same championship.

In 2014, Fenway experienced some lameness issues, and they opted out of the championships. The duo came in sixth individually and second with the team at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships.

In high school, Holleger trained at home, outside of Whigham, Georgia.

She moved her horses to Dover Farm when she entered Florida State University. She’s majoring in international affairs.

But, while heartbroken over Fenway, Holleger has turned her attention to several other amazing horses.

Bred by a local breeder, Julie Whitfield, Holleger is riding and training three mares: a 4-year-old, Farrah, who Holleger predicts will be her next internationallevel horse; a 5-year“I absolutely love old, Reesey; and every minute of 8-year-old, Feather, who recently won this lifestyle. It’s a Reserve Champion lot of hard work, Third Level at the but I wouldn’t USDF Region 3 trade it for Championships and was Second Level Juanything. I don’t nior Champion. mind getting up Holleger says the at 5 a.m. to go Panhandle’s equesfeed and doing 10 trian community is a lot stronger than one p.m. night check. might think.

I just love it. I love “You might have to every bit of it.” look harder for high—Beth Godwin level barns, but they are there,” she says.

She says there are many good trainers for young horses, like Marsha Hartford

April–May 2017

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EXTERIORS

The Joy of Koi

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State of Preparedness

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How to Grow Edible Ginger

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INTERIORS

AROMAS BY THE ROOM

Home, sweet-scented home

by LIS KING



AVAVA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Light it up! Let the warmth and scent emanating from a candle set the mood or transport you to a cherished memory.

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abodes

Create your own home fragrances year round by simmering waters infused with herbs, fruit and spices. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil.

Add the ingredients of your choice. Boil the infusion for 3 minutes, then turn it down to a simmer. Add water throughout the day, as it evaporates.

Infusions will last two weeks in the refrigerator and can be reheated.

 Whether you choose to diffuse or infuse, scents can lift your spirits and relax your soul. Diffusers require little attention, but candles present aura and atmosphere. Shown here are beeswax candles from The Honey Pot in Destin.

C

ertain scents evoke memories that transport us to times past. They can affect our moods and appetites. They can relax, seduce and inspire. But when they are combined with the gentle glow of candlelight … the result is pure ambience. No small wonder, then, that scented candles have emerged as essential home accessories.

The trick is to pick the right

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candle. That’s a tall order, first because of the thousands of choices out there, and second, because the names of scents, like paint colors, can be a bit too creative. It’s easy to understand a fragrance like “Warm Sugar Cookies,” and we can even wrap our minds around “Summer Linen.” But a name like “Angel’s Wing” leaves us shaking our heads. Who in the world knows what an angel’s wing smells like?

“You’ll just have to sniff your way to a favorite,” says Jared Waites of The Honey Pot, a Destin company that creates beeswax candles and other products from the yield of local hives. “Our products are completely natural, and we think straight-forward names suit our scented candles. We do scents like ‘Pumpkin Pie’ and ‘Cherry Cobbler’ that evoke instant memories of visits to Grandma’s house. … Other scents of ours, like ‘Herbal Essence,’ ‘Cucumber Lemon’ and ‘Coconut Lemongrass’ have outdoorsy,

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

very Floridian connotations that add freshness to every room in the house.”

Of course, candles aren’t the only sources of fragrance for the home. Others include reed diffusers, room sprays, incense, potpourris, wax melts, oils and even cleaning products, all of which come in a variety of scents.

Fragrance expert Rayda Vega says that it’s helpful to think of a scent as if it were a piece of music.

“In a living room, you’d usually want soft background music,” she says. “A subtle floral is the scentequivalent to that. … For the kitchen, something that’s a little bit mouthwatering — apple, fresh pear, or thyme — works well.

Avoid florals, here. They’ll get in the way of food aromas.”

For the man-cave, try something like “Icon,” from the Tyler Candle Company. This fragrance has notes of sandalwood, ambergris, iris, violet and verbena. And don’t forget fragrances for the car! If you travel with a pet, try a Febreze car-vent clip. EC

AUTUMN: ➺ 3 cinnamon sticks ind from 1 orange ➺R ore of 1 apple ➺C ➺ 1 Tbsp. whole cloves, dried

WINTER: ➺ 1 cinnamon stick andful of green ➺H pine needles ➺ 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

SPRING: ➺ 2 whole lemons, sliced ➺ 3 sprigs rosemary ➺ 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

SUMMER: ➺ 4 sprigs lavender ➺ 1 /2 cup eucalyptus leaves, torn ➺ 2 bay leaves

PHOTOS BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO (HONEY POT) AND AFRICA STUDIO (REED DIFFUSERS), ELENA SCHWEITZER (AUTUMN), IGFRIED THOMAS (WINTER), ANGELA ALADRO MELLA (SPRING) AND DRUE T. OVERBY (SUMMER) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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abodes EXTERIORS

THE JOY OF KOI

Colorful goldfish cousins enliven backyard ponds STEVE BORNHOFT by

typically koi, the large and colorful cousins of the goldfish you brought home in a bowl from the county fair when you were a kid.

“The fish know me,” Ireland said. “I feed them every morning, and they come rushing toward me because they know they are about to get breakfast. I’ve known people who have trained them to eat pellets out of their hand.”

Ireland recommends that people start with small fish when ponds are new. By

THERE’S NOTHING COY ABOUT CHAGOI

letting fish mature with plants, they always have cover to hide under, thus escaping detection by marauding owls and hawks.

Plus, new systems with low bacteria levels may be overwhelmed by the waste produced by large fish.

Larry Morris of Pensacola Seed and Garden Landscaping agrees that people find water calming, and koi, he said, “actually become pets.”

→ Robin Bateman is good with varieties of koi including kohaku, sanke and showa, but she reserves a special fondness for chagoi. “Koi are like dogs,” she said. “They have different dispositions, and chagoi are the friendliest of them all.” Unlike more flamboyant koi that sport spots of red and black on white backgrounds, chagoi, Bateman said, are coin-colored — often copper and sometimes silver. “You should come out to our place and I would let you pet them,” Bateman said. She and her husband, Michael, operate Seven Hills Koi and Aquatic Plants in Tallahassee. The business, which Robin prefers to call a hobby, developed accidentally. “We breed the koi and wind up with so many fish that we couldn’t possibly keep them all,” Bateman said. The Batemans sell koi for about 10 bucks each when the fish reach six inches or so in length. Probably a good thing. If Robin were to let her koi get any larger, she’d become attached to them and, at some point, run out of names. — STEVE BORNHOFT

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

JAMIE HOOPER, FILOSOFARTFOTO (CHAGOI) AND PAUL VAN DEN BERG (FEEDING) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

B

uz Ireland never has strayed far from his roots. He lives in the house his grandfather built on 200-plus acres purchased in the 1920s.

As a boy, Ireland explored nearby woods and played in streams that run to Tallahassee’s Lake Jackson. He smilingly recalls fishing trips with his dad and vacations in North Carolina where, he said, “I loved the rocks and the water.”

That love has proved undying.

After a 30-year career spent in the state Department of Banking and Finance’s computer center, Ireland launched Aquafeatures, a business that enhances back yards with ponds and streams and other water works.

He’s been at it for 17 years.

“I’m not like a dentist or an auto mechanic,” Ireland observed. “I get to create something beautiful that people truly want.”

For Ireland, a water feature is like a campfire.

“You sit by it and listen to it and you can’t stop looking at it,” Ireland said. “It’s peaceful. You have people over and you can just stare at the water if you don’t want to talk.”

(Ireland, as it happens, uses words, even letters, sparingly, as evidenced by the single “z” in his first name.)

For Ireland, a water feature is incomplete unless it includes aquatic plants and fish,

He has customers who have flown to California to handpick individual koi that have been imported from Japan.

For Morris, the koi pond business has been steady, but not as popular as pondless water features, which are more easily maintained.

Algae buildups can be a problem for pond owners, along with debris from trees and fish-eating predators, especially herons, particularly during the winter months when food becomes scarce.

“We find that if we cover a pond with a net for a few weeks, herons will move on,” Morris said. “They may visit two or three times before they give up, but eventually they will.”

Pond owners may also criss-cross fishing line across their ponds as a bird deterrent or resort to commercial devices such as a motion-detecting sprinkler.

Left alone, koi are remarkably hardy and cold tolerant. In Chicago, where Ireland reports for annual training sessions supplied

by Aquascapes, a large seller of pond supplies, Ireland has seen iced-over koi ponds.

“There was a small hole in the ice to let gases escape, but otherwise the pond was left alone, and when it thawed out in the spring, the koi came back to life and they were fine,” Ireland said.

Once, he was hired to restore a pond that had been ignored for more than two years.

“No pump, no aeration, no algaecides, nothing,” Ireland recalled. “And there were two large koi in there that had somehow managed to fend for themselves.”

How do you go about creating a water feature? The easy answer is “one rock at a time.” Ireland prefers field stone and mossy rock from Tennessee.

“People will show me a picture of what they want and the best I can do is to tell them I can come close,” Ireland says. “Every rock has its own character and you have to try to visualize how the water will flow around it.”

Ireland loosely stacks rocks, never cementing them. You never know when you may need to dismantle things for maintenance purposes.

Morris said the ponds he builds cost an average of $8,000. He recommends that homeowners build ponds, themselves, if they can do so for $2,500 or less.

“Features with ponds require a little more work,” Ireland said, “but for me they are worth it.”

And don’t forget the fish.

They add, we must say, a certain je ne sais koi. EC

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STATE OF PREPAREDNESS

In Florida, you hope for the best, but prepare for the worst

by JASON DEHART

BOBs and GHBs

Turning now to communications, make sure to charge up your cell phones and your standalone cell phone chargers. Add your home insurance provider and utility provider to your speed dial. Keep a batterypowered weather radio handy.

Put these other items on your prep list, too: folding pocketknife or fixed-blade sheath knife, multi-tool, manual can opener, toilet paper, garbage bags, plastic tarps/ sheeting, duct tape, household bleach (for sterilizing suspicious tap water), Bic lighter, and camp stove with ample propane. Make sure important documents are sealed away and safe.

Now, let’s say you have to evacuate. Your family car or SUV can only carry so much, so you’re going to have to prioritize. Food, water, can opener, pocketknife, important documents, cash and medicines, cell phones and chargers, flashlights/LED headlamps, spare batteries, blankets, first aid kits, fire starter, plastic bags and hygiene items should be at the top of the list. Have an actual map of your evacuation route, a roadside emergency kit and rain ponchos. If you have pets and small children, be sure to bring along their comfort items and something to keep them occupied.

School-aged kids can carry their own survival “gear” in their school backpacks or in special backpacks that are just for emergencies. This gear can include water, snacks, a small flashlight, medicine, an individual first aid kit and any personal possession that could give them comfort and continuity in an uncomfortable situation. EC

EMERGENCY PREP LIST: ❏ Food ❏ Water ❏ Important documents ❏ Cash and medicines ❏ Cellphones and chargers ❏ Flashlights/led headlamps ❏ Spare batteries ❏ Blankets ❏ First aid kits ❏ Fire starter ❏ Plastic bags/garbage bags ❏ Hygiene items ❏ Folding pocketknife or fixed-blade sheath knife ❏ Multi-tool ❏ Manual can opener ❏ Toilet paper ❏ Plastic tarps/sheeting ❏ Duct tape ❏ Household bleach (for sterilizing suspicious tap water) ❏ Bic lighter ❏ Camp stove with ample propane

In the survivalist world, there are “Bug-Out Bags” (BOBs) and “Get Home Bags” (GHBs). They are not the same thing. A BOB is a full-sized backpack packed with anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds of survival gear that can keep you alive in the field for up to a week. A GHB is a smaller and lighter backpack that you keep in your car or truck that is always packed and ready with the bare-bones essentials, such as a canteen, MREs (“meals ready to eat”) or energy snacks, first aid kit, small tactical flashlight, knife and shelter. As the name suggests, the GHB will get you home if disaster strikes while you’re at work or out of town.

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GLOWONCONCEPT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

T

he big storm is on its way, but you’re not worried. You’ve prepped for months just in case you are caught in the crosshairs, right? If not, here’s what you should do to prepare for the next Hermine.

If you don’t anticipate being under a mandatory evacuation order and can stay home, you can prep as many supplies as your pantry can handle.

Let’s start with the basic needs: food and water.

The general rule of thumb calls for, at minimum, a three-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of drinking water per person per day. (You’ll need more for cooking and washing.) If you have pets, make sure to grab some extra food and water for them, too. It’s also a good idea to store some ice, while you’re at it. During an emergency, these items fly off the shelves rather quickly, so it’s wise to purchase them in advance and to rotate them out as they near their expiration dates.

Your next move will be to refill medication, get some cash from the ATM (small bills) and inventory and restock your family’s first aid kit. You may end up evacuating after all, so gas up the car and fill the spare fuel cans. If you have pets, put the pet carrier and leashes near the back door.

After that, prepare the stuff you’ll need for when the power goes out. Gather your flashlights and lanterns and make sure you have spare batteries. If you plan on using a generator, make sure it has fuel and is set up safely and correctly. If you don’t have a generator, be sure to cook whatever is in your fridge and freezer before it all goes bad — or at least plop it in the cooler where it can help keep other perishable items cold. Frozen bottles of water can also be used as ice packs.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

A Beautiful Bounty on 30A BEAU INTERIORS CAPTIVATES WITH EVERY SHADE OF SAND, SEA AND SKY REBECCA PADGETT by

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COURTESY OF BEAU INTERIORS

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T

here are few times in your life when you enter a store and realize your experience will transcend beyond shopping. It might be the ambience, the personalized service, the unique offerings or the welcoming sensation that overtakes you; however, Beau Interiors envelopes all of the above by making you feel at home in a store that is meant to enhance your own.

Beau Interiors and Design was first established in 2011 on Scenic 30A in historic Grayton Beach. Because of its beautiful locale and the owner’s love for natural elements, the store aims to capture coastal living through simple, understated elegance. These elements are present in pieces throughout the store such as oyster embellished chandeliers, coastal inspired original artwork, natural rugs,

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plush pillows, cozy couches, reclaimed wood furniture, recycled glass, coral accents as well as unique architectural pieces and more.

As the largest lifestyle and home store on 30A, Beau Interiors offers all you may want or need to completely furnish your home, refresh with updated accessories or find a sentimental gift not to be found in other stores.

Your experience is made even more satisfying by the embracing and calming environment, much like you’ve stepped into a longtime friend’s home. This sense of completeness stems from owner Margie Perry’s own philosophies.

“I believe that your home should be your resting place; an entertaining place; a place where we make memories and celebrate life with family and friends,” said Perry.

COURTESY OF BEAU INTERIORS

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One of the ways in which Beau Interiors can help create your ideal living space is through their design services. In addition to design assistance as you shop, Beau Interiors offers a complimentary one hour in-home consultation to local clients. Their interior design team also specializes in new construction, renovations and commercial projects.

“There is beauty in a well-thought-out interior design plan,” explained Perry. “Selections that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle are important throughout the process.

Our goal is to help create a beautiful home environment that will be comfortable with select pieces that will stand the test of time.”

Whether you want to accent your home with a one-of-a-kind find, update your rugs and pillows or select the perfect gift for a friend, whatever your budget the Beau team is grateful to be included in an aspect of your life that is so very important to you.

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COURTESY OF BEAU INTERIORS

SPECIAL PROMOTION

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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April–May 2017

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abodes

GARDENING

HOW TO GROW EDIBLE GINGER

APRIL

but many are not edible and most are not related botanically to true ginger. There are three edible types under the general umbrella of “gingers” — ginger, turmeric and galangal — and each brings a different flavor to your kitchen. All grow well in Northwest and North Central Florida. They don’t have showy or fragrant flowers, unlike most ornamental “gingers,” but each adds lush tropical foliage to your landscape. Ginger and turmeric grow about three feet tall; galangal gets about seven feet tall.

Plant them in part-sun, part-shade. BY AUDREY POST, MS. GROW-IT-ALL® True culinary GINGER is Zingiber officinale. The flavor comes from the root, which is harvested in late fall or early winter, after the foliage has turned brown. The root can be frozen, or it can be peeled, dried and ground into a powder. I keep mine in the freezer and grate it as needed. Some nurseries sell knobs of ginger root, but you can also get it in the produce section of your grocery store. Break off a healthy chunk and plant it in a pot about 2 inches deep. Once it’s growing and looks healthy, plant it in your garden and harvest annually, leaving enough roots to sprout new plants the following year.

lawn with a 15-0-15 formula. ➸ Plant summer vegetables, such as okra, cucumbers, peppers and squash, in full sun. ➸ Plant hibiscus, mandevilla, bougainvillea and other tropical plants, treating them as annuals in our climate. ➸ Plant caladiums in shady areas.

MAY

TURMERIC, or Curcuma longa, grows in a similar manner as culinary ginger and is harvested the same way. The fresh root can be grated, or it can be dried and ground into a powder. Its yellow hue is responsible for the color of mustards, curries and pickles. Local nurseries might be able to order it for you, or you can look for it online.

➸ Finish pruning spring-blooming shrubs, such as azaleas and gardenias.

Pruning after the Fourth of July could remove next year’s flower buds.

GALANGAL, or Alpinia galanga, is common in Southeast Asian food and sometimes in Caribbean food. Roots can be found in the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets or online. Plant and harvest the same way as turmeric and true ginger.

➸ Give citrus its second dose of fertilizer for the year. ➸ Plant heat-loving herbs, such as basil, oregano and Mexican tarragon. French tarragon can’t take our muggy summers.

April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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Lucky lady

Ladybugs are the gardener’s friend, eating aphids and other small insects that feast on plants. They have small, round, red or orange bodies with dark spots on them. They do not cause damage and can eat up to 50 aphids a day.

You can buy ladybugs from garden supply houses.

Members of the Coccinellidae family, these beneficial insects protect themselves from predators by pulling their legs up under their bodies and expelling a bit of their yellow blood, thus appearing to be dead. Sometimes they gather inside houses when fall turns to winter, to the annoyance of homeowners. Clean the tank of a Shop-Vac and vacuum them into it, then release them outside. You want to keep them on the premises. Also called “lady beetles” or “ladybird beetles,” legend says they got their name after Catholic farmers in the Middle Ages prayed to the Virgin Mary when insects were destroying their crops. “The beetles of our Lady” arrived soon after. Not all of them are ladies, but even the males are also called “ladybugs.”

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➸ Fertilize your

THE LADYBUG

©2017 PostScript Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@ MsGrowItAll.com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com.

Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of PostScript Publishing.

DNEPRSTOCK (TURMERIC AND GALANGAL), LUERINGMEDIA (GINGER), ALEXANDER RATHS (LADYBUG), SCISETTI ALFIO (AZALEAS), AKEPONG SRICHAICHANA (CUCUMBER) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

THERE ARE A NUMBER of ornamental plants with the word “ginger” in their common names,

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Our team is professional and meticulous in the way we handle the landscape and our clients needs. We fully expect to exceed our client’s expectations in every way.

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greenearth-landscapes.com

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SPONSORED REPORT

DEAL ESTATE JUST SOLD

Buy Land and By Sea Waterfront home nets a sale

by REBECCA PADGETT

When a house goes by the name of “H2O,” you know you’re in for endless waterfront views — in this case, of beach waves and lakeshores. Built in 2015, this lovely home boasts a modern coastal design and is nestled on the lake in the neighborhood of Shipwatch, a secluded and gated enclave of beautiful, private beach homes.

LIST PRICE: $890,000 SOLD PRICE: $855,000 ADDRESS: 15 Lake Court, Miramar Beach SQUARE FEET: 3,016 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 5.5 YEAR BUILT: 2015 FEATURES: Access to private (neighborhoodonly) beachfront with 400 feet of beach; two stories with a master suite on each story; second-story master has spacious covered balcony that overlooks lake; sleeps up to 22; state-of-the-art, gourmet kitchen; huge lakefront deck; 12 x 10’ heated pool; two-car garage APPEAL: “My buyer wrote an offer on the home’s first day on the market.

The home … is projected to produce over $140,000 in rental income this year.

This is … the best sale of 2017, so far!”

COURTESY OF THE PREMIER PROPERTY GROUP

CONTACT: Liz McMaster, Realtor, The Premier Property Group, (850) 366-8520, liz@lizmcmaster.com

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THIS IS JACK....

