Diversions 10.03.13

Diversions YourObserver.com

A&E

Circus performer Gena Shvartsman Cristiani’s life is a juggling act.

PAGES 2-3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

A&E

Where are they?: Cliff Roles PAGE 6

HOME&GARDEN | HOME OF THE MONTH

BLACK TIE

Make-AWish ‘Gatsby Soirée’ PAGE 7

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

Photo by Heather Merriman

Years of collecting fill the Zurich-Wus living room with sparkle and splendor. The Greek doll in the rococo chair is by Tampa artist Fayzah Spanos and the chandelier is a Craigslist find.

A Sarasota couple creates a world of their own in Bayou Oaks.

HOME&GARDEN COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: JUGGLING CLUB

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

in the

CENTER RING /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Gena Shvartsman Cristiani grew up in a juggling family as a prodigy juggling performer who continually traveled the nation. Just recently, she started calling Sarasota home.

Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

“Growing up in the circus and traveling across America was very exciting, very interesting and informative,” Gena Shvartsman Cristiani says. “It was also very normal to just get up and leave all the time.”

The large Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus’ tent was pitch black. Gena Shvartsman Cristiani stood in the center ring, where she couldn’t make out any faces. But, she could tell it was a packed house from the glow of flashing, swirling and colorful toys the audience members were holding.

For most circus performers, it takes at least a few smaller circus performances before getting to go on the road with The Greatest Show on Earth, but not for Cristiani. She was a center-ring juggling sensation at just 12 years old. And, after traveling the world performing for the past 15 years, the now 30-year-old has just started calling this area home. She’s one of the featured acts in the Sahib Shrine Circus, which takes place Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Sailor Circus arena.

Cristiani originally hails from Russia. It was in a small circus building there that the fifth-generation circus performer remembers watching her father, Eugene Shvartsman, riding bareback on a brown horse while juggling — he was wearing a black costume decked out in rhinestones — like a glitzy Johnny Cash. It captivated her, so, when she was 6 years old he taught her to juggle.

“It was something that I knew I wanted to do,” she says. “I wanted to be on stage or in the ring, and I was going to do just that — minus the horse.”

At first, she couldn’t juggle three balls.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Now she can juggle seven. She can also juggle five clubs … on fire … while doing spins and kicks in 4-inch heels. You can see this high-heeled display in a video at YourObserver.com.

She also does hat spinning, ball bouncing and balancing, and hoop and ball tricks — most of which she’ll do in the upcoming performance.

“Not in heels,” she says. “I can do a lot more tricks without heels.”

For Cristiani, performing is a rush. Once, when she was a teenager, a metal club came down on her face, but she continued to perform without missing a beat. Her father, who was throwing her the clubs, kept gesturing that she should leave the stage, but her adrenaline kept her from noticing that her pretty face was bloody and bruised until she finished her act. She fell in love with the adrenaline early on, and dedicated her life to practicing as many as eight hours a day for competitions and performances.

Cristani has traveled across America and as far as China and France to perform. Her “normal,” like many of the other circus performers who call Sarasota home, is packing a suitcase and heading to a show.

She has learned to check her clubs and hoops when she flies because it always takes longer getting through security.

“If I say I’m from the circus, I have to follow it up by answering a whole bunch of questions,” she says with a laugh.

What’s curious for non-circus families is par for Cristiani. In 2004, she won the club category in one of the World Juggling Federation’s world competitions, which was televised on ESPN. There are 68 famous jugglers listed on Circopedia, the online encyclopedia for circus acts, many of whom Cristiani meets at annual conventions. There’s also a Juggling Hall of Fame, but performers must be retired for five or more years to qualify.

“There are a lot of great jugglers out there,” she says.

One soon-to-be-juggler, her 2-year-old son, Mace, watches his mother in awe,

Five things that inspire Gena Shvartsman Cristiani

IF YOU GO Circus Sarasota presents Sahib Shrine Circus

1. Francis Brunn and my father — Brunn was a famous juggler, no longer around. His style, technique and grace on stage (inspires me). I’ve always wanted to perform like him. And, of course, my father, right. I’ve always wanted to be like him.

