Diversions 12.26.13

Diversions YourObserver.com

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Area arts directors make their holiday wishes. PAGE 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

HOME

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‘Tis the season for Christmas décor. PAGE 8

BLACK TIE | LOOKING BACK

‘Celebrating the American Spirit’ PAGE 11

by Stephanie Hannum | Diversions Managing Editor

BEST OF BLACK TIE 2013 As we say farewell to the 2013 Black Tie season, we take a look back on a great year filled with generous philanthropists, fashion-forward attendees and fun themed events.

BLACK TIE COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: MAD HOLIDAYS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Directors at area arts organizations fill in the blanks Sometimes the holiday season can drive you mad! So we decided to counteract the crazy with a little fun, and asked a few of the busiest arts people this time of year to use their “mad” in a Mad Libs-style letter to Santa. Here’s what they said.

Dear Santa, I’m pleased to say I’ve made it to the nice list this year.

Although _______________________________________ .

Our students might beg to differ because I tend to be a bit of a harridan. — Greg Leaming | Director, FSU/Asolo Conservatory

Michelle Pingel, our managing director, might beg to differ because no matter how hard I try, everything I say is a song lyric from a wellknown Broadway Musical!

— Jeffery Kin | Artistic Director, Players Theatre

Managing Director Linda DiGabriele might beg to differ because I hate starting work before 10 a.m. — Michael Donald Edwards | Producing Artistic Director, Asolo Repertory Theatre My wife, Dolly Jacobs, might beg to differ because I’m rarely home long enough to change the papers in the bottom of the bird cage. — Pedro Reis | Founder/CEO, The Circus Arts Conservatory

”Woman’s evening dress: Katisha-San” by John Galliano for House of Christian Dior (French) spring-summer 2007, left, and “Sketch book – fall 1961” by Arnold Scaasi, right, will be on display in “Icons of Style” through Jan. 5, at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

So far, this season has been ____________________ .

Stylish and photogenic due to our “Icons of Style” exhibition — Steven High | Executive Director, The Ringling

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!

— Jeffery Kin | Artistic Director, Players Theatre Challenging and hugely gratifying — Michael Donald Edwards | Producing Artistic Director, Asolo Repertory Theatre

Did you get to see ____________ ?

The Sunboxes and CUBEMUSIC exhibitions? CUBEMUSIC is still on display. It’s a unique sound and light art experience at the center. And, Sunboxes, which will return Jan. 1

through Jan. 3, was a huge draw for visitors who were surprised by the onsite installations on beaches and in the parks. — Lisa Berger | Executive Director, Art Center Sarasota

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT “Purlie” (right) our season opener?

It was a total hit and received rave reviews.

Dean Wilson and the talented cast worked well with director Jim Weaver to bring this slice of life story to the community, told through song, dance and humor.

— Nate Jacobs | Founding Artistic Director, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe The Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass collection (right) yet? It was one of the best-attended exhibition openings ever because it is the beginning of a new collecting focus for The Ringling. — Steven High | Executive Director, The Ringling

Courtesy Don Daly

Gia McGlone and Earley Dean in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Purlie"

If we got this, we’d promise to be really good next year! In fact, we’re planning this exceptionally good _______________________________________________ .

Production. It is called “Hero,” a brand-new musical opening April 29. It’s going to be really cool because it features a young creative team from Chicago. — Michael Donald Edwards | Producing Artistic Director, Asolo Repertory Theatre Experience. It is our winter arts season “nowHERE.” It’s going to be really cool because it features something for everyone with 17 different performances by more than 100 living artists. — Steven High | Executive Director, The Ringling

Exhibit. It is the March exhibition cycle featuring a collaborative exhibition with Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee bringing to Sarasota a curated show of contemporary Israeli artists and also a collaboration with Goodwill Manasota and ThisWeekinSarasota.com called “MASHterpieces” involving repurposed donated artworks. It’s going to be really cool because both of these exhibits are so unique in content and have never been done before in Sarasota. — Lisa Berger | Executive Director, Art Center Sarasota

Courtesy photos

"Imminent Fear" by Mark Bokesch

If our organization could have anything this holiday season we would want _________________________ .

