





OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP INDY CUSTOM POOLS DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM









OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP INDY CUSTOM POOLS DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Angela Jackson Photography
Brooklyn Taulman, of Columbus, Indiana, and Alex Parsons, of Crawfordsville, became engaged on September 7, 2024, at the Irwin Gardens in Columbus. Their parents are Dr. Scott and Sheila Taulman and Jennifer and Bob Parsons. Alex convinced Brooklyn that they were doing a photo shoot for the Humane Society’s annual calendar; as she was posing with their dog, Kiwi, she was shocked to see Alex get down on one knee. The couple lives in Indianapolis; Brooklyn is an audiologist in Greenwood, while Alex is a sales executive for Shred-It. One of their shared passions is travel, having visited a total of 33 countries between them thus far. Their wedding will take place in Fort Myers, Florida, this November. sl
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Denise Lipman Photography
Quan Tran, of Vietnam, and Jordan Tasch, of Zionsville, were married on January 25, 2025, at Las Capuchinas in Guatemala, with 55 guests from all over the world in attendance. The couple met on the dating app Bumble. Quan is an optometrist, and Jordan is a vice president in the finance industry; their parents are Thuy and Minh Tran and Marla and Mark Tasch. The couple were actually legally married two years prior, but Jordan later proposed with a stunning art deco ring from Reis-Nichols while on a beach trip to Mexico, and they scheduled their “official” destination wedding. A month before, however, Quan was devastated when she lost the ring after removing it to work out (“there were a lot of tears,” she says). Jordan proved that he knew his bride well when he revealed that he had insured the ring, knowing her propensity to misplace items. Reis-Nichols was able to replace it in time for the wedding, but Jordan humorously made note of the mishap in their vows. The ceremony, officiated by the groom’s father, went off without a hitch, and the festivities even included a post-wedding volcano hike attended by many of the guests. sl
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Sheena Pendley Design + Photography
Madeline Pritchett, of Carmel, and John Devine, of Indianapolis, were engaged on December 26, 2024, at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Their parents are Becky and Steve Pritchett and Susan and Patrick Devine. Maddie is an artist, music producer and composer, and also works at Pickle on Penn, a pickleball country club; John is a software engineer. The couple met while attending Indiana University. John surprised Maddie with the proposal at their favorite vacation destination, making her believe it was simply a trip to celebrate the holidays. She thought the photographer he had hired was working for the resort and was taken completely off guard when John got down on one knee with a ring in hand. Their wedding will take place at The Greenbrier in January 2026. sl
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Kirsten Wray Photography
Korey Lyn Smith, of Pittsburgh, and Caleb Dalton Humphres, of Kansas, Illinois, were married on February 1, 2025, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Their parents are Amy and Kenneth Smith and Julie and Kevin Humphres. The celebration was attended by 125 guests, and featured a live wedding artist at the reception. The couple met on the dating app Hinge, and their first date was, fittingly, a Colts-Steelers game. “Caleb knew the way to a Pittsburgh girl’s heart,” Korey remarks. They currently reside in Indianapolis. sl
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Stephanie McKenna Photography
Amanda Rock, of Fishers, and Pierce Dahl, of Westfield, became engaged in June of 2024. Their parents are Jody and Mike Rock and Tina and Jim Dahl. The couple met through mutual friends, and had a platonic relationship for two years until a trip to Sedona led to love. On the day they moved into their first home together, Amanda didn’t suspect anything when Pierce suggested she wear a white dress to dinner at nearby Ambrosia. “I was just happy to have someone put together an outfit for me, since all my clothes were still packed,” she recalls laughingly. Pierce surprised her with the proposal when they arrived back at their new home to find family and friends gathered to celebrate. The two had looked at rings several times at Reis-Nichols Jewelers, and Pierce knew Amanda would love the “simple and elegant” elongated cushion-cut diamond with a gold band that he chose. They currently reside in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis, where Pierce is CFO of Iwis Drive Systems and Amanda is a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. Their wedding will take place this August at the Conservatory at Evergreen. sl
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Pavel Adamek/The Adamkovi
Sonia Nair, of Chatham, Illinois, and Jovanie Stewart, of Cincinnati, were married on March 21, 2025, at the Fairlie, an event space in Chicago. Their parents are Devi and Sree Nair and Aurora and Lawrence Stewart. The couple resides in Chicago, where Sonia is a family medicine attending physician, and Jovanie is a senior information security analyst for Accenture. They met on the dating app Hinge, and their engagement was featured in the October/November 2023 issue of Sophisticated Living. Their wedding was divided into two parts: a traditional Hindu ceremony, held in the morning, followed by a light reception, and a Christian ceremony that evening with cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The couple worked with the venue to create two totally different looks for each event. Says Sonia, “We wanted guests to feel as though they were attending two different weddings, and for it to feel like a unity of two different cultures and religions while showcasing the love we have for each other.” A few months following the wedding, they enjoyed a delayed honeymoon to Greece. sl
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Written by Claudia VanderClute
In early March, I joined Easter Conservation Services as a paintings conservator, after quite a journey. I have loved art since I was a child, taking as many classes as my schedule allowed, both in and outside of school. I dreamed of art school, but wasn’t sure it was the right path. After touring the University of Delaware, I stumbled upon their art conservation program. I felt an instant connection and determined my career path.
I double-majored in art conservation and art history. From specialized studio classes to natural history internships, I had many unique experiences. I learned how to mix paints, use egg tempera, paint with beeswax, and even created a miniature fresco wall. I dipped my toes in several areas, from preventative to glass, but knew I wanted to be a paintings conservator. I applied to Northumbria University’s painting conservation master’s program, and in the fall of 2021, I flew to the United Kingdom to begin.
My time in England lasted two years. It was intimidating to travel to another continent alone and start a new life there, especially as one of the youngest students. While many emerging conservators take gap years to gain work experience before entering graduate programs, I chose to continue straight after my undergraduate studies. I knew I was in for a challenge, and Northumbria delivered that in many ways. Everything I thought I knew was put to the test: my knowledge of organic chemistry, my writing ability, and the way I learned. Hand skills were taught on sample mock-ups. Eventually, it was time for us to test our training on the real thing.
The first painting I treated for practice was a 1970s work by Louise Jennings. She was, at one point, the United Kingdom’s oldest living trans woman, as well as a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of Dunkirk. I found the piece in an antique shop in Newcastle. I bought another on eBay for more practice. I also completed two work studies: a week in a UK studio with my classmates, where we all worked on a large painting together, and a summer at a studio in the States, where I received more valuable tutelage.
Before I knew it, my program approached its end. The final task was to complete my dissertation, a whopping 150 pages and nearly 15,000 words. Following graduation, I attempted to find a job where I was living, which, as any conservator can tell you, is a nearly impossible task. It certainly proved so for me, and when the circumstances of my life changed, I eagerly leapt at the chance to expand my horizons, applying to jobs nationwide. Finally, I moved from Maryland to Indiana to join Easter Conservation Services.
The importance of a conservator’s training cannot be overstated. Restoring a painting without the proper education can lead to irreversible damage. I am continually learning from my peers and seeking guidance from those who have worked in this field longer than I. The safety of the art is paramount. Now more than ever, art is what will carry us through these troubling times. The conservation of pieces for generations to come is something I am proud to be a part of. sl For more information, visit easterconservation.com.
Called to Care Circle of Impact focuses on supporting Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital by uniting exceptional women with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others. These women are committed to improving the health and well-being of children, families, and care teams at the hospital. As ambassadors for the hospital, each member is dedicated to three core goals: providing hands-on support to patients, families, and staff alongside other community women; contributing to crucial hospital programs and services through philanthropic donations; and raising awareness of the hospital’s mission and resources across Indiana. sl
Caddis describes itself as “a mission disguised as eyewear,” designing eyeglasses that are stylishly flattering. Here, bestseller Porgy prescription sunglass frames are shown in the color Turtle. For more information, visit caddiseyewear.com.
When we opened The HC Tavern + Kitchen we knew we had to include St. Elmo Steak House’s most beloved steak, the center-cut filet mignon, on our menu. We also introduced a decadent new appetizer: The Lobster “Cargot,” which is loaded with lobster, cheese, garlic and butter. These two dishes have lived happily on their own, until Fishers residents began pairing the two culinary gems together. As this secret menu item gained a cult-like following, we asked ourselves, “Why are we keeping this a secret?”
Alright, Fishers, you win. The Filet + Lobster “Cargot” is now o cially on the menu.
May/June 2025
112 Sophisticated Society
Night of Miracles
Prelude to the BC39 118 Christmas in the Kitchen 119 Grateful Gala: Racing for Rescues
Corks & Forks
Trinity Haven Homecoming 123 Through the Looking Glass Gala 124 Stepping Out in Style
126 Talking Antisemitism & Influence with Lizzy Savetsky
Easel by Penrod
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You’ve probably heard the old Cajun saying, Laissez le bon temps rouler (let the good times roll), and nowhere is this more applicable than in my beloved New Orleans, where I was born and spent my early childhood. My wife and I recently visited for Mardi Gras, and as we were caught up in the revelry, we marveled at the city’s resilience. In the five months prior, it had played host to three sold-out Taylor Swift concerts, suffered the New Year’s Eve terror attack, welcomed the Sugar Bowl for the 91st consecutive year, withstood a historic winter storm that slammed the Gulf Coast and dumped 10 inches of snow on an area that rarely sees any, and hosted the Super Bowl for a record 11th time, followed, of course, by Carnival season, with its eight weeks of celebrations. By all accounts, New Orleans got its butt kicked, and could have shut down any number of times, or at least slowed down, but it never did. This August makes 20 years since Hurricane Katrina decimated the city, and New Orleanians showed the world how to rebound from adversity, rallying around their revered Saints for the 2006 season just 13 months later. Clearly, nothing keeps NOLA down.
On Mardi Gras day this year, the forecast was grim, with severe weather coming. Parades were cancelled and rescheduled. Others ‘rolled’ (that’s what they call it down there) early and with shortened routes. We flew in that morning and made it just in time to catch the biggest one, Rex. It was windy, but warm, and everyone seemed in a festive mood; fortunately, the storm didn’t come until that night. Although my wife has been to New Orleans numerous times, this was her first Mardi Gras, so of course, we had to go in costume (in our ‘60s best). We love a good party, and that’s what New Orleans is, year-round.