JACK IS GOLFING AND NOT WORRYING ABOUT SELLING HIS HOME BECAUSE HE HIRED LUXURY ESTATES REALTY GROUP TO DO IT. BE LIKE JACK!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SISTER COMPANY: LUXURY ESTATES AUCTION COMPANY ON BEING VOTED BEST AUCTION COMPANY FOR 2016

LUXURY ESTATES REALTY GROUP

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4507 Furling Lane, Suite 113 • Destin,EMERALDCOASTMAGA FL 32541 ZINE.COM

April–May 2017

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SPONSORED REPORT

DEAL ESTATE JUST LISTED

A Taste of the Mediterranean Gorgeous Gulf-front home under construction

by REBECCA PADGETT

Mediterranean influences appear with the Gulf of Mexico in this home, the construction of which is nearing completion. With its Mediterranean-inspired architecture that includes crisp white paint and burnt orange roofing, this beautiful home looks terrific against the white sand, emerald waves and turquoise skies of Santa Rosa Beach. You don’t have to travel to Greece when you can call paradise your home.

LIST PRICE: $3,960,000 ADDRESS: 1010 Dune Allen, Santa Rosa Beach SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,407 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 5 YEAR BUILT: 2017 FEATURES: Located in gated community, amazing Gulf-front views, six decks, wood accent walls, exposed wood beams, custom chef’s kitchen, top-of-the-line appliances, elevator, two car garage APPEAL: “Beautiful Gulf-front home that is currently under construction in the exclusive gated community of Vizcaya, at Dune Allen. Keeping with the classic Mediterranean style, this home will be an impressive 4,407-square-foot residence with four stories, five bedrooms, a two-car garage and plenty of open living space. In addition, the home will have six decks, totaling over 1,200 square feet, from which residents and guests will enjoy unbeatable views of the Gulf of Mexico.”

COURTESY CHRIS SAUSE

CONTACT: Chris Sause, manager and broker associate, (850) 225-1591, chris@sausegroup.com

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“Come to Play.... Stay for Life!”

Thank you to all of my loyal customers. 2016 was my best year ever! I couldn’t have done it without you. Your proven loyalty with repeat business and referrals generates the majority of my business. You know first-hand and can be assured when you refer someone to me they will get the best of the best. My expert knowledge of the area from Destin to Rosemary Beach, South of the Bay and to the Gulf helps me prepare, educate, find and fulfill my customer’s specific needs. Earning the prestigious honor of 2016 SRE-Sandestin Real Estate REALTOR® of the year award is something I’m very proud of. I work with a group of outstanding top producing agents, so being #1 is really an accomplishment.

Whether you’re looking to list, buy or have a referral, You know who to call!

“I sincerely appreciate your business and look forward to a successful 2017!”

GARY BOWMAN, REALTOR® 2010 & 2016 Agent of the Year SRE • Sandestin Real Estate Sales & Development Mobile: 850.217.8382 Email: GaryBowman@Sandestin.com Website: GarySellsSandestin.com

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Spa Services Facials | Massage Therapy | Waxing | Microneedling Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) | Brow and Lash Shaping & Tinting

Products Luzern | OBagi | PCA Skin | Skin Medica And our own private label line

Welcome Dr. Steven Clark Please join the Med-Spa of Destin & Sandestin in welcoming Dr. Clark back to the area. He is practicing at both the Sandestin (Miramar Beach) and Destin Med-Spa locations.

Call (850) 267-6727 to schedule a consultation!

Common Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Face Lift | Breast Augmentation | Brow Lift | Breast Lift Rhinoplasty | Breast Reduction Brachioplasty | Liposuction Otoplasty | Tummy Tuck | Genioplasty | Body Contouring

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ROBERT PUTNAM Harvard University professor of public policy and bestselling author, Robert Putnam is a leading expert on inequality and opportunity in America. His latest book, Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, chronicles the growing gap in opportunity for American youth and examines why fewer Americans today have the chance for upward mobility.

In his talk, he will share ideas for diminishing this opportunity gap for Our Kids.

PBS for the Gulf Coast

WSRE EC April-May HP ad.indd 1 9225640-0217 April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Medical Prof iles

What is important to you and your family? If you say good health, you’re not alone. In this special section, Emerald Coast Magazine fills you in on dedicated health professionals, their practices and their plans for keeping you healthy. Here they discuss their specialized skills, backgrounds and how they can help you with your important health care decisions.

TURN THE PAGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR DEDICATED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

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April–May 2017

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MEDICAL PROFILES

FORT WALTON BEACH MEDICAL CENTER Exceptional People. Exceptional Care.

F

ort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) is a 257-bed hospital with over 200 of the most highly respected and qualified physicians in the area. It is ranked nationally for patient safety and infection prevention and was named Top General Hospital

by The Leapfrog Group in 2016. It is the only acute care hospital in the tri-county area qualified to perform open heart surgery and has the only Advanced Primary Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center, making Fort Walton Beach Medical Center the best hospital in the area to care for your heart.

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center also provides advanced care for critically ill patients. This care includes cardiovascular and trauma injury care units, emergency services and a rehab facility, Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida in Destin, that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

For expecting mothers, Women and Children’s Services at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is proud to be initiating the pathway to becoming a designated Baby Friendly Hospital. Their highly

skilled team of OB/GYNs and nurses provide compassionate care, while private labor, delivery and recovery suites offer a safe, supportive and homelike environment. Our unique Couplet Care system provides one-on-one nursing care to help mother and baby off to a happy, healthy start. To provide additional peace of mind, should a delivery become high risk, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center has the only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with neonatologists available 24/7.

1000 MAR WALT DRIVE | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 862-1111 | FWBMC.COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ERIC L. SANDWITH, M.D. Northwest Florida Heart Institute

1

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? I am a cardiothoracic surgeon. I mostly perform surgery in the chest: coronary artery bypass, aortic valve replacement, atrial fibrillation surgery, pacemakers, defibrillators, minimally invasive lung resection, biopsies and much more.

2

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? I started practice in 2004 in South Florida, but I have been with the Northwest Florida Heart Institute and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center since 2007 working to develop state-of-the-art cardiovascular services.

3

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION? I had a wonderful opportunity to move to this beautiful location from South Florida. After I arrived, I soon realized there was a definite need in this area for a local cardiac surgeon who could provide excellent cardiovascular surgical care.

I knew that I would be able to provide this, which would allow the local population to stay and obtain their medical care here, close to home. I have strong, healthy relationships with local cardiologists and hospitals.

4

“

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE WITH YOUR PRACTICE? I have been able to provide local, state-of-the-art care for heart disease and heart valve pathology. I have a great team of physician’s assistants and nursing staff that specialize in the care of heart patients. I have performed over 1,000 openheart surgeries since I have been here. I am also the only surgeon in the area qualified to perform open-heart surgery. I was the first in the area to utilize robotic surgery for lung cancer. Most importantly, my complication rates for heart surgery are below the average rate according to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

I really enjoy getting to know my patients and their families and learning what makes them tick. I enjoy the process of watching them improve over time. I treat my patients like family. Of course, the technical part of my job is fascinating, challenging and demanding all at the same time.

”

5

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR PRACTICE? Locally, I plan to continue what I am doing to make the community aware of the remarkable level of success we have been able to achieve.

We actually have better results than the surrounding centers. Globally, as cardiac surgery rapidly evolves over the next few years, I hope to adapt our techniques accordingly to meet the expectations of our patients.

1032 MAR WALT DRIVE, SUITE 230 | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 862-3194 | NFLHEARTINSTITUTE.COM

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MEDICAL PROFILES

NOAH CONVERSE, D.O.

1

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Treatment for narrowing of the lumbar spine, impingement of the spinal cord and spinal tumors, as well as neck and back pain with pain radiating into the arm/shoulder or hip/leg. I specialize in trauma of the brain and spine, including brain hemorrhage. I treat both benign and malignant brain tumors. I also offer cervical disc replacement and spinal cord stimulator placement for patients with chronic back or leg pain that is poorly responsive to medical therapy.

Florida Institute of Neuroscience

2

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR SPECIALTY? My greatest accomplishments will always be based on the success of my individual patients. Seeing a patient walk into the office who was previously paralyzed is very gratifying, and I am honored to be able to contribute in whatever way I can.

3

WHAT IS THE FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Likewise, the best part of my job is seeing patients thrive post-operatively and be able to get back to doing the things they like to do.

4

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NEUROSCIENCE AND YOUR PRACTICE? The future of neurosurgery is very exciting. Evidencebased medicine is streamlining the best practices for physicians across the board.

Following these best practices allows physicians to give each of our patients the best possible chance of having a favorable outcome when intervention becomes necessary. New advancements in technology provide the basis for continually improving our best practices.

“

My greatest accomplishments will always be based on the success of my individual patients. Seeing a patient walk into the office who was previously paralyzed is very gratifying, and I am honored to be able to contribute in whatever way I can.

”

965 MAR WALT DRIVE | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 863-FINE (3463) | FINEINSTITUTE.COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ROBERT FELDMAN, M.D. Florida Institute of Neuroscience

1

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Treatment of brain, spine and peripheral nerve disorders, particularly those that cause back, neck, arm and leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.

2

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE WITH YOUR PRACTICE? I believe that keeping up with the newest advances in my specialty is important. Another important accomplishment is maintaining a personal and individualized approach to my patients. Patients are not rushed; we do not overbook and we spend a lot of time with our patients. Discussions are in layman’s terms, every question is answered, responses from the office are prompt and most importantly, we will not offer surgery if the patient does not need it or we do not think it will help.

3

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Seeing a patient that came into my office crying in pain, unable to work or play with their children, then come in to my office after surgery smiling.

4 “

Operating on the brain and spine is a privilege. It requires demanding attention to detail and requires constant performance at 100%. This mentality permeates my practice, and our patients can tell that they are getting the care and results that would be hard to find elsewhere. The F.I.N.E. Institute team is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of people in this community for another 15 years.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOUR PRACTICE? Because of our results and how we take care of patients, our volume is significantly expanding. We have a very capable and experienced physician assistant, Ken Ellison, to ensure that patients do not have to wait too long to be seen. On January 1, 2017, Dr. Noah Converse joined the FINE Institute as our second neurosurgeon to accommodate the increase in patient volume. The future is very bright for the FINE Institute and our patients.

”

965 MAR WALT DRIVE | FORT WALTON BEACH | (850) 863-FINE (3463) | FINEINSTITUTE.COM

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MEDICAL PROFILES

OKALOOSA HEART AND VASCULAR CENTER 1

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Okaloosa Heart and Vascular

Center has served Okaloosa and Walton counties for 14 years. When the practice was started, there was no open heart or coronary angioplasty program in the immediate area. These procedures were being done in Pensacola and Panama City, and patients had to travel a distance

DR. ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH completed his Interventional Cardiology fellowship at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2013 and his Cardiovascular Fellowship at Seton Hall University in 2012. He attended medical school at the University of Medicine & Dentistry in New Jersey where he received his D.O. degree in 2002. Dr. Al-Dehneh is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology. He specializes in coronary intervention, peripheral PTA/stenting, structural heart diseases and radial artery access.

to receive these services. We now have four interventional cardiologists and an endovascular surgeon, and we continue to grow. We have active medical staff privileges at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, North Okaloosa Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital. We can also see patients at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and Healthmark Regional Medical Center.

DR. MARCELLO A. BORZATTA graduated from

medical school in Milan, Italy, in 1980, and completed his surgical residencies and internships in California.

Dr. Borzatta completed a fellowship in Peripheral Vascular Surgery in 1986. He was board certified by the American Board of Surgery and Endovascular Medicine in 2006. Dr. Borzatta has completed numerous specialized training programs to include: laser angioplasty, placement of cardiovascular stents, and peripheral vascular and endovascular surgery.

DR. MARK KATZENSTEIN was born in New York,

New York. He graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree and completed his medical education at the University of Dominca in 1981. Dr. Katzenstein completed his internship in 1982 and his residency in 1984 at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

He has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine since January 1984 and a Fellow of the American Board of Cardiovascular Diseases since January 1987. Dr. Katzenstein is board certified in Interventional Cardiology. He has been in private practice in Okaloosa County since 1991.

DESTIN 36468 EMERALD COAST PARKWAY, SUITE 1101 | (850) 424-5638 CRESTVIEW 129 E. REDSTONE AVE., SUITE A | (850) 682-7212 FORT WALTON BEACH 1032 MAR WALT DRIVE, SUITE 110 | (850) 862-1753

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2

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE TO YOUR PATIENTS? Complete

cardiovascular services both inside the office and outside. Our office offers services that are non-invasive such as treadmill stress testing, nuclear stress testing, tilt table exams, cardiac and vascular ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, CLIA-waived laboratory tests, pacemaker and defibrillator check clinics. We also provide regular follow-up visits for those who have had coronary problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, valve trouble and similar issues. We are also involved in two research studies that involve our patients with diagnoses of hyperlipidemia and CHF.

3

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR PRACTICE’S SUCCESS? We focus on

the patients. We meet on a regular basis with the doctors and the staff to constantly evaluate our service. We are very cognizant of keeping up with recent technology and current trends. Everyone is board certified, and continued medical education is a must-do activity. It all comes down to hard work and keeping the patient a No. 1 priority.

DR. JOSEPH A. PEDONE was born in Colorado

Springs, Colorado. After completing his degree at Louisiana State University, Dr. Pedone practiced InternalMedicine for six years in Covington, Louisiana.

Dr. Pedone left private practice after being accepted for a cardiology fellowship at Oshsner Medical Institution. After three years of fellowship training, he achieved board certification in cardiology in 1991. Dr. Pedone is currently a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In addition, he completed a six month fellowship in Nuclear Cardiology and is board certified in Interventional Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Devices (pacemakers and defibrillators).

4

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR PRACTICE? Our No. 1 goal is

patient satisfaction. We want to keep patients in our county.

Working with the hospitals in this area, we want to ensure people don’t have to travel outside of this area to receive quality service. We are committed to exploring new technologies and techniques, providing better ways to care for our patients and to treating each patient like a person rather than a diagnosis.

5

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Our favorite part is ironically the hardest and most stressful. We love the office and interactions with patients, but the thing that gives us the most satisfaction is when you get called out in the middle of night and someone is in the midst of a heart attack. The team interacts and within less than an hour a coronary artery is open and a patient is alive and well. That gives all of us the most satisfaction. There is nothing like walking into a waiting room and telling a family the procedure went well and the family member is on the road to recovery.

DR. MICHAEL L. YANDEL earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He graduated from the University of Miami with his medical degree in 1989. Dr. Yandel received his Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease training in the United States Army at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. He served on active duty for 11 years, then retired as a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force. Dr. Yandel is board certified in Interventional Cardiology and Nuclear Cardiology. His specialties include Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology and Peripheral Vascular Diseases.

DR. JUAN CARLOS ZARATE was born in Lima,

Peru. Following medical school graduation in 1987 he moved to Miami, and he completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1990. Dr. Zarate completed a Cardiovascular Fellowship from 1990-1993 at the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center. In private practice since 1993, he has specialized in Interventional Cardiology in both California and Florida and he is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Zarate has been involved in multi-center, international research programs, and he is the principal investigator for the Norvartis clinical trial set forth in Protocol No. ACZ885M2301.

Dr. Zarate speaks both English and Spanish.

NICEVILLE 552 TWIN CITIES BLVD., SUITE A | (850) 279-4426 DEFUNIAK SPRINGS 1045 U.S. HIGHWAY 331 SOUTH | (850) 682-7212 OKALOOSAHEART.COM

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WHITE-WILSON MEDICAL CENTER The Best Medical Practice on the Emerald Coast celebrates over 70 years of quality care

W

hite-Wilson Medical Center is a multispecialty physician group with over 20 specialties of medicine and clinic locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre and Niceville. White-Wilson physicians work as a team to provide a comprehensive approach to care and believe that collaboration between patients, the primary care physician and medical specialists achieve the best outcomes.

White-Wilson has grown substantially since Dr. White opened Fort Walton Beach’s first doctor’s office in 1946. After 70 years of providing quality health care, White-Wilson continues to grow to meet the area’s health care needs. Today, White-Wilson is home to the local community’s largest team of physicians with plans to expand service lines and welcome new physicians throughout 2017.

Founded on a commitment to provide quality care, White-Wilson has been recognized as the Best Medical Practice on the Emerald Coast numerous times, and was also voted Best Family Physician, Best Cardiology Practice and Best Pediatric Practice on the

Emerald Coast; Best Medical Center, Best Dermatologist and Best Pediatrician in Destin; and the Finest Medical Specialists on the Emerald Coast.

When you need a doctor — whether it’s a board-certified specialist or primary care physician — White-Wilson Medical Center is here for you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHITE-WILSON MEDICAL CENTER PHYSICIANS AT WHITE-WILSON.COM

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White-Wilson offers over 20 specialties of medicine

NEED AN ENT SPECIALIST?

NEED A NEUROLOGIST?

NEED A PULMONOLOGIST?

MEET DR. WILLIAM GROSS

MEET DR. RAYMOND CAPPS

MEET DR. LUKE YUHICO

Dr. William Gross holds over 20 years of experience as an ear, nose and throat specialist. He specializes in the treatment of the nose and sinuses, ear infections, neck masses, thyroid, tonsils/adenoid, sleep disorders, voice and swallowing issues and complicated sinus conditions in adults and children.

His goal is to provide the best care possible and to be used by God to show love and mercy.

Dr. Raymond Capps has over 30 years of experience in neurology and treats a wide range of neurological issues in adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Capps specializes in everything from complex neurological disorders to headaches, seizures, behavioral problems and stroke. Dr. Capps practices medicine to help people get relief from suffering and assure them that their conditions can get better with treatment.

Dr. Luke Yuhico trained in the Cleveland Clinic and is exceptionally skilled in pulmonology and critical care medicine, and sub-specializes in lung cancer and advanced bronchoscopy. Dr. Yuhico found true fulfillment in his early years volunteering to help others and continues to pursue this passion through medicine. Today, his calling is to make a difference in the life of every patient he cares for.

White-Wilson welcomes new physicians

DR. JOHN CHILES PEDIATRICS IN FORT WALTON BEACH MARCH 2017

DR. IRINA SMITH PEDIATRICS IN DESTIN JULY 2017

DR. SHAWN HUGHES PAIN MEDICINE IN FORT WALTON BEACH JULY 2017

FORT WALTON BEACH | DESTIN | NAVARRE | NICEVILLE | (850) 863-8100

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COSMETIC VEIN & LASER CENTER Kimberly Moskowitz, MS, MD

F

or the past 12 years, Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz has dedicated herself to making a difference in people’s lives and redefining what it means to age gracefully. “Growing older is inevitable, but looking older is a choice,” Moskowitz says. “Maintaining balance between aging gracefully and looking young is a clever sleight-of-hand for an aesthetic specialist.”

Moskowitz makes subtle changes that replicate what patients looked like 10 or 20 years ago. Her favorite new procedure is one she developed and calls The Biolift.

“My non-surgical Biolift technique is amazing because I can achieve results simivlar to or better than surgery by replacing lost volume and collagen to mimic the facial shape and bone structure of youth,” Moskowitz explains. The procedure counteracts the natural aging process and makes treated skin appear supple and luminous with essentially no downtime.

“Individual noninvasive treatments are fantastic, but when they are combined, they’re extraordinary,” Moskowitz notes. “When we combine dermal fillers, collagen stimulators and Botox with laser resurfacing and other skin tightening treatments, there’s almost nothing we can’t do for the aging face and neck.”

Moskowitz’s reputation, experience and compassion attract patients from around the world. She has successfully performed over 10,000 EVLT procedures for non-surgical closure of varicose and spider veins. Her approach combines EVLT with sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy and lasers to keep legs feeling healthy and looking beautiful.

Varicose and spider veins are problems that most patients, and even some physicians mistakenly believe are just cosmetic issues. Moskowitz stresses that when they are left untreated, varicose veins can lead to serious health risks including blood clots, phlebitis, cellulitis, leg ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency and restless leg syndrome.

“Expert treatment of varicose veins dramatically improves symptoms such as aching, swelling, leg discomfort, cramping, fatigue and restless legs syndrome and reduces the risk for more serious complications,” Moskowitz says.