See high-soaring trapeze acts, aerial acrobatics, motorcycle stunts, wonder dogs, clowns, performing stallions, a trick roper, juggler Gena Shvartsman Cristiani and more.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4; and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday Oct. 5 Where: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Cost: Adults $12, Children $10 Info: Call 355-9805 or visit CircusSarasota.org

ONLINE Visit YourObserver.com to see a video of Gena Shvartsman Cristiani juggling clubs.

Courtesy photos

Cristiani is currently commissioned for seven hand-painted costumes, which she says have to wait until after this performance.

Sarasota’s own hand-balancing act, Duo Romanesc’s Anthony Congdon and Ian Laidlaw, will wear her costume designs at the Sahib Shrine Circus.

And for Popcorn Bob’s Movie Magic reviews and Pam Nadon’s fall film picks, visit YourObserver.com. and seems to be picking up on his family genes.

“He throws (things), and he’s very intent on it,” she says. “Mace will spend an hour just throwing — one day he’ll catch it,” she says with a chuckle. She’s sure her son will continue his family’s legacies, but she’s OK with him choosing whatever path he wants.

Cristiani’s husband of seven years, Mateo Cristiani, and she met when performing in the same circus in Canada — his family does an acrobatic trampoline act, and he’s a seventh-generation performer.

She saw him on the trampoline and knew “she was in trouble.” He’s the reason she now happily calls Sarasota home.

It’s because of her son and husband that she’s planning to cut back on traveling and performing — her priorities have changed a little. Cristiani will focus more on shortterm guest appearances and shows as well as a few other “normal” business ventures. Of course, they’re all related to her juggling passion and circus heritage.

When she’s not being a wife and mother, she paints elaborate circus costumes; co-owns a custom cake business with her mother-in-law, Mara Cristiani, called Center Ring Cakes; and she commissions circus-themed paintings, some of which hang at Wall Art Gallery on St. Armands.

“Now, my life is a little new,” she says. “I love where I am now.”

2. My sister, Vicky Shvartsman — I’m always inspired to push myself to the limits because of her. She’s an aerialist and has absolutely no boundaries, in the best way speaking. Whenever I feel shy, I step in her shoes. She definitely pushes me.

3. My art — The colors of the sky and sunsets inspire my art. I mostly paint circus performers, and, whenever I see them, I’m very much inspired to draw them.

4. Decorating cakes — I get inspired whenever I see something unique that I can make in cake form or in sugar art.

5. My son — Everything is new to him and, therefore, it’s new to me. It’s so fun teaching him and telling him about the circus. He inspires me to be a better person, so that when he looks back, he can see all the crazy things I do in my life and he can be proud of it.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN : HOME OF THE MONTH

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer (continued from page 1)

A Sarasota couple creates a world of their own in Bayou Oaks.

Sometimes, when Cathie Zurich-Wus is watering the plants and flowers that surround the 105-year-old cottage she shares with her husband, Michael Wus, people driving by stop to chat and take pictures. It’s easy to fall under the spell of the place, with its gingerbread detailing and the outdoor rooms and gardens that surround it.

“Once,” Cathie recalls, “a car full of Ringling College students slowed down to take a good look and yelled, ‘This is the coolest house in town!’”

But the picturesque exterior is just half the story. Only when you enter the house itself is the spell really cast. You’re suddenly in another world, filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of artifacts lovingly collected and artfully arranged. Your first reaction is a sort of delighted shock that such a place could actually exist. Then doubt creeps in.

“Could I — could anyone — actually live this way?” you wonder.

But, as you spend more time examining everything, you start to fall under the spell of the unique

atmosphere, dimly lit by a dozen lamps and straight out of a Dickens novel.

Into the cottage’s six rather small rooms, Cathie and Michael have assembled a collection of dolls, teddy bears, toys, china, statues, souvenirs and paintings — their own Old Curiosity Shop, which they not only love, but also live in.

The age-old question that faces every collector — how do I display my stuff? They display everything.

In the living room alone, you notice an art student’s copy of the Mona Lisa — facing left instead of right. Next to it is a fine oldEuropean painting of a young boy.