“Money, money, money,” but in reality we’d be happy if we could have “Just a tube of grease paint and a follow spot.” — Jeffery Kin | Artistic Director, Players All the funding to finish paying off the mortgage on our new theater complex with enough left over to do the planned renovations.

But, in reality, we’d be happy if we could simply grow our donor list and have continued financial support from our already dedicated and passionate patrons. — Nate Jacobs | Founding Artistic Director, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

A sleigh full of silver dollars, gold coins and winning lottery tickets.

But, in reality, we’d be happy if we could have full houses for every one of our productions. — Pedro Reis | Founder/CEO, The Circus Arts Conservatory A direct pipeline to Broadway productions for all of our grads.

But, in reality, we’d be happy if we could have a donor willing to contribute enough money to help us upgrade our rapidly deteriorating lighting system in the Cook Theatre.

— Greg Leaming | Director, FSU/ Asolo Conservatory

The Asolo Repertory Theatre will perform “Hero: The Musical” at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30, at the Mertz Theatre.

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: BACKSTAGE PASS

Without Erin MacDonald, the show can’t go on

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“I knew early on that I didn’t want to be on stage, but I enjoyed the whole world of theater and the only way to make a contribution to that world was working backstage,” says Erin MacDonald.

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tray of canapés is ejected into the air and sends little wafers flying across the stage. It happens repeatedly throughout FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training’s season opener, “The

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To prepare for the many furiously flying food occurrences, Production Stage Manager Erin MacDonald made a batch of 70 prop canapés with real crackers. To test their stability, she threw them against the wall, sending crumbs around the

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

IF YOU GO ‘Loot’ When: 7:30 p.m. at Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Runs through Jan. 19 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets are $28 to $29 Info: Call 351-8000 ductions in line.

She’s like the mom of a production. She maintains the rehearsal breaks and every second-year’s class schedule, and she’ll direct the first-year students in their roles as crewmembers. If your shoes are too tight or your dress doesn’t fit correctly, you tell MacDonald. If you forget to shave the night of a production she’ll hand you the razor from her stage management kit — it also has extension chords, a sewing kit, lotion, a few tools, office supplies, a hairbrush, toothpaste and Ziploc bags.

MacDonald says she goes through a surprising amount of Ziploc bags for things such as loose nuts and bolts or an actor’s half-eaten sandwich.

And it continues during the production.

“Even though I’ve seen the show 30 times, I still have to watch it,” she says.

“If an actor turns funny and I notice he’s limping I make sure to communicate, ‘Are they OK?’ ‘Do they need assistance?’ ‘Why is that blue light not coming on?’ ‘Change that lamp at intermission … ’” She quickly rattles off everything that might happen during a single production. It’s no wonder MacDonald is a fast-talker — it saves her time for everything on her to-do list.

MacDonald is ready to fight any unplanned occurrences. She’s always on her toes.

“I assist the show to make it run as smoothly and efficiently as possible,” she says. “I’m here to make sure everyone else’s artistic ability can bloom.”

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room — exactly what shouldn’t happen on stage. She had to try a sturdier route.

“It’s a lot of trial and error,” she says with a laugh.

MacDonald spends about 25 hours as prop master, but it’s just part of her job.

Today, she’ll build a dead body out of rubber limbs and paint fake eyeballs for “Loot,” opening Dec. 31. But props are nothing compared to the rest of what MacDonald accomplishes. She’s the only person to have a hand in the production from the first meeting with the director through the last performance. She does whatever it takes to accomplish the director’s vision; she acts as the organizational lead role. Without her, the performance couldn’t happen.

In addition to building a body today, she’ll also check the spelling and accuracy of the programs, give the movement and dialogue coaches and the actors their schedules, set up the 15 pieces of furniture in the rehearsal space, pick up shoes from the costume shop and answer emails. During rehearsal, she’ll read lines when an actor can’t remember; she’ll take notes about which lines they missed or said inaccurately; and she’ll write down all the blocking notes the fight choreographer gives to each actor. Her shorthand decodes to: “left punch, right punch, followed by a knee to the groin.” She also writes in the light cues, the prop list and line notes. She says it’s an easy day for her.