Moskowitz is advancing the field of phlebology (venous disease) as one of only about 300 physicians in the world who is board certified in the subspecialty.

“Every day patients say to me, ‘My legs ache, burn and swell at the end of the day’ or ‘I’m starting to feel old when I look in the

KIMBERLY MOSKOWITZ, MS, MD After completing her residency at

Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz moved to the Emerald Coast committed to providing patients with the most innovative non-surgical treatments available for skin and veins.

“Personal and professional integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and unconditional kindness are the qualities that best define me as a physician.”

Her naturally sunny personality and love of beauty is reflected in her European designed office graced with 300-year-old wood beams, fountains, authentic French doors, Italian chandeliers and layered Venetian plaster.

mirror,’” she reports. “It’s extremely gratifying to know that I have the knowledge, experience and technology to help them look and feel better about themselves. The diversity of my career is a gift I never take for granted.”

Moskowitz has won numerous awards including recognition as the area’s “Best Skin Doctor,” “Best Vein Doctor,” and “Most Caring Physician.” “Patient trust is everything to me. I never underestimate the responsibility of having people’s faces in my hands,” Moskowitz enthuses.

A FEW OF MY SPECIALTIES: The Biolift: Non-Surgical Face Lift, ThermiTight, ResurFx Laser Skin Resurfacing, Acupulse Laser Resurfacing, BOTOX®, Dermal fillers, Sculptra, IPL-Photorejuvenation, Photodynamic Therapy, Smartlipo Neck & Body lifting, Pollogen Microneedling, Laser Hair Removal, Non-Surgical Closure of Varicose and Spider Veins, ThermiVA, SculpSure

651 GRAND PANAMA BLVD, SUITE 102 | PANAMA CITY BEACH | (850) 233-0264 | SKINANDVEINS.COM

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30A SMILES

I

t’s one of the first things that others notice about you.

It’s something that can brighten a day and boost your confidence. It’s something that’s with you throughout your life. It’s your smile, and Dr. Derek Fleitz and Dr. Lindsey Hoppe are dedicated to providing their patients with the very best ones.

Upon entering, you will get the sense that it’s different here.

A caring team welcomes you graciously, the office has a coastal chic design and any worries are instantly lifted. The office is beautiful, but what really sets 30A Smiles apart are the people within. The entire team is comprised of compassionate experienced professionals hand selected to provide the finest in dental care.

Drs. Hoppe and Fleitz utilize comfort technology from iPads upon check-in to the latest in digital X-rays and Netflix entertainment. With a combined 35 years’ experience, both doctors have received numerous awards, accolades and advanced certifications throughout their careers. Ultimately, this means you’re in trusted hands to handle the full range of dental services including porcelain veneers, same-day crowns, full-mouth rehabilitation, Invisalign, pediatric dentistry, implants, periodontal therapy, sedation dentistry and more.

Both doctors love meeting people and admit that forging lasting relationships is one of the most valuable aspects of their jobs. Whether it is the relaxing atmosphere, the friendly staff, the comfort you feel during a procedure or your newly found confidence, you’re guaranteed to leave raving that 30A Smiles is really something to smile about.

DR. DEREK FLEITZ & DR. LINDSEY HOPPE

12805 HIGHWAY 98 E, SUITE K-201 | INLET BEACH | (850) 231-0070 | 30ASMILES.COM

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COASTAL SKIN SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY

PROVIDERS (from left to right): Layne M. Fielder, M.D., FAAD; Brittain F. Kulow, M.D., FAAD; Nicholas G. Papajohn, M.D., FAAD; Elizabeth A. Clark, M.D., FAAD; David C. Adams, M.D., FAAD, FACMS; Jessica L. Clark, M.D., FAAD; Katherine Eberly, PA-C; Darla Hobbs, PA-C; Larry Weidell, PA-C

1

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. We are a premier dermatology

practice on Florida’s Emerald Coast devoted to providing comprehensive and advanced surgical, medical and cosmetic treatments for patients of all ages. We offer a broad variety of state-of-the-art procedures to maximize your skin’s health, keeping it healthy and looking its best.

2

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE YOUR PATIENTS? Our practice

offers Mohs micrographic surgery performed by Dr. David C. Adams, a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery — a qualification held by less than 8 percent of all dermatologists nationwide. From Tallahassee to Pensacola, Dr. Adams is one of only three fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons serving the entire Emerald Coast. Along with Mohs Micrographic surgery, our practice offers patients the most advanced surgical, medical and cosmetic dermatology services in the Gulf Coast area.

3

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? Quality. Having a team of

highly trained individuals with a passion to deliver the best quality care has contributed to our success. We promote healthy skin care with compassion and respect and offer personalized treatments to each patient.

4

MERITAGE SPA We’re proud of our fine med spa! Meritage is a premier medical spa on the Emerald Coast that elegantly blends the best of beauty and science. The spa offers a peaceful and soothing environment that will allow your mind and body to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. Services include: facials and peels, massage therapy, makeup application, brow shaping, reflexology and waxing services. The state-of-the-art spa services, customized techniques and medical-grade products will leave you feeling and looking refreshed and rejuvenated. Meritage is located at Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology’s Miramar Beach location.

MIRAMAR BEACH 12469 U.S. HWY. 98 W | (850) 654-3376 FORT WALTON BEACH 914 MAR WALT DRIVE, SUITE A | (850) 314-7546 NICEVILLE 4400 HWY. 20 E, SUITE 410 | (850) 314-7546 PANAMA CITY 12139 PANAMA CITY BEACH PARKWAY | (850) 500-3376 COASTALSKINSURGERY.COM

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EMERALD COAST COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

1

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.

I received my doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Louisiana at Monore in 2009. I have received post-graduate training in pharmaceutical compounding, which is my passion.

I am a member of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and a member of Professional Compounding Center of America (PCCA).

2

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

When it comes to patient health care, I believe there should be a connection between patient, physician and pharmacist. At Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy (ECCP) we strive to develop a comprehensive plan to improve each patient’s overall health and quality of life. Our connection with our clients has earned us the 2016 “Best of Emerald Coast” award for “Best Pharmacy.”

3

WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR COMPANY OFFER? At ECCP we formulate your

4

WHAT ABOUT YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK? I am currently a USA Water

prescriptions to meet your individual needs. Our facility addresses a range of medical concerns including: anti-aging, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, dental, dermatology, gastroenterology, infertility, pain management, pediatric, podiatry, sports medicine and veterinary.

Ski team member, eight time World Champion and World Record holder in both Slalom and Overall. I am also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), West Florida Chapter.

REGINA K. JAQUESS

1719 S. CO. HWY. 393 | SANTA ROSA BEACH | (850) 622-5800 | ECCPHARMACY.COM

Cook Family Dentistry, PA Cos met i c • Implants

HEAL • RESTORE

RECHARGE

• Dental Implants • Six Month Smiles Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry (Veneers/Whitening) • Extractions • Root canals • Tooth Colored Fillings

• Crown and Bridge • Dental Cleanings • Periodontal Gum Treatments • Occlusal Splints/Athletic Guards • TMJ Treatments • Dentures • Botox/Dermal Fillers

2441 Hwy 98 W, Ste. 107 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 622-2226 | cookfamilydentistry.com | cookfamilydentistrypa@gmail.com 128 Eglin Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach • theposhdaisy.com • 850.244.7633

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DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

GEORGE VONHILSHEIMER, M.D.

1

JOHN H. PHILLIPS III, M.D.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Dermatology Specialists of

Florida, we’re committed to providing patients with the highest quality and comprehensive care for their skin. Our providers combine education, experience and continual training with advanced, proven treatments and technology. We are committed to helping patients achieve and maintain their healthiest skin at all ages.

2

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We deliver comprehensive dermatology services, using effective and advanced modalities of treatment for all diseases of the skin, hair and nails. We offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options for skin cancer including Mohs Micrographic surgery, superficial radiation therapy, erbium laser ablation, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, electrosurgery and curettage. Having every tool at our disposal to treat skin cancer allows Dermatology Specialists of Florida to determine the best procedure for each patient.

Aqua Medical Spa offers physician-supervised cosmetic treatments, procedures, aesthetician services and products. Our Medical Spas combine medical expertise with the most up-to-date treatments, helping reveal to

patients their most beautiful skin. Our spas are staffed by dermatologists, physician assistants and aestheticians. And, at applicable locations, we provide solutions for hair loss via our Hair Transplant & Restoration Center. A range of therapies are available to permanently restore natural hair, including a state-ofthe-art non-invasive transplant procedure, NeoGraft®, LED Light Therapy using NeoLTS® and the very latest innovation, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.

3

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? Skin cancer rates are rising.

We know early diagnosis leads to early cure. We believe that no one should wait weeks to see a dermatologist. That’s why we provide quick access to care with the ability to schedule patients within days, not months. We deliver accurate and timely biopsy results.

4

WHAT ARE SOME NOTABLE AWARDS, HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS FOR THE PRACTICE? Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

(CMS) identified Dermatology Specialists of Florida as one of the top 1% of medical practices in the nation for providing quality health care services in 2016.

(850) 233-DERM (3376) | DERMATOLOGYSPECIALISTSFL.COM

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MICHAEL A. STICKLER, M.D.

2017 | TALLAHASSEE TENNIS CHALLENGER USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge

SEE A TENNIS RACQUET HELP SAVE A LIFE See professional tennis up close and personal as players ranked in the top 200s in the world compete for the $75,000 purse and ATP points. Benefiting Tallahassee Memorial, the 18th Annual Tallahassee Tennis Challenger sponsorships will directly enhance patient care at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH)—Vogter Neuro Intensive Care Unit and home to the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center.

TALLAHASSEECHALLENGER.COM

April 22 – 29, 2017 Forestmeadows Tennis Center, 4750 North Meridian Rd. For a complete schedule of events, please visit tallahasseechallenger.com

PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK

What is living at Somerby like?

Let someone who calls it home tell you.

YOU’VE STILL GOT A SPARK INSIDE.

At Somerby, our Residents know exactly how that feels. Here, life is filled with opportunities to make deep friendships, stay physically active and stimulate all your senses.

We invite you to learn more about the purpose-driven lifestyle that our Residents, Families and Associates enjoy at Somerby.

Experience what makes Somerby so Full of Life.

Explore our website for Resident stories or call us to schedule a personal visit.

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

86 6 .82 2 .1156

•

www.S ome r byS par k.com

FL License #AL12667

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MAY 13–21

Art Week South Walton

Explore more than the shore at Art Week South Walton, an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. This spectacular, week-long festival brings a variety of visual, performing and literary arts events to venues throughout South Walton, which is located along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Special Art Week events include ArtsQuest — the 29th annual fine arts festival in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center; the Seaside Writers Conference — a full week of workshops, seminars, readings and events in the iconic town of Seaside; and the Northwest Florida Theatre Festival — an innovative gathering of performing artists and theater enthusiasts. The week ends with Digital Graffiti, which explores the intersection of art and architecture. After the sun goes down, dozens of original works of art are projected onto some truly unique, large-scale canvases: the glistening white walls of Alys Beach! For more information, visit ArtWeekSouthWalton.com.



One of many awe-inspiring works of art on display at Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach.

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calendar PHOTOS BY PURE 7 STUDIOS (DIGITAL GRAFFITI), BOB O’LARY (SOUTHERN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL), SHANE SAUER (YOLO), HRISTINE PEDRETTI (HAT) AND TATJANA JEMELJANOVA (BLACK DRESS) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM AND COURTESY OF ANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT (SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

APRIL 20–23

MAY 20

31ST ANNUAL SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL

8TH ANNUAL LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY — ‘HAVANA NIGHTS’

→ Uncork some fun in the sun at the 31st Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, held at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort — the No. 1 resort on the Emerald Coast. The Sandestin Wine Festival, voted “Best Annual Event,” is a picture-perfect fête, complete with white tents, flowing wine, food, ladies in hats, live music and much more. Affectionately called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” the festival draws thousands of people to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin to enjoy wine tastings of hundreds of domestic and international wines. To thoroughly enjoy the events surrounding the Sandestin Wine Festival, stay steps or a simple tramride away when you book at Sandestin.

Enjoy 25% OFF deluxe accommodations and tickets with code: WINE17. Visit Sandestin.com/wine for details or call (855) 288-6678.

REGIONAL

APR/MAY 2017 For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com compiled by JENNIFER IRELAND and MATT ALGARIN

→ We’ve gone to Paris, the Roaring ’20s, the Big Top and the Opera. This year, we’re headed to Havana for a fabulous evening of dinner, dancing, live performances and live and silent auctions. Voted Best Event of the Emerald Coast in 2016, last year’s Little Black Dress Party raised $77,000 to increase access to essential health services for local women.

This year’s Little Black Dress Party will be held on May 20 from 6–11 p.m. at Sandestin’s Linkside Center. For more information, tickets or to support this great event, call (850) 863-8112 or visit fwblittleblackdressparty.com.

MAY 18, JUNE 15, JULY 20

MAY 6

YOLO BOARD RELAY SERIES → The YOLO Board Relay Series will celebrate its 10th year in the community with an unforgettable paddleboarding event, held at The Bay Restaurant at the foot of the 331 bridge. Come and watch the fun for free, or join in the race! Men, women and coed teams of three — of all skill-levels — are welcome to participate.

The price to compete is $60 per person and includes all 3 races, food, drink, a T-shirt and race swag. Call (850) 424-6852 or email info@ yoloboard.com to register or to become a sponsor.

MAY 12–14

SOUTHERN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

→ This 3-day festival includes a production of “As You Like It,” set in the Roaring ’20s. One of Shakespeare’s most accessible comedies, “As You Like It” follows the romantic exploits of Rosalind and Orlando, with all of its unexpected and humorous turns. To add to the excitement and assist in setting the scene, a live band, featuring incomparable trumpeter Longineu Parsons, will play ’20s tunes. Festivalgoers will also be able to learn how to dance the Charleston! A second stage will feature presentations throughout the weekend from Theater With a Mission, the Southern Shakespeare Company’s after-school programs, the winners of the sonnet contest sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat, the Elder Bards from the Westminster Oaks retirement community and The Bardlings. In the Elizabethan Era, a visit to the Globe Theatre was incomplete without a stop at a food vendor's booth for a slab of roasted mutton and a cup of ale; at the Southern Shakespeare Festival, six food trucks will provide all of the cuisine and beverages you — or The Bard — could ever ask for.

Mystique

→ The Junior League of Panama City presents its spring fundraiser, Mystique! In the past, Mystique has taken the form of a murder-mystery show; this year, attendees will don their biggest floppy hat or bowtie to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. The races will be broadcast throughout the event, and attendees will enjoy live music, great food, games and Derbythemed activities, such as a hat contest.

Tickets are $30, and proceeds benefit the community impact programs of the Junior League of Panama City. The festivities will be held from 3–7 p.m. at The Hombre in Panama City Beach. For more information, call (850) 785-7870 or visit jlpanamacity.org.

This event is free and will take place at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. For more information, visit southernshakespearefestival.org.

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FINE WINE AGES WELL. SO DO OUR PATIENTS! BEFOR

APR/MAY 2017

APRIL 28–30

12TH ANNUAL DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION → Ranked one of the “Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions in the US” by Wine Spectator Magazine, this wine auction has raised over $13 million for children in need in Northwest Florida. To date, the funds raised each year at the auction have impacted the lives of over 75,000 at-risk youth in the local community.

E

A FT ER

MOD

2007 Vinta

Patron packages are $2,500 and include two tickets to the Patron Dinner Experience on Friday, the Live Auction & Reserve Tasting on Saturday and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival on Sunday. View dinner pairings and get tickets at dcwaf.org.

EL

ge 2 0 17 V in ta g e

WE ARE YOUR BEST FASHION ACCESSORY!

SPONSOR OF DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION

( 8 5 0 ) 6 5 4 -119 4 w w w. Th e Pl a s t i c D o c. co m

MO DE L

JUNE 21–JUNE 25

15TH ANNUAL EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC AT SANDESTIN® PRESENTED BY WIND CREEK CASINO & HOTEL — ATMORE, ALABAMA → The ECBC is Northwest Florida’s most successful entry into world-class sport-fishing tournaments. It remains the richest tournament on the Gulf Coast and attracts major players from across the globe. Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the place to be for two days of exciting weigh-ins as top anglers vie for nearly $2 million in prizes. Enjoy nightly fun with entertainment and activities; Friday night’s activities include fireworks and live music! All of the excitement, combined with Sandestin’s top-shelf amenities, truly makes the ECBC a winning premier event.

Admission is free and open to the public. Weigh-ins will be June 23 and 24 from 4–9 p.m. Other activities will take place throughout each day. Details are subject to change based on weather.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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DESTIN MAGIC DINNER THEATER APRIL–MAY Come one, come all! Pittman Magic, a husband-and-wife team, will be performing Destin Magic Dinner Theater at La Paz Restaurant. The couple specializes in grand, Vegas-style stage illusions, award-winning juggling and family-friendly comedy magic.

Reservations required. $29.99. La Paz Restaurant, 950 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. Seating at 5:30 pm, show at 6 pm. (850) 217-0542 destinmagicdinnertheater.com

ADSO’S 17TH PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL ARTS SHOW APRIL 4–28 For much of the month of April, visitors to the ADSO can enjoy exhibits of outstanding photography and digital arts from ADSO members and other photographers from the area. A special reception that is open to the public will be held on April 7 from 6–8 pm. FREE. ADSO Center, 17 First St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach. Gallery hours: Tues–Fri, 12–4 pm; Sat, 1–4 pm.

(850) 244-1271

PHOTOS BY KARAH YOUNG (WINE AUCTION), IRAVGUSTIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (80’S REWIND DANCE PARTY) AND COURTESY EC BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC

artsdesignsociety.org

LADIES’ SPRING SOIREE APRIL 6 Ladies, bring your girlfriends to the club for a day of fashion, glamour and fun. Hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine will be served (gratis), and a full bar will be available. Everyone will have an opportunity to win one of the marvelous door prizes!

Reservations for this special, girls-only event will end on April 3.

Members, including Watersound Origins, and members’ guests are welcome. Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, 2003 Wild Heron Way, Lake Powell.

11 am–1 pm. (850) 249-3015

to raise money for improving the health of babies in the community.

Sign up and donate on the website.

Northwest Florida State College, 100 E. College Blvd., Niceville.

Registration at 8 am; walk at 9 am. marchforbabies.org/event/emeraldcoast

JERSEY — BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE BAND APRIL 8 The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s first offering for Concerts in the Village 2017 is a “boss” benefit concert! Proceeds benefit MKAF’s mission as a Northwest Florida champion of cultural arts and education for all. $20–25, FREE for children 12 and under. Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive W., Destin. 7–9 pm. mattiekellyartsfoundation.org

↑’80S REWIND DANCE PARTY APRIL 14 Girls, you know you just want to have fun! Grab your guy, tightroll your best acid-washed jeans and “walk like an Egyptian” to Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s throwback fundraiser. All proceeds from the tickets, cash bar and silent auction will benefit ECTC’s educational and professional programs. Tickets can be purchased online. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 560 Grand Boulevard (upstairs), Miramar Beach. 7:30–11:30 pm.

EmeraldCoastTheatre.org

EMERALD COAST MARCH FOR BABIES

WSRE PUBLIC SQUARE SPEAKERS SERIES PRESENTS ROBERT PUTNAM: ‘OUR KIDS: THE AMERICAN DREAM IN CRISIS’

APRIL 8

APRIL 18

March of Dimes is marching for babies with this fun day of walking

Robert Putnam, Harvard public policy professor and best-selling

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Details of listings can change at the last minute.

Please call ahead of time to confirm.

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER? Send an email to ec-calendar@rowlandpublishing.com.

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L&M Computer Solutions, LLC (850) 660-6316 (850) 660-6316 | 790 N. COUNTY HIGHWAY 393, BLDG. 2C, SUITE 1 | SANTA ROSA BEACH | LMCSOL.COM

APR/MAY 2017

author of “Bowling Alone,” will discuss the trends that are shaping our national identity.

This event is sponsored, in part, by Studer Community Institute. Registration is required.

FREE. WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola. 7 pm.

Mullet Toss® and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party (held this year on April 28–30). This 21st annual event promises a great course, super volunteers, awards 3-deep and overall, as well as a post-race party with fabulous food and fun.

Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola. 7:30 am. (850) 492-0611

studeri.org

florabama.com/events/mullet-mantriathlon

SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL APRIL 19–23

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP

225 Main Street #15, Destin, FL 32541 • (850) 585-3839 • LisaSnuggs.com

Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by Jazz Magazine and recently nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines top national smooth-jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The event attracts thousands of fans from the U.S., Canada and Europe for the ultimate performancepacked weekend of jazz. $90–120.

Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach.

Doors open Thurs–Fri at 2 pm and Sat–Sun at 10 am. (877) 987-6487 seabreezejazzfestival.com

BEER, BOURBON & BLUES APRIL 20

Do you want to look YEARS younger WITHOUT going under the knife?

Join us for an evening full of flavor!

Take a stroll with friends old and new, listen to some terrific blues music and enjoy delicious fare and a variety of select beer and bourbons. This is an adults-only event. Reservations required.

WaterSound Beach Club, 146 Dune Drift Ln., Watersound. 6 pm.

(850) 834-2510

med spa & wellness Call us for a FREE skincare consultation Laser • Chemical Peels • Botox • Acupuncture • Makeovers • Spa Services • Weddings 1807 Alhambra St., Navarre, Fl • 850.939.5413 • emeraldcoastmedspa.com

“LIVE LONGER, EAT LIKE THE GREEKS”

SHALIMAR 1259 EGLIN PARKWAY (850) 613-6120 MIRAMAR BEACH 11225 US HWY 98 (850) 460-2728 2012–2016

MEDITERRANEAN

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GULF PLACE WINE WALKABOUT APRIL 20 The Merchants at Gulf Place present the Third Thursday Wine Walkabout for the month of April.

Attendees will enjoy samplings of hand-selected sparkling wines, light appetizers, live music and giveaways while venturing to all of the different Gulf Place shops. $20. Gulf Place, 45 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach. 5–7 pm.

(850) 267-8458

MULLET MAN TRIATHLON APRIL 22 The Mullet Man Triathlon has proven to be a definite addition to the Annual Interstate

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL APRIL 27–30 A dazzling roster of dozens of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers converge in South Walton to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests as part of this 4-day celebration of wine.

Throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard, attendees will enjoy such attractions as Spirits Row, Champagne Lane Tastings, Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Nosh Pavilions, Tasting Seminars, Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, live entertainment and samplings of more than 800 wines. $35–$175.

Grand Boulevard, 495 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. Friday Craft Beer & Spirits Jam: 6–9 pm; Saturday VIP Tasting: 11 am–1 pm; Saturday and Sunday Grand Tasting: 1–5 pm. (850) 837-3099 sowalwine.com

PEPSI SPRINGJAM APRIL 28–29 Get ready to join a few thousand of your closest friends as the Pepsi SpringJam returns to Panama City Beach. This year’s event will feature Grammy awardwinning singers Sheryl Crow and Darius Rucker. $69. Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach. Fri and Sat: 3 pm–12 am.

Springjampcb.com

15TH ANNUAL MASK & MASTERPIECE GALA APRIL 29 Join Covenant Care for their 15th Annual Mask & Masterpiece Gala, “Night in Old Havana.” Guests will enjoy dinner, dancing, live music and silent and live auctions to benefit Covenant Care. Tickets must be reserved by April 14 and can be purchased at Covenant Care or by calling (850) 785-3040. $125. Edgewater Beach Resort,

11212 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. Cocktail hour: 4:30–6 pm; dinner event: 6–10 pm. choosecovenant.org/event/15th-annualmask-and-masterpiece-gala/

BERNSTEIN & BEETHOVEN WITH THE PENSACOLA SYMPHONY APRIL 29 Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, Leonard Bernstein’s Serenade, featuring violinist Frank Almond and guest composer/curator Richard Danielpour round out the season finale of Maestro Peter Rubardt’s 20th Anniversary Season with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. $22–$94. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola. 7:30 pm.

(850) 435-2533 pensacolasymphony.com

SPANISH TRAIL CRAFT FAIR APRIL 30 Come and enjoy the second ever Spanish Trail Craft Fair! There will be a variety of vendors, live music, food and family activities. FREE. Brit Ahm Messianic Synagogue, 6700 Spanish Trail, Pensacola.

7 am–3 pm. (910) 467-2004

ADSO’S ‘ON THE MENU’ SHOW

PHOTOS BY CL SHEBLEY (MARACAS) AND OLGA RUTKO (MULLET MAN TRIATHLON)/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

MAY 2–JUNE 2 This art show is inspired by what’s on the menu — or restaurant happenings in general! A special reception will be held on May 5 from 6–8 pm. FREE. ADSO Center, 17 First St. S.E., Fort Walton Beach. Gallery hours: Tues–Fri, 12–4 pm; Sat, 1–4 pm. (850) 244-1271 artsdesignsociety.org

THUNDER BEACH SPRING RALLY MAY 3–7 Known as “The Most Biker-Friendly Free Rally in the United States,” Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. FREE. Panama City Beach. (850) 249-7627 thunderbeachproductions.com

CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE MAY 4, 11, 18, 25 Voted one of the Top 10 things to

do in Northwest Florida by the Florida Travel & Tourism Guide, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s 22nd annual outdoor summer concert series features a variety of music for all ages. Local and regional touring artists perform everything from Motown and rhythm-andblues to dance-y disco and rock’n’-roll during this family-friendly series. $15. MKAF members and children 12 and under are FREE. Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive W., Destin. 7–9 pm mattiekellyartsfoundation.org

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION MAY 5 Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food restaurant presents their annual Cinco de Mayo festivities at a family-friendly event held at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard, adjacent to Cantina Laredo’s restaurant.

Enjoy live music, dancing and delicious, authentic Mexican food and drinks as well as children’s face painting and arts and crafts

by Abrakadoodle. FREE. Grand Boulevard, 495 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. 4–10 pm. (850) 837-3099

We d d i n g F u n c t i o n s co n F e r e n c e Me e t i n g s sp e c i a l ev e n t s EmeraldCoastAV.com

850-630-3032

grandboulevard.com

PANAMA CITY MARCH FOR BABIES MAY 6 March of Dimes is marching for babies with this fun day of walking to raise money for improving the health of babies in the community.

Sign up and donate on the website.

McKenzie Park, Park St. & E. Oak Ave., Panama City. Registration at 8 am; walk at 9 am.

Voted Best Mortgage Lender

Three Consecutive Years!

marchforbabies.org/event/panamacity

16TH ANNUAL SACRED HEART CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

Michael Castleberry is proud to announce his branch was chosen as the “Best Mortgage Lender on Emerald Coast” for the third year in a row. Bank of England Mortgage is here to assist you with all of your mortgage lending needs. Call or visit us today and see why we are the best.

MAY 7–8 Head to the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on May 7 for the Sacred Heart Charity Golf Classic’s “Spring Bash.” This event will feature live music, dancing, great food and both live and silent auctions. The golf tournament will be held on May 8 at Emerald Bay Golf Club. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, 4000 Sandestin Blvd. S., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-9500. Emerald Bay Golf Club, 4781 Clubhouse Dr., Destin. (850) 837-5197.

Contact Sara Hill: (850) 278-3702; Sara.Hill@shhpens.org

www.BOEFWB.com 850-362-6488 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Ste #37 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Michael Castleberry Branch Manager

Three Years in a Row: Best Mortgage Lender

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SOCIAL STUDIES Destin Desserts

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JAN. 20 The Palms of Destin hosted the sixth annual Destin Desserts competition, in which leading local chefs created unique, tantalizing desserts — the only requirement for which was the use of classic Girl Scout cookies! The winner of the night was Chef Kevin Wynn of The Black Pearl, whose dessert combined the Thin Mint cookie and cheesecake.

PHOTOS BY MATT ALGARIN AND KAY PHELAN

1 Mandi Sikes and Lauren Schrider 2 Dan Pettis, Ernie Danjean, Jack McGuckin and Jim Shirah 3 Laura Hussey, Kate Mellette and Gretchen Erickson 4 Debbie West and Greig Buckley

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FOUNDER’S DAY MAY 13 The Destin History and Fishing Museum is partnering with the City of Destin and will have a special exhibit during Founder’s Day week.

FREE. Destin History and Fishing Museum, 108 Stahlman Ave., Destin. 10 am–4 pm. (850) 837-6611 destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org

LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST TOURNAMENT MAY 13 Come to Camp Creek Golf Club for the first inaugural Ladies’ MemberGuest Golf Tournament. Ladies and their guests will enjoy a two-person best-ball format. Each team will take the lowest net score on each hole to determine the champion. All pairings of the teams will be done by the tournament committee. Many prizes will be awarded! Registration begins on March 1; the deadline for sign-up is May 5. Members and guests welcome; registration required. Camp Creek Golf Club, 684 Fazio Dr., Panama City Beach.

8 am. (850) 231-7601

LOCALS LAST STAND MAY 21

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT

30A’s 5th annual Locals Last Stand party will take place at Watersound Origins for the 3rd year. It’s one last chance to enjoy South Walton, with live music, food trucks and fun, before the

mad dash of the summer tourism season kicks off! FREE. Watersound Origins, 133 S. Watersound Pkwy., Watersound. 4 pm.

30a.com/locals-last-stand

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FESTIVITIES MAY 27–29 Live music will begin on Saturday and last all weekend long! Bands will take the Events Plaza stage from 7–9 pm each night, and children’s activities will be featured in the Events Plaza from 6–9 pm on Sunday night, followed by a patriotic fireworks show held over the lagoon at 9:15.

On Monday, right before sunset, the Village will host and Sandestin veterans will present a Memorial Day program that includes a special performance. FREE. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, 244 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 267-8117 baytownewharf.com

SINFONIA GOES POPS AT ALYS BEACH AMPHITHEATER!

34876 Emerald Coast Pkwy. / (850) 654-5251

MAY 28 Enjoy the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast under the palm trees in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. FREE; food and beverages available for purchase.

Alys Beach, Scenic Hwy. 30A. 7:30 pm. (866) 732-1760 alysbeach.com/events

FAT TUESDAY PARADE KICK-OFF MAY 30

Who wants some beads?! Every Tuesday during the summer, HarborWalk Village transforms into “The Big Easy.” Enjoy dazzling floats, colorful costumes, street-performers and float-riders tossing handfuls of beads and swag! The “Pardi” begins at 7 pm with live music on the main stage, and the parade rolls at 8:30 pm. Fire-spinning by Just Add Fire will follow the parade on the main stage. FREE. HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin. harborwalkvillage.com

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FEB. 10 Broker associate Hannah Martin celebrated her birthday with a third annual bash benefitting Special Olympics of Florida-Walton County at St. Joe Club & Resort’s Lakehouse. The theme for this year was “La Lumiere: A Masquerade Affair” and featured dinner, drinks and entertainment, including live music, Cirque du Soleil-style performers, live auction and more.

PHOTOS BY J. CONLEY IMAGES AND JENNIFER FITZGERALD

3 1 Greg Floyd and Walter Sloma 2 Crystal Smith and Hannah Martin 3 Suzanna Cotton, Luke Andrews, Justin Boland, Hannah Martin, Chase Blaich, Brut Campbell-Work and MaryBeth Myrick 4 Hannah Martin and Garrett McNeil 5 Heidi Reed, Connor Snitko and Kristina Hays 6 Tanner and Katie Peacock 7 Mike Schumacher and Jessica Proffitt Bracken 8 Aerialist by Showtime Events

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Stories from the

Heart I NSPI R ING STOR IES OF PEOPL E H EL PING PEOPL E The life-changing care Sacred Heart Health System provides has touched the hearts of many who strive to ensure that this incredible mission of care continues for future generations. Sacred Heart Foundation is proud to be a partner in this endeavor. Please enjoy these “Stories from the Heart.”

PR E SENTE D BY

APRIL 2017

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GRAND OPENING GREETS GUESTS Just one day after opening, new postpartum suites had their first guests

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Sage Lucas looks up at her mother Shanelle Lucas in the new post-partum wing at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.

he first baby born at the newly expanded Family Birth Place (FBP) at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (SHHEC) arrived just before 3 p.m. — one day after the new postpartum rooms opened.

Sage Lucas was born to Shanelle Lucas at 2:47 p.m. and was the first baby born since the opening of the new post-partum suites at the Family Birth Place, part of the $30 million expansion at SHHEC. Sage was born at 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and a perfect 20 inches long.

The growth and success of the Family Birth Place at SHHEC during its first 10 years has been unprecedented. With six obstetricians and a growing service area, the Family Birth Place delivers more than 1,200 babies a year. The added suites for new mothers nearly doubled the previous capacity for maternity services.

Barbara Glassman, Manager of Labor and Delivery, said the new postpartum rooms provide extra space and prevent postponing scheduled procedures/inductions due to lack of beds.

“The staff has been really proud to show off our new space, and we’re really looking forward to the opportunities it will provide to the community,” Glassman said.

The inpatient expansion includes 12 new postpartum rooms and 12 new inpatient rooms, bringing the total number of inpatient beds to 76 for the hospital. All inpatient rooms throughout the hospital are private rooms with a private bathroom.

The Family Birth Place houses five spacious, private labor and delivery suites, 12 new private postpartum suites, 2 antepartum rooms, 4 triage rooms, a newborn nursery, an education room and a family waiting area.

There is also a Lactation Consult Room where our mothers can meet with a Lactation Consultant. This service is available to breastfeeding moms by appointment, even after discharge.

Lucas was impressed with the size of the FBP delivery suites. “The room was large which was great because I had a lot of family with me during the birth,” Lucas said. “It’s very much about the baby as well as the

“I’ve just always heard such great things about Sacred Heart so it just made sense for me to deliver here ... Everyone has been really nice and consistent across the board — genuine.” – SHANELLE LUCAS 118SApril–May April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM ACRED HEART N | FOUNDATION.SACRED-HEART.ORG 2 2016 FOUNDATIO EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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family. After my delivery, I was moved to one of the new private postpartum suites. It was very comfortable and cozy and was the perfect size room.”

Lucas was impressed with the technology in the new postpartum suite and complimented the details such as the color scheme, wood floors, personal closet and beautiful private bathroom. These details really made her feel at home. “The only thing missing is a stove,” she joked.

When asked how she made the decision to deliver at Sacred Heart, Lucas said, “I received a lot of recommendations on where to deliver. I’ve just always heard such great things about Sacred Heart so it just made sense for me to deliver here. I know some of the nurses and have had friends deliver here. This was my first baby and also a high-risk pregnancy, so it was kind of scary. I had to be seen in Pensacola and also in Fort Walton Beach by the Sacred Heart Maternal Fetal Medicine Group. Everyone has been really nice and consistent across the board — genuine.”

The Family Birth Place is on the pathway to a Baby-Friendly designation — a highly coveted breastfeeding support award that recognizes a birthing center’s family-centered approach to maternity care, as well as breastfeeding support and education available. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global effort to implement practices that protect and promote breastfeeding.

Earlier this year, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast was one of three hospitals in the region to receive a four-star rating from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and it is one of only 42 hospitals in Florida to receive an “A” safety ranking from a national hospital ratings

organization, The Leapfrog Group. The hospital also received several five-star and top performer awards from Professional Research Consultants, Inc. for patient experience. For more information about Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, please visit sacredheartemerald.org.

Tours of the Family Birth Place are free and are designed to give soon-to-be moms an idea of what to expect during their stay at the hospital, including where to park and what to bring when they arrive for the delivery of their baby.

Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. To schedule a tour, please contact Volunteer Services at (850) 278-3676.

To better serve our community and help keep families together during the first few days of a child’s life when bonding is so important, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is building a 10-bed, level II NICU to provide high-quality, personalized care for babies who need special medical attention. Advanced care in the NICU will include short-term respiratory ventilation, oxygen therapy, IV nutrition and more. The NICU team will include board-certified neonatologists (pediatricians with specialized training in the care of critically ill infants), neonatal nurses, developmental specialists and other therapists and technicians. Adding this next level of care for babies at the Family Birth Place will enhance the overall quality and experience for families for generations to come.

“This is the community’s hospital,” Susan Davis, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System said. “This only happened because of the community. We want to thank everyone who made a dream into a reality.”

A message from Carol Carlan When we champion a cause, we do so because we passionately believe in it. And that belief is what motivates and leads us to speak out or take action on behalf of the cause.

The Daughters of Charity were the original champions of Sacred Heart Health System’s charitable mission of providing excellent healthcare to all, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable.

We are fortunate that their legacy continues to be supported by many who believe in that mission, such as the individuals featured in this edition of our inspiring Stories from the Heart.

Mike Johnsown, An Hayward, Drew Barefield and Sister Ellen Kron all exemplify what a champion is. As you read their stories, you will learn how each was touched in a unique way that sparked their passion for advocating on behalf of our new Children’s Hospital and why it became their cause.

They are committed in their roles, whether it be serving as fundraising beacons, or donating time and service as board members, or living a life dedicated to promoting exceptional care for sick and injured kids. Perhaps Sister Kron said it best: “It is the ‘who’ we’re serving that is the ‘why’ we’re serving.”

Their passion … our mission … together we are united in championing the future of our children’s healthcare. It will be our legacy.

Carol Carlan President, Sacred Heart Foundation

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Sister Ellen Kron

Always in Partnership with the Community

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he Daughter of Charity Sister Ellen Kron serves as Vice President of Community Health Ministries for Ascension Health.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Sister Ellen attended Catholic schools before going on to Louisiana State College. During her junior year, she took on a summer job at St. Elizabeth’s Children’s Home run by the Daughters of Charity, an orphanage providing residential treatment for girls ages 6–18.

Sister Ellen loved that work and environment so much that she transferred to LSU in New Orleans for her senior year so that she could continue her efforts full time at St. Elizabeth’s. “I found that there was a consistency with my values and the values of the sisters. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, there’s a fit.’ The ‘tug’ was definitely there.”

She says that it “took a leap of faith,” but she applied to become a Daughter of Charity, which meant leaving New Orleans for a provincial house in St. Louis, Missouri, as a novice at age 23.

Her first mission was assignment to a children’s home in Kansas City. A residential treatment center for abused and disturbed youngsters, it also served as a large day school for learning-disabled kids.

Thereafter, she would find that care for disadvantaged children played a strong role in her journey as a Daughter of Charity. Over the years, her duties took her to numerous locations in various capacities, yet most often it was service in the name of children.

Along the way, she attended graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis, obtaining master’s degrees in social work and in business. She also became involved in community health ministry and with Ascension Health.

She was assigned to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild, and it is where she still serves today. Sister Ellen became a member of the Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation board in 2011.

The Daughters of Charity founded the original Sacred Heart Hospital more than a century ago. Their mission and challenge then of helping the poor and the sick has remained the same. But it’s a challenge that has always been met in collaboration and partnership with the community, which is part of their history and cofounding by St. Vincent DePaul and St. Louise de Marillac.

Sister Ellen says, “Sacred Heart could never have done and can’t do what it does today without really dedicated, committed partners — people of good will, of right intention, of all faiths. As I sit on the board, I see a fervor in people committed to investing in and wanting to contribute to their community.

“Their contributions will support the legacy of the Daughters of Charity with the building of a new Children’s Hospital. It’s ‘who’ we’re serving that is the ‘why’ we’re serving.”

Sister Ellen Kron, Daughter of Charity

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An Hayward

It’s All About the Kids

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orn and raised in Antwerp, Belgium, An Hayward was a dancer for the Royal Ballet of Flanders when she was discovered by a modeling agency some 25 years ago. Today, as a well-recognized model for Chico’s, her career is still going strong.

She enjoys serving on the Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola Advisory Council, which she admits is a “new world” for her. But in that role there could hardly be a better ambassador. She is a strong advocate for Sacred Heart becoming known throughout the nation as an exceptional healthcare system.

“I want the new Children’s Hospital to become a destination hospital. I want people to know that we are competing with the best of the

best. It’s just a matter of telling our story,” says An. “It all started with three Sisters who had a vision for this hospital: To help those in need of a hospital that doesn’t turn anyone away. Look where we are today!”

Married to Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, they have a son, Aiden, whom An describes as her “pride and joy. Family is everything to me. It’s the pillar of my existence. It’s where it all starts.”