It hangs above a mantel Christie embellished with whimsical motifs and is flanked by two astonishing Rococo armchairs, found on Craigslist for $40. Every shelf, every corner, every cabinet displays everything that will fit.

The other question that faces every collector is, “How do I keep everything dusted?” and, here, Michael and Cathie have also met the challenge.

“We do the dusting together,” Cathie explains. “Every two weeks

Photos by Heather Merriman

Above: The home’s exterior features scalloped trim and a shady porch.

Right, from top: Awnings made by the home’s original owner are still in place after 90 years; outdoor lights decorate the dining gazebo; a toy tiger guards the bar; a trio of antique German dolls from the turn of the century, each with her own teddy bear. or so. It’s good exercise.”

And they often watch a DVD of “Arsenic and Old Lace” while they do it. The 1944 movie about two eccentric old ladies who live in a Victorian house and, incidentally, murder people and keep the bodies in the basement, provides the perfect backdrop when it comes time to tidy up their collection of nostalgia and whimsy.

*** It was the house, itself, that started everything. Built in 1908 by a Mr. Healy (no one is sure of his first name), it borders Pierson

Parker Creek in the Bayou Oaks neighborhood of North Sarasota.

This is one of the most picturesque areas of town, with giant oaks providing a cover of perpetual shade. The plants seem to grow a little bigger and wilder than anywhere else in town.

Mr. Healy worked for the circus; he was the chief tentmaker for Ringling Bros., in charge of making and keeping in good repair the Big Top. At the rear of the house, shading the back porch, there are some canvas awnings he made back in the 1920s that are still functioning.

Michael and Cathie discovered

the house in 1995. It had been used as a rental and was showing its age, with an ancient bathroom and kitchen that hadn’t been updated in decades. Demolition seemed the most likely probabil-

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// HOME&GARDEN

In the dining room, two window-display mannequins from an old Maas Bros. department store watch over the French reproduction dining table and chairs.

A full-size teddy bear, complete with crown and motto, stands next to an alcove filled with toys and other collectibles. ity. But the couple couldn’t let that happen. They bought the home and set about remodeling.

The goal was to make the place comfortable and livable but certainly not modern. Another bathroom was added, along with air conditioning; the back porch was converted to an art studio for Cathie’s projects (she specializes in creating community art pieces, such as Tidewell’s famous clowns and similar projects in Clearwater and Fort Myers). Most of the original details remain, including the old-fashioned cast iron kitchen sink.

“Everybody helped us,” Cathie recalls of the months spent renovating. “Mothers, sisters, friends.”

“The collecting began when I learned about eBay,” Cathie says.

Back in the mid-’90s, eBay was just starting out, a much more informal and freewheeling place than the more corporate version it has become. Antique dolls were the first items she looked for, but teddy bears soon joined the list, followed by a host of other categories. Michael, who works as

*** It’s fashionable today to design and decorate in such a way as to bring in the outside. Cathie and Michael have done exactly the opposite. They’ve kept the outside out. But that doesn’t mean their acre or so of land is any less important in their lives. In fact, it’s become the emotional center of the way they live. It’s a certified wildlife preserve, meaning they have committed to providing a safe haven for all the wild crea-

tures that still manage to live and even thrive in the middle of Sarasota.

Everybody’s welcome, and everybody shows up — families of raccoons and possums, owls, red rabbits, hummingbirds, butterflies, even black snakes. They find water, plants they like to eat and even emergency medical care.

Cathie and Michael make friends with as many as they can, and many of their own pets — three dogs, three cats and two birds — started out as strays.

With not a single place left to put another thing, Cathie and Michael feel their collecting days are behind them. The focus of their lives is changing.

“Our stuff in the house is pleasant in creating our environment,” Cathie says. “But we could give it all away tomorrow and it would matter not.”

Leading a socially conscious life, helping people and animals — that’s what really important to Cathie and Michael now, and the tentmaker’s house provides the perfect setting.

A classic 1950s rec room bar, originally owned by Cathie Zurich-Wus’ father, adds an informal touch to a corner of the dining room. Bar collectibles complete the effect.