St. Charles Avenue was packed, but we were able to walk right up to the front of the parade, close enough that my wife was being thrown beads and other ‘throws’ from the ‘krewe’ on the floats. One thing to know about my better half–she never met a crowd she didn’t love. Apparently, some of the men on the floats loved her, because several handed her bags of beads, which she then shared with kids around us. People on floats were taking photos of us, then handing my wife their phones for her to take photos of them. When I asked her later what she liked most about her first Mardi Gras, she said it was being part of such a large group in one giant celebration, and added that she adores the warmth and kindness of the people there. I’ve often said, while Disneyland may be “the happiest place on earth,” New Orleans is the friendliest.
After watching Rex, we meandered back to our hotel, the venerable Windsor Court, through the French Quarter, en route passing the memorial to the victims of the truck attack on Bourbon Street (a sobering reminder on a street that’s anything but). As we walked in the front doors, we were greeted by an only-in-NewOrleans scene–a group of dogs dressed in Mardi Gras regalia. The hotel is known for being dog-friendly; later that week, it hosted a special celebration in honor of the king of the canine carnival and the upcoming Barkus parade, King Petey Benson, the elderly Yorkie “son” of New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson. The following Sunday, the French Quarter would become a display of canine couture with this year’s theme: “Vanity Fur: Barkus Rules the Runway.” We heard that after all the fuss was over, The Windsor Court’s executive chef served His Majesty his favorite treat: chicken and carrots.
Local friends soon joined us in the hotel’s Polo Club for libations and, thankfully, a bit of sustenance. It had been a long and memorable day. My wife is already looking forward to next year…she’ll be the one in front at the parades, in a Diane Von Furstenberg mini dress, patent leather go go boots and a vintage headscarf, covered from head to toe in beads.
Jeffrey Cohen jeff@slmag.net
Multidisciplinary artist Jeremy Booth has navigated through the “Wild West” of NFTs en route to capturing the nostalgic-laden landscape of the American West on large-scale canvases.
Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos of “Sweat and Blood” opening at Square One Gallery by Suzy Gorman, courtesy of Jeremy Booth
simple shapes and striking color palettes appear as simultaneously retro and modern. This distinctive style led to commissions from Apple, Wrangler, Roku, and Warby Parker, among others.
At the same time, Booth garnered quite a following on social media, and when he accepted a position as a product illustrator for Coinbase, a pioneer in cryptocurrency exchange, he dove headfirst into the NFT / digital art world. The whole blockchain concept can be confusing to those of us on the outside, and I readily admit that all the art-tech terminology I read in an article about Booth's digital work on NFTnow.com in advance of our meeting left my head spinning. My takeaway after asking Booth to "dumb it down" for me is that for an artist, in theory, digital art provides an open ledger of ownership that should provide a royalty payment each time the artwork changes digital hands in the future.
Seeking to expand his artistic footprint, two years ago, Booth began dabbling in fine art painting, drawing on childhood memories, the popularity of the neo-Western drama television series Yellowstone, and artists he admires, such as Mark Maggiori, to commit some of his digital work to acrylic-on-canvas. After connecting online with impressionist Australian artist Robert Hagan, who also uses a limited palette but in oil, to create romantic and peaceful visions of the American West, Hagan invited Booth to join him on a trip to a ranch in Kansas to get in situ reference material and essentially art direct his paintings. "At that time, I was still doing a lot of digital, and dabbling in geometric painting, but after admiring a cattle drive in person, I felt like I’d found my new focus and jumped fully into physical art,” remarked Booth. “I really credit Robert for giving me the confidence to try it.”
In his acrylic paintings, Booth's subjects are treated as mythological archetypes; their vector-like silhouettes communicate cinematic nostalgia while inviting the onlooker to fill in the details. He has a deep affinity for the interplay of light and shadow, stripping the reference photographs captured by his
professional photographer wife, Tabitha Booth, down to aspects of linear simplicity amplified by a bold color palette.
Booth says his previous success in digital art and graphic design helped him skip the "starving artist" phase. A solo show at the Marfa Invitational followed inclusion of his Over the Ridge painting, accompanied by a digital certificate of authenticity powered by T.R.A.C.E. in Christie's 2024 Beyond the Screen exhibition and auction at Art Basel and a group exhibition at Sotheby’s NYC. His most recent solo show, “Sweat and Blood,” recently wrapped up at the Square One Gallery in St. Louis.
Although his focus has shifted to painting, Booth explained that all his artworks begin in the digital space. "I've definitely had to learn patience because of the greater lengths of time it takes to produce a work on canvas." To underscore his point, he remarked that he'd created less than two dozen large-scale paintings in two years versus twenty-thousands of digital works.
As an agile multidisciplinary artist, Booth has given himself the freedom to roam a frontier of his own, just like the subjects of his compelling paintings. sl For more, visit jeremy-booth.com.
Experiencing incredible ice and calm seas during our cruise to Antarctica with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, a pioneer in responsible exploration.
Written by Bridget Cottrell
Why would someone who gets seasick while snorkeling endeavor two crossings of one of the most dangerous sea passages in the world?
The answer is simple: love.
At the height of his professional career, my husband spent threefourths of the year traveling the world. He long wanted to notch the elusive seventh continent, and we decided that, given my decidedly unseaworthy constitution, National GeographicLindblad Expeditions (expeditions.com) struck the perfect balance between comfort and adventure.
Lars-Eric Lindblad is recognized for pioneering modern expedition cruising. He led the first "citizen travelers" voyage to Antarctica in 1966 and founded Lindblad Travel. This company later evolved into Lindblad Expeditions, which is currently managed by Lars-Eric's son, Sven Lindblad. Today, it operates as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Today, the company remains guided by Lars-Eric's belief that seeing the planet's remote wild places with one's own eyes would spur the onlooker to champion preservation and protection. While the destination had not been on my bucket list, after experiencing it firsthand, I
have become almost evangelical in my advocating for others to make the crossing.
Our adventure began in Buenos Aires, where we checked into the 5-star Alvear Palace Hotel and had the first opportunity to size up our travel mates for the next 12 days. We made the acquaintance of two teachers who were named Grosvenor Teacher Fellows, besting hundreds of applicants for the coveted spots. "Music is everywhere, and I am looking to find it in Antarctica," remarked elementary school music teacher Lisa Werner. We also chatted up Dan Westergren, a longtime photo editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine, who would be the onboard photography expert. Having spent time with Sven Lindblad, Westergren said he keeps returning as a consultant because he appreciates the company's commitment to transporting travelers to places where you can take great pictures. In addition to expert advice, the ship keeps an arsenal of Olympus lenses and cameras that guests can borrow for field testing. Given our limited time in Buenos Aires, we signed on for a city tour to hit the highlights, which included more than one opportunity to belt out "Don't Cry for Me Argentina!" From day one, we experienced and appreciated seamless transitions and the efficiency of the group dynamic.
The following morning's short charter flight to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, provided a stunning aerial view of the dense beech forest that blanketed Antarctica millions of years ago. A catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel preceded our boarding of National Geographic Endurance , a 408-footlong, fully stabilized ship accommodating up to 138 guests. Launched in 2021, Endurance was purpose-built for polar navigation and has a patented X-bow that slices through waves to provide a smooth ride.
Our spacious cabin suite on the main deck boasted a large balcony accommodating two chairs, laundry service, and a premium Wi-Fi connection. After quickly settling in, we headed to the Ice Lounge for our first group talk, which included an overview of the voyage, an introduction to the multinational expedition crew, and scores of tips from the onboard physician for managing nausea.
The credentials of the expedition team were impressive, encompassing degrees and specializations in areas of study I'd never heard of, including maritime archaeology. There was also an expert in excrement and a self-professed "bird nerd." The team's disparate divisions converged in a shared love of the White Continent and a deep desire to educate and inspire anyone who will listen that it's under threat and needs and deserves protection. Seated in a comfy swivel chair in the lounge, surrounded on three sides by tall windows, I felt like we were in the most luxurious classroom on earth.
Armed with a scopolamine patch behind my ear, I anxiously awaited our approach to the Drake Passage, anticipating two days of raucous seas I'd seen on scores of Instagram posts. Ultimately, our crossing was more "Drake's Lake" than "Drake's Shake." Knowing I'd be queasy in either case, I admit to being slightly
disappointed to not have earned the credo that comes with experiencing the full wrath of the seas.
During the Antarctic summer, the only time tour operators bring travelers to the continent, the sun is visible 24 hours a day. On the other side of the passage, I was awed to awaken at 3 a.m. to calm seas and a Maxfield Parrish-like light illuminating the icy dreamscape, complete with sculptural chunks of ice displaying hues of blue from turquoise to sapphire. It was the first of many "pinch me" moments in which I could barely believe we were on the same planet.
A faster-than-expected transit of the Drake Passage presented an earlier opportunity to go ashore and encounter our first penguin rookery, which we could smell well before making it to shore via inflatable Zodiac boats. Passengers disembarked in an orderly fashion in assigned groups from the Expedition Deck, where lockers store cold and wet weather gear and help keep cabins clutter-free. An optional
rental program can make packing even more effortless, providing all the necessary kit to be comfortable during land and sea outings. The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in birds and seals across the Antarctic Peninsula, posing a significant threat to wildlife and killing thousands of seals in recent years. Great care was taken to disinfect footwear, both coming and going, to help fight the disease's spread.
Seemingly perpetually busy, watching the Adélie penguins waddle along dedicated "highways," sometimes from dizzyingly high perches en route to the sea, was endlessly entertaining despite their pungency. Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins are among the most common species found in Antarctica and spied nearly every day of our journey; a lone pair of majestic Emperor penguins that seemingly appeared from nowhere was heralded with much fanfare during one afternoon's ice hike.
The itinerary was relatively fluid for the five days dedicated to exploring, and the nimbleness allowed for taking advantage of the unexpected, like when Captain Oliver Kruess changed course so that we could sail alongside a pod of Minke whales, a momentous occasion that seemingly brought the entirety of the ship to the bridge to watch the spectacle. "A man without a boat is crippled in my mind," remarked Capt. Kruess during a cocktail-hour presentation. Kruess, who grew up on a German island among a family of mariners "who'd rather have been postmen," has worked on boats all his life with a passion that's never waned.
Between expeditions, there were scores of interesting and diverse presentations, including the anatomy of a snowflake, the lifecycle of krill, the history of polar exploration, and pro tips on maximizing the iPhone camera. While what was above the water was endlessly fascinating, two undersea specialists were on board who provided daily updates supported by incredible footage from their dives highlighting what lies and lives beneath the surface of the frigid water. "Seventy percent of the earth is water, so it would be rude to not share what's going on beneath the ice," said Carlos Garrande, a native of Spain who holds a PhD focused on the history of Azorean whaling and recent changes in the use of whaleboats. All talks and presentations are made available on in-cabin televisions, a boon during my seasick bouts.