She credits her husband and son as being very supportive and proud of her career, saying the family works together as a team. Her mother and grandmother, who reside in Belgium, visit frequently to help out when she travels for her job.

An’s successful career in a competitive field requires that she be organized and disciplined. She

An Hayward with husband, Mayor Ashton Hayward, and son, Aiden

“I believe in Sacred Heart Hospital for many reasons, but for me it’s all about the kids. I know what it’s like to be a new parent with a sick child.” – AN HAYWARD

has a daily workout routine, practices yoga and recently took up running.

“I’ve been extremely blessed in my life,” she says. “And my mantra is that when you receive, you have to give back.” Part of that is being a strong supporter of fundraising for the new Children’s Hospital.

“I believe in Sacred Heart Hospital for many reasons, but for me it’s all about the kids. I know what it’s like to be a new parent with a sick child.”

When Aiden was born at Sacred Heart Hospital 13 years ago, he required care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “When you have a child with certain needs,” An says, “you do not want to have to travel to another healthcare facility out of your community. You want it to be in the city where you live.”

She feels that sometimes people are reluctant to give because they think their donation or volunteer efforts won’t make a difference. “I want people to know that every little bit counts; it doesn’t take much to do a good deed. It can be a very small contribution, but it’s important to give.

“Our kids are our future and it’s our responsibility to nurture their needs.”

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Be a Hero for the Kids! he·ro /hirō/ noun

“a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.”

T May 13, 2017 Race Start Time: 8 a.m.

Awards Ceremony Start Time: 9:15 a.m.

he Everyday Hero 5K is honoring doctors, nurses, parents, caregivers, service members, first responders and our patients who exemplify courage and determination in their own lives and for others. Join your neighbors, community, colleagues and friends for a fun-filled day to raise awareness and funds for the needs of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital, your Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

This year’s honorary chairman is our hero, Drew Barefield of Crestview. In 2014, Drew survived multiple traumatic injuries from a boating accident. He was in The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart for 75 days and underwent 13 surgeries. Despite the severity of his injuries, Drew never questioned whether he’d walk or even run again. Drawing on his faith, he was determined to do both and push past any obstacles in his way. Drew is now running cross country and making miraculous strides by improving his overall time by 2 minutes. In 2016, Drew was named the 2016–2017 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for the state of Florida due to his remarkable medical story and passion for advocating for the needs of the Children’s Hospital.

Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park 300 Block of Main Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Registration Fee: $25 Registration May 1–11: $30 Registration May 12–13: $35

Register today at

Everydayhero5k.org Drew Barefield, 2016-2017 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for the state of Florida

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Michael Johnson

A Steward of the Community

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rowing up in Pensacola, Michael Johnson vividly remembers his grandfather telling him, “Let your word be your bond.” Michael has carved his whole personal and professional life out of those words.

He knew at a young age that he wanted to be in business for himself, preferably the people business. So at 18 he entered the insurance field and joined State Farm when he was 25.

Believing in the value of strong relationships and loyalty, he enjoyed building his company “one customer at a time.” The greatest compliment he ever received was, “We never know if you are working or playing.”

One of his policyholders introduced him to his wife, Phyllis. He says, “I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and she was the nicest person I had ever met. And, 28 years later, I still feel the same way.”

They have two children, Sydnee and Anthony, ages 26 and 23, respectively.

Michael says that he and Phyllis realized early on that “they might not be able to save the world, so they decided to save little pieces of it.” His children grew up watching their parents be good stewards in the community. Michael says, “I always try to put something back from where I got it.”

Michael’s ties to Sacred Heart Hospital in the past have almost predestined him to serve today as vice-chair of the Foundation and be deeply involved in the new Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.

To begin with, he was born in the original Sacred Heart hospital on Twelfth Avenue at a time when giving birth cost a hefty $50. Then, at the age of 10 he met Dr. Reed Bell, who donated much of his time to providing free physical exams for the area’s Little League football teams. Michael vividly remembers Dr. Bell’s dream and passion for a children’s hospital at Sacred Heart. “Look how far we have come. I can assure you Dr. Bell would be so proud of what’s happening today.”

Michael joins others on Sacred Heart’s Foundation board at the forefront of fundraising for the new Children’s Hospital.

“In my three years on the board,” he explains, “I have been stunned by the accounts of kids in our hospital for months, undergoing multiple surgeries and the stress on families.”

He believes that the new hospital is vital because the need is growing every day across the region. “Sacred Heart’s mission is like no other as we render service to those who can pay and those who cannot. I truly believe to have a great community you have to have a great healthcare community.”

“Sacred Heart’s mission is like no other as we render service to those who can pay and those who cannot. I truly believe to have a great community you have to have a great healthcare community.” – MICHAEL JOHNSON

Michael Johnson with his wife Phyllis

EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM April–May 2017 123 FOUNDATION.SACRED-HEART.ORG | SAC R ED H E ART FO U N DAT IO N 7

Stories

Heart from the

SP O NSO R E D R E P O RT

Credit Union for Kids: Golfing for Good!

Credit Union for Kids presented a generous gift of $45,000 to benefit the children treated at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Credit Union for Kids is a nonprofit collaboration of credit union, chapters, associations and business partners engaged in fundraising activities to benefit our Children’s Hospital. Proceeds were raised from its annual golf tournament.

The Credit Union for Kids’ Committee is represented by Gulf Coast Office Products, Florida State Employees Federal Credit Union, Members First Credit Union of Florida, Morgan Keegan, Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union and Pen Air Federal Credit Union.

Sacred Heart Foundation recognized

by Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Pictured (L to R): Stu Ramsey, Cat Outzen, Johnny Wyse, Caryl Greene, Lane Harper, Michele Williams and Adrienne Maygarden

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast celebrates opening of expansion

Roger Hall, President of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf

Hospital leaders, staff, volunteers and community members recently gathered for an open house and dedication of the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (SHHEC) Hospital and Emergency Department expansion. SHHEC has truly become a fabric of the community, and we are forever grateful for your continued support. There are still opportunities to support the hospital. Help us provide the best equipment, buildings and programs for all patients — regardless of their ability to pay. Call (850) 278-3700 or visit Foundation.Sacred-Heart.org today!

We are honored to be recognized as a “High Performer” by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. This award is a special achievement given to just 51 organizations recognized for having net production returns in the top 75th percentile.

“Much of the credit for this recognition goes to the community of Northwest Florida for its amazing generosity, compassion and care for those who are coping with life-threatening health issues — from our babies in the NICU and children fighting cancer to adults who are battling cancer, heart disease and other health challenges.” – Carol Carlan, Sacred Heart Foundation President Without you, this award would not have happened. We are grateful and thankful for your continued support!

A BOU T TH E SACR ED H E A RT FOU NDATION Since 1915, Sacred Heart Health System has been at the heart of healing for Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Like our founders, the Daughters of Charity, Sacred Heart is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate healthcare to the citizens of our regions, regardless of their ability to pay. This steadfast commitment to our community could not have been achieved without the support and generosity of the thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations that have donated to Sacred Heart Foundation.

Through this charitable giving, Sacred Heart Foundation has been able to provide millions of dollars of free and low-cost healthcare to the poor, uninsured, under-insured and low-income families. With the help of generous donors, we are proud to partner in Sacred Heart’s mission of care along the Gulf Coast.

124 April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM SApril–May ACRED HEART N | FOUNDATION.SACRED-HEART.ORG 8 2016 FOUNDATIO EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

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April–May 2017

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there are hundreds of reasons to say #iHeartTally This Spring April 7-9 Word of South Festival April 15-16 LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival April 22-29 Tallahassee Tennis Challenger April 29 Doak After Dark — Blake Shelton & Jake Owen Concert May 3 Blink 182 Concert May 12-14 Southern Shakespeare Festival May 20 Emancipation Day Celebration May 20 Tour of Gardens (Maclay Gardens & Other Sites) May 26 Avett Brothers Concert

VisitTallahassee.com 800.628.2866

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

BOHEMIAN BABE: your guide to this blooming trend

MAKING HAPPY COUPLES EVEN HAPPIER THE BEST VENDORS & VENUES

+

Sip and Savor: creative libation and dining tips

Northwest Florida Weddings

402

WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE STORY

Beachy-keen New waves of beach wedding

trends and honeymoon hot spots

It’s all in our Details!

Every event, should be a John Gandy Event!

Full Service Event Planning & Production Event Design • Furniture and Decor Rentals Be inspired at JohnGandyEvents.com 850.570.5999

South Walton’s Premier Event Space a blank canvas with endless possibilities

On Highway 98, anchoring the east end of 30A in Inlet Beach

850.231.1127 •THIRTYAVENUE.COM

Rae Leytham Photography

SPONSORED REPORT

“The DoubleTree not only arranged everything, but called the best of the best vendors who went above and beyond to make sure our vision was made real. The entire day was a miracle.”

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Modern, classic sophistication ... The perfect location for all occasions

“We chose The DoubleTree by Hilton because of its location and beauty. It has an elegant style with greenery along the walls, a white cloth tent with white chandeliers hanging down, fireplaces and a beautiful view of the sun setting over downtown Tallahassee.�

-Julianna Kacheris, Tallahassee, Florida

101 S. Adams St. Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 224.5000 Tallahassee.DoubleTree.com

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contents

issue 4 oastal 19 cweddings

20 New Coastal Cool 22 Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa 24 WaterColor Inn 26 The Pearl Hotel 28 ResortQuest

33 ALICIA OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHY

SHANNON GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY

city weddings

FSU Alumni Center Tallahassee Downtown Food for Thought Staybridge Suites The Gathering Four Points by Sheraton Creative Craft Cocktails DoubleTree Hotel Hotel Duval

34 36 40 42 44 46 48 50 54

59

country weddings

60 Back to Their Roots

62 Arnett’s Gulfside Farm & Stables

65 PURE 7 STUDIOS

making it happen

On the Cover BOHEMIAN BABE: your guide to this blooming trend

MAKING HAPPY COUPLES EVEN HAPPIER THE BEST VENDORS & VENUES

+

Sip and Savor: creative libation and dining tips

Northwest Florida Weddings

402

WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE STORY

Beachy-keen

New waves of beach wedding trends and honeymoon hot spots

Puppy love turned true love! For our 2017 cover, Luke and Olivia Weaver pose with their pup, Wrigley. This little family was too cute not to fetch our attention. Black & Hue Photography was not lacking in photo opportunities with tender moments between the couple, playful pup outtakes and their gorgeous Tallahassee venue, Goodwood Museum & Gardens. As residents of Tallahassee and Luke as a former pitcher for the Florida State Seminoles (currently pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals), the couple shares an affinity for Northwest Florida. We think they are pitch perfect!

ridal Party Bounty B Dream Gowns Becoming a Blushing, Beautiful and Balanced Bride Andrew’s Catering Fisher’s Flowers Wedding Planning in a Digital Age John Gandy Events Sunshine Shuttles

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honeymoon destinations

94 Bridal Bon Voyage

96 ResortQuest NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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creatively

catering

life’s celebrations 228 SOUTH ADAMS STREET ANDREWSDOWNTOWN.COM/CATERING ACHANEY@ANDREWSDOWNTOWN.COM 850.644.2767 | 850.645.2675

Your perfect day,

your way...

With sparkling emerald water and sugar-white sand to complement the beauty of any bride, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals offers many gorgeous properties to serve as a backdrop for a memorable beach wedding. From private beach homes to luxurious Gulf-front condos, we provide a variety of event space along Northwest Florida beaches. Our locations along the scenic Gulf of Mexico are perfect for an extended stay to incorporate a romantic honeymoon or a vacation for the entire wedding party. Call us or visit our website to book the wedding of your dreams along Florida’s Emerald Coast!

Call or visit us online for more information! 888-412-6408 | NWFLWeddings.com | FloridaWeddings@ResortQuest.com

#FollowUsToTheBeach 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-38182. Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 603118961. Wyndham Vacation Rentals and related marks are registered trademarks and/or service marks in the United States and internationally. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 14 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Š2016 Wyndham Vacation Rentals North America, LLC.

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850.747.1362 619 HWY. 231 PANAMA CITY, FL SHOPDREAMGOWNS.COM NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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online access

from the editor

Your DreamedAbout Day

weddings.net

NORTHWESTFLORIDA

With your Pinterest board active and your phone full of apps, Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine’s website is a convenient, informative and on-trend resource you should add to your wedding planning toolbox. Scroll, click and search our site for insightful stories, talented photographers, stunning venues, mouthwatering caterers, planning guides and much more. New this year are click-through showcase pages, which provide additional layers of information about each vendor featured within the magazine. From sandy shores to luxurious hotels to oak-shaded plantations, explore the vibrant and romantic wedding scene that Northwest Florida furnishes.

COME SEE US AT WEDDING SHOWS We love to share the beauty of Northwest Florida. During 2017 we will be attending bridal shows in order to showcase why Northwest Florida could be your ideal wedding or honeymoon location. Check out our events calendar to see if we will be in a city near you.

» DIGITAL EDITIONS In order to have a copy of Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine everywhere you go, our digital editions provide the exact same pages but clickable! It’s the same magazine you know and love with easy, virtual access. » WEDDING BLOG We vow to keep you apprised with the latest in trends and tips through our blog section, which features topics ranging from floral décor to budgeting.

Be Featured!

For the hottest wedding trends and updates follow us on all

social media. From your cake tasting to invitations, let us see how your Northwest Florida wedding planning is unfolding by using the hashtag #NWFLWeddings for a chance to be featured on our platforms or in an upcoming issue.

»

facebook.com/NorthwestFloridaWeddings @NorthwestFLWeddings @NWFLWeddings pinterest.com/NWFLWeddings

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As the editor of a weddings magazine, I’m going to admit something that is likely not expected of me: As a little girl, I did not dream about my wedding day.

I cannot recall a time where I was the officiant of a Barbie-and-Ken doll wedding. Even now, I do not have a Pinterest board dedicated to wedding planning. Don’t get me wrong — I have nothing against weddings. In fact, quite the opposite.

I think that love is one of the most powerful and sensational feelings you can express, and I am close to many couples that are inspiring examples of admirable marriages. Marriage, to me, is sacred. For these reasons I would not feel comfortable planning a wedding without fully knowing the man who will be standing opposite me at the altar.

Until I know the man on his knee has both my head and my heart, I won’t plan our wedding. The keyword being “our.” I’ve always felt this way, but I haven’t always known why. It took loving someone selflessly, unconditionally and entirely to know that a relationship is not about me; it’s about us.

If you’re reading this magazine, you likely have a sparkler on your ring finger and no uncertainties about the person who placed it there. You are now ready to plan your most memorable day together.

Throughout these pages, you will meet the most talented, hospitable, knowledgeable and attentive wedding service providers in Northwest Florida. I would know; I’ve spoken with them all, and I would not leave you in less-than-capable hands.

As you read, research and smile your way through all 100 pages, know that each one was carefully assembled with love. I hope an eye-catching advertisement leads you to a service, our stunning photography inspires you and our heartfelt words make you pause and reflect on all that led you to this moment.

I wish for your wedding planning to be an adventure that leads to a wedding that fulfills you both and results in a love story that is more ardent, compassionate and loving than you ever imagined.

You can wake up now; reality is better than your dreams.

Best,

Rebecca Padgett, Editor

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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contributing photographers

Aislinn Kate Photography

Alena Bakutis Photography

Alicia Osborne Photography

Amanda Howell Photography

Amy Riley Photography

August Paul

Autumn & Melinda Photography

Black & Hue Photography

Brenna Kneiss Photography

Desiree Gardner Photography

J&J Weddings

Just Wright Photography

aislinnkatephotography.com | (850) 912-4888 featured on p. 24-25

amyrileyphotography.com | (850) 819-9037 featured on p. 94

brennakneiss.com | (850) 726-0339 featured on p. 26-27

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alenabakutis.com | (850) 778-5370 featured on p. 41, 61

augustpaul.com | (850) 443-4796 featured on p. 50-51

desireegardner.com | (850) 215-8015 featured on p. 69

NORTHWESTFLORIDAWEDDINGS.NET

aliciaosbornephoto.com | (850) 510-2929 featured on p. 7, 38-39, 48, 60

autumnandmelinda.com | (773) 480-2187 featured on p. 29

jandjweddings.com | (850) 445-4004 featured on p. 42-43

amandahowellphoto.com | (850) 933-1700 featured on p. 36-37

blackandhuephotography.com | (850) 443-4796 featured on Cover, p. 40-41, 60-61, 65

justwrightphotos.com | (850) 628-3293 featured on p. 69

Kiersten Grant Photography

Kylene and Ryan Studios

Lesley Isacks Photography

Mi Amore Foto

Modernmade Weddings

Pure 7 Studios

Sandprints Photography

Sarah & Paul Photography

Sunset Images Photography

SWAK Photography

Tiffany & Lens Photo

Woodland Fields Photography

kierstengrant.com | (850) 867-9456 featured on p. 69

modernmadeweddings.com | (202) 549-6943 featured on p. 21

sunsetimagesphotography.com | (850) 642-0605 featured on p. 22-23

kyleneandryan.com | (850) 778-5197 featured on p. 54

pure7studios.com | (850) 654-6523 featured on p. 7, 93

swakphotography.com | (850) 866-5389 featured on p. 68-69

isacksphoto.com | (850) 687-7027 featured on p. 62, 63

sandprintsphotography.com | (850) 225-5514 featured on p. 30

(850) 321-9554 featured on p. 46-47

miamorefoto.com | (904) 545-0432 featured on p. 7

sarahlynandpaul.com | (850) 888-0432 featured on p. 19, 28

woodlandfieldsphotography.com | (850) 559-1095 featured on p. 20, 21, 33-35, 49, 52-53, 55, 59, 60, 74-75, 80-83

Want More Information?

Visit us online and check out our exclusive Photographers Index. You’ll have access to photographer bios and their work in past issues. It will also send you directly to their blogs and portfolios.

Want to get in touch with a photographer? Their contact information can also be found online.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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Happily Ever After Starts Here

Love and cherish every moment of your wedding, from romantic white beaches to venues overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers the perfect location for an unforgettable wedding day at the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

855.274.7664 • Sandestin.com/flwed Photography Credit: HBB Photography

SARAH AND PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

the coast

When you picture your wedding day, is it on the coast of somewhere beautiful? Northwest Florida boasts unrivaled beaches with sand white enough to match your dress, emerald waves to emphasize your eyes and a bevy of beautiful resorts at your service.

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the coast

New Coastal Cool Couples forsake seashells in a new wave of beach trends

WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

By Rebecca Padgett

N

orthwest Florida claims some of the most coveted beaches in the world — beaches that provide beautiful backdrops for weddings that feel like vacations. As far as beach weddings go, you either love them or you would never dare; but it’s clear that beach weddings won’t blow away with the sands of time.

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“Couples will always be drawn to the beach.

I don’t think that will ever change,” said Cheryl Walton, Senior Wedding Sales & Services Manager at St. Joe Club & Resorts. “The views are stunning, the sounds are tranquil and the sunsets are breathtaking. The beach is a happy place for many people.”

With sun shining down upon your ceremony, you’ve already got beauty on your side; but how do you make your wedding stand out in a sea full of shells, seafood and blue hues? The world is your oyster, so open your mind and discover some amazing trends that are perfect for your coastal wedding.

WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

MODERNMADE WEDDINGS

WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

Rather than the typical Florida beach vacation-style wedding, why not consider a chic fishing village or Caribbean escape? Both allow for unique décor incorporations that are easy to find and execute.

“The trend has shifted, slightly, from beachy to coastal chic,” said Walton. “Think less shells and sand and more driftwood, white coral and sea fans. Bring in things like old fishing carts, and nautical fabrics for the guest tables. Use old vintage postcards from the beach for your guest book, and leave in a vintage beach Jeep or Bronco.”

Typically, the ceremony will take place on the sand, which caters to a relaxed, fun and inclusive atmosphere. Invite guests to ditch their shoes for complimentary flip-flops, and if the vows are said midday, hand out sunglasses, so they won’t be blinded by the sunshine and your love. For a whimsical photo opportunity, allow guests to throw brightly colored beach balls as you exit the ceremony or reception.

If you want the beach vibes but don’t want to risk temperamental Florida weather, the theme is still possible indoors.

“Any beach décor can be brought inside, excluding the sand,” said Carol Juneau, Weddings & Special Events Manager at Hilton Sandestin. “Driftwood, lanterns and bamboo arbors will definitely give ballrooms a beach vibe.”