MacDonald has been working in FSU Center for the Performing Arts for five years. In fall 2009, she started working there as the stage management apprentice for Asolo Repertory Theatre. She worked there for two years and on two productions with Greg Leaming, the director of the conservatory and associate artistic director for Asolo Rep. They worked well together, so she moved across the hall from her old shared office at Asolo Rep to where she now has her own office working for the conservatory. She’s been here for three seasons, keeping the 12 students and 18 performances of four yearly pro-

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN

THINGS

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season in Sarasota may well be the best in the nation. In addition to the parties, the eggnog, the plum pudding and the presents, we have our glorious winter weather. Relatives from up north beg for an invite, and who can blame them? It’s golf one day, the beach the next. But, best of all are the cozy evenings spent at home with family and friends, reminiscing about holidays past and planning ones for the future. Here are three Sarasota homes currently on the market that really capture the nostalgia of this time of year. And if Scrooge should show up — push him in the pool.

1. HAPPY NEW YEAR 600 BIRDIE LANE, LONGBOAT KEY This large waterfront estate on Longboat Key has 5,000 square feet of elegant living space, crowned by a two-story living room that’s perfect for a gala on New Year’s Eve. You’ll have a stunning view of the downtown skyline. Totally renovated in 2005, the home features imported chandeliers, Scalamandre fabrics, Stark carpets and a heated pool with blue glass tiles. There’s definitely a French vibe, with each room detailed in a different style — the various Louises, Regency, Provencal. You’ll also find a 1,600 bottle “wine armoire” made from a single piece of wood.

Priced at $3,495,000. For more information, call Thomas Netzel of Premier Sotheby’s at 364-4000.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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// HOME&GARDEN

2. SMALL PACKAGES 1863 PROSPECT ST., SARASOTA

This beautifully updated cottage near Southside Village has a rich, stylish look that cries out for holiday wreaths and mistletoe. The current owner uses it as a refuge from a busy life up north, but it would also be a perfect full-time home for a couple or a single person. The master suite is near-new, with a vaulted ceiling and a luxurious bath, and the two

original bedrooms share a bath. Pretty courtyards that function as outdoor rooms surround the home, and there’s a woodland-style pool. Wood floors, highquality finishes and a coral fireplace mantel complete the picture. There’s a yet-to-be renovated former garage that would make a great artist’s studio.

Priced at $679,500. For more information, call Betsy de Manio of Coldwell Banker at 914-5540.

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Sitting on a deep water canal with it own dock and caged pool and the very sought after Southern exposure. The lovely updated home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and is in mint condition.

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3. NEW OLD-FASHIONED CHARM 1752 LINCOLN PARK CIRCLE, SARASOTA tom landscaping, and a two-car garage.

There’s also a den — or dining room — with a gas fireplace, plus a small pool.

You’ll find two bedrooms downstairs, with two more on the second floor, along with a large gathering room perfect for the kids.

Priced at $1,295,000. For more information, call Kim Ogilvie of Michael Saunders at 376-1717.

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Built in 2003 at the southern edge of downtown, this four-bedroom, four-bath home has the classic American good looks so many of us remember from our childhoods. Located in an enclave of eight similar homes, it features a private dock on Hudson Bayou with direct access to the bay. The house boasts wood floors, crown moldings and millwork, terraces and cus-

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN: TINSEL TIME

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS DÉCOR It’s that time of year when homes are filled with red and green and wintry things for the holidays. Whether it’s décor designed by a professional, or decorating for the holidays in a new home, Sarasota residents have turned their homes into beautiful holiday showplaces.

Robert and Bennie Dods Every year before Thanksgiving, Robert and Bennie Dods’ home on Gulf of Mexico Drive is decorated and ready for the Christmas season.

“He says, ‘I’m coming,’ and here he is,” says Bennie Dods about interior designer Raul Molina.

Molina has decorated their home for the holidays each year for more than a decade. This year, Molina brought in a brown theme — he added crisp, dark hues to the reds and greens already employed in the Dodses’ décor.