On-ship amenities included a large fitness center and yoga studio, a well-stocked library, two restaurants and bars, a spa, a gift shop where I picked up a few pieces of unique jewelry, and ample observation areas with binoculars and telescopes. Two heated glass "igloos" cantilevered over the aft corners of the ship are available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing inhabitants to comfortably spend a night admiring the midnight sun in secluded bliss.
With its sleek, Scandinavian-inspired interiors and an abundance of fine art (including dramatic photography by artistin-residence Eric Guth), the ship experience is akin to staying in a luxury land-based hotel. Hotel director Patrik Svarcmyr's affableness, evidenced by donning Viking attire to deliver spiked hot chocolate to guests while on a Zodiac expedition, undoubtedly inspires the quick camaraderie that develops among passengers.
We enjoyed getting to know people from all over the world during meals and cocktail hour and were pleasantly surprised to encounter far more people under the age of 40 than we anticipated. They were a generous lot, too, with one guest making a sizable donation to HappyWhale, which granted our group naming rights when our expedition discovered a previously unidentified humpback whale, and another guest paying $4.5k in an auction of the ship's ensign to assist with a crew member's unexpected medical bills.
As one would expect, dining was also on par with the luxury hotel experience. The team, led by Executive Chef Sara Henstam and supported by a service staff that operated with precision, provided memorable meals from a global point of view. "In the spirit of exploring, I encourage you to try something new,"" remarked Chef Henstam before Shackleton's Culinary Journey, a sixcourse private dining experience offered to each guest during the voyage that is inspired by the 1914 adventure of Antarctica's most famous explorer. Prior to a Thanksgiving feast that included no less than a dozen varieties of pie, Chef Henstam said, "I am always trying to make it difficult for guests to choose."
"People come for the penguins and come back for the ice," said expedition leader and award-winning natural history filmmaker Jessie Johnson. Truly, the ice was endlessly fascinating, particularly when it converged with the sea and sky on cloudy days to create an odd sense of spatial disorientation before dissipating to reveal yet another dreamy snow globe scene seemingly stretching to
infinity. Chunks of animate ice appeared to have a mind of its own, quickly amassing alongside the moored ship in such quantities one afternoon that it became easy to understand how Shackleton's Endurance was eventually crushed by ice floes. The feeling of awe was similar to what I experienced looking up from the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Johnson was exceptionally adept at helping people connect with the sublime emotions roused by the environment. She captained a Zodiac cruise that included the opportunity to create an en plein air watercolor and another in which we spent several minutes floating along in silence so that we could absorb the whisper of the wind, appreciate the mesmerizing undulations of the water in the bay unfurling like a silk flag, and commit to memory the pop and crackle of icebergs. This fleeting, treasured moment near the end of the trip was one of my favorites as it created an indelible souvenir that will hopefully persist in my mind's eye for a lifetime. sl
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
All that slithers is gold in this fine jewelry roundup.
This page, clockwise from top left: Oscar Heyman gold and opal swordfish brooch. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Chesterfield Jewelers in St. Louis and oscarheyman. com. Mindi Mond turquoise and diamond snake pendant necklace (mindimondny.com). Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 red gold “Year of the Snake” (arnoldandson.com). Jonne Amaya snake hoops (jonneamaya.com). Bea Bongiasca Albino Burmese Python Tarallo earrings (beabongiasca.com). Renato Cippulo Iguana cuff bracelet (renatocipullo.com). Jacquie Aiche snakewrapped pink tourmaline flower ring (jacquieaiche.com). Lionheart Jewelry Nouvelle serpent ring (lionheartjewelry.com). Anita Ko Snake Coil bracelet (anitako.com). Sorrellina Victoria serpent ring. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and sorellinanyc.com. Fish earrings from Silvia Furmanvich's Quintessence collection (silviafurmanovich.com). Jade Trau Scarab charm (jadetrau.com). Opposite page: A collection of rings from Maison H Jewels Brushed Crocodile Mouvante collection (maisonhjewels.com)
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
Rose gold, a blend of pure yellow gold, copper, and silver, was first used in early 19th century Russia by the famed jeweler Carl Fabergé in his famous Fabergé Eggs. Cartier catapulted the alloy’s popularity in the 1920s with the launch of its “Trinity Ring,” featuring mobile bands of intertwined platinum, yellow, and rose gold. Designed by Louis Cartier in 1924, the piece was commissioned by French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau, who frequently wore two stacked on his pinkie finger. With its distinctive pink hue, rose gold displays both vintage charm and modern chic, and it is popular today for its versatility in complementing various skin tones and gemstones.
This page, clockwise from top left: Cartier Trinity ring, Large Model, Paved (cartier.com). Grace Lee Crossover Helix ring with baguette band (gracelee.com). 1926 from Tudor with rose gold bezel. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapoils, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and tudorwatch. com. Damiani high jewelry Mimosa watch (damiani.com). Marie Mas Petites Dancing earrings (mariemas.com). Marie Lichtenberg NYC Rose earring. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and marielichtenberg.com/en-us. Suzanne Kalan Infinite triple row rainbow sapphire block-chain bracelet (suzannekalan.com). Ali Weiss Zig Zag ring (aliweissjewelry. com). Xpandable Fashion Gems bracelet from Picchiotti. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and picchiotti.it. Boochier Jewels Jumbo Slinkee bangle (boochier.com). ZAHN-Z Jewelry bespoke ring (zahnzjewelry.com). David Yurman Men’s Streamline® Pavé Three Row Band Ring. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Opposite page: Verragio “Rosecliff” link bracelet in 18K rose gold and diamonds. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Yoko London Raindrop Akoya peal and diamond ring (yokolondon.com). Marco Bicego MARRAKECH Twisted Supreme bracelet. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and us.marcobicego.com.
LOVE Wine is a new collaboration that celebrates women in wine and art
Written by Claire Willians / Photos courtesy J. Vineyards and Winery
This past February, J. Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California, debuted LOVE Wine, a collaboration between the sparkling wine house and the art and design initiative grantLOVE (grantlove.com), created by artist and philanthropist Alexandra Grant, whose work explores issues around communication across languages, literary traditions, and cultures. Each new bottling of LOVE Wine will feature a unique label created in collaboration with a leading femaleidentified artist, turning every bottle into a canvas that celebrates artistic expression. This partnership seeks to amplify voices that are often marginalized while also transforming the act of enjoying wine into an experience that connects culture, creativity, and community.
The label for the inaugural bottling was designed by Genevieve Gaignard (genevievegaignard.com), a graduate of the Yale School of Art and New York-based interdisciplinary artist whose vibrant and thought-provoking work beautifully reflects the collaboration's mission. Each of the mediums Gaignard works with is a conduit for introspection. Her photographs are staged self-portraits presenting a spectrum of invented yet recognizable "selves," which undermine social hierarchies and beauty standards.
and installation work.
"Alexandra's mission with grantLOVE really aligns well with the values and causes we've been spending our time with at the J," said Nicole Hitchcock, J Vineyards' Estate Director and Head Winemaker, who oversees a majority-women management team, continuing a legacy of female leadership that began with founder Judy Jordan in 1986. She added, "Wine, like art, has the power to bring people together, spark conversation, and inspire change."
LOVE Wine's first release is a brut cuvée, crafted from exceptional cool-climate vineyards throughout California, including the Russian River Valley, Monterey County, and Mendocino County, and crushed at J Vineyards' Healdsburg winery. This sparkling wine is a testament to the winery's dedication to producing worldclass wines while honoring its mission to make a difference in the broader community. LOVE Wine celebrates the artistry of California sparkling with a delightfully expressive palate balanced by bright touches of citrus on the pleasantly crisp, lingering finish. sl
LOVE Wine is available at J Vineyards' tasting room in Healdsburg and online at jwine.com.
The best memories begin with a vacation you’ll never
Stay where there’s always something magical in the air.
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Escape to a world of refined relaxation and unparalleled experiences. Indulge in our legendary Warm Springs Pools. Savor exquisite dining. Tee it up on The Cascades, one of the top mountain courses in the country. Explore acres of pristine landscape on horseback and soar through the treetops on our zip line. Discover all of this and more at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, one of TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places.
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
Hydro Systems Avila outdoor hot tub + cold plunge tub. The hot side gently warms to 104˚F degrees, while the cold side invigorates with icy waters as low as 37˚F degrees. There are 25 strategically placed jets – 12 on the cold side and 13 on the hot side – to target specific areas of the body (hydrosystem.com).
Ngala Trading Taking Flight collection napkin and tablecloth, designed in collaboration with Ardmore Design (ngalatrading.com)
A
pioneer in tented safari camps, conservation-minded and amenity-rich Finch Hattons Luxury Camp in Kenya's Tsavo National Park continues to raise the bar.
Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Finch Hattons
Jet lag has an upside while staying at Finch Hattons. This 17-tent safari camp is located within the boundaries of Kenya's Tsavo National Park, which rose to infamy in the late 1800s due to a pair of man-eating lions who preyed upon construction workers building the Kenya-Uganda Railway. In the dark of night, I listened to the fuss of nocturnal hippopotamuses as they made their way from the spring-fed ponds just steps from the edge of the deck attached to my tent to graze in the surrounding savannah. I was convinced that had they been any closer, I might have felt their warm breath on my neck.
Resisting the strong urge to grab the flashlight on my nightstand to investigate the racket was a decision I came to regret as the nighttime activity was less on subsequent evenings. The hippos' boisterous bemoaning while commuting to their solitary "job" of eating more than 100 pounds of grass per day was subtly reminiscent of my occasional "I don't want to go to work" proclamation when the Monday morning alarm sounds.
For all the fuss on the outbound, the hefty herbivores returned to the water in relative silence before dawn's first light, leaving a trail of trampled grass dotted with pungent "presents" as tangible proof of their presence.
After I fell asleep, a sudden noise startled me awake. I was reminded of and humbled by the fact that without a weapon, humans are just another link in the food chain, appetizing to some and abhorrent to others. Spoiled by the luxury accoutrements in my spacious accommodations —British campaign-style furnishings complete with a crystal chandelier above the bed and full bar with crystal glassware, indoor and outdoor showers, and a copper soaking tub—I was cognizant that sturdy canvas walls were the only thing separating person from predator. Bird calls are constant; the most distinctive among these was the white-browed coucal, a species I identified by using my in-tent binoculars and a handy reference sheet with visual depictions of 37 of the more than 600 species of birds living in Tsavo.