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an electronic technician on corporate jets, found himself more drawn to old clocks and radios.

“I love the old technology stuff,” he says.

What keeps the collections from overwhelming the house is the way they are displayed. Objects are grouped thematically and stylistically, so that they all relate in some way. The whole becomes greater than the parts. It is, in fact, the way all these pieces of folk art blend together that turns the house into a living, breathing piece of art.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

WHERE ARE THEY?: Photographer takes flashy trip abroad A walkabout is typically an adolescent male’s nomadic excursion into the Australian bush for up to six months as a way to connect to his Aborigine roots. For 60-yearold photographer Cliff Roles, it was a solo two-month traveling trip to visit places he’s never been. Mostly, he just wanted to prove to himself that he could do it.

On July 20, Sarasota became a little quieter when the beloved Brit, known to gallivant around Sarasota’s black tie and com Cliff Roles went to Peles Castle on the munity events while wielding a camera, left outskirts of the Carpathian Mountains, the town. But, for his 3,543 friends on Facebook, one that inspired “Dracula” by Bram Stoker. things were about to get exciting.

“Everyone there is cashing in on it — they’ll sell Roles set off with a backpack containing you false fangs and capes,” Roles says. His fatwo shirts, two underpants, two socks, a Zip- vorite photo from the trip is of this dining room. loc bag of toiletries and his camera bag (he’d stop for new undergarments, socks and T- Orchestra, and her family in her hometown, shirts at every third town along the way). His Tallinn, Estonia. She took him on a tour of starting point was his nephew’s wedding in the town, including a glass-blowing shop Malta. He had two photography gigs along where she blew glass for Roles. She also the way, all the way down south in Israel for showed him where the Germans used to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, have fortifications and stood with machine and all the way north in Estonia for Sarasota guns to prevent people from fleeing to Finland.

Orchestra.

“It’s lonely,” he says. “It’s daunting, defiHe’d visit places everywhere in between (and collect a refrigerator magnet at each nitely exciting. You don’t have to worry new place). Roles would go three days with- about anyone or anything; you can get up in out talking to anyone and he says you devel- the middle of the night and work, or be your own master and do what you want.” op certain paranoia when traveling alone.

He returned home to Sarasota Sept. 11, “I would have gone insane without people on the other end,” he says, speaking about tired and, as he says, “feeling like a 75-yearhis Facebook friends. He’d put up a photo old.” He missed his wife, Maria, and his from his day and instantly receive an en- cockapoo, Sam. He proved he could do it, and he’s already decided on his next walkcouraging response from one of his friends.

Christina Naletko: cnaletko@venicegondolier.com The highlight of his trip, or “a most mem- about: Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

But, for now, he’s still recovering from the orable day,” was getting to spend time with Anu Tali, the new artistic director of Sarasota first one. “That’s a wrap, Sarasota,” he says.

n O s t w! e k Ticale No S

Photos courtesy of Cliff Roles

Roles with Kadri and Anu Tali relaxing at a fish pub after a day of touring Estonia.

BY THE NUMBERS: 53 — days of travel 18,000 — miles traveled 1 — camera (Nikon D4 with an AF-S Nik-

kor 28-300mm 1:3.5 to 5.6G ED VR lens)

15 — countries visited 23 — cities visited 2 — shoe insoles purchased 12 — flights taken 3 — ferries taken 20 — hotels slept in

 In Crete, Roles watched as a 4-foot, 6-inch arthritic older woman wearing a scarf was pushed into the road by a man not much bigger than she. When he saw another toothless beggar a little later in his trip, he realized he had witnessed organized scamming.