“Things get reused, but he’ll move things around, add ribbons, change bow colors,” says Dods about the yearly process.

Her favorite thing (besides the tree) is the dining room table, which Molina changes from year to year.

“I don’t have a decorative bone in my body, so I’m glad he does this — it really is what brings the feel that Christmas is coming,” she says.

 A stunning wreath embellished with sand dollars and seashells.  Red flowers add some color to the brown and gold tones used in the Dodses’ décor this year.

Photos by Heather Merriman

 “I don’t know how he ties these bows to make them look like this,” says Dods.  Molina redesigns the dining room table décor each year.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

9

// HOME&GARDEN

Bruce and Terri Saba

“I’ve always wanted a Christmas tree and when I married Sal, I thought, ‘Here’s my chance,’” Anne Weintraub says.

Transferring holiday traditions to a new home can be difficult, but Bruce and Terri Saba have made the adjustment quite well (despite only having one of their usual three trees up).

The day after Thanksgiving is when the Sabas begin decorating for Christmas each year.

Terri Saba’s favorite thing is that the tree can change from year to year.

“You can add ornaments, change how you decorate it,” she says.

A fun addition to their décor this year is the columns sur-

Sal Diaz-Verson and Anne Weintraub Anne Weintraub knew she was going to have a Christmas tree this year — but she knew she wasn’t doing it herself.

“I really wanted to make it special for Sal,” she says.

Weintraub put up her first Christmas tree last year, but it didn’t go exactly how she had anticipated.

“Besides the fact that I’m 5 feet 2 inches and I’m Jewish, I’ve never done this before,” says Weintraub. “It had holes and spaces in it,” she says, which is why this

year she had the tree done for her.

She saw what kind of tree she wanted when she walked into the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota a few weeks ago. She called Art Conforti (Beneva Flowers decorates the hotel every year) and asked if the flower shop could duplicate one for her.

“I literally took the day off, sat on the couch with my iPad and watched this beautiful creature go up,” she says. It took the crew about four hours to re-create the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota tree.

The feathers are one of Weintraub’s favorite things about the tree.

Sal Diaz-Verson and Anne Weintraub’s monogrammed tree skirt.

TREE TRENDS

rounding the Christmas tree resembling candy canes — they are  A favorite in not just a the Saba house b e a u t i f u l ­— the globe touch, but lights up and a creative changes colors. mask, too.

“The columns haven’t been cased yet, so I went to JoAnn Fabrics and bought some ribbon and bows to see what I could do with it,” she says.

Luckily for Terri, her husband enjoys the most dreaded part of the holidays: taking it down and packing it all up.

“I think after working at the Saba furniture store as a boy, he really just enjoys packing,” she says.

That’s a Christmas gift in itself!

 Poinsettias and festive décor surround the Sabas’ Christmas tree.

 The Sabas’ table is set and ready for Christmas.

To some, Christmas trees are used as the centerpiece of their décor for the holiday season, and for others Christmas trees house years of memories in the form of ornament collections – but either way, adding a little “glitz” to the tree can add a special touch to the holiday season.

Lux Art Silks gave The Observer the rundown for the most popular items this year in the Christmas décor world and some tips for adding some flair to the tree.

Silver: Last year silver was the theme for the holidays and things have not seemed to change. “We doubled up on silver this year at market and still sold out right away,” Cheryl Gilbert says. Nothing says glitz like a silver-themed Christmas.

Picks: For most people, decorating a tree means hanging ornaments, adding ribbon and lights, but it can be so much more than that. Adding “picks” to the tree is the newest trend. Glitter stems, poinsettias, feathers and birds that stick right into the tree are must-haves now when it comes to decorating the tree. “It adds some fun to the tree,” says Gilbert.

Most popular this year: white owl picks — The store brought back 10,000 of the little white owl picks and they sold out instantly!