Due to its size and relative remoteness, Tsavo National Park experiences fewer tourists than the Maasai Mara. And, having been lucky enough to visit both, there is something extra special about not having to share the wildlife viewing experience with a caravan of other 4x4s. Whereas the Mara is predominantly grasslands with a smattering of riverine forest, Tsavo's landscape is quite ecologically diverse, encompassing spring-fed oases, sweeping plains, the Jurassic-Park-like cloud forest of the Chyulu Hills, said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway's "Green Hills of Africa," and the sprawling moonscape of the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world.
The adventure begins before check-in with a scenic 50-minute small plane charter flight from Kenya, where you can admire the vastness of the landscape. Landing on a dirt runway, an army of attendants awaited, ushering us to take shelter from the mid-day sun on comfy chairs arrayed beneath a tent where refreshments are served while the check-in process is completed. Head of our welcoming committee was Camp Manager Jonathan Mutisya, who has been an integral member of the Finch Hattons family for three decades, even before the resort opened in 1993. His face still beams with pride as he recalls being an 18-yearold roughing it in the bush and having run-ins with lions while scouting campsites. I have yet to meet another GM who lives, breathes, and loves his work with such genuine intensity that his
passion is palpable in every facet of the guest experience. "For us, this is home, and we welcome guests as such," Jonathan remarked.
From the landing site, it's a short drive to the camp, where the luxuriousness of the buildout belies its remote location. Finch Hattons boasts outsized amenities for a property with a max capacity of just 38 guests. There are two large pools, a spa complex with both a hammam and a second-floor open-air yoga studio reminiscent of a cathedral with heavenly views to match. Group and private yoga lessons are led by instructors who have graduated from the community-based Africa Yoga Project. Spa director Violet Muhonja has created a treatment menu inspired by traditional African healing methods. I booked the deep-tissue Maasai Oringa Massage, which utilizes a rungu—a polished wooden baton once wielded by Maasai warriors and now used to vanquish tight muscles. Working out in the fitness building adjacent to the spa, I was elated to be eyed by a curious troop of juvenile vervet monkeys, which made my treadmill time fly by. At the opposite end of camp, a viewing tower once used by national park staff to thwart poachers offers a birds-eye view of the sunset over Mount Kilimanjaro (with a signature cocktail in hand to toast the end of another eventful day).
Richard Branson's luxury travel brand, Virgin Limited Edition's recent acquisition of a stake in the family-owned resort will provide the capital to further enhance the already outstanding amenities and allow guests to have two distinct safari experiences
by adding a stay at sister property Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara ecosystem (featured in the March/April 2023 issue of Sophisticated Living). Leena Gehlot, Managing Partner of Finch Hattons, a fourth-generation Kenyan and Honorary Park Warden of Tsavo National Park, said: "The magic of Finch Hattons is that we were luxury when we opened in 1993, and each time we refurbish its further polishing the gem."
Except for spa treatments and activities outside the standard itinerary, everything is included at Finch Hattons, along with laundry service, which makes packing a breeze. Although two traditional game drives are offered daily, Finch Hattons delivers myriad ways to experience the landscape outside the confines of a 4x4. "It is a romantic place that makes you slow down and connect with nature," explained Lena.
Dining in the bush and on-property were equally memorable. Lena said that a passion for the culinary arts is a long-standing family tradition predating the founding of Finch Hattons. When the resort opened, there were seven courses for dinner, full of pomp and circumstance. Today's à la carte menus, while every bit as satisfying, also account for contemporary dietary concerns. Executive Chef Sudi Baha embraces principles of sustainability, local flavors, and global influences to deliver elevated dining experiences, including a soup du jour at lunch that was anything but a humble bowl of sustenance. Guests who book the sprawling
Finch Hatton suite have the option of in-tent dining and the very real possibility of spying on an elephant taking a sip from the suite's personal infinity edge pool.
Non-morning people may scoff at the 4am wake-up call for a sunrise hike in the Chyulu Hills, the youngest volcanic range in Tsavo. Still, I can assure you that all will be long forgotten when the first glorious rays of sunlight illuminate one of the most majestic vistas you're likely to ever lay eyes on. Of course, the experience, like so many at Finch Hattons, includes a meal in the wild, served on fine china, as the property's namesake, Denys George Finch-Hatton MC, would have done it. Described as having "glitter in his surroundings without ever actually achieving very much," Finch-Hatton, a member of the British aristocracy, is widely considered to have introduced the concept of luxury safaris in Kenya; his roller-coaster relationship with Karen Blixen inspired her to write Out of Africa, cementing his legendary status.
An elegant spread also awaited us following the Oldoinyo Olorami trek, where guests ascend a steep trail culminating at the rim of a dormant volcano. Die-hard exercisers have requested multiple jaunts up and down for a heart-pounding alternative to the treadmill in the camp gym. We caught our breath at the peak while watching a parade of pachyderms cross the scrubby landscape where red earth meets the horizon.
The scene was a complete departure from the previous day's hike in the Chyulu Cloud Forest, a lush rainforest sacred to the Massai people where, in this Jurassic Park-like setting, I fully expected a dinosaur to emerge from behind the massive, gnarled trunk of a strangler fig tree at any moment. The current giants of the forest—elephants— had left tell-tale signs all around where we were trekking, but they seemed to elude us at every turn. Tsavo is home to approximately 10 of the 30 remaining "Super Tuskers," bulls distinguished by their massive tusks, weighing over 100 pounds each. Finch Hattons' conservation program supports the Tsavo Trust's efforts to secure safe spaces for elephants.
All excursions at Finch Hattons are led by trained guides who are members of the local Maasai community, who welcome travelers into their village to learn about traditional Maasai life and use tourism revenue to preserve their culture and improve their quality of life. During our visit to the village, a sudden downpour in the dry season had the women blessing our arrival, creating an indelible moment of cross-cultural sharing of goodwill as we took refuge from the deluge. One of Finch Hattons most popular experiences is the "Maasai Olympics" offered during a sundowner in the bush. Guests learn about spear throwing, athletics, and the high jump, which were improvised as an alternative transition ritual to manhood for Maasai boys before engaging in some friendly competition.
Back on the property, guests can work with Moses Simiyu, Conservation & CSR Manager, during guided hikes around the camp's four ponds to assist with a hippo head count. Our group
was accompanied by a trio of sword-carrying Maasai just in case any of the crocs or hippos who call the waters home got too close. "Conservation is ingrained in what we do—we notice when there is a problem and look for ways to fix it," said Lena.
Moses is staunchly committed to his job, even when it means living long stretches away from his wife and three young daughters. Accompanying us on a game drive one morning, he was as giddy as a toddler on Christmas morning when we glimpsed the reclusive Melanistic Serval Cat, something he'd never spied in person in 13 years of working in the Tsavo region.
Under Moses' leadership, Finch Hattons works with the nonprofit Justdiggit to restore and regreen degraded landscapes, increase biodiversity, and positively impact the climate. The camp is also developing a lion and carnivore monitoring program, partnering with the local Massai tribe to find ways for wildlife and livestock to harmoniously co-exist, and working with local schools to support access to wildlife and conservation education. In speaking about guests' donations that funded the construction of a regional health facility, Moses explained, "If you don't have to struggle to survive, attention can be focused on other things. If you improve the human condition, you also improve the wildlife."
A perfect integration of comfort and conservation, Finch Hattons is actively working to improve the conditions for the land, the animals, and the people who call the area home while offering an authentically luxurious travel experience. "We want to build experiences around your dreams," said Jonathan. sl
Five bottle recommendations from a certified oenophile.
Written by Vicki Denig
Greetings, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig and I'm a wine and travel journalist and Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. When not posted up writing in either city, my favorite thing to do is scour the globe in search of the most interesting, delicious bottles I can find—and going forward, I'll be sharing five of my recent finds with you here. Below, you'll find a handful of recent discoveries that I've enjoyed, as well as a bit about their stories, what they taste like, and the context in which I enjoyed them (and how I think you'll best enjoy them, too!)
Pierre Péters L'Esprit Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2017 (Champagne, France – SRP: $99.00)
They say there's never a bad time for Champagne, so I figured kicking off this column with a vintage Grand Cru bottle from one of the region's most exciting small growers made sense! Based in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs, Pierre Péters has been operating as an artisanal, family-owned operation for six generations. This 100% Chardonnay hails exclusively from Grand Cru-designated vines and is aged for four years on the lees prior to release. The wine is everything you want from a quality Blanc de Blancs—satiny and pleasantly creamy, with notes of citrus, marzipan, chalk, and toasted brioche. I enjoyed this bottle with fried spinach croquettes and a show-stopping sunset before
and
Fumey-Chatelain Crémant du Jura NV (Jura, France – SRP: $33.99)
As much as I love Champagne, not every night calls for something as grandiose as the above bottle; however, I'm a big proponent of normalizing bubbly beyond special occasions, as sparkling wines are some of the most food-friendly wines on the market— and let's face it, simply some of the most fun to drink. This approachable bottle hails from Fumey-Chatelain, an exciting domaine spearheaded by a young, second-generation vigneron in France's Jura region. Like the above wine, it's also made from Chardonnay, though grown in different soils and aged for about a year on the lees. Fresh, zesty, and super easy to drink, I actually enjoyed a glass of this today at lunch (paired with cod in a lemon cream sauce) upon landing in Paris after a red eye, as there's no better way to perk your palate up than with a glass of bubbly!
Wasenhaus Gutedel 2021 (Baden, Germany – SRP: $36.99)
Spearheaded by Christoph Wolber and Alexander Götze, Wasenhaus has taken the wine industry by storm. Located
in the relatively lesser-known region of Baden, the pair has quickly showcased the immense potential for wines from southern Germany. They are known for their light hand and meticulous attention to detail in the cellar. Gutedel is a lightbodied, refreshing white made from the Chasselas grape, which is generally better known in Swiss wine production. I enjoyed this bottle with my cousin over a long lunch at Copenhagen's famed Møntergade restaurant, and it paired beautifully with perfectly fried plaice drenched in freshly squeezed lemon.