Buoys, fishing nets and seashells can make their appearances, but let statement-makers like pineapple-and-floral centerpieces, beach umbrella lounge-spaces and sandcastle “cakes” steal the show.

Paddleboards or surfboards, propped up table-style, make for excellent serving stations. Jerk chicken, kabobs, pineapple-cured ham, plantains, poke (a Hawaiian salad made with raw fish), coconut cake and more make for an island-centric menu. But, quality seafood will always be in its best form at a coastal wedding.

“Incorporate seafood as much as possible, with crab cakes, tuna tartare, fish tacos or a stacked raw bar,” said Juneau.

One of the many beauties of a beach wedding is that it promotes leisure and lightheartedness. Crack open a beer from a rowboat that acts as a cooler and head over for some beach bowling, with pineapples as pins and coconuts as bowling balls. For children — or the kid at heart — sand pails and shovels provide entertainment and a takeaway item. Park beach cruisers outdoors and indoors, and fill the baskets with flowers. They can serve as décor, and then the happy couple can speed off on them at sunset.

Long after the color palette has been picked and the dress has been fitted, you will delight in knowing you have chosen a location where many decide to honeymoon. Your guests will be busy noshing on raw oysters and dancing under the stars, so be sure to sneak away with your partner to immerse your feet in sand and your hearts in happiness.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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the coast

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HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA Miramar Beach

“We loved Hilton Sandestin Beach because all of the services were included in one package. Since we are from Texas, that was the easiest and best option for us. The best part was I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Everything we asked for, they provided.

At a Glance ▪▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪▪ CATERING ▪▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪▪ DINING ▪▪ SPA SERVICES

“I was truly able to enjoy the day. That was my main goal — to be calm, relaxed and be fully in the moment. We wrote our own vows, and I still remember every moment and every word. Hilton Sandestin Beach took care of everything. All I had to do was show up and marry the man of my dreams.”

- Emily LaFleur, Houston, Texas PHOTOS BY SUNSET IMAGES

(850) 267-9500 // HiltonSandestinBeach.com 4000 Sandestin Blvd. S., Miramar Beach, FL 32550

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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the coast

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WATERCOLOR INN & RESORT Santa Rosa Beach

“We looked at a lot of different places in the area, but to me, Watercolor felt the most warm and welcoming. It was also the most beautiful and natural. When I sat down with the staff I gave them all of my ideas, but they made my vision even better and more beautiful than I had imagined. They understood my vision and enhanced it.

At a Glance ▪▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪▪ CATERING ▪▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪▪ DINING ▪▪ SPA SERVICES

“I received wonderful compliments about all aspects of the wedding. Guests especially loved the area and said they would definitely come back to vacation. The entire day was exciting, but what made it so special was having all of the people we loved most come together in one place.” - Allison Earley Amos, Nashville, Tennessee PHOTOS BY AISLINN KATE PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 231-7773 // WatercolorResort.com 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

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the coast

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THE PEARL HOTEL Rosemary Beach

“We had been visiting the area and knew that Rosemary Beach was the most special place to us. We wanted to have an out-of-town wedding that was small and intimate. After we toured The Pearl, we knew it was the perfect place to bring our friends and family. We didn’t ask for a whole lot because the architecture is stunning already, but the coordinators made sure everything went smoothly and perfectly. They are completely focused on making brides happy.

“The wedding was held on the cabana roof deck providing gorgeous views of the Gulf at sunset accompanied by an acoustic performance. Everyone enjoyed snacks and drinks while sitting next to the fireplaces. It was breathtaking. I still can’t get over how perfect the day was. I woke up the next day still excited.” - Alexandra Grissim, Nashville, Tennessee PHOTOS BY BRENNA KNEISS

At a Glance ▪▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪▪ CATERING ▪▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪▪ DINING ▪▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪▪ SPA SERVICES ▪▪ THIRD PARTY VENDORS AVAILABLE ▪▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪▪ BARTENDING SERVICES (850) 460-9040 // ThePearlRB.com 63 Main St., Rosemary Beach, FL 32461

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SARAH & PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

PENELOPE L'AMORE PHOTOGRAPHY

PENELOPE L'AMORE PHOTOGRAPHY

SARAH & PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

PENELOPE L'AMORE PHOTOGRAPHY

the coast

RESORTQUEST BY WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS Endless Possibilities. Multiple Locations.

At a Glance ▪▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS

“I love listening to what each couple envisions for their wedding and what ambience they would like.

From there, we can share options that cater to their vision. We offer a wide variety from condos to homes that are wedding friendly. We cater to everyone’s style and budget.

“It comes down to the happiness of the couple and being able to hear them say their wedding day was exactly what they wanted. Each couple is unique, but the success is knowing that we helped to make their day the best from start to finish. It all starts with a wedding, but we hope they continue to visit ResortQuest as a family tradition.” - Kristen Cagadas, Wedding Sales Manager PHOTOS BY PENELOPE L'AMORE PHOTOGRAPHY AND SARAH & PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

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(888) 412-6408 // NWFLWeddings.com 546 Mary Esther Cutoff NW, Suite 3 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

the coast

SUNDESTIN MANAGED BY RESORTQUEST Destin

“As a bride to be I was nervous to invest in a destination wedding at first. I knew it would be a beautiful wedding, but I thought it would be stressful being 1,000 miles away. I felt a sigh of relief when I met with ResortQuest and knew I needed to look no further. From the day we met until I walked down the aisle they put us first and assured us everything would be perfect. It was!

“Every person on the staff made us and our guests feel at home rather than just people who were vacationing at their resort. Everyone had the time of their lives. I will forever be grateful to ResortQuest for making it a magical and beautiful day.” – Amandalynn Combs, New Lennox, Illinois PHOTOS BY AUTUMN AND MELINDA PHOTOGRAPHY

At a Glance ▪▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪▪ OUTDOOR VENUES ▪▪ CATERING ▪▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪▪ DINING

(888) 412-6408 // NWFLWeddings.com 546 Mary Esther Cutoff NW, Ste. 3 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

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the coast

TOPS’L BEACH & RACQUET RESORT MANAGED BY RESORTQUEST Destin

“We aren’t from Florida and booked Tops’l completely online. We had the opportunity to come visit when taking our engagement photos and knew we made the right decision. The staff walked us through the grounds and provided us with all of the details. We opted not to have a wedding planner, but we didn’t even need one — the staff was that helpful.

“On our wedding day, the sun was out and there wasn’t a cloud on the sky. My favorite part was when Jake and I were walking on the beach taking pictures. There’s a nature preserve next to the property, which made it beautiful and private. It was an unforgettable day on the beach with our friends and family.” – Megan Kendall, Nashville, Tennessee PHOTOS BY SANDPRINTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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At a Glance ▪▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪▪ CATERING ▪▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪▪ DINING

(888) 412-6408 // NWFLWeddings.com 546 Mary Esther Cutoff NW, Suite 3 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Tallahassee’s best kept secret...

Staybridge Suites

1600 Summit Lake Drive Tallahassee, FL Staybridge.com/Tallahassee (850) 219-7010 NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

the city

Bright lights, big city going to your head? Whether it’s the heart of your hometown or a beloved city that draws you in, contemporary hotels, industrial inns, downtowns brimming with history and glittering skylines all “put on the ritz” for citycentric couples.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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the city

FSU ALUMNI CENTER

At a Glance

“My husband and I both agree that our first dance was the most special moment because it was right after we were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Miller and we were surrounded by everyone we love.”

- Erin Miller, Tallahassee, Florida

▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING SERVICES ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ BARTENDING SERVICES ▪ DESIGN AND DÉCOR INSTALLATIONS ▪ PRODUCTION/EVENT DESIGN ▪ LINEN RENTALS

PHOTOS BY WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 645-9255 // Alumni.FSU.edu 1030 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32304

Tallahassee

“Originally, we were hesitant because I graduated from FSU, but my husband graduated from Clemson so, there’s a big rivalry. But, once we went in and saw the venue we knew that was where we wanted to hold our reception. There’s this gorgeous outdoor area with these big oak trees that hang over everything, and that’s what did it for us.

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the city

TALLAHASSEE DOWNTOWN Tallahassee

“Tallahassee downtown is rich in history with modern influences, which perfectly cater to every brideto-be. There are four churches and plenty of parks surrounded by hotels, spacious banquet halls and countless amenities. The churches offer tradition, the hotels are modern, the parks provide nature, The Edison reveals history with a contemporary twist and The Challenger Learning Center allows you to get married in a planetarium under the stars.

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ DINING ▪ HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

“The biggest appeal of a downtown wedding is the availability of conveniences all in one area. Guests can dine at a variety of restaurants, be fitted for tuxedoes at Nic’s Toggery, walk to the wedding in a nearby park and continue the reception in the hotel in which they are staying.” - Paige Carter-Smith, CEO of Tallahassee Downtown PHOTOS BY AMANDA HOWELL

SayIDoDowntown.com // TallahasseeDowntown.com 106 E. Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

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TALLAHASSEE DOWNTOWN Tallahassee

“Christopher and I live true to the motto: live, work, play. It was the most natural selection for us to choose everything that was in the area that we live in and work in: downtown. It’s a lovely atmosphere, and everyone in that area does a great job of working together, from the Governor’s Inn to the Governor’s Club to Aloft Hotel.

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ DINING

“We wanted a New Orleans-style, and we chose the vendors that locally embody that ‘let the good times roll’ attitude. Having it on New Year’s Eve gave everyone a reason to party.

We were totally overwhelmed with love and support, and then at the ceremony my grandpa tripped. It was moments like this that made it all so perfect.” - Elizabeth Emmanuel, Tallahassee, Florida PHOTOS BY ALICIA OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHY

SayIDoDowntown.com // TallahasseeDowntown.com 106 E. Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

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the city

Food for Thought Food bars and creative presentations allow couple to express themselves

By Alexandra Pushkin

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erhaps one of the most anticipated aspects of planning a wedding is sampling and selecting the perfect foods and libations to dazzle the guests and complement the theme of the celebration. While buffets and traditional sit-down dinners are timeless, incorporating non-traditional foods and build-your-own bars into a celebration creates an alternative to the predetermined menu.

“Weddings have become so much more personal these days,” explains Amanda Morrison, managing partner of Social Catering & Events in Tallahassee. “Instead of selecting a traditional meal, couples are really looking for ways to infuse their personalities, memories and favorite things into their big day, and the menu is no exception.”

The food bar and buffet concept can be tailored to reflect the personalities of the bride and groom and surprise any guest expecting something standard. The couple may choose to pick items they ate on their first date or foods that reflect their cultures. A “food for thought”style menu incorporates dishes that transport guests through taste and there are no boundaries.

“We’ve done Indian cuisine, paella stations, whole pigs, Italian feasts, family-style with passed dishes, jazz brunches, blues and barbeques, seafood stations, oyster bars, low country boils, sushi rolled to order and more,” said Todd Rogers, corporate executive chef of St. Joe Club & Resorts in Watersound. “There really isn’t a limit anymore to what can be done for food at a wedding.”

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Many couples now turn to organic, locally sourced foods. Alison Chaney of Andrew’s Catering in Tallahassee says local traditions are bringing about their own themes.

“We’ve noticed a lot of new Southern food, and raw bars are becoming increasingly popular due to our proximity to the Gulf,” Chaney says.

“Bringing two stations together is common, such as incorporating something Southern into a sliders bar. It’s about taking something that people like and serving it in a different way.”

Providing one-of-a-kind local finds will give guests a taste of local culture, connect the

wedding with its surroundings and create an event exclusive to the wedding’s destination.

Chaney emphasizes using elements of the location to complement the food and spotlight the wedding’s backdrop. The presentation can influence the perception of the food.

“Signage makes the table feel more elegant,” Chaney says. “Look for alternatives more appealing to the eye than a chafing dish.” Vintage desks, farm tables, wooden barrels, ornate dressers and pretty pedestals are just some of the options for displaying food. Or set aside tables completely in favor of food trucks — a noteworthy way for

couples to showcase their beloved snacks.

“Fun, creative food stations are a happy medium that allow guests to still feel at ease, but enjoy a great meal and sample a little taste of everything,” Morrison says. “It goes back to breaking tradition and incorporating things that are special to the couple.”

Regardless of whether you choose to stick with tradition or go with a unique dish or two, keep in mind that it’s a busy day, and not just for the happy couple. Throughout it all, there is one key ingredient to keeping guests energized: great food.

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STAYBRIDGE SUITES Tallahassee

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE

“Staybridge was convenient for us because they allowed us to use our own vendors and helped us set up everything we needed. The staff went above and beyond to make sure the outdoor space we used was perfect.

“Our guests enjoyed the atmosphere and feel of our wedding. The live music and fireworks set the perfect stage for the night. There was a distinct moment while everyone was dancing when I looked around and saw smiles on everyone’s faces. The music was perfect, the sun was setting over the lake and everything was gorgeous.” - Taylor Anne Short, Tallahassee, Florida

PHOTOS BY J&J WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 219-7000 // Staybridge.com/Tallahassee 1600 Summit Lake Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32317

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THE GATHERING Tallahassee

“The space reminded us of our apartment when we lived in Washington D.C., the industrial look, brick walls, concrete floors and the exposed duct work. We just loved the look and style of it. When we first went and looked, there were a few changes we wanted made, and the team with The Gathering made those changes. In fact, they made it look even better than before. They were very accommodating and worked well with our planners. They even let us use a nearby apartment as a bridal suite, which was wonderful.

“The most special part though was our vows. We wrote our own. My husband had admitted before that has was nervous to write them. So, I said we can make them short. The day of, he unrolled a scroll.

Everyone cried and clapped.” - Melissa Jaacks, Tallahassee, Florida PHOTOS BY NINA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING SERVICES ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ DINING ▪ THIRD PARTY VENDERS AVAILABLE ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ BARTENDING SERVICES ▪ DESIGN AND DÉCOR INSTALLATIONS ▪ PRODUCTION/EVENT DESIGN ▪ LINEN RENTALS (850) 228-6817 // GatheringTallahassee.com 705 S. Woodward Ave., Unit 201, Tallahassee, FL 32304

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the city

TIFFANY & LENS PHOTOGRAPHY REKINDLE PHOTOGRAPHY

REKINDLE PHOTOGRAPHY

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FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON TALLAHASSEE DOWNTOWN Tallahassee

“Four Points was a wonderful compromise. I wanted an outdoor wedding, but my family wanted it to take place at a hotel. If it was going to be at a hotel, it had to be the most unique hotel in Tallahassee. It is ecofriendly and very progressive. We just knew!

“The staff was incredible. When we had our wedding, Hurricane Hermine had just hit Tallahassee. They were so accommodating despite being short staffed. They made sure every guest got there and was safe.

There was so much stress leading up to it, but as soon as we arrived, they handled everything from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to breakfast the next day. Walking down the aisle, I forgot everything.

It was just me and my husband in that beautiful room.” - Deidre M. Barnes, Tallahassee, Florida PHOTOS BY TIFFANY & LENS PHOTOGRAPHY AND REKINDLE PHOTOGRAPHY

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING SERVICES ▪ ACCOMMODATIONS ▪ DINING

(850) 422-4200 // FourPointsTallahasseeDowntown.com 316 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

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the city

Creative Craft Cocktails Your drink menu shaken, not stirred

By Maria Knight

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here’s no doubt that an exceptional cocktail selection adds some spirit to your wedding reception. You and your guests can unwind with a traditional whiskey-based New York sour or shake things up with a pineapple-rum-tea punch. Either way, the cocktails at your wedding can be a worry-free addition with a little resourceful planning by a talented bartender.

When it comes to cocktails, simplification can make a sophisticated statement at your wedding. “Drinks with six, seven, eight or nine ingredients can be great, but there’s something to be said for three-ingredient cocktails made with high-quality ingredients and impeccable technique,” says Terry Logue, head bartender of The Blu Halo in Tallahassee.

There’s no shame in shaking up your beverages by adding in an unexpected twist. “One of the simplest things you can do is change the spirit, as long as the flavor still works,” says Eric Pounders of Madison Social in Tallahassee. “For example, the French 75 is a classic cocktail with gin, lemon, sugar and champagne. By replacing the gin with a

An easy, fun fix for drinks is to “batch” your cocktails. Have your cocktails prepped beforehand, pour them into eye-catching serving containers with glassware nearby, and you’re bartender-free. Logue recommends batching your cocktails to save money and time, especially for larger weddings. Have more on standby, though: Serve-your-owns will pour out and pass around, fast.

Presentation can be just as valuable as the stuff you’re sipping on. Cut-glass crystal goblets, gold adorned champagne flutes or colored highball glasses make the drink all the more fun to carry around. Your ingredients can also serve as décor: an edible orchid for spring, bright citrus for summer, a sprig of rosemary in the fall and cranberries for your winter wedding.

A creative cocktail theme that many couples are embracing is individualized libation options. The bride may be a lover of gin, while the groom is loyal to whiskey. Each concocts a beverage option that is served, and then the guests choose which drink they like best.

Glasses will clink in a toast to the newlywed couple, so make sure your libation is something that goes down easy and welcomes further toasting!

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nice whiskey or bourbon, you have a great modern twist on a very traditional cocktail.”

In the world of weddings, straightforward ingredients and natural presentations are an up-andcoming trend. One-of-a-kind drinks can be as modest as a La Rosette, a champagne cocktail with a little St. Germain and pansy or fresh fruit garnish. This trouble-free cocktail is refreshing and smooth with a fruity tang — perfect for guests who want a relaxing bubbly to sip on while they mingle.

Making the drinks at the reception should be a fairly quick, easy task. “It is always smart to avoid anything that requires muddling or several steps,” Pounders says. “Guests at a wedding want to get drinks as quickly as they can, and several-step cocktails or muddling can slow the bar down.”

Corey Jernigan, bartender at The Pearl Havana Beach Bar & Grill in Rosemary Beach agrees about keeping it simple.

“Some of the best cocktails I have created for weddings were three to four ingredients,” said Jernigan. “Use seasonal ingredients and be mindful of your location. Keep it fresh, keep it simple, and yet be creative.”

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THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TALLAHASSEE Tallahassee

“The DoubleTree was already our favorite venue in town. At our first meeting, the catering and events team left us with the feeling that they would provide the highest quality of professionalism and service to not only us, but our family and guests. They made the planning process smooth and worry free by always providing open lines of communication.

“Our wedding was very modern with a little bit of glam thanks in large part to the architecture and décor of the DoubleTree. It was an enthusiastic and unpretentious celebration full of personal touches and really loving moments.” - Asia Roper, Tallahassee, Florida PHOTOS BY AUGUST PAUL

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING SERVICES ▪ HOTEL PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪ DINING ▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪ THIRD PARTY VENDORS AVAILABLE ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ BARTENDING SERVICES ▪ LINEN RENTALS (850) 224-5000 // Tallahassee.DoubleTree.com 101 S. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

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THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TALLAHASSEE

At a Glance

“Our guests loved the band, which was from Atlanta, the food and of course, the alcohol. It was an elegant party, exactly as I’d wanted.” - Dana Brooks Cooper, Tallahassee, Florida

▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING SERVICES ▪ HOTEL PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪ DINING ▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪ THIRD PARTY VENDORS AVAILABLE ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ BARTENDING SERVICES ▪ LINEN RENTALS

PHOTOS BY WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 224-5000 // Tallahassee.DoubleTree.com 101 S. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

Tallahassee

“The DoubleTree fit the look we were going for and it was the nearest hotel to the park we got married in.

I wanted an elegant, outdoors evening wedding. They had recently remodeled, and they were the only hotel in downtown Tallahassee that could accommodate my vision. They worked very closely with my planner and anticipated all of my needs, making everything happen seamlessly and with no anxiety.

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DAMON TUCCI PHOTOGRAPHY

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COURTESY OF HOTEL DUVAL

COURTNEY MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

HOTEL DUVAL Tallahassee

“They were the first venue that we went to visit. We just loved the look of the hotel, the cleanliness, the staff was on point and we really had our minds made up after that. We didn’t need to look anywhere else.

They were very accommodating to everything we needed and wanted to do.