Places Visited: • Malta • Brasov, Transylvania • Sicily • Santorini, Greece • Heraklion, Crete

• Telaviv and Jerusalem, Israel

• Istanbul, Turkey • Bucharest, Romania • Vilnius, Lithuania • Riga, Lativa

• Sofia, Bulgaria • Warsaw and Krakow, Poland

• Tallinn, Estonia • Helsinki, Finland • Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin, Germany

To see all the photos from his walkabout, visit cliffroles.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes, and to see a full map of his journey, visit trackmytour.com/k9Mqt#349114.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Eduardo Anaya, Megan Greenberg, Tatyana Sharoubim, Deva O’Donnell and Victoria Snyder

Carrie Yount and Kristen Shepherd

Photos by Heather Merriman

David Yarletts and Kim Revels

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor Guests rocked through the ages at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida’s “Roaring 20s Gatsby Soiree” Friday, Sept. 20, at Michael’s Wine Cellar. More than 130 guests attended the party in their Gatsby’s best, going all out with dressing according to the fabulous ’20s style. Flapper dresses, threepiece suits, bow ties, feathers and pearls perfectly complemented the décor — Chair Phil Mancini transformed the wine cellar into a

Kimberly Marlow, Renee Phinney, Glen Rieth and Carol Sirard

Alene Fowler and Nishit Patel

roaring ’20s party that would have impressed Jay Gatsby himself.

Not only was the event a huge success for Make-A-Wish, it was Alene Fowler’s last event as regional director of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.

“Rocking through the Ages: Gatsby Soiree exceeded all of my expectations,” says Fowler.

The event netted more than $17,000 to help strengthen and empower children battling lifethreatening medical conditions.

Mindy and Wayne Rollins

Tara Cocco, Jenny Guerra with Santa and Laura DeOliveria

Valerie Roberts and Brian Jones

Kim Mancini and Beth Kompothecras

Taylor Karp, Sydney Koffman and Sarah Karp

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

BLACK TIE R AFFAI

by Black Tie Staff

Courtesy of Kollene Carlson

Liebe Gamble, Nicole Kaney and Meghan Leiter

Photo by Heather Merriman

Gertrude Fogleman and Jacqueline Morton

KEY TO THE CURE

THE DESIGNING DEBUT A WEEKEND OF SHOWERING

N

o, not rain showers. The sun Also downtown, guests celshined bright on Saturday, Sept. ebrated bride-to-be Diana Kelly, at 21, for three different showers — NiLouies Modern. Amie Swan hosted cole Kaney’s baby shower, Diana a beautiful bridal shower, complete Kelly’s wedding shower and Nikki with a performance of “Wishing and Taylor’s baby shower.

Hoping,” the title sequence from “My Nicole Kaney and her soon-to-be Best Friend’s Wedding,” performed baby girl, Estella, were fêted by

by Kathryn Parks, Jolie Rand and close friends and hostesses Liebe Danae DeShazer. Guests included Gamble and Meghan Molly Jackson, ChrisLeiter (visiting from tina Elias, Minta GetChicago). Shoogie zen, Julie Delaney Boogies transformed and Ann Stocke. into a pink ombré and And, finally, Nikki floral fairyland with Taylor and her soon-todécor by Gamble and be baby girl, Ella, were flowers by Roger celebrated at a couples Capote — not a single baby shower hosted by detail was missed, Elizabeth Bertelsen, and guests especially Molly Kasperson, enjoyed a fun way of Meghan Serrano and Photos by Stephanie Han num opening gifts, called Jane Thompson. More swift gift opening. Guests included than 70 guests mingled at the cockMichelle Adams, Laura Jessen, tail party, including Nikki Sedacca, Clara Ramos, Lindsay Howell and Margaret Wise, Brian and Joleen grandmothers-to-be Reeny Kaney Roskamp, Dr. Chris Caufield and and Cindy Stroth.

Shelley Lister.

D

esigning Women Boutique’s second-floor office space, directly above the boutique, is now home to not only an expansive art gallery, but an extension of the boutique as well.

“We have the second floor for the art gallery through September, so we wanted to utilize all of this space while we could,” says Executive Director Pam Day. With fabulous merchandise do-

Benefiting: Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Inc. When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 Where: Saks Fifth Avenue Chairs: Dr. Allison Silver, Nikki Taylor and Sally Schule Tickets: $75

nated by Gia Ventola, eveningwear that just arrived from New York City and the debut of Designing Daughters Fashions, the women of DWB planned “The Designing Debut.”

“Those are three good reasons to have a party,” says Day about the debut.

