95
LH PHOTOGRAPHY
CHRISTI ASHBY
116 july | august 2017
features 95
124
Going Coastal Balmy, breezy, sophisticated, laidback and quirky — everything the Sunshine State is known for — describes a recent trek to South Florida and the Keys. There is nothing easier than an old-school summer road trip — pack as much as you want, come and go as you please. Follow Christi Ashby’s account of a nostalgic journey in celebration of her
106 Weddings: Love Stories, Gowns, Rings and Trends
Simply stunning can best describe the latest designer bridal gowns discovered by the Solutions Bridal team on a recent trip to New York. Engagement ring and wedding band trends and tips for selecting a diamond. Seamstress Holly Smith shares suggestions for creating a custom wedding gown. Rejoice in the special stories of: Sydney Bellows and Chapman Brownlee; Lauren Bojalad and Christopher Kelly; Allison Borbely and David Novalis; and Natasha Ruiz and Mario Distefano. Newlywed Courtney Gleaton Hazouri details her planning of an intimate wedding affair.
on the cover: Bride Natasha Distefano photographed at Sydonie Mansion by Victoria Angela Photography. Story on page 122.
KRISTEN WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY
VERVE STUDIO
34th wedding anniversary.
106 july | august 2017
1
july | august 2017
MICHAEL CAIRNS 2017
columns
24
38
10 THE LIST
People, places and things: Summer essentials for beach or pool. Women to Watch: Lisa Smith realizes her vintage dream; Pam and Olivia Sain share their journey of love, legacy and healing; Betsy Gardner Eckbert and Katie Keller are making waves in Winter Park. Eye on Arts: A preview of the stellar 2017-218 performing arts schedule.
30 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT
Summery lip glosses in pretty pops of color; Beauty Bag: skin care favorites from a skin care specialist; Dr. Deborah Harding provides insight into whether concierge medicine is the right choice for your family; Physician Assistant Stacy Laack explains a new way to relax, rejuvenate and rehydrate at IV Lounge.
12 46
42 TASTES & EXPERIENCES
An exotic cocktail from the Four Seasons Resort Orlando that’s inspired by the new Pandora attraction; Reunion Resort provides a perfect setting for reconnecting and relaxing; Bits & Bites: An iconic motor diner opens in Orlando; The Peppy Bistro peps it up with themed nights; Partake in a masters wine pairing series at Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando; A new NOLA-inspired concept is coming to Thornton Park; Chef Jamie McFadden releases a crisp rosé wine just in time for summer; and more.
52 HOME & DESIGN
Make it an easy season of entertaining with these inexpensive items; Karen LeBlanc discovers all the trends from Coverings 2017, the largest stone and tile show in North America, and finds textile inspired and terrazzo are the dominant looks in tile style.
62 AGENDA
Community and charity events: Wine, Women & Shoes benefits Second Harvest Food Bank; Support Our Scholars throws a dorm shower; Bridges of Light’s annual Awareness Luncheon inspires; Franklin’s Friends celebrates pets and animal care; Pinceladas de Mujer presents a spring hat show; High Tea & Hats assists Seniors First; Cattle Barons’ Ball puts on a Gold Rush; Go Red for Women promotes heart health; PlayBingo supports Orlando City Foundation; and more.
54
128 GIVING BACK
When the Pulse nightclub tragedy occurred in summer 2016, Orlando philanthropist Stacey Papp knew her foundation, Bridges of Light, needed to get involved in helping the victims, and Bridges of Light was uniquely equipped to provide assistance in the form of scholarships for the children of victims. Orange Appeal makes a great gift any time! Subscribe at orangeappeal.com. Get all the event info by signing up for the e-newsletter or visiting our interactive website. For changes of address, please e-mail subscriptions@orangeappeal.com.