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

Sailor Circus professionalizes Holiday Spectacular

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor Sailor Circus’ 2013 Holiday Spectacular “It’s a Wonderful Life” exhibits a new energy for the group celebrating its 65th anniversary. There are a few new tricks up its sleeve. For instance, you won’t see just one aerial silk artist; you’ll see three stacked vertically in a row. There’s also new intricate costuming. Clowns exude bigger laughs and trapeze artists inspire more awe than in previous years. Leave it to veteran Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey clown and new artistic director of the program, Steve Smith, to bring a Holiday Program full of even more cheer. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 and run through Dec. 30, at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Tickets are $12 to $16.

Call 355-9805 or visit CircusArts.org for more information.

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Co-Chairs Peggy and Ken Abt

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

Scott and Jill Levine, Edie Chaifetz, Alan and Stephanie Hochfelder and David Chaifetz

Joe and Ora Mendels

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor John and Retta Wagner

Jewish Family and Children’s Services held its eighth annual gala, themed “Celebrating the American Spirit” Sunday, Dec. 15, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Ken and Peggy Abt co-chaired the event, at which more than 510 guests celebrated the work of JFCS in the Sarasota community.

“It was such an honor to be asked to chair this event,” the co-chairs said in their heartfelt welcome.

The event featured a performance by the Sarasota Orchestra, joined by featured vocalists Bob McDonald and Maria Wirries, which was sponsored by Honorary Chairwoman Bea Friedman.

The centerpieces served not only as decoration, but as “boxes of hope” for families served

Harriet Densky and Carol Camiener

by the JFCS. Donations were taken in support of the boxes, which allow families to order a prepared turkey dinner for the holidays, toys, art materials and school supplies — JFCS collected $15,700 (and counting!) at the event for this special fund.

After enjoying cocktail hour and an American-themed dinner, complete with old-fashioned apple pie for dessert, the Sarasota Orchestra took the guests on a journey through American history starting with compilations “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “From Sea to Shining Sea” and ending the night with none other than “God Bless America.”

The performance had the entire ballroom singing along in true American spirit.

Chuck and Margie Barancik

Stan and Jo Rutstein with Scott Anderson

Andrew and Tracy Lundin

Ilene and Bea Friedman

Susan Mallitz, Marie Monsky and Randy Mallitz

Photos by Heather Merriman

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// BLACK TIE: LOOKING BACK

by Stephanie Hannum | Diversions Managing Editor (continued from page 1)

BEST OF BLACK TIE 2013

 Dr. Larry and Pat Thompson at Ringling College's “An Evening at the Avant-Garde: A Novel Idea” March 23, at Ringling College of Art and Design.

As we say farewell to the 2013 Black Tie season, we take a look back on a great year filled with generous philanthropists, fashion-forward attendees and fun themed events. Throughout the following pages you’ll find standouts from the best-dressed men and women to the most creativecostumed guests.

You can see all the events we covered throughout the year at YourObserver.com, and please share some of your favorite moments with us on social media.

 Terry McKee’s table at Asolo Rep’s “Men Who Cook” April 28, at Longboat Key Club.

facebook.com/ BlackTieObserver @BlckTie @BlackTie_Untied  Taylor Karp, Sydney Koffman and Sarah Karp at Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida’s Rocking Through the Ages “Roaring ‘20s” Sept. 20, at Michael’s Wine Cellar.

 Elisabeth Waters with Mim and Chris Voelker at Paws on Palm Nov. 7, at The Francis.  Amanda Marie Mason at Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA Jan. 20, on the grounds of Sarasota High School.

 Johanna Gustafsson and Chris Pinckney at Forty Carrots Family Center’s Firefly Gala March 23, at The Concession Golf Club.

 Bernadette Serafini and Charles Westcott at St. Martha’s Interactive Dinner Oct. 5, at Michael’s On East.

ON THE COVER, clockwise from top left: Kelly Gettel and Anne Weintraub at American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons’ Ball April 13, at Gettel Acura. Samantha Jennen, Kristy Cail, Kelli

Crowley and Jenny Infanti at Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County’s Dream Makers Ball Nov. 16, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Ruth Resnick has some fun with glasses at her table at the Senior Friendship Center’s fourth annual “Madcap Evening” March 12, at the Senior Friendship Center. Ava and Brenda Michel at New College Library Association’s Pique Nique sur la Baie April 10, at New College of Florida. Bernie and Lauren Walsh pose with Robin at the Children First Gala April 20, at Michael’s On East. Kelly Engel at Orchid Ball April 6, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

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// BLACK TIE: LOOKING BACK

 The Golden Girls and “James Bond” pose for photos by the 007 car at Exotic Car Fest Luxury Lifestyle Jet Port Reception Feb. 22, at Rectrix Aerodrome Center.