The VIP celebration for the instore debut of Designing Daughters Fashions was held Friday, Sept. 23, at the boutique.

S TIDBIT

Happy with friends aboard calendar calls … birthday the Marina Jack BT is collecting … Kevin II … Rocking events for the Nate Jacobs with Radford Michael’s … While 2013-2014 Black Chris and Jose celebrated his guests partied Tie social calenphine Eisenberg 40th birthday last weeklike Gatsby at dar — if we don’t ry Ma d an vin Ke end with more than 60 the Make-A-Wish know about it, we Pat Radford guests, including Chris event, at Michael’s Wine can’t cover it! Email the following and Johanna GustafsCellar, another rocking information to stephanie@yourobson, Maynard and Angie Stringer, party was going on next door in the server.com: name of your event; Robert and Kim Livengood and ballroom. Chris Eisenberg was group hosting; group benefiting; Todd and Kristin Morton. Happy celebrating his sweet 16 with more time, date and place; ticket price; birthday wishes also go to Betty than 120 guests. The kids danced chairperson; contact name; phone Schoenbaum, who celebrated the night away, while also enjoying number and email; website and her 96th birthday with a luncheon a set by Eisenberg himself … The event description.

Sarasota’s Sensational

To have your wedding considered for publication in Diversions, please email stephanie@yourobserver.com the information below, in addition to 5 to 10 high-resolution photos.

Bride’s and Groom’s full names: Parents’ names: How the couple met: The proposal (details and date): The wedding (details and date): The reception: Honeymoon: Fun facts:

Dinner and Auction October 23, 2013 | 6:00-9pm | Michael’s on East $100 per person

Details on vendors ...

First dance: Photography: Wedding planning: Floral design: Invitations: Cake: Dress:

to Benefit the Mental Health Community Centers - Prospect House

Don’t miss the magical entertainment of Fuzion Dance Artists Michael Ross Quartet Sarasota Ballet Dance - The Next Generation Theatre Odyssey Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Contact Bunny Coelingh for information and reservations:

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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013

BrIdE’s pArEnTs: Carl and susanne Wise

GrOOm’s pArEnTs: Clifford and marylin snyder

First Dance: “make You Feel my Love” by Adele wedding Photography: Jason mize photography wedding Planning + Design: sarah Tucker Events Floral Design: Victoria Blooms & The naked Florist Invitations: A&p designs | Cake: pastries by design music: musical rendez Vous (wedding) and private stock (reception)

photos by Jason mize photography

He tried to get her to go out of town one weekend, but Courtney’s focus was on her 4-day-old nephew. Because he couldn’t get Courtney out of town, Dan decided the morning of Feb. 13, 2012, that he had waited long enough and was ready to propose.

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tHe weDDING: The couple was married at sunset March 1, at Ringling’s Cà d’Zan Mansion. Courtney’s tHe PRoPoSAL: 12-month-old nephew was even Dan had the ring three months part of the processional. The Rev. before he proposed to Courtney. Andrea Taylor, of St. Boniface

Episcopal Church, performed off the beautiful neutral colors of shoes once the dancing began. the ceremony. the Ca’ d’Zan. The evening featured a photo booth by Bash Booths so guests tHe ReCePtIoN: HoNeymooN: could take their photo home as The reception also took place Wanting to go somewhere nei- a favor, including a photo holder at the beautiful Cà d’Zan. Sarah ther one of them had been, the designed by Inkling-Print.

Tucker, of Sarah Tucker Events, couple decided to honeymoon The bride’s sister, Erika Wise Borwas instrumental in assisting on the islands of French Polyne- land, designed and created many with the look and many details sia. They became scuba certified of the paper items for the big day, of the wedding. The goal was to so they could dive on the trip. including the ceremony program, incorporate nautical elements table numbers and menu cards. that represented Dan’s passion FUN FACtS: The couple desired a smaller for fishing and softer elements To keep with the nautical theme, cake, because they wanted to to represent Courtney. The colors the bridesmaids wore matching have a dessert bar by Michael’s were a mix of navy, cream and lockets with tiny anchors inside and On East at which guests could gold. The couple wanted to play the groomsmen changed into boat choose their own sweet treat.