Textura da Estrela Branco 2019 (Dão, Portugal – SRP: $34.99)
Although the most famous Portuguese whites tend to come in effervescent Vinho Verde format, this textured, thoughtprovoking bottle promises to change any preconceived notions you may have about white wines from the Iberian Peninsula. Produced from an organically farmed blend of native varieties (Encruzado, Bical, and Cercial), this fuller-bodied white is aged sur-lie in a combination of cement tanks and large-format French oak for 11 months, followed by 10 additional months in steel. Every time I taste this wine, I'm immediately brought to the complexity of White Burgundy, though offered at a fraction of the cost. If you tend to reach for Côte d'Or Chardonnay, I can't
recommend this wine enough—think of it like your favorite White Burg's sunny and energetic Portuguese cousin.
Biondi-Santi Rossi di Montalcino 2020 (Montalcino, Italy – SRP: $109.99)
Serious Italian wine lovers, especially those with an affinity for Sangiovese, are likely no strangers to Biondi-Santi. This pioneering estate played a massive role in shaping the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, thanks to their forward-thinking idea to bottle monovarietal Sangiovese from this special area in Tuscany. Rosso di Montalcino is often deemed as the "little sibling" of Brunello, though when made as well as this one, the wine merits serious recognition in its own right. Juicy and savory, the wine's signature notes of red fruits, citrus peel, and crushed herbs are marked by bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a long finish, making it the perfect match for grilled meats, pizza, and all things red sauce— pasta, parmigiana, and more. sl
Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.
The one-off Beretta SO Sparviere Marco Polo pays homage to the explorer seven hundred years after his passing.
Compiled by Elliott Greene
Brimming with courage and curiosity, Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer Marco Polo became the first documented European to journey across the entire Asian continent. His travels, immortalized in Il Milione (The Travels of Marco Polo), unveiled the breathtaking riches and mysteries of the Orient. His vivid accounts ignited the Age of Exploration, inspiring scores of others to embark on grand adventures that forever reshaped our world.
Beretta unveiled its annual one-off shotgun late last year, dedicated to Marco Polo's legacy. The bespoke creation, made at Beretta's headquarters in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, a mountain village near Milan, is a one-of-a-kind firearm crafted on the legendary SO6 EELL Sparviere over-and-under platform.
"The Marco Polo PB Selection shotgun is an ode to a brave traveler who wasn't afraid to face new cultures and people, an
explorer who opened his arms and eye to the wonder of the world, but always remained tied to his homeland," said Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta. He added that the company's celebrative one-offs always have a link with its history. In this case, Venice, Marco Polo's hometown, is where they found documentation tracing the existence of Beretta back to the year 1526.
No less than 1500 hours of hand-engraving and another 500 hours of work by master gunsmiths, stock and gun case makers, and research and design departments went into creating the museum-quality firearm. "The SO Sparviere is the perfect platform for this celebrative piece: a traditional, exclusive mechanism that was transformed by Beretta to create something outstanding and surprising, with the side plates opening like
the wings of a bird," commented Carlo Ferlito, GM & CEO of Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta.
Astounding artistry is featured throughout all components, built upon a base of grade 5 walnut finished with approximately 80 layers of Tru-Oil. The receiver's hammered and punched body depicts sailing and exploring themes. A copper-inlay pattern with diamonds and stars covers the trigger guard, forend iron, top lever, top rib, receiver shoulders, safety, bead, and the interior of the side plates, as the hand-detachable sidelock actions allow for admiration of the internal decorations. The top lever is highlighted by an iconic symbol of Venice, a winged lion, and the fret-worked key represents Marco Polo's Asian argali sheep. On the sideplate are two burin-engraved scenes from the explorer's travels.
A bespoke gun case completes the masterpiece: a bright yellow leather with a digital print of a medieval map of the known world at the time of Marco Polo is accented by blue leather details on the edges and handle. The interior is upholstered in a Venetian red silk fabric. The Murano-made tempered glass display case rests upon a matte-lacquered wood cabinet with galvanized steel elements. The decoration on the glass, made by the artisans at Arte Veneziana, is based on the original miniatures from Il Milione, reproducing San Marco's Square in Venice as it appeared in the 13th century.
"The craftsmen of our Pietro Beretta Selection atelier managed to astound us again with this unique shotgun, going beyond the limits of their immense skills and showing us something unprecedented," said Ferlito. sl
Aston Martin's new flagship convertible, Vanquish Volante, brings unrivaled power and speed to the category.
Edited by Matthew Cottrell / Image courtesy of Aston Martin
The first Aston Martin to bear the Volante name is the little-known Short Chassis Volante of 1965. It comprises design elements of both the convertible DB5 that preceded it and the DB6 Volante that succeeded it. Unlike its ancestor, the newest member of the Volante tribe has created quite a stir since it was announced in March. Powered by Aston Martin's new 5.2-liter V12 engine delivering 835PS and 1000Nm of torque with a top speed of 214mph, the Vanquish Volante is the fastest, most potent frontengine production car on sale today.
Simon Newton, Director of Vehicle Performance and Attributes, said, "The drive to ensure Vanquish Volante delivered the same class-leading performance as the Vanquish Coupe meant that, from inception, the engineering team worked on both Coupe and Volante simultaneously, allowing us to retain the dynamic capabilities and character of Vanquish Coupe with no compromise upon removing the roof. Optimizations made to the body structure combined with specific chassis tuning ensures that Vanquish Volante makes the same headlines as Coupe for its outrageous performance and capability, now with the extra enjoyment of roof-down driving."
Designed purposely as a 2-seat configuration, Vanquish Volante retains the Coupe's toned, muscular presence, broad stance,
and fluid curves. The lightweight K-fold roof can be opened in 14 seconds and closed in 16 seconds and is operatable on the move up to 31mph via an elegant metal switch on the center console. The roof can be opened or closed remotely from the key fob within a six-foot radius of the car. The acoustically enhanced fabric roof, with thermal insulation directly comparable to Vanquish Coupe, can be stowed under the tonneau behind the seats.
Vanquish Volante incorporates the bespoke interior layout introduced on Vanquish Coupe, carrying forward the new interior architecture seen on all next-generation Aston Martin models. An ideal blend of modern touch screen technology and tactile physical switchgear retains a feeling of ultra-luxury inside the cabin and intuitive interaction with the controls.
As expected from the flagship model, the number of possible exterior and interior design combinations, from wheel rims and brake calipers to carpets and interior trim, is extensive. Consultation with the customization service Q by Aston Martin offers access to some of the most skilled, experienced, and creative designers ready to work directly with clients to create a wholly bespoke Vanquish Volante. sl
The Vanquish Volante is available to order now, with the first deliveries arriving in Q3 2025.
Written by Stephanie Carlson
From “growing up” with vertical gardens to “growing out” with horizontal pathways, garden design represents a personality unique to you and your family. While the best time to plan your garden is during the winter, it is never too late to enhance your lifestyle with a charming amenity. The following are some ideas that will provide special spaces for families to bond and grow together.
Zen gardens: Create a peaceful, meditative space with a minimalist aesthetic. Some key elements to include are a sand base layer, natural elements such as rocks of various sizes and textures to provide contrast, and greenery like moss, small evergreens and bonsai trees. Raking patterns into the sand to make designs that represent ripples or circles can be therapeutic and relaxing. Use different rake styles to create a variety of designs. Additional meditative decor such as lanterns, trickling water and a torii gate with a bench to rest on creates a traditional, authentic Japanesestyle place of tranquility.
Vertical gardens: Perfect for small areas, as a privacy fixture or to fill an empty space, gardens on walls are custom-built to create stunning visual features that may double as functional and tasty herb gardens or fancy, beautiful floral displays. Hand-fabricated with materials unique to your decor, living wall artisans build vertical planter beds from wood, recycled felt, and other sustainable and natural materials.
Fresh-cut flowers: It’s hard to resist the beauty of fresh-cut flowers. With a simple 4-by-8 section situated in a sunny location, healthy soils, and the correct mix of flowers, a garden should provide blooms all season long. Ideal and reliable flowers for central Indiana’s growing zone are perennials like tulips, daffodils, peonies, iris, coneflower, daylilies and black-eyed susan. Annuals such as
are colorful selections to cut and share with family and friends during the summer. Keep in mind that the flowers need to be harvested regularly to ensure recurrent blooming.
Raised-bed vegetable gardening: Situate raised beds where they’ll get full-sun exposure. These gardens can be simply set up in your grass or with a more extravagant design incorporating walking paths, trellises, hoops, or as a border to enhance a patio. The beauty of raised beds is that they are filled with fresh, fertile soil from the start, they provide the ability for an extended growing season, and because they are raised, plants are more comfortable to harvest and care for. Place your kitchen garden conveniently near a water source, and easily accessible whenever you’d like to cut some lettuce or harvest tomatoes for a dinner salad. Consider how your raised garden beds will be used and how they will integrate into your existing landscape.
Perennial, butterfly and pollinator gardens: These are an all-time favorite! Perennial gardens are a hands-down winner filled with color, texture and eye-catching beauty, and, with proper planning and weed control, they require minimal maintenance. Perennials return year after year, may be divided and replanted, and provide beautiful blooms, texture and interest throughout the growing season. Additional benefits are that this type of eco-friendly garden attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, is drought-tolerant and costeffective, and requires little watering once established. Even better, perennial gardens offer flexibility and can be used for borders, flower beds, ground cover, shade gardens and even zen gardens. sl
For more information, visit naturspire.com, or contact Naturspire Landscapes at 317.414.5607 or steph@naturspire.com to schedule a garden design consultation.
At Park Tudor, every day is a chance for your child to explore their passions. From state-of-the-art academics to athletics and fine arts, we’re dedicated to ensuring every student from junior kindergarten to 12th grade has a well-rounded education.
Choose Park Tudor to instill a love of learning that lasts.
Written by Jessica Pontius / Photographed by Addison Ray/Keep Indy Indie
If you’ve ever taken a sip of red wine and felt your tongue go dry, your palate tighten, or your mouth take on a velvety texture, that’s the magic of tannins at work. These naturally occurring compounds— found in grape skins, seeds, and stems—are the architects of a wine’s structure. Some wines grip and demand attention, while others glide effortlessly, leaving only the memory of their silkiness. What makes the difference? Balance, technique, and time.
Daniel’s Vineyard winemaker Blake Trobaugh understands this balance like an artist working with texture. His secret lies in the punch-down process—a hands-on method where the cap of grape skins and solids that rise to the surface during fermentation is gently submerged back into the wine. It’s a delicate dance of extraction, coaxing just the right amount of tannin from the grapes without overpowering the wine’s natural elegance. Too much extraction, and the wine becomes austere and rigid. Too little, and it lacks definition, failing to hold its shape.