2
orangeappeal.com
I
f you have been a reader
LazyDaze
i Let the watch rest in a
for a while you proba-
drawer — the sun will let you
bly already know that I
know what time it is.
have been cheating on
i Disengage from social
my former favorite sea-
media — at least for several
son of autumn with the sizzling
days or hours a week.
season of summer. Why would I give up the excitement of fall
i Enjoy what you are doing in
fashion, a full social calendar
the moment without distraction.
and those fabulous food-filled holidays? Because my new fling
i Indulge in something
allows me to do something I do
childish like an ice cream cone
not typically do — lay back and
or a fully loaded hot dog.
laze with a less taxed mind.
i Dare to do something you have not done in a long time
It’s too hot and humid to layer
— spitting watermelon seeds,
on clothes and accessories so a
tossing a frisbee or completing
little dress will do. School’s out
wobbly cartwheels.
and many are on vacation so the roads are less congested. Patio
i Do NOT — I repeat, do not
picnics and backyard barbecues
— obsess and stress over your
replace more formal meals.
less-than-perfect beach bod.
Fundraisers are barely on the summer schedule and meet-
i Write — a letter to an old
ings are more relaxed. I almost
friend, a short story, a poem, or
feel like I am on vacation from
even start that novel you have
mid-May to mid-August.
in your head.
But there is one official vacation — that’s been on the books almost every year for the past 25 — to hometown fave New Smyrna Beach during the busy, crazy July 4th week. It’s come full circle as our kids are bringing their kids to experience all the sand eating, sunburned shoulders (yes, we try to be careful now), and wave after wave of simple fun. We still stay at the same condos and celebrate with our potluck Independence Day dinner and evening of watching the endless fireworks on the beach. It’s restful, peaceful and timeless. And to that end I share with you my summer rules:
i Smile and laugh more — you know it’s going to be miserably hot so go with it! i Create a painting, sand sculpture or design project at your home. i Go on an adventure — even if it’s only a solitary hike or taking a new route somewhere. i Challenge yourself with a new culinary skill or physical maneuver. i Live like it’s your last, longest summer ever!
Follow us on
4
orangeappeal.com
and
@OrangeAppeal.
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER
Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com MARKETING ASSOCIATE
Wendy Tramell wendy@orangeappeal.com CIRCULATION CONSULTANT
Mollie O’Shea BUSINESS MANAGER
Robert Ashby PHOTOGRAPHER
Kristen Weaver Photography CONTRIBUTORS
Deborah Harding, MD Victor Harding, MD Courtney Gleaton Hazouri Karen LeBlanc Holly Smith PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Rita Tyrrell FOR ADVERTISING:
advertising@orangeappeal.com FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS:
subscriptions@orangeappeal.com
orangeappeal.com Copyright 2017. No materials may be reproduced without permission. Please do not send unsolicited articles or photographs. Publisher not responsible for individual opinions contained herein. Orange Appeal (Permit #201) is published bi-monthly by Appeal Media & Events Group, 1111 Charming St., Maitland, FL 32751. Printed in USA. Standard postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange Appeal, 1111 Charming St., Maitland, FL 32751 6
orangeappeal.com
connect! MAIL
Make sure you receive your issues of Orange Appeal right in your mailbox. If you haven’t signed up in the past six months, please visit orangeappeal.com/subscribe and click on the special offer. Please send change of address info to subscriptions@orangeappeal.com. Interior Appeal will be sent to you three times a year with your subscription!
Sign up at orangeappeal.com for the Orange Appeal e-newsletter, delivered to your inbox at least twice monthly. Keep up with community and charity events! For advertising info, email: advertising@orangeappeal.com To submit events, email: events@orangeappeal.com
EVENTS Orlando
The Orlando Women’s Conference, held each spring, CONFERENCE is one day for empowerment and inspiration. For details visit orlandowomensconference.com. For sponsorship information email kate@orangeappeal.com.
WOMEN’S
Monthly Ladies Luncheons with special guest speakers are held on the last Tuesday of the month from January through October. Space is limited and reservations/prepayment is required. For more information visit the Orange Appeal Facebook page.
SOCIAL MEDIA
ORANGE APPEAL Tag, share and follow… check out all the event photos and latest info.