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How tHey met: Both being at a point in their lives in which they were ready to meet “Mr. or Mrs. Right,” Dan and Courtney are happy to admit they met through eHarmony. At the time, Dan was living in Apollo Beach, so the two emailed back and forth for quite some time before they met in person.

The couple’s first date was Feb. 13, 2010, at Mediterraneo.

941.953.3477 or MHCCI.com Sponsored in part by:

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// BLACK TIE: OCCAsIOns

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

9

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY LUTHERAN SERVICES OF FLORIDA changing lives daily

Sarasota Guardianship Program

18th Annual

Sunset Silent Auction

Photos by Heather Merriman

Sara Scherer, Christine Peixoto, Danielle Brown and Victoria Hulland

// Sarasota Ballet Season Kick-Off Brunch //

Benefiting Sarasota Ballet Sunday, Sept. 29 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts

at Faith Community Center, 7750 Beneva Road, Sarasota DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 P.M. Auctions to end at 8:00 p.m.

Live Auction begins at 8:00 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT BY: Pete Messina & Standout Entertainment

ATTIRE: Casual or 1960’s attire For information on tickets or if you are interested in donating an item, please call: Lutheran Services Florida at 358-6330 LSF thanks all our Sponsors for the Event

Margaret Barbieri, Dan Creason and Barbara Epperson

Co-Chairs Sydney Goldstein and Hillary Steele

All Stat Beneva Lakes Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center Boyer Jackson, Bowman & Boyer, PA Gerald F. O’Brien, Esquire Granny Nannies Home Health Heron House Neil W. Scott, Attorney and Counselor at Law Roger M. Piro, Town and Country Real Estate Rennaisaince Manor Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Canadaigua National Trust Company; Charla M. Burchett, PLC Family Home Health Services; Fergeson, Skipper & Shaw; Kalo & Verhuel; Klingbeil & Roberts, P.A.; Nursing Styles; Springwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; Sunset Lake Nursing and Rehabiliation

Arn and Bette Hoffman

Judy Cahn, Ann Donelly and Teri Hansen

Bay Breeze Rehabilitation Center Bowman, George, Scheb, Kimbrough & Koach Bright Day Home Health Care; Cabot Reserve on the Green Keepers; Help at Home; Magnolia Health and Rehabiliation Center; Mazzeo & Staas PL Law Offices James L. Essenson; Shelle K. Otto, CPA Thomas Conklin, Esquire; Toale Brothers Funeral Home Donors: Theodore A. Gollnick, P.A.- Wine; Longhorn Steakhouse, Gulf Gate - Linens; Gold Coast Eagle

Distributors - Beer; Gold Coast Eagle Distributors - Live Auction,Yacht; Paula Carney - Live Auction, Cabin in Smoky Mountains; Angers Auto World; Kinetic Air

Underwriters: Comerica Wealth Management - Event Hall, water and soda; Olson Drug Corp. Entertainment; Caldwell Trust Company - Postage; Kathleen Hoonhout, realtor - Tableware/decorations Approved Home Health - Decorations; Laura & John Cohen - Photography

Kirsten Conrad, Sarah Monkman, Alex Harrison and Daniel Pratt

Susan Romine and Dorothy Leone

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Restaurants: Ale House; Applebee’s on Clark; Beef O’Bradys; Cha Cha Coconuts; DeMarco’s; Der Dutchman Dutch Valley; Gecko’s; Gold Rush BBQ; Goodfella’s; Ichiban; Longhorn Steakhouse - Gulfgate; Michael’s on East; Monk’s Steamer Bar; Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse; Sarasota Brewing Company; Schnitzel kitchen; Sonny’s BBQ; The Lazy Lobster; The Serving Spoon; Todd Tedder with SCFD

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

// 18th annual Share the Light Luncheon // Benefiting: Second Chance-Last Opportunity Thursday, Sept. 26, at Michael’s On East