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS ▪ DINING

“The vision of our wedding was Chicago themed. They let us bring in Chicago-themed snacks, a steel drum band, huge pictures and they even let my grandmother, my aunts and friends bring in homemade pies. We hung thousands of orchids in their chandeliers — that was something they had never done before. All this was in my vision and they said, ‘Yes! Let’s do it!’ ” - Jaimie Roberts, Chicago, Illinois PHOTOS BY COURTNEY MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY, DAMON TUCCI PHOTOGRAPHY, KYLENE AND RYAN STUDIOS, WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY OF HOTEL DUVAL

(850) 224-6000 // HotelDuval.com 415 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

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Weddings Duval by

... exactly like nothing else

HOTELDUVAL.COM WEDDINGSBYDUVAL.COM 415 N. Monroe St. · Tallahassee 850.224.6000

THE DONALD L. TUCKER CIVIC CENTER Where every detail is carefully planned and executed to make your special occasion a treasured memory

For over 30 years, the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center has earned a distinguished reputation for exquisite cuisine, friendly service and outstanding budget planning for thousands of clients. We realize how important your wedding day is to you, your family and friends.

Not only can we offer you the very finest in food and beverage selections, but also the very best in service, quality and products.

From your first meeting with one of our highly acclaimed Event Mangers, to every last detail of your event. We assure you that your expectations will be met in the most professional manner.

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Arnett’s Gulfside Ranch Weddings • 20-acre horse farm one mile from the beach • Comfortably accommodate up to 150 people plus a band and catering space with plenty of parking • Indoor and outdoor spaces available • Horse-drawn carriage services for bride arrival.

DestinFarmWeddings.com | EventsAtGulfside@gmail.com 613 County Highway 393 South | In Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850-208-3114 Photos courtesy of Lesley Isacks Photography

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the

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country

She’s She’s gone gone country, country, back backtotoher herroots! roots!With Withrolling rolling hillshills andand swaying swaying oaks, oaks,Northwest NorthwestFlorida Floridapresents presents an an atmosphere atmosphere of of rural ruralbeauty beautywith withrustic rusticbarns barns and sprawling sprawling plantation plantationhomes homesjust justaround aroundthe the bend. bend.

Dust Dust offoff your yourboots bootsand anddance danceunder underthe thestars. stars.

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ALICIA OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHY

the country

Back to

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Branch out by embracing the bohemian trend

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I

By Rebecca Padgett

n many ways, love is a metaphor for nature. It blooms and blossoms, birds sing about it, it flows in the air and it roots, grows and branches out, much like a tree. Emphasizing the link between romance and nature has become increasingly popular — to the point where couples are quite literally becoming one with nature.

It could be claimed that the bohemian trend stemmed from flower crowns adorning the heads of bridal parties; but while flowered headgear can certainly be incorporated into the theme, the primary purposes of bohemian weddings are nonconformity, free spiritedness and a appreciation of nature.

“Clients are drawn to bohemian style because it allows for an unconventional style,” said John Gandy of John Gandy Events.

“I think the bride and groom see it as their opportunity to create their own vision and express themselves in a more modern and nontraditional way. There are no rules!”

While the qualifications may be lax, ceremonies and receptions of the bohemian variety typically occur at outdoor venues and incorporate natural décor. If you could find it in a forest, it’s a go.

Berry-and-herb-infused bouquets; garlands of mosses, vines and flowers as streamers or table runners; unique stones and textured wood pieces as table toppers; feathers strung through trees and antlers as candleholders … all answer the call of the wild.

“Anything you see outdoors is perfect for this theme,” said Kristi Sanders, floral event designer with At Last Florals. “Brides often choose foliage mixed in with greenery, using statement blooms like peonies or garden roses and small, whimsical flowers for their bouquets.”

The bohemian bride feels most comfortable in flowing lace dresses, with loose curls or fishtails braids and a flower or two tucked in. The

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makeup is minimal: Dewy complexions and nude lips replace heavy eye makeup and bright lips.

“There are so many lace and flowing options that it makes it easy to find a gown to fit the boho theme,” said Lindsey Matthews, owner of Dream Gowns in Panama City. “The different vine and flower headpieces are a great way to incorporate the theme along with unique foot jewelry.”

Many delight in the idea of an informal reception that focuses of conversations, music and, most importantly, fun. Gandy explains that such a reception may include lounge areas that incorporate soft seating, vibrant colors and a variety of textures.

Think velvet cushions piled on top of oriental rugs, vintage sleigh couches, slouchy pillows, teepees and wooden swings, all under string lights. Instead of a sit-down dinner, guests can grab food from a farm-table spread and make their way to a lounge or gather at stand-around tables.

Incorporate a Volkswagen van as a photo backdrop, then drive away in it at the end of the night. Guests can leave with thank-you gifts, such as local honey, dream catchers or seeds they can plant. A bohemian-style reception is freeing, yet inclusive, exuding love to all.

“I think the laidback atmosphere of bohemian events appeal not only to the couples creating them, but also the guests attending them because of the casual, fun and loose environment it creates,” explained Cara Dollinger, event manager at Pebble Hill Plantation.

Weddings are monumental and important occasions, but that doesn’t mean they have to be sedated or even formal affairs. The bohemian bride would rather munch on food-truck fare while mingling than sit at a bridal table for a plated meal. She might be seen swaying on a wooden swing or dancing the night away, shoes peeled off long ago (if she wore them at all).

Whether you are a full-on flower child or just want to add a touch of the trend to your wedding, the theme is liberating, as you truly get to spread your wings, creatively. Let your imagination take root, and watch your love bloom.

ALENA BAKUTIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Their Roots

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the country

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ARNETT’S GULFSIDE FARM & STABLES Santa Rosa Beach

A tranquil sanctuary nestled into the Point Washington State Forest, Arnett’s Gulfside Farm & Stables sits just one mile from the beautiful beaches along Scenic Highway 30-A, offering peace and seclusion.

This 20-acre horse farm in Santa Rosa Beach provides a picturesque backdrop and setting for rustic ceremonies and receptions. Guests mingle and celebrate while horses graze nearby and towering pine trees sway in this untouched, natural landscape.

The accommodating staff can provide full wedding planning services allowing the bride and groom to fully cherish the importance of their day. Multiple horse-drawn carriages are available to deliver the married couple off into the sunset.

PHOTOS BY LESLEY ISACKS PHOTOGRAPHY

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ RENTAL SERVICES

(850) 208-3114 // 30AFarmWeddings.com 613 S. County Highway 393 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

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making it

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happen

Any way you want it, that’s the way you need it! From caterers to cake-makers or planners to paper products, we know the top-notch service providers throughout Northwest Florida.

Share your ideas and they take it from there, allowing you time to focus on what’s most important: each other.

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making it happen

Bridal Party Bounty Couples are taking to showering their friends and family with gifts

By Alexandra Pushkin

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he purpose of bridal parties — that group of specially designated individuals that stands near the bride and groom at the wedding — wasn’t always to have your best friends by your side in matching attire. The Western tradition actually stemmed from the need to have witnesses present. Today, however, a bridal party is much, much more: It’s a representation of a bond, a steadfast support system and a symbol of lifelong friendships.

Couples today commonly bestow gifts upon the members of their bridal party, which also includes groomsmen, to convey gratitude. Current trends call for giving a gift as unique as the person for whom it is intended, with a variety of items ready to be personalized.

Many brides will honor their bridesmaids with jewelry. Take this tradition one step

further by customizing the jewelry with each bridesmaid’s name, or, for a cleaner look, just use the first letter. As an alternative to names, try giving a necklace with a message.

Kimberly Waller of Hearth & Soul in Tallahassee suggests a Morse Code necklace, featuring gold dipped dots and dashes on a silk thread, that conveys positive messages and sentiments.

Lockets are timeless and treasured. Placing a picture of the bride and her bridesmaid in the locket creates a piece that is elegant on the outside and sentimental on the inside.

“Another great benefit of jewelry as a gift is, it’s one of the few items the wedding party can wear on the wedding day to perfectly complete their wardrobe whether its cufflinks, a watch, earrings, a bracelet or a necklace,” said Carolyn Brigman, vice president of McCaskill &

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

Sweetly pop the question with a “Will you be my bridesmaid?” box by Sugarfina.

Cheers to your best gals with matching Tervis cups from Coton Colors. Say it in code through a friendship necklace by Pettina. Sip in style out of a customized groomsman flask.

Show the parents you’re thankful for their support with a keepsake Coton Colors ornament.

Company Finest Jewelry & Watches in Destin.

Bridesmaid proposals have become a prewedding tradition, where the bride “proposes” to those she wants for her bridal party. “It’s customary to give gifts at the bridal luncheon a day or two before the wedding,” said Kyle Johnson Smith, Coton Colors’ Design Manager.

“Something that is becoming increasingly popular is giving gifts when asking bridesmaids to be in your bridal party.”

Personalized accessories that can be used to prepare on the wedding day, such as monogrammed totes, makeup bags and water bottles, are becoming popular.

“You can create a gift box with a wedding party Tervis (insulated bottle) paired with a festive drink, along with some other wedding day necessities and accessories to use throughout the day,” explains Johnson Smith.

“Plus, a Tervis is something they will be able to use during the wedding and will pull together those details that make the day so memorable.”

Needless to say, candy will always be an excellent choice. “We love all things Sugarfina,” said Waller. “The wonderful, ‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’ candy box, filled with gourmet candies, is both clever and unique.”

To take a more do-it-yourself approach, some brides craft candles for each bridesmaid, with customized scents. The handmade element certainly makes for a personalized keepsake.

Expressing thanks to more than just the bridesmaids has become commonplace. Now, brides and even grooms are bestowing gifts upon parents, groomsmen, flower girls and ring bearers. Much like the bridesmaids’ gifts, thoughtful touches make all the difference.

While liquor and liquor accessories are ever

popular among groomsmen, personalized ties are trendy, as well.

For the parents of the bride and groom, a treasured gift should evoke memories.

The style should reflect the tradition-filled moments of the occasion. Be sure to include a handwritten note as a personal and direct thank you to the recipient.

For any guest, Johnson Smith says a personalized ornament, with their name or a message to remember the wedding day, is an especially heartfelt present.

Bridal party gifts go beyond trinkets. They mark a significant occasion in the lives of the happy couple that took place alongside friends and family. Gifts should be whimsical yet useable, time-honored yet distinct and, as always, intimate and unforgettable.

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making it happen

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SWAK PHOTOGRAPHY KIERSTEN GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIREE GARDNER PHOTOGRAPHY JUST WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

DREAM GOWNS Panama City

“I knew Dream Gowns would make it a special occasion, and they did. Honestly, I didn’t even try on very many dresses and when I put the dress I chose on, I just knew. It was perfect for me, but it was completely different from what I said I would choose. Everything I said I wouldn’t pick ended up being what I went with — very simple, romantic and clean.

At a Glance ▪ BRIDAL GOWNS ▪ BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES ▪ BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

“Everyone I came in contact with was super helpful. Whether it was putting back dresses I already tried on or bringing me dresses they thought I might like, they just went out of their way. On my wedding day, I felt like a bride should. I felt beautiful.” - Haley Lewis, Panama City Beach, Florida

PHOTOS BY DESIREE GARDNER PHOTOGRAPHY, JUST WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY, KIERSTEN GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY AND SWAK PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 747-1362 // ShopDreamGowns.com 619 Highway 231, Panama City, FL 32405

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Providing creative catering, mobile craft cocktails, and exceptional service to make your wedding day as truly unique as you are.

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Photo Credit : Sarah Stephens Photography

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MAKEUP AND HAIR TANIA CRAWFORD

MAKEUP AND BRIDE HAIR TANIA CRAWFORD BRIDESMAIDS HAIR DANI BERTRAM

OUR TEAM loves styling brides for THEIR BIG DAY 36150 Emerald Coast Parkway Suite 104, Destin, FL 850.424.3935 pureandcouture.com

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Blushing, F Beautiful and Balanced Bride Ditch the diet fads and impossible workouts and aim, instead, for happiness!

by Rebecca Padgett

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irst, you need to know that you are wonderful and beautiful just as you are. Your partner put a ring on your finger because he loves every ounce of you, and every teary-eyed, smiling guest at your ceremony shares that love.

Those same people will support you in any endeavor you wish to pursue and will be your biggest advocates in helping you to achieve your goals.

A wedding is unlike any milestone you will experience in your life. You invite those who live near and far, whose friendships are close or newly rekindled, to take part in a day where all eyes and cameras are on you. As exciting and blissful as that is, it’s also, to be transparent, nerve-racking. For a day that you will remember and reflect upon, you want to feel and look your best. A momentous event is just the time to put your ambitions into literal motion.

JACOB LUND (LEFT), TORWAISTUDIO (RUNNING) AND SYDA PRODUCTIONS (YOGA) / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The first step is to set goals and evaluate if you will be able to achieve them in realistic and healthy ways. This doesn’t mean crash diets to fit into the dress or workouts so strenuous you dread them. The overarching objective is to create a lifestyle that fulfills your wedding day wishes and is sustainable for many years of wedded bliss.

“The goal isn’t always to lose weight; it’s to be healthy and mentally stable,” said Lena Shields, Studio Manager of Pure Barre Tallahassee. “A wedding is for both of you, and you’re working to be happy and healthy together. In the grand scheme, you’re adapting your lifestyle to prolong your lives together.”

Until death do you part, your other half is your accountability partner and motivator, making it ideal to join in on the fitness journey together. Find a workout that you both enjoy, take turns doing each other’s favorite fitness activity or pay a trainer for a couples class.

“Many times your training coach becomes your life coach because they’re someone who is unbiased and can be there to support you mentally as well as physically through this journey into your marriage,” said Matt Staver, owner and founder of Blueprint Health Studio in Destin.

At home or in the gym, you can use each other for resistance training or for partner workouts, like tossing a medicine ball back and forth. Make it even more enjoyable by turning workouts into dates. Run, hike, bike, canoe or walk together to a location where you can enjoy a healthy picnic as a reward.

“Active people tolerate stress better, suffer from less illness and enjoy the benefits of more energy and stamina,” said Kim Bibeau, owner and founder of Sweat Therapy Fitness. “These benefits can really help a relationship flourish.

Whether partners workout together or use their gym time as ‘me time,’ fitness is an important part of a self-care routine.”

If solo workouts are more your speed, fully commit. Put down the guest list, turn off the cellphone and submerge yourself fully in your workout routine. High intensity classes present the perfect way to blow off steam, long runs give you clarity and yoga calms the mind.

“Fitness classes keep your energy up and keep you focused,” said Adam Christiansen, certified personal trainer with BeachFit Studio in Seaside. “A fitness routine teaches you how to push through stressful situations and difficulties. Ultimately, it shows you respect yourself and the other person.”

All professionals in the fitness realm agree that eating healthily and relaxing is beneficial to

your overall well-being. Take time together, on a Sunday evening, to plan and prepare healthy meals for the week ahead, or join cooking classes that promote nutritious eating.

Of the most importance is having a sound mind. Amidst all the color swatches, cake tastings and seating charts, take a break and focus on the person who got you to this moment. A smile releases endorphins that trigger happiness, and kissing burns calories.

Strengthen your relationship through exercises that challenge you both.

Get a head start on your partnership, by pacing each other toward total health with a running routine. Try yoga to connect mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.

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ANDREW’S CATERING Tallahassee

“We decided on Andrew’s because they are the best in town. They were always on point, accommodating and attentive. Even though we only met with them in person once, we never had to worry because we trusted them that much. We talked about menu options and services that perfectly fit our wedding.

They were able to accommodate my husband’s food allergies and create a menu that pleased both our vegetarian and meat-eating friends.

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR VENUE ▪ OUTDOOR VENUE ▪ CATERING ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ BARTENDING SERVICES ▪ LINEN RENTALS

“Everyone bragged about and complimented the food. There was a wide variety and the tenderloin was a hit, especially with my husband. The food might have even been the highlight of the reception!”

- Jacqueline Blackburn, Tallahassee, Florida PHOTOS BY WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 645-9255 // AndrewsDowntown.com 229 S. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

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FISHER’S FLOWERS AND EVENTS Santa Rosa Beach

“Fisher’s Flowers’ versatility was especially important to us since we had three big events to plan: an Indian ceremony and reception, a rehearsal dinner/beach bonfire and a traditional Western ceremony and reception.

“Grove with Fisher’s is an extremely kind, creative, down-to-earth and hardworking designer. She’s not simply a florist — she works to understand the personalities of the bride and groom, plus their families, to make sure the event’s design feels unique and true to them. Fisher’s understood the combination we wanted — warm, festive and elegant. Guests loved the dance floor, the beautiful beach and the joyful spirit. More than a year later, our friends continue to rave about how wonderful each of our events was.”

- Meera Rennicke, New York, New York PHOTOS BY HARDY KLAHOLD

At a Glance ▪ FLORAL SERVICES ▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ EVENT DESIGN

(850) 622-0056 // FishersFlowersAndEvents.com 416 S. Co. Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

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fishersflowersandevents.com . 850.622.0056

416 South County HWY 393 • Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 • Adam and Grove Fisher • 78

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Wedding Planning for the Digital Age Apps that make it easier to get to iDo

by Maria Knight

ONEINCHPUNCH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

F

rom trying on dresses until you find “the one” to designing invitations that will adorn a fridge delightfully, there are a million things a bride has to keep track of when planning her wedding. With today’s modern means, planning could not be easier or more accessible. Apps for wedding planning are helping brides stay organized, in touch and upto-date, all with the touch of a button.

With everything brides have to do and remember, it’s easy to forget a thing or two along the way. WeddingHappy is an app that tracks the tasks you have completed, the tasks you still need to do, your vendor details and how long you have until your wedding. Not only can you track details like sending your save-the-date notices, you can also keep a close eye on your expenses and payments so you and your fiancé can stick to your budget. This free app makes it easy to see how the little things are adding up to create the big picture.

If you’re looking for an app with a social side that provides opportunities to engage with your guests and wedding party, Appy Couple is a

savvy option. The photo gallery feature allows guests to easily snap and post pictures, all of which are saved directly to your gallery. Guests can mingle with each other via the app with instant messaging. Your shyer guests will thank you later. And who knows? Your wedding could result in romance for another happy couple.

To make the wedding gift process easier on you and your guests, Zola has an online registry that exhibits simplicity at its finest. This app lets you combine multiple brands to your registry, choose from a variety of “couple experiences” and build cash funds for your future plans, all in one account. If it turns out you don’t actually need that set of mallard duck dishware from your uncle in Kentucky, Zola gives you the option to swap gifts or convert them into credit.

Having trouble finding your dream dress?

Follow local bridal stores on Instagram as they often feature the latest dress trends. If you’re open minded or don’t have a particular style in mind, this is the best way to learn what you may want.

Dream Gowns has an excellent selection that is consistently updated on their Instagram account.

Our very own, Northwest Florida Weddings website, social media accounts and monthly newsletter are on-trend with bridal movements throughout the nation while providing localization through vendors, venues and services.

Whiles these apps and websites are definite time-savers, they can’t do it all. As John Gandy from John Gandy Events explains, there’s a human element to wedding planning that you can’t get online. “Sending invitations virtually is great if all of your guests are young and always online,” Gandy says. “Otherwise, you should stick with traditional mail.”

Some tasks are best completed in person for the sake of the ceremony, such as selecting vendors and tasting cake samples. Some of your best visual sources are magazines, and your best audible sources are talking with brides who have already taken their walk down the aisle.

For decades, brides have successfully planned beautiful weddings; and just think — you are planning in the best-equipped decade yet. It’s a great time to be a bride!

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JOHN GANDY EVENTS Tallahassee

“I’m a wedding photographer so I had previous experience working with John Gandy and watching him make things gorgeous. His team knows how to make the day completely flawless. He walked me through his warehouse, but I told him that I had seen what he could do and I trusted him. It turned out absolutely perfect. An elegant, relaxed dinner party with a lot of candles, metallic and greenery.

At a Glance ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ DESIGN AND DÉCOR INSTALLATIONS ▪ DÉCOR RENTALS ▪ PRODUCTION/EVENT DESIGN ▪ LINEN RENTALS

“Since my husband and I found each other later in life, we don’t take for granted what got each other to this point. We are soul mates. My three-year-old daughter was wrapped up in my veil, walking beside me up the aisle to my best friend. It was so loving and special. There were a lot of happy tears.”