@APPEAL_MEDIA Get behind-the-scenes peeks!
SHARE Pass along your copy to a friend when you're finished reading it! 8
orangeappeal.com
just beachy
thelist Pack your bag with these summer essentials from local boutiques: Mudpie “Sarong Along” tote, $23, The Pink Chalet in Dr. Phillips; Spartina boheme rope wrislet beach bag, $36, Corcickle Canteen “Waterman Edition” 25 oz., $33, Lilly Pulitizer tumbler, $16, and Jack Rogers “Alana” jelly sandal, $64, Walk On Water in Lake Mary and Winter Park; Bikini Jute case, $13.75, 4 layer bead pom earrings in blue and turquoise, $30 each, and Mudpie appliqued sun hat, $23.50, The Pink Chalet; Pandawell mobile phone portable fan, $6.50, Walk On Water. 10
orangeappeal.com
thelist
WOMEN TO WATCH
LISA SMITH REALIZES HER
vintage dream
f
or
decades
Lisa
are friends and I have been to
Smith has curated
her house many times. Visually
a vast collection of
I had help from designers like
clothing and acces-
Holly Hill and old friends who
sories from differ-
assisted me. It took a long time
ent periods ranging from the
to put everything together but I
1890s to the 1980s. She has even
am really excited. I will be able
been dabbling in the 1990s,
to grow the business and do
which are just now entering their
some of the things that I want to
vintage (25-year-old) prime. She
do,” she adds.
has clients all over the country
One of those things is carry-
who clamor for some past glam-
ing CARA Cosmetics — the first
our, and even counts notable
retail location for the brand
designers, who seek inspiration from the
more boutique-style light. I am ecstatic to
founded by Leslie Christin. “We both
past, like Anna Sui and Ralph Lauren,
be here,” she says, referring to her greatly
started in business the same year (1995) in
among them. Hollywood and Broadway pros
expanded new location.
College Park. We will start with the lip
have called on her to provide perfect period
The
building
housed
American
stains and then move into other products,”
ensembles. And through her expertise in
Antiques for several generations and was
Lisa explains. Another thing is hosting
and passion for all things fashion, she cre-
originally a grocery store. There is a spa-
events, now that there is enough space,
ated quite a reputation and legacy along
cious downstairs display floor. And
including a garden, a barn and a house in
the way.
upstairs there are offices, a laundry room,
the back, to accommodate groups for parties and special activities.
But having a place of her own that fit
repair and restoration facility, and full
her display and storage needs within a
kitchen. She kept the original windows,
Educating consumers is also of special
suitable ambiance seemed more elusive.
doors and terrazzo floors. “This has
interest as there is a big difference between
Her Orlando Vintage business operated
allowed me to do what I have always want-
consignment shops that may sell vintage
out of a strip mall space on Fairbanks Ave-
ed to which is to have my own creative
items and a true vintage store that has
nue in Winter Park for 18 years before she
space. Getting this historical building was
been curated and filled with the best pieces.
got a surprise visit from a family looking
amazing. I didn’t change anything struc-
“I have different clients — the local retail
to sell a historic building in College Park.
turally here except putting in the dressing
ones, professional fashion designers I typ-
It has come full circle as she first opened
rooms,” she explains.
ically see in New York, and then film and
her business in College Park.
The owners had heard Lisa was inter-
television clientele. I have been very suc-
“I have always loved fashion and there
ested in the building and walked into her
cessful with that [the latter] for the past 12
was not a shop in Central Florida that
store one day to see if she wanted to buy it.