Right: Kim Cornetet, Veronica Brady and Irma Blumenthal

Emily Clendenon, John Clendenon, Fred and Missy Myers and Hyejung Clendenon

// 16th annual Gala Dinner ‘The Gift of Life’ // Benefiting: Care Net Manasota Thursday, Sept. 19, at Fete Ballroom

Sarah and Clayton Robertson with Becky Fenton

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jennifer and Alyssa Rakovich

Rev. Dr. Vincent Smith and Helena Porter

Photos by Heather Merriman

 Courtney, Dena and Chelsea Ogle

 Elizabeth Kuehl and Patty Li with Rae and Dave Flanders

Honoree Linda DesMarais, April Glasco and honoree Dr. Henry Porter

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

// BLACK TIE: JUST MARRIED

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by Stephanie Hannum | Diversions Managing Editor

THE DETAILS First dance: “On the Sunny Side of the Street”

by Louis Armstrong Photography: My Union House Photography Floral design: Elegant Design Flowers Invitations: The Paper Tree | Cake: Cakes by Ron Video: Bill Wagy | DJ: Jonathan A. Cortez Hair: Hrvoje Horvat | Makeup: Eri Vincent

GROOM’S PARENTS:

BRIDE’S PARENTS: Luiz Carlos and Nana Duclos

The late Robert and Lavelle Dudonis

HOW THEY MET:

Rita Claudino Duclos and Matthew Eric Dudonis met in January 2009, in Venessa Hernandez’s class, at Rosemary Court Yoga.

Rita actually didn’t practice yoga, but happened to have a yoga mat and some free time so she ventured to a class. Following that, Matt attended a Sarasota Ballet performance to see Rita dance.

THE PROPOSAL:

Dec. 19, 2011, during sunset at Muir Beach Cliff, in California

THE WEDDING AND RECEPTION:

Together with the couple’s friend, David Rubin, and incorpo-

rating some aspects of the bride’s Soka Gakkai Buddhist practice, the couple created and wrote their own July 13 ceremony, which took place at Bird Key Yacht Club. The couple’s main objective was to have a “warm” celebration and to have fun, loving people surrounding them.

Photos by My Union House Photography

HONEYMOON:

The couple toasted their nuptials on their first cruise sailing the Adriatic Sea. “The best part of our honeymoon for both of us was to truly relax for 10 days,” says Duclos. “We realized we had never been on a real vacation before.”

Pat, Tom and Spencer Hanly

Kitchen

In The

Hanly & Associates Realty ( 941 ) 388-2331 Hanly & Associates St. Armands Circle Sarasota www.HanlyHomes.com pahanly@gmail.com

with Chef Tommy

of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals

Selling Sarasota very Successfully

Visit YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen For The Recipe And Video

for over 20 years

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

3rd from Bay in neighborhood of million $ homes. Living Room with 20’ ceiling. Formal dining room. 4 BR + office. 3 car garage & workshop. Gas and solar heat for pool.

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COMPLETELY RENOVATED. In Hospital / Southside Village area - Very convenient. 3 bedrooms, 2 updated baths. Large fenced back yard. New windows. Kitchen new granite, cabinets, appliances & breakfast bar opening to dining room. Laundry room with new washer & dryer. New tile floors. 1 car garage.

New A/C. $204,000 www.2348boug.com

ONE HOME IN FROM SARASOTA BAY

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*SPECTACULAR* views. Master suite with HUGE walk-in closet and luxurious master bath. + 3 more bedrooms . 4 ½ baths. living room w/gas fireplace. formal dining room. gourmet eat-in kitchen with Viking appliances. In addition a family room, office, and media room. Elevator. The heated pool & spa, 2 boat lifts, 2 jet ski lifts and outdoor kitchen make entertaining even more enjoyable $2,589,000 www.610YardarmLane.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

WE ARE

BACK Vacation FROM

Re-Opening October 3rd at 4pm Come join Peter and Susan to experience the warmth, comfort and world-class food at their downtown Italian Restaurant

Monday - Saturday 4:00 -11:00 Closed Sunday’s Call for Reservations 941 - 366 - 1840 www.casanticarestaurant.com | casanticarestaurant@aol.com

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1213 N. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 ( In the Theatre District )