Then, there’s the role of oak. American barrels lend boldness, bringing notes of spice and a firm structure. French oak, by
contrast, is subtle and refined, layering in soft tannins and a polished mouthfeel. The red blend at Daniel’s Vineyard wears its American oak influence with confidence, standing firm with dark fruit and a textured backbone. Meanwhile, the chardonnay, with its French oak finesse, moves like a well-tailored suit—structured yet smooth, elegant without being ostentatious.
The magic of tannins isn’t just in how they define a wine in its youth, but in how they evolve. A bold, structured red that feels commanding today will soften over time, its edges rounding, its power turning to grace. Daniel’s reserve reds are aged with this in mind, allowing their tannins to transform from assertive to harmonious, shifting the wine’s personality with every passing year.
Tannins, in the end, are about more than just grip or smoothness. They are time itself, bottled. They are the feeling of anticipation before the sip, the slow unfolding of flavors, the way a wine leaves its signature behind long after the glass is empty. And at Daniel’s Vineyard, every bottle tells that story. sl For more information, visit danielsvineyard.com.
Kip B. Robbins, CFA Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
Jennifer Phillips Vice President Private Banking 317-261-9700
Melanie D. Newkirk Vice President and Trust Officer
Our Private Banking clients receive exceptional personal service and advice from our experts. Private Bankers work with you, and our extended team of Wealth Management specialists, to provide comprehensive lending, investment management and trust services that meet your goals.
Written by Matt McLaughlin
We’ve all heard the saying, “You only get one chance to make a great first impression.” And that impression is formed in just 60 seconds. Or was it 30? According to Zillow, on average, buyers spend 124 hours searching, and view 19 homes online before going under contract. Strengthening your home’s first impression, marketability, and value can be easily achieved without a large investment.
Reviewing and improving these simple items can greatly impact overall marketability, allowing the home to sell more efficiently and for a higher price. Curb appeal is the first thing prospective buyers see, both online and in person. Start with your lawn: Is it trimmed and edged? Are flower beds free of leaves, weeds, and grass? Does the lawn have an overall manicured look? Further, remember your front door welcomes the prospects to your home. Is it clean or in need of paint or stain? Are all fixtures and knobs in good condition? If not, consider repairing these items.
Once inside, review the space with a sharp eye for unnecessary objects. Consider a portable storage unit or other short-term storage solutions to remove clutter. From top to bottom, remove extra items so that closets are relatively clear and look as spacious as possible, the basement is clean and organized, and storage areas are tidy. Consider removing excess furniture to allow spaces to look large and welcoming. Once organized, it must be clean. The key areas to focus on are the kitchen and bathrooms. Remember to clean the interior of the oven, stove, and dishwasher, and keep countertops clear. Clean or paint walls as needed to make them appear as new as possible. Make sure that windows are shining, and their coverings are spotless and dust-free. This attention to detail shows buyers the home has been wellmaintained and cared for, improving its value.
Finally, a well-styled home is most appealing to buyers and often translates best online. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes tend to sell for 5 to 10 percent more. Consider using your own furniture to stage, or investing in professional staging to best present your home to potential buyers. Last item on your to-do list?
Call Matt! sl For more information, visit callmatt.in.
Written by Jeffrey Cohen
My wife and I have been travelling to New Orleans for years, but our most recent visit was different. This was her first Mardi Gras day, the grand finale of Carnival season, and her first time staying at The Windsor Court, where our son and I have been guests numerous times on our annual father/son trips to take in a Saints game. Finally, she was about to see for herself why this hotel is undisputed royalty when it comes to hospitality. Always excited to return to my hometown and see old friends, there is no better time of the year to do so, in spite of, or perhaps because of, the unrestrained party atmosphere.
We arrived early on Fat Tuesday morning and checked right in, where we were graciously greeted by native New Orleanian and general manager Ralph Mahana, a 19-year fixture of this locally owned luxury property. After freshening up, we downed a quick bite in the Club Lounge, perched on the 22nd floor, offering a serene escape from the buzz below. With its dedicated concierge and outdoor terraces, the lounge introduces another level of pampering to the already luxurious Windsor Court experience. Boasting sweeping skyline views, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Here, club-level guests are treated to cocktails, fine wines and gourmet bites throughout the day. Suitably sated and with just a few blocks between us and the parade, we were soon heading out to join the sea of revelers along St. Charles Avenue.
Thanks to the previous day’s picture-perfect Lundi Gras weather, we were feeling smug, until Mother Nature threw us a curveball. The parades were shortened and rolled early (as they say in New Orleans) due to incoming weather, and we just barely made it in time for Rex, the crown jewel of Mardi Gras. Kings, queens, knaves and jesters floated past us like a royal court as imagined by Lewis Carroll, tossing an incalculable number of ‘throws’. You’re not likely to see anyone flashing body parts for beads along this route; that’s more of a French Quarter spectacle. You will see all manner of flamboyant characters and costumes, however–grown men in tutus, dogs in sequins and the occasional Elvis.
After soaking it all in, we walked back through the French Quarter. When in Rome, or in this case, New Orleans, why not? While many restaurants and shops are closed on Mardi Gras day, the Quarter provides an abundance of sightseeing, dining and shopping. Whether it’s a tour of the serene St. Louis Cathedral or obligatory beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, we have always enjoyed the diversity of attractions on offer. Still savoring the rush of the carnival atmosphere, we strolled past street performers and costumed carousers, dodging the occasional burst of beads, before winding our way back to The Windsor Court.
By then, our friends were texting. We all convened at The Polo Club, the hotel’s swanky bar with its dark wood, leather chairs, and air of effortless sophistication. Popular with well-heeled locals, it’s the kind of place where you can sip a classic cocktail, or three, and feel like you belong. The place was heaving with affluent revelers, some heeled, and one or two who might have lost theirs on the Quarter’s cobblestone streets. We spent the next few hours catching up over drinks and bites, swapping parade stories, and laughing until our sides hurt.
But why stop there? In the spirit of the day, we took the party upstairs to the Club Lounge, away from the revelry. In true New Orleans style, the libations flowed, along with reminiscences of our
days growing up together. The staff, as always, treated us like family, because at The Windsor Court, they genuinely mean it. By the time our friends departed, we were thoroughly content, but hungry. So, we made our way back down to The Polo Club for a proper meal and one last round (like I said, when in Rome…). I fancy myself a better-than-average cook, but the gumbo here is on another level of excellence. The hotel was still buzzing with post-parade partygoers, their costumes slightly askew, beads tangled and smiles wide. Outside on Tchoupitoulas Street, the party carried on well into the wee hours, long after we had retired for the night.
The next morning began with my usual workout in the hotel’s well-outfitted fitness center, and a swim in the heated outdoor pool. The pool deck, with its sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline, is one of The Windsor Court’s hidden gems. It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city when you’re floating in warm water beneath a bright blue sky. Next to the fitness center, The Windsor Court Spa offers a bewildering selection of massage and facial treatments designed to engender the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Although we didn’t avail ourselves of these services this time, I can wholeheartedly recommend the deep tissue massage if, like me, you suffer from tennis-induced aches and pains.
Breakfast in The Grill Room was nothing short of lovely. The hostess, “Miss Helen” Hester, had saved my favorite table, a cozy bay window nook overlooking the charming motor court. A 25-year veteran of the hotel, Miss Helen is beloved for her uncanny memory (she immediately asked about our son) and talent for making each guest feel like family. We lingered over a most satisfying meal, savoring the quiet after the madness of the day before. I kicked my morning off with a bloody mary and a crawfish and andouille sausage omelet, a fitting nod to Louisiana flavors, while my wife, ever the traditionalist, opted for the classic eggs Benedict, accompanied by a mimosa. We finished our repast with beignets (of course) and a crossword, a restorative and relaxing start to the day.
After spending the afternoon catching up with more friends, my wife and I had a date at Gianna, a rustic Italian-style restaurant. The space was warm and inviting, the service impeccable, and the food? Exceptional. I ventured into new territory with the lamb lasagna, something I had never tried before. It was rich, tender, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice. My wife, meanwhile, chose the pork Milanese, and we shared a side of wood oven Brussels sprouts, which were smoky, caramelized, and downright addictive, accompanied by a bottle of Barbera d’Alba, a refreshing Italian red that complemented both dishes beautifully. Walking streets that only 24 hours before had been thronging with inebriated partygoers, we were amazed by how quickly the city
cleaned up and hosed down the roads and sidewalks. New Orleans has it down to a science.
Our final morning was one more luxurious breakfast in The Grill Room, enjoying being fussed over by Miss Helen. The meal was flawless, and with the hotel’s jazz brunch just days away, we couldn’t help but wish we were staying through the weekend to experience it. Next year, we promised ourselves, we’ll return earlier to catch more of the big parades and, of course, attend a ball. My wife loves a good gala, and if Vienna has its grand waltzes, then New Orleans has its equally spectacular celebrations.
Speaking of grand affairs, as we left, the Club Lounge concierge and her team were busy setting up a tea party in the Presidential Suite for Gayle Benson, the beloved owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, who would soon host the Barkus parade, a canine extravaganza that never fails to delight. Her dedication to the city is legendary, and her pup, a feisty Yorkie named King Petey, a regular fixture at these events, always turns heads dressed in his Carnival-worthy Chanel ensemble. Created to benefit animal charities throughout New Orleans, the Barkus Parade and its participants, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, are testaments to Mrs. Benson’s tireless philanthropy.
As we bid The Windsor Court farewell, we knew we’d be back. There’s just no place like it, especially during Carnival season, when the city sparkles with mischief, music, and magic. sl For more information, visit thewindsorcourt.com.
NATIONAL
For a noted architectural designer, two near-death experiences changed everything.
Written by Stephanie Carlson / Photographed by Nick Sterling
“Starting from a very young age, I knew I wanted to design and build homes,” says Gary Nance, founder of Gary Nance Design. He’s been hand-drawing unique, exquisite homes for clients for more than four decades. From the time he scribbled his first home as a youngster, Nance was determined to become a prominent home designer, and with hard work and dedication, his career vision became a reality. What he did not envision was that he would come close to losing his life, not once, but twice.
Today, at the age of 71, he contends, “The real story of my life is the two near-death experiences I’ve had in the past four years and how I survived both.”
Eleven years ago, Gary weighed 280 pounds. Sporting a 54-inch waistline, his son’s wedding in Jamaica opened his eyes. “Looking at those wedding photos, I thought, ‘Wow, I need to do something about my weight!’” Not only was his appearance a wake-up call, but his physician warned him of the urgency to slim down. “My wife located a small gym that had recently opened. I was fortunate to work
with a trainer who helped me, combining light core work alongside healthier eating,” he recalls.