years on both coasts. The show that people
respected the clothes the way I thought
“I was just blown over. Then it took about
most associate me with is Mad Men, but I
they needed to be respected — meaning
a year to work through everything. I knew
also did Boardwalk Empire and Vinyl. With
the care of them, the condition, the resto-
this building was a gem and I knew my
Amazon and Hulu, there are even more
ration, the curating, the presentation. I
vision for it. I wanted to have the dry-
opportunities. I have worked with some
knew there was a niche to put them in a
cleaning rack just like Harriett [Lake]. We
people who were assistants and now are
12
orangeappeal.com
thelist
WOMEN TO WATCH
costume designers. They call me because of my eye and my knowledge. There are a lot of [vintage] items out there but they aren’t all necessarily good. That part has been very good for growing my business. It has been a catalyst to the next level,” she reveals. As you browse through the racks, tables and display cases, you will notice quite a bit of ’60s and ’70s wear. Lisa says that is probably her sweet spot. And items from the older eras of the ’30s and ’40s are harder to obtain. The ’90s are just entering vintage territory and she is getting requests for those pieces now. As for what Lisa is looking for, it comes down to: “Condition, condition, condition. It has to be wearable unless it’s a collectible piece. It’s hard to pinpoint and it changes. I have been fortunate to know the viability of things, but also be able to move and change and to grow. I think business people get stuck — especially in fashion — you have to move with the market. You can’t be all things to all people, but you have to look at opportunities because everything is so competitive.”
Although there has been an influx of online vintage sources, Lisa feels the personal experience makes all the difference, so she has built an approachable and knowledgeable staff. She sees her longevity, dedication, consistency and focus as key factors in her success. For more information, visit orlandovintage.com. 14
orangeappeal.com
thelist
WOMEN TO WATCH
BETSY GARDNER ECKBERT and KATIE KELLER:
Making Waves in Winter Park by Kate Slentz
WHEN BETSY GARDNER ECKBERT
thought what a great opportunity to spread
WAS HIRED AS PRESIDENT AND
the word of all the great things the cham-
CEO OF THE WINTER PARK CHAM-
ber does,” she adds.
BER OF COMMERCE, she was given a
And that was Betsy’s first order of busi-
strategic plan that called for changes. Six
ness — to identify and understand the
months later, she and her team, nearly
chamber’s mission. “We want to bring
half of which are millennials, are putting
people together around the ideas that mat-
practices in place to position the chamber
ter to Winter Park and the people who live
as a master marketing vector for mem-
here but with a much more regional
bers, an international attraction for visi-
focus,” she explains.
tors and commerce, and a supporter of
Those goals align with Betsy’s back-
entrepreneurialism within Winter Park.
ground in sales, marketing, business
“This is a pillar of our community so
development and international business
we should be seeking to do good for the
as well as her love of Winter Park as a
greater good, but we have to approach
native. We first wrote about Betsy, daugh-
what we do through the lens of commerce
ter of the late Orange County Clerk of the
first,” Betsy explains, who is working
Betsy Gardner Eckbert and Katie Keller
closely with Director of Marketing and Communications Katie Keller to measure
Courts Lydia Gardner, in 2015 when she launched Long Wave London Apparel Limited, a high-end children’s swimwear
and test the needs and wants of members
line, with two partners she met while liv-
and the community at large.
ing in London.
“One of my favorite things that we’re
ing forward to was coming in here and
“That whole thing got so far so fast;
doing is after every event and pretty much
shaking things up a little bit — bringing my
none of us thought that was ever going to
everything we do we’re sending out a sur-
perspective,” Katie explains. “I’m relation-
happen and that’s a great problem to have.
vey,” Katie says. “So we’re really looking
ship based but I also did the business side
Harrods had the collection and within a
for feedback. We’re doing a bunch of inno-
of things so I’m really — like Betsy — data
month they wanted to reorder. Through
vative things but we want to know what
driven. And I like to make choices based on
that, we developed this core user base in
people want.”
tangible evidence — numbers and facts. I
the Arab world and we just kept going into
This passion for data and analytics
saw an opportunity to come in, gather the
more and more countries. And then I was
comes from her studies at the University
opinion of the community and help work
on an international flight 16 hours in
of Florida where she received her bache-
towards those goals.”