- Dawn Fifer, Tallahassee, Florida PHOTOS BY WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 570-5999 // JohnGandyEvents.com 3463 Garber Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32303

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JOHN GANDY EVENTS Tallahassee

“It was a no brainer to use John Gandy. I had seen some of his work and had a lot of friends that had used him. I knew from the get-go that I would choose his services because of his reputation for quality.

I never had a clear-cut vision of what I wanted, but I did know I wanted a lot of natural colors with white and champagne tones. He helped me describe my vision and made it come to life. He called it Southern elegance, which was perfect.

At a Glance ▪ PLANNING AND COORDINATION ▪ RENTAL SERVICES ▪ DECORATING SERVICES ▪ DESIGN AND DÉCOR INSTALLATIONS ▪ DÉCOR RENTALS ▪ PRODUCTION/EVENT DESIGN ▪ LINEN RENTALS

“Our special moment was surrounded by giant chandeliers hanging from oak trees as we had our first dance. That was our time to ourselves to do what we do best.” - Madeleine Friddle, Milton, Florida

PHOTOS BY WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 570-5999 // JohnGandyEvents.com 3463 Garber Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32303

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SUNSHINE SHUTTLE & LIMOUSINE Santa Rosa Beach

At a Glance ▪ TRANSPORTATION

“There were so many reasons we chose Sunshine Shuttles. They actually did the whole weekend. They started with the airport pickup of wedding guests all the way from the rehearsal dinner to the wedding night. It was a chance to have everyone together, so we actually did larger buses so everyone could spend time with one another.

“Donovan was one of my favorite drivers. He’s very witty and funny. He had water and to-go food ready for us in the vintage Rolls Royce and made everything easy. I can’t say enough great things about Donovan and Sunshine Shuttles. They went above and beyond to make it all perfect.” - Sara Shipp, Nashville, Tennessee PHOTOS BY DEAR WESLEYANN PHOTOGRAPHY

(850) 650-6333 // SunshineShuttle.com 323 Lynn Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

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making it happen RUSSELL RAINEY, DMD Say, “I Do” to the perfect smile. Dr. Russell B. Rainey and his caring team provide Tallahassee’s most exceptional dental experience. Dr. Rainey’s practice provides a wide range of services including anxiety-free, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Whether it is your big day or the big day of a loved one, let Dr. Rainey’s team give you a smile to be proud of.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

(850) 385-3700 DrRainey.com 221 E. 7th Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32303

HAMPTON INN AND SUITES TALLAHASSEE Convenience and comfort is key when planning a wedding stay, whether it is for the happy couple or the guests. Hampton Inn and Suites is centrally located just off of I-10 in Tallahassee making it an easy drive to nearby wedding venues and downtown. The luxuriously decorated hotel features cozy beds, an outdoor pool, fitness room, a welcoming staff and ultimate comfort for a wedding weekend.

HOTEL

(850) 574-4900 TallahasseeI10ThomasvilleRdSuites.HamptonInn.com 3388 Lonnbladh Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

COTON COLORS Conveniently positioned in Tallahassee’s Market District, and with simple online registry access, Coton Colors is the perfect stop for celebrating blushing brides. Make every moment even happier from your engagement to your wedding day with Coton Colors — from the “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” asks to hostess gifts and presents for future mother-in-laws.

BRIDAL GIF TS AND REGISTRY

(850) 668-0149 Coton-Colors.com 1355 Market St. Tallahassee, FL 32312

THE BLUES FACTOR BAND The award-winning Blues Factor Band is a group of elite musicians that provide professional entertainment for weddings, private events and corporate functions. Known for their incredibly polished, high-energy shows, these experienced and versatile musicians are available to pack the dance floor at your wedding. Comprehensive entertainment packages are available at surprisingly affordable prices that include the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, professional MC/DJ services and videography.

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(904) 349-8307 TheBluesFactorBand.com 2132 Sand Dune Court Tallahassee, FL 32308

TALLAHASSEE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM – BANQUET ROOMS The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a community treasure that offers up history and engaging experiences. For a reception or ceremony that’s outside of the box, the museum is equipped with a variety of banquet rooms ranging in size and style in order to fulfill the needs of your wedding. Your own caterer and decorations are welcome, while facilities, tables and chairs are on-site to drive your wedding day to blissfulness.

VENUE

(850) 942-0137 TACM.com 6800 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32308

OPPENHEIM SIGNATURE SMILES THOMAS E. OPPENHEIM, DMD, FAACD

You are sure to be smiling on your wedding day, and photographs will capture that smile as a memory for years to come. Dr. Oppenheim specializes in smile designs that are known for their strikingly natural appearance and lasting beauty. His promise is to deliver cosmetic and restorative excellence, which results in a signature smile for each client.

AMY RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

(229) 226-1631 SignatureSmiles.com 207 E. Jackson St. Thomasville, Georgia 31792

EMERALD COAST AUDIO VISUAL SOLUTIONS Seaside

Flawless audio and eye-catching visual services will ensure that your guests hear and see the magic of your most special day. Emerald Coast Audio Visual Solutions employs only the most competent technicians and consultants to advise you on the most effective and cost efficient options for your venue whether it be indoors or outdoors. They have years of experience in providing exceptional services to weddings, leaving you well prepared and stress free on your dreamed about day. The sound will be as clear as your crystal glasses and the spotlights will be on you.

PHOTOS BY AMY RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY OF EMERALD COAST AUDIO VISUAL SOLUTIONS

At a Glance ▪ INDOOR WEDDING AUDIO/VISUAL ▪ OUTDOOR WEDDING AUDIO/VISUAL ▪ CREATIVE LIGHTING ▪ DANCE FLOOR RENTALS ▪ VIDEOGRAPHY (850) 630-3032 // EmeraldCoastAV.com Multiple Locations NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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making it happen 850 EVENT RENTALS 850 Event Rentals knows that the beauty of an event is all in the details, whether it be a grand gathering hall or an intimate ceremony. Offering a comprehensive inventory of tents, chairs, arbors, tables, linens, lighting, décor and lounge furniture, 850 Events is well-equipped to create your envisioned wedding day. If you’re warm on the idea of a beachside wedding, they provide beach bonfire services along the Emerald Coast.

E V E N T R E N TA L S

(850) 399-1660 850EventRentals.com Santa Rosa Beach, FL

BELLAGIO NAIL & DAY SPA Escape stress into a world of total comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation. Treat yourself to a luxurious experience, pick the perfect polish for your tips and toes and indulge in refreshments from the spa’s fully stocked bar. Our friendly and professional staff will pamper and perfect all of your beauty needs. Kick off the bachelorette party or bridal shower with our private room complete with music, drinks and complete relaxation.

B E A U T Y & S PA

(850) 912-4488 BellagioDaySpaPensacola.com 5010 Bayou Blvd., Suite 103 Pensacola, FL 32503

HILTON GARDEN INN TALLAHASSEE The Hilton Garden Inn Tallahassee welcomes you and your guests to their hotel for your wedding celebration. Our desirable location right off of I-10 and nearby local attractions, allows you to make the most of your time in town. We offer many amenities to create a “home away from home” atmosphere guaranteeing complete comfort. In addition to reserving a block of rooms for you, we feature a banquet room ideal for an intimate rehearsal dinner of up to 48 guests.

H O T E L A C C O M M O D AT I O N S

(850) 385-3553 Tallahassee.StayHGI.com 3333 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

PAUL JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT Make memories to cherish for a lifetime at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Offering the largest selection of luxurious venues on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, Sandestin is the perfect backdrop for your special day. From sugary white sand beaches and lush green lawns to elegant stately ballrooms and serene bayfront terraces, Sandestin will make your wedding all you dreamed of and more.

VENUE

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(866) 748-7863 Sandestin.com/FLWed 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W. Miramar Beach, FL 32550

MY FAVORITE THINGS When your guests first see the invitation to the most special day of your life, you can be certain that they will give it more than a passing glance. Be sure to choose an invitation that reflects your taste and style. Let My Favorite Things be your personal stationer. Their trained consultants can assist with all your etiquette questions while helping to create an invitation that will perfectly set the mood and tone of your wedding.

S TAT I O N E R Y & R E G I S T R Y

(850) 681-2824 ShopMFT.com 1410 Market St., C3 Tallahassee, FL 32312

TOM & THE CATS Tom & the Cats are wedding reception legends that get the party going. With catchy dance music and a guaranteed night to remember, no matter the theme of your wedding Tom & the Cats has the music to match. A 2015 Best of Tallahassee winner for Best Local Band, their smooth vocals and dynamic instrumentals captivate guests — leaving them no choice but to make their way to the dance floor. The band’s motto says it all, “It ain’t nothing but a party, baby!”

M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

(850) 566-3018 TomAndTheCats.net richardbevis@embarqmail.com

WEBER & WEEKLEY BRIDES, BEAUTY & BLING Accomplished in both traditional and airbrush makeup, Melody Weber and Lorie Weekley are professional makeup artists and licensed estheticians.

Their passion is helping brides capture the glow of their individuality by personally customizing their skincare and makeup preferences. From their hands and into their beloved’s arms, each bride shines with confidence as they joyfully walk down the aisle feeling relaxed and radiant.

B E A U T Y & S PA

(850) 764-6629 WeberAndWeekley.com 4305 Spanish Trail Pensacola, FL 32504

CG PHOTOGRAPHY

A GRANDE OCCASION WEDDING ARTISTRY A Grande Occasion Wedding Artistry is the wedding team of The Posh Daisy Salon Spa, which offers on-location and in-salon services to make your day perfect. As part of an award-winning salon, this team takes pride in providing stunning hair and makeup services all along the Florida Panhandle. Brides and their bridal parties can rejuvenate with a day of relaxation including a fresh manicure or pedicure, beauty boost facial or deep conditioning hot oil scalp treatment. Let your inner beauty blossom!

S A L O N & S PA

(850) 533-0321 ThePoshDaisy.com 128 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

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making it happen HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA Kissed by the warm, salty breezes of the Gulf, Hilton Sandestin Beach is the perfect choice for the couple in search of a timeless beach ceremony and an overall experience highlighted by unprecedented customer service on the beautiful Emerald Coast. Wedding guests will adore this spot for its understated glamour and gorgeous amenities. This resort can deliver it all, from pre-wedding rituals to post-nuptial relaxation. For the one moment when you say,“I do” there is only one Hilton Sandestin Beach.

RESORT & VENUE

(850) 267-9500 HiltonSandestinBeach.com 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd.

Miramar Beach, FL 32550

SERENITY BY THE SEA SPA Be sure to include a visit to Serenity by the sea Spa when planning your wedding weekend activities. The full-service spa at Hilton Sandestin Beach is the perfect place to relax away those pre-wedding jitters with a menu of massage, facial and body treatments. The entire wedding party may enjoy a spa-style bridesmaid’s luncheon in the lounge while beautifying together with hair services, manicures and pedicures in the spa’s adjoining salons.

B E A U T Y & S PA

(850) 622-9595 SerenitybytheseaSpa.com 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd.

Miramar Beach, FL 32550

BALLROOM AT THE BEACH With 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues Hilton Sandestin Beach presents a plethora of spots for your ceremony, reception and various wedding gatherings. All of the ballrooms feature an open-ceiling concept that can be transformed into a splendid backdrop for nuptials. If the beach is your ideal venue, three boardwalks lead down to sugar white sands and three decks overlook the emerald green waters lending to picturesque scenery.

RESORT & VENUE

(877) 705-6641 HiltonSandestinBeach.com 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd.

Miramar Beach, FL 32550

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD When only the best will do, treat your guests to an event at Seagar’s, the only AAA-Four Diamond-rated steakhouse on the Emerald Coast. Private rooms are available for groups of all sizes, making the New York-style steakhouse perfect for everything from small family gatherings to elegant rehearsal dinners. Chef Dan Vargo will create a menu to suit your style, featuring Prime beef and fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood. Seagar’s also features the largest wine list on the coast, with more than 600 labels to choose from.

R E S TA U R A N T & C AT E R I N G

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(850) 622-1500 Seagars.com 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd.

Miramar Beach, FL 32550

SAY

“I Do”

TO A BRIGHT NEW SMILE.

FOR TEETH WHITENING AND OTHER DENTAL SERVICES CALL TODAY. ASK FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION. 850.385.3700 | 221 E. 7TH AVE | DRRAINEY.COM

@YOUR WEDDING SHOWER AND REHEARSAL DINNER Call (850) 999-1696 to book today.

/TheBluHalo

TheBluHalo.com

3431 Bannerman Road, #102, Tallahassee, FL NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2017

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PURE7 STUDIOS

honeymoon destinations

Vacation: all I ever wanted!

The moment you’ve both been waiting for arrives after the vows have been said and the bouquet has been thrown. Unwind and unplug in Northwest Florida with sensational views, romantic sunsets, adventuresome attractions and total tranquility.

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honeymoon destinations

Bridal Bon Voyage Honeymoon essentials for the coast

by Liesel Schmidt

A

offices, suggests bringing Mr.- and Mrs.themed travel mugs or cute drinkware to enjoy some sunny sips on the beach.

Aside from packing the obvious necessities, like your swimsuit, a cover-up and sunscreen, think outside of the box a little. Pack a beach blanket to take on picnics or for those dreamy nights of Gulf-side stargazing.

Stretching out for a lazy day on the sand or at the pool is the perfect time to break out a book you’ve been dying to read or listen to some relaxing music, so pack some reading material and your headphones. Even newlyweds need a little downtime from gazing into each other’s eyes.

This is a coastal vacation, so dress the part.

Bring beach bags, hats, sunglasses and flipflops to keep you looking cool and breezy in your post-wedding glow. Plan to celebrate at least once in high style by having a dressy date. Bring cocktail-worthy attire, and you’ll be prepared for any dress code.

Keep a record to look back on, and remember even the details that, at the time, may seem

insignificant. Pack a cute honeymoon journal and a pen to document the day’s adventures.

Flip through the pages and relive it a year later.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Marketing Manager Brooke Scholl has a few suggestions of her own for honeymooners who head to the coast: “Bring along a camera to capture all of your special memories at the beach and anywhere fun you go together.”

The proper footwear, she explains, can really make or break your day; so be sure to have the right shoes — not only flipflops for the beach or at the pool, but also shoes that are comfortable enough to wear on sightseeing excursions, leisurely strolls or bike rides. If you’re staying at a resort, Scholl advises checking their amenities to see what may be available to you as their special guests.

Although it’s not quite “packable,” remember to bring an adventurous mindset, too. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s the ideal time to try new things and to have exciting adventures together.

AMY RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

h, the honeymoon. It’s the perfect start to your new life together: a time to relax after all the stresses of the big day, to connect in a new place and make memories that you’ll cherish long after the dress is packed away and the photos have been looked at hundreds of times.

No matter how picture-perfect the locale may be, if you haven’t packed properly, those beautiful memories can get a little smudged by the headaches that result from being ill prepared. Make sure that your honeymoon is one you’ll remember for all the right reasons by taking a few tips from experts.

Some of the most popular honeymoon getaways chart a course for the coast, where postcard-worthy beaches await and sunlit skies make everything shine a little brighter.

The only worry you should have is applying enough sunscreen.

You’re on your honeymoon, so celebrate as often as you can, and pour on the cocktails!

Sarah Ralph, Marketing Manager at ResortQuest’s Northwest Florida Region

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Simply Inspiring.

Distinctly Southern.

BEACH

WEDDINGS

3 0 A / S O U T H WA L T O N , N O R T H W E S T F L O R I D A

Forever Starts Here...

When you choose St. Joe Club & Resorts for your wedding, rehearsal dinner or anniversary, it will be more than just the scenery that will inspire you. Our team of Wedding Experts will make your event unforgettable. Enjoy upscale accommodations, exceptional amenities and the comforts of southern hospitality—the ultimate wedding experience.

WaterColor® Inn | The Pearl Hotel | 30A Vacation Rentals 25 Miles West of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

sjcrweddings.com | 1.850.231.7773

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RESORTQUEST BY WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS | PANAMA CITY BEACH HONEYMOON DESTINATION Panama City Beach

At a Glance ▪▪ HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS ▪▪ HOME RENTALS ▪▪ CONDOMINIUM RENTALS

When describing the quintessential honeymoon, phrases such as “breathtaking beaches” and “endless activities” are likely at the top of your list. Panama City Beach is the ideal oasis to celebrate your wedding and begin your journey as a couple. With sugar-white sand to sunbathe on, paddleboards and jet skis to rent and beach bonfires to snuggle up by, Panama City Beach blends romance and adventure.

ResortQuest offers professionally managed vacation rental homes and condominiums down the Panama City Beach coastline, a destination dream come true.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESORTQUEST

(888) 412-6408 // PCBHoneymoon.com 546 Mary Esther Cutoff NW, Suite 3 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

850 422 0071

Your Happier Ever After... Our Pleasure

Start your ever after with the unique style and expertise this day truly deserves.

Relax at our poolside bar, savor delicious flavors at Juicy Blue and sleep soundly in one of our luxurious, Four Comfort beds™.

-Free parking -Free Wi-Fi -Fitness Center

-Free shuttle service to downtown, all campuses and airport

-Heated pool -Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily

-7,000 sq. ft. of meeting space -Full renovation in 2012

Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown | www.FourPointsTallahasseeDowntown.com 316 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee Fl 32301

postscript

IT’S NOT ROCKET SURGERY

THE GOOGLE An internet storefront

electric razor. I know that because I am on a speakerphone and it sounds like a B-52 is landing in their bedroom. The call went something like this: MOM: I found this place on The Google.

ME: What place?

MOM: A place where I can find senior discounts on everything like Kohl’s and even Wendy’s.

DAD: (Yelling from the background) Like Kohl’s.

MOM: I said that, Lenny.

ME: That’s great, Mom. MOM: Oh yeah, Belk (where she has purchased every Christmas present since 1983), the bagel place and everywhere.

DAD: (Yelling from the background) AND Kohl’s!

MOM: He can’t hear with that razor buzzing.

ME: What else, Mom? MOM: Anything you can think of — food, places we eat and everywhere.

DAD: Even Wendy’s.

MOM: I said Wendy’s.

DAD: And Kohl’s.

MOM: I mean, we are going to save a fortune.

ME: That’s great, what’s the name of the site?

MOM: Jim Hene … Hami … something like that.

ME: Did you bookmark the site so you can find it again?

What follows is 10 seconds of silence.

I hear the razor shut off, and I can just imagine the two of them looking at each other like two squirrels who just dropped a nut, confronting the harsh reality that the site may be lost forever.

When I was a kid, my brother fell out of the family car going about one mile per hour in a parking lot. I calmly told my parents that Greg had fallen out of the car. It didn’t register for a moment, but when it did, the look on my parents’ faces was unforgettable. That was the look that I imagined they were displaying as they pondered losing something slightly more important than Greg. After all, if you can’t get a discount bagel, is there really a reason to go on?

Not to worry, this is just the kind of challenge my parents live for.

“Find the car keys, Lenny. We’re going back to The Google.” EC

Gary Yordon is president of the Zachary Group in Tallahassee, hosts a political television show, The Usual Suspects, and contributes columns to Tallahassee’s daily newspaper, the Democrat. He may be reached at gary@zgroup.com.

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April–May 2017 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY GARY YORDON AND ILLUSTRATION BY DAN HEYWOOD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

M

y 89-year-old mother could hardly contain herself when she called to tell me that she had found a place where she could get all kinds of senior discounts. When I asked where, she said, “The Google,” as if it were a storefront located between Macy’s and Publix.

It was time to settle into the recliner, because I knew I would not be getting off this call any time soon.

My mom is a fierce shopper. Put a parachute on sale, and Mom’s all over it because it’s not about need, it’s about price. She’d buy a show pony to get a free harness. I’ve come to believe it’s a recessive gene, and I may have gotten it.

If I hear the phrase “as seen on TV,” I know I’m in trouble. I don’t need the Pocket Garden Hose that shrinks into a fanny pack, but I really want one. Who wouldn’t want the Bacon Bowl — wolf down some mac and cheese and clog an artery all at the same meal.

The Olde Brooklyn Lantern (which gave off as much light as white teeth) and the Chillow (guaranteed to put you to sleep by freezing your head) were just two of my really smart purchases.

Back to Google.

My dad is in the background using his

by GARY YORDON

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