“It took time, but after about a year, I noticed a change in the way I looked. I was determined to reclaim my health and strength.” Several months later, a fellow gym member preparing for a bodybuilding competition interested him. “I decided to watch how he trained.”
“My trainer encouraged me, saying I could be on stage in a year!” So, Nance set his eye on the prize. “A year later, I was on stage for my first show at the Fort Wayne Flex. I came in dead last,” he chuckles. “I decided then and there it was game time and ‘last’ was not the place for me.”
In true Gary Nance fashion, he “busted butt” and was awarded second place in a couple of contests. Finally, in the summer of 2019, he scored a first-place victory in the Indianapolis Championships; he was bitten by the bodybuilding bug, and there was no turning back. Reaching for his next challenge, he entered the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh.
“It was January 2020, and I was in the best shape of my life. Then COVID-19 hit, and my world changed drastically,” Gary recounts. In March, just as the city and country were shutting down, he signed up for a 22-push up challenge to raise money for veteran suicide awareness. He successfully participated in the event, however, the next day he awoke with a high fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. His condition worsened. Gary’s doctor called the hospital and let them know he was headed to the emergency room; upon examination, he was diagnosed with pneumonia, a collapsed left lung, and was tested for coronavirus. The results came five days later.
“Gary was very ill that week. We received the positive test results on Saturday, March 28,” explains his wife, Nancy. “I was staying in the guest bedroom, only going into our room to give him meals, medications and to check on him.” The next day, Nancy felt drawn to his room a couple of hours earlier than normal and found him coughing, gasping for breath, unable to sit up, and in a confused state. “I called 911 right away, and our daughter, who lives a few blocks away. The wonderful paramedics of the Carmel Fire Department arrived immediately.” She managed to walk Gary out to the paramedics, who were waiting in protective gear. They quickly put him in the ambulance and took off.
“Three hours later, I received a call–my husband was on a ventilator. It was a very scary experience,” Nancy recalls. Daily updates revealed that COVID was attacking every part of his body. As specialists treated him, new debilitating symptoms arose. Even after negative COVID tests, his fever remained, and the search continued to locate the source of the infection.
Gary and Nancy’s son, Nick, remembers hearing the news. “March and April of 2020 were the two worst months of my life. My wife and I were living in Chicago and had just found out she was pregnant with our first son. Due to the unknowns concerning COVID, no one was able to visit Dad. We were limited to daily updates (calls) from his doctors and nurses. Thankfully, my wife is a physician’s assistant and was able to communicate more effectively, keeping our family up-to-date on his progress.”
Finally, on April 13, Gary’s health showed improvement, and his doctor removed the ventilator, only to find that Gary could not breathe on his own for more than a few minutes and the apparatus had to be reinserted. A few days later, the ventilator was removed again. Finally, he was able to breathe and communicate. His first words? “What the (profanity) happened?!” The doctors said that was the best question they could have heard.
Gary was moved into the ICU, and positive progress allowed him to be transferred to the Rehabilitation Center of Indiana. The transition was extremely challenging–he had to relearn how to eat, hold a fork, and walk. “Those daily activities we take for granted were completely gone,” he remembers. “It was such a humbling experience. I lost 60 pounds. I couldn’t do anything for myself, but I was determined to beat this and get back on my feet.” The
rehab routine was very regimented, with no phone access or any communication outside of the facility. Finally, three weeks later, Gary was deemed strong enough to go home.
“The entire staff lined the hallway, clapping and yelling, and as I walked toward the door, I did a little shuffle and we all cried together,” Gary reminisces. “Man, did this experience change me. Had I been the heavy guy I once was, no way would I have made it. I now realize how lucky we are and that our health can be taken away in a second, without warning.”
“We were filled with emotions to finally have Dad home, but that’s when the real work started,” his daughter, Taylor, says. “Dad is not one to just sit around, let alone be told what to do. He was working hard on his physical therapy, but I could see in his eyes that everything we and the world had experienced [throughout the pandemic], he was really experiencing for the first time.”
While her dad was in the hospital, she created a text chain called “The Gary Gazette” in which she sent daily updates to more than 115 family members, friends, clients, and colleagues, “Most days the message read, ‘No movement, no good news, but no bad news either.’”
“Communicating Dad’s condition is the main thing that kept me going,” adds Taylor. When he was settled back home, she arranged a drive-by to boost his spirits and to thank everyone who showed concern during the trying time.
Taylor recalls, “That morning, I suggested that Dad go sit on the steps outside to get some fresh air.” A parade of more than 70 cars and bikes drove by, hanging out of windows, carrying signs, cheering “Gary Strong!” and “You did it!” Supporters came from hours away just to see him standing with his cane for a few minutes. “It became such a traffic jam that a couple of police officers showed up to direct traffic!”
Completely disheartened with his weakened physique, Gary resolved to get his strength back. “When Gary first walked into our facility using a cane, it was clear he was facing significant physical challenges. But from day one, his determination was unmatched,” says Paul Plummer, owner of PXP Endurance. Through structured training, targeted rehabilitation, and sheer perseverance, he transformed not only his body but his entire mindset, ultimately earning his professional bodybuilding card.
A year later, Nance was back to bodybuilding and won second place at the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh. His next goal was to place first in the 2023 Nationals. During that time, he went to the Builder’s Show in Las Vegas in February of 2023. On the last evening of the show, he wasn’t feeling well at dinner. He returned to his hotel room and became violently ill. “I thought I had food poisoning–it was so sudden.” The pain was excruciating as he struggled to get to the airport for his flight. Upon landing in Indianapolis, he drove straight to the ER. Arriving around 9:00 pm, he was rushed into emergency surgery. “I woke up in the morning with a colostomy bag. Half of my colon had died from lack of blood due to blood clots.” The surgeon had performed an ileostomy, removing a portion of his intestines.
Gary and his “powerhouse team”
Facing another draining setback, he was told his situation could be temporary, but there was always a chance it could be a lifetime issue. Fortunately, after 24 weeks, he was healing well enough to have a second surgery, which was successful.
It was time to return to training in January of 2024, and his coach, George Cristo of Agents of Change, told Gary that he was going to get him back into the best shape of his life. Not only that, he said that he expected him to win the Carmel Super Show, then go to the Jersey East Coast Universe July Fourth weekend competition, where he would win his division and receive his Pro Card.
“I was skeptical, but ready,” Nance says. His coach was prophetic, and Gary won his division in both shows, plus his Pro Card. “It was a remarkable nine days of back-to-back shows, ” he adds. Gary is now preparing for his pro-debut at the 2025 Indy Supershow, held at the Palladium in Carmel on June 28. “I am one lucky guy who couldn’t have accomplished any of this without my family, friends and faith.”
“His story isn’t just about strength; it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence, the refusal to settle, and the joy of building something remarkable–whether it’s a legacy, a home, or a world-class physique,” Cristo says.
Transferring Gary’s resilience and energy to canvas, artist Sean Van Sheppard painted the 40/80 modern art portrayal that hangs in the Gary Nance Design studio. “I needed to create Gary in a space that matched his energy, but didn’t come across as a portrait. I wanted him to be an integral figure in the painting as part of his own environment, surrounded by images that reflect his life experiences,” he explains.
“Gary’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, proper training, and the human spirit. Stories like his remind us why we do what we do—helping athletes redefine their limits and achieve the impossible with the right training approach. His story is truly inspiring, and I’m honored to have been part of his incredible transformation,” Plummer adds.
Gary knows it took a team of people to get him where he is today. “As I look back on the events of these past several years, I want to give a special thanks to the Carmel Paramedics Unit 341, Dr. Ron Reisman, St. Vincent’s medical staff, Dr. Scott Dolejs, Dr. Peter Davis, Dr. Craig Cieciura, everyone at the Rehabilitation Center of Indiana, all of the medical team, and of course, my friends and my family,” he humbly told us. sl For more information, visit @garynancedesign or @garynancefitness on Instagram.
Written by Jeffrey Cohen
For the past decade, Victory Surfaces has been at the forefront of transforming homes and spaces across central Indiana with exquisite natural stone. While the business celebrates its 10-year milestone, the depth of experience its artisans and leaders bring to the table spans generations. With industry veterans who have dedicated 20, 30, and even 46 years to mastering the art and science of natural stone, Victory Surfaces is more than a company—it’s a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and unparalleled expertise.
Natural stone has been a cornerstone of human design and architecture for millennia. From the grandeur of ancient Greek temples to the intricate mosaics of Roman villas, stone was revered not only for its structural integrity, but also for its timeless beauty. At Victory Surfaces, homage is paid to this heritage by combining ancient techniques with modern innovation to create designs that stand the test of time. Whether it’s a striking marble countertop, a backlit onyx wall, or a custom-crafted feature piece, every project embodies the elegance and durability that natural stone has symbolized for centuries.
Victory Surfaces is deeply rooted in the belief that exceptional design shouldn’t be reserved for faraway places. Too often, homeowners imagine their dream spaces as something achievable only in global design capitals. At Victory Surfaces, that misconception is shattered by bringing world-class stone artistry to central Indiana. Todd Ketchum, president, who has traveled to more than eight countries to walk through quarries, explore villas, and study museums and private residences, brings global inspiration directly to customers’ doorsteps. This international perspective allows Todd and his team to deliver a level of sophistication and detail that’s typically associated with destinations like Italy, Greece, and Portugal, right here in the heart of Indiana.
In today’s digital age, design inspiration is at your fingertips. Apps and social media platforms offer a window into stunning projects worldwide, but translating those visions into reality requires a partner with expertise, resources, and passion. At Victory Surfaces, the gap between imagination and execution is bridged seamlessly. If you can dream it, Victory Surfaces can create it. Its team is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect stone to crafting and installing pieces that transform spaces into works of art.
Victory Surfaces is proud to have contributed to some of the most beautiful projects in central Indiana. Its portfolio includes residential masterpieces that showcase the versatility and beauty of natural stone, from minimalist modern designs to classic, ornate spaces. Yet, despite their accomplishments, the team knows that many in the community are unaware of the depth of knowledge and skill Victory Surfaces brings to every project. That’s why the team is committed to raising awareness about the possibilities that natural stone offers and the unmatched quality they deliver.