 Ryan and Sarah Lodge with their son, R.J. at SPARCC’s Princess and Pirate Ball May 4, at Sarasota Polo grounds.  Robin Petersen at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast gala “Crusin’ for a Cause” April 27, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

 Linda Joffe and Lowell Lakritz at Circus Sarasota’a gala Jan. 18, under the Big Top.

 Nothing says love like male spouses attending a luncheon full of more than 645 women, which was the case at table No. 34 at the Feb. 14 SPARCC luncheon. Dick Hull, Ed Bavaria, Harry Leopold, Erik Lindqvist, Larry English, Don Worthington and Tom Jones occupied the table next to their better halves.

 Zandy Sanders and Lisa Walsh pose inside the front cover of The Observer at Girls Inc’s Celebration Luncheon April 4, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

 “50 Shades of Grey” at Ringling College's “An Evening at the Avant-Garde: A Novel Idea” March 23, at Ringling College of Art and Design.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

// BLACK TIE: LOOKING BACK

(continued from page 12)

BEST OF BLACK TIE 2013: FASHION STANDOUTS

Ashley Kozel at New College Library Association’s Pique Nique sur la Baie April 10, at New College of Florida.

Lisa Merrill at the Palm Ball Feb. 9, at Bay Preserve at Osprey.

Megan and Matt Otto at Center for Building Hope’s Night of Hope Gala Nov. 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Michelle Perrone at Forty Carrots Family Center’s Firefly Gala March 23, at The Concession Golf Club.

Alicia King at Forty Carrots Family Center’s Wine, Women and Shoes Signature Luncheon Nov. 15, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Erik and Sandra Lindqvist at Sarasota Opera gala “An Evening in the Forbidden City” Feb. 2, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Jacqueline Morton at Bradenton Opera Guild’s Winter Gala Jan. 13, at Bird Key Yacht Club.

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15

// BLACK TIE: JUST MARRIED

BRIDE’S PARENTS: Gloria and Carl A. Pearse

HOW COUPLE MET:

Sarah Lisette Pearse and Maj. Zachariah George Morford were both living in Atlanta and met online in October 2010. In their initial emails, they swapped grilledcheese sandwich preferences and values. Two weeks later, they went on a first date. While on the date, Sarah asked about the bracelet Zachariah always wears, a Killed in Action bracelet worn in memory of five men whom he lost as a part of the Bravo Company he commanded in Iraq in 2007.

THE PROPOSAL:

In April, Zachariah surprised her with a helicopter ride. At one point during the flight, their helicopter started to lose altitude over downtown Atlanta. Sarah was stunned to see the helicopter land on the rooftop of the W Hotel, where he proposed.

GROOM’S PARENTS:

Dorothy B. Morford and the Rev. G. Robert Morford

THE WEDDING:

The couple was married Oct. 13, at Bay Preserve, in Osprey.

The ceremony was performed by the groom’s father, a Pentecostal minister with the backdrop of the Intercoastal waterway, manatees at play and a flock of more than 100 great blue herons flying over the bay. The wedding took place on a Sunday so that the many active-duty military who attended could have the next day, Columbus Day, to return to duty. The reception immediately followed the ceremony, but with two hours of cocktails and lawn games of croquet and beanbag toss.

THE DETAILS Flowers: Flowers by Fudgie Catering: Michael’s On East Photography: Esther Louise Photography Music: Deleon Entertainment Cake: Dee Ziner Cakes & Pastries

HONEYMOON:

The newlyweds departed the reception aboard a “Just Married” boat and then left the following day for a honeymoon at the infamous China Beach, in South Vietnam.

Photos by Esther Louise Photography

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