“At Victory Surfaces, we don’t just install stone; we craft stories, memories, and legacies. We invite you to imagine the possibilities for your own home and discover how natural stone can elevate your space. Whether you’re inspired by the timeless elegance of ancient civilizations or the cutting-edge designs of modern architecture, Victory Surfaces is here to make your vision a reality. With us, you’re not just investing in a product; you’re investing in a piece of history, a work of art, and a commitment to excellence that’s unrivaled in central Indiana. Victory Surfaces: where imagination meets craftsmanship, and dreams take shape in stone,” says Ketchum. sl For more information, visit victorysurfaces.com.
2284 West 86th Street | Indianapolis
Written by Kerstie Shaw
Three years into running her Zionsville practice, Emily Hrisomalos appreciates looking back on the journey. The mission of elevating confidence through compassionate care is seen in her patients’ experiences, from consultation to the last post-operative appointment. Dr. Hrisomalos specializes in facial reconstructive procedures and cosmetic rejuvenation. Focusing on the face and neck, she offers a breadth of treatments, from medicalgrade skincare to aesthetic, injectable, and surgical procedures. Emily and her team have the ultimate respect for the privilege of taking care of patients in need and love the opportunity to create comfortable and calming experiences during their recoveries. Emily’s passion for medicine began as a child, when she dreamed about becoming a veterinarian. She says she was inspired by mentors in her family who work in medicine, and was also raised with a profound admiration for the arts, including piano and dance. Combining these diverse interests through surgical artistry made facial plastic surgery a perfect fit. After graduating from Park Tudor School, Emily completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at Indiana University, followed by an arduous residency in head and neck surgery in Cleveland. A fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in Miami was the finishing touch to sharpen her skills, and offered invaluable experience with world-renowned surgeons. Emily continues to be involved in the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, as well as the American Medical Association. She and her husband, James Butler, a transplant surgeon with IU Health, love and are devoted to their respective fields, though they make sure to spend quality time together.
1. Family: There is no more comforting feeling than being surrounded by those who know you best and whom you love unconditionally.
2. Dogs: Dogs are the purest form of love and make every day brighter. Hugging sweet Louie, our King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, is a highlight of each day, and I deeply cherish our bond. It is no minor stretch to say I am obsessed!
3. Practicing medicine: I absolutely love what I do, and am honored to make a difference in my patients’ lives. I feel so grateful to have their trust through both difficult times and when they are uplifted through facial rejuvenation.
4. Greek food: Being Greek, food is a huge part of my culture. A delicious homemade meal brings warmth, nostalgia, and the ultimate comfort. My favorites have always been spanakopita and dolmathes.
5. Nature: The feeling of the sun on your (protected!) face and seeing the sparkle across the trees and water is so calming. Whether it’s a peaceful sunset, the sound of the ocean, or a walk beneath the trees, the outdoors always brings clarity and is such a great reset.
6. Lifelong learning: The precision, patience, and artistry that I witnessed during my training stay with me every day as I perform procedures. There is also joy in guiding the next generation. Helping young surgeons refine their skills and grow into their potential is an immense privilege.
7. Music: Music has the power to shift my mood instantly. Whether it’s an energizing playlist in the morning or a peaceful one on a quiet evening, I love creating a soundtrack to accompany life’s experiences.
8. The power of technology: I’m in awe at how different the world is since the ability to reach people across the globe with the push of a button has become routine. There is a whole new avenue of sharing information, creating cultivated online communities. Surgical tourism is also becoming common, and I love seeing patients from many different areas.
9. My team: No success happens alone. My team is the backbone of my practice, and their dedication, care, and warmth make all the difference for our patients.
10. Timeless bonds: I cherish the friends that I have walked with through different seasons of life, whether we met in school, training, or through shared passions. I deeply appreciate these effortless and timeless friendships and hold them close to my heart. sl
2-4 Miami Grand Prix, Miami Gardens, Florida, f1miamigp.com
3 151st Kentucky Derby, Louisville, kentuckyderby.com
9-17 Dana Mecum’s 38th Annual Original Spring Classic Car Auction, Indiana State Fairgrounds, mecum.com
13-24 The 78th Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, festival-cannes.com
17-18 Broad Ripple Art Fair, Indianapolis, indyartcenter.org
25 The Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis, indianapolismotorspeedway.com
5-8 CMA Fest, Nashville, Tennessee, cmafest.com
5-8 French Open Finals, Paris, rolandgarros.com
12-15 US Open, Pinehurst, North Carolina, pgatour.com
13 Zoobilation, Indianapolis, indianapoliszoo.com
19-22 Art Basel, Basel, Switzerland, artbasel.com
20-22 Midsummer Festival, Sweden, visitsweden.com
Compiled by Kerstie Shaw
More than 600 gathered at the Ritz Charles in Carmel on November 15 for the 37th “Night of Miracles” to benefit St. Mary’s Early Childhood Education Center. This year’s theme was “Winter Wonderland,” and the event featured live Christmas trees, an ice luge with signature cocktails, photo ops in a winter sleigh, tasting stations from local distilleries, and an overall “snow globe” atmosphere. Dave and Rae provided entertainment, and the guest of honor was Ryan Kelly of the Indianapolis Colts. The evening raised more than $325,000 to benefit St. Mary’s, which supports early childhood learning initiatives.
by David
At MK Dermatology, our commitment to excellence sets us apart. Led by a board-certified dermatologist, our team delivers unparalleled expertise and results. As the only direct care dermatology in the state, we prioritize personalized attention and accessibility for every patient. Step into our state-of-the-art dermatology and laser center, where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care. From medical dermatology to cosmetic dermatology, lasers, surgery, and aesthetician services, we o er comprehensive solutions to address all your skincare needs under one roof.
For more information and to schedule online, visit our website at mkderm.com. To schedule by phone, call 317-620-0024.
On September 25,
Indiana Wish’s “Christmas in the Kitchen,” presented by Wallington Asset Management, brought more than 300 attendees to the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency on December 12 for the 30th year of the event, which supports the organization’s mission to grant wishes to Indiana children ages 3-18 diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Guests gathered in the kitchen to watch chefs prepare a variety of festive bites and cocktails, and enjoyed dancing to DJ Jeff of Digital Sound Monkey. Lifetime Legacy awards were presented to Terence Weiss of Wallington Asset Management and Amy Arnell of Republic Airways. The evening raised more than $150,000.
by
The Rahal Letterman Lanigan auto racing team headquarters in Zionsville opened their doors for the Grateful Rescue and Sanctuary’s “Grateful Gala” on November 9. Gala attendees enjoyed dinner, drinks, a live auction and dancing in the building’s grand hall. Proceeds from the event support the organization’s mission to care for homeless animals in Indiana.
More than 800 gathered at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse for “Corks & Forks,” presented by Kroger on March 25. This was the 13th year for the event, which supports Second Helpings, an organization that delivers more than one million meals each year in central Indiana to those in need. The evening raised enough money to sponsor over 168,000 meals.
by David
More than 300 guests gathered at the Crane Bay Event Center for “Trinity Haven’s Homecoming 2024: Under the Big Top.” This was the fourth year for the event, which supports Trinity’s mission to provide housing and services to LGBTQ youth ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness and instability due to family rejection. The evening featured entertainment by stilt walkers, clowns, a magician, aerialists, and a variety of drag performers, and raised over $130,000.
On September 28, 300 attendees gathered at the private residence of Forrest and Charlotte Lucas in Carmel for the “Through the Looking Glass Gala,” presented by Eye Surgeons of Indiana to benefit the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation. Elegantly dressed attendees enjoyed a racing-themed red carpet event that featured live and silent auctions, a three-course dinner catered by Prime 47, exclusive casino games with prizes, a wine tasting from Daniel’s Vineyard, and a bourbon tasting from West Fork Whiskey, followed by entertainment from Kentucky’s bluegrass band, Bourbon Revival. Keynote speaker Dan Parker, drag racer and the “World’s Fastest Blind Man,” with a Guinness World Record average speed of 211 MPH, shared his life story and mission. Funds raised support IBCF’s mission and provide assistive devices to students receiving eye health services through the IU Low Vision Clinic at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
One of the social calendar’s biggest nights of fashion and philanthropy took place on September 20 when hundreds of guests gathered at the JW Marriott for “Stepping Out in Style,” sponsored by Shein. This was the 22nd year for the gala, which featured a fashion show and “diamond dig” where attendees could try their luck at winning one of the 100 hidden pieces of fine jewelry. The event supports the Dress for Success mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools.
Nearly 300 women came together for the Indiana Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy signature event, “Talking Antisemitism & Influence with Lizzy Savetsky” on October 29 at the Lucas Estate in Carmel. Savetsky is a social media influencer and Israeli activist, and her remarks were moderated by Rachel M. Simon, president of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. This coming fall, Women’s Philanthropy will feature Tovah Feldshuh, a six-time Emmy and Tony Award nominee, and four-time winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, for its 2025 signature event on October 27.
by
The Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller with headline performance by Richard Marx is SOLD OUT! We’re so grateful to the many generous people and companies who will join us to support Allied Solutions Center’s wide range of arts and educational programming, from big-name concerts to classes and lectures to free events for schools to our Prism Project arts camp for youth with disabilities – and the list goes on.
You can still join us in continuing to bring these programs to the community. Visit TheCenterPresents.org/Donate to make a tax-deductible donation to Allied Solutions Center and its mission.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS, INCLUDING:
On March 7, more than 800 attendees gathered at the Stutz Building for “Easel by Penrod” to benefit the Penrod Society, which supports local artists and art organizations. Stutz Building artists’ studios were open to patrons, offering a variety of art forms to experience. Additional highlights included more than 20 performing artists roaming the event, aerialists hanging from the structural beams in the car museum serving champagne to guests, acrobats, a nine-foot-tall LED robot, and living mirror vignette characters. Rodd Tuffcurls and the Bench Press was the headliner band, with additional entertainment by Clayton Anderson, The Doo!, Cocktail Sax, Chicken Bone, and Elias McDermott-Sipe. A live-art installation featured an artist creating a painting on a custom-built piano while a singer and pianist took audience requests. The event raised more than $200,000.
“We love empowering our patients to feel confident, radiant, and to put their best face forward.”
- DR. EMILY HRISOMALOS -
Dr. Emily Hrisomalos is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Together with Advanced Medical Aesthetician Susan Barnes, their practice treatment philosophy revolves around delivering compassionate, customized care and exceptional results that help patients look and feel their absolute best. FACIAL PROCEDURES
Facelift & Necklift
Brow Lift
Eyelid Surgery
Rhinoplasty
Injectable Treatments
Laser & Light Treatments
Microneedling
Chemical Peels ... and more!