length with great regularity and it was too
lor’s in public relations and master’s in
That includes sharing the chamber’s
much time away from my children. So I
business administration. “When I gradu-
story — what it offers members and the
sold my shares in the company and I was
ated with my master’s I decided to come
Winter Park community. “There were a
doing a lot of consulting work, and then
back home to Winter Park, where I grew
lot of events I had participated in that I
Patrick Chapin [former Winter Park
up, and look for a job,” she explains. She
didn’t know were produced by the cham-
Chamber president] turned in his notice,”
had already accepted another offer when
ber. I won a Christmas art contest when I
Betsy explains.
she was invited to interview at the chamber.
was in eighth grade and had no idea that
While she has lots of ideas and ambi-
“One of the things that I was really look-
the chamber of commerce put it on and I
tions, Betsy is presently focused on three
16
orangeappeal.com
thelist
WOMEN TO WATCH
things. The first is to create custom solu-
together a suite of support for Winter Park
Center and Chamber of Commerce so that
tions and opportunities for members,
to undergo a certification process to
people can have a year of free Park Avenue
especially those at the trustee level. For
become a Certified Entrepreneurial Com-
rent as they’re starting up a business.
instance, she recently collaborated with
munity,” she explains. “That means we’ll
The third focus is to support and attract
member John Rivers on an event to help
go through an audit of resources and we’ll
international guests and investors. “One of
further promote breakfast at his restau-
accumulate resources so that we can
the things I’m most excited about is the
rant, The Coop.
broadcast to those looking for a home.”
way we are supporting Rollins [College] in
Next, she says she wants to encourage
She’s also looking to establish six co-op
attracting international students and wel-
entrepreneurialism in a way that makes
work spaces in the current gallery space on
coming their international families,” she
sense for Winter Park. “We’re putting
the first floor of the Winter Park Welcome
adds. “We’re trying to be intentional about saying to international guests, this is a home away from home for you and would you like more as a result of your visit?” She plans on introducing a global membership in August as well. Meanwhile, Katie is focused on ramping up the chamber’s social media efforts — its Instagram already has thousands of followers — in addition to starting a steering committee for a young professionals group. “Since I started here there’s been an appetite for a hyper-local young professionals group. So we created this executive committee and we’ve had to cap it because we’ve had so many people interested. We have four pillars: community service, professional development programs, social engagement and community events,” she explains. A kickoff is scheduled for midJuly. Betsy, Katie and the staff are taking a multi-generational, multi-platform approach to internally and externally marketing the chamber and its members. “It’s incredibly fun for me to work with younger people and see how they approach a business problem differently than I would,” Betsy says. “What I’m most proud of is the fact that we’ve created a highly mechanized way to reach our members and we’re in touch with them a lot and we understand what it is they want from a membership with us. And we know we have members that range in age from 19 to 90. Everything that we’re doing is innovative, but we also recognize we exist in a community of heritage and tradition.”
18
orangeappeal.com
thelist
WOMEN TO WATCH
&
Pam Olivia Sain:
Love, Legacy and Healing Five years ago the unthinkable happened when Gary Sain, the chief executive of Visit Orlando, collapsed at the very event, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s Celebrate the Children fundraiser, he was chairing. He would be pronounced dead that evening at the hospital. His family was devastated, but over time decided to honor him the best way they knew how — by collecting his many leadership articles to put together a book, iBRAND: The Next Generation. The authors, Gary’s wife, Pamela, and daughter Olivia and Pam Sain
Olivia recently spoke at an Orange Appeal luncheon.
“iBRAND WAS SOMETHING MY DAD CREATED 20 YEARS AGO AND IT’S A CONCEPT THAT HE TRADEMARKED BEFORE THERE WAS EVEN AN IPHONE. And this
her father. “We could not have done this
dad’s articles and Power Point presenta-
without my dad and could not have accom-
tions. After finding what she needed, she
plished it without each other. My mom
approached her mom to see if they could
had always encouraged him to write a
do something with all the material. “I
book about the iBrand concept. He would
didn’t want to see it on the shelf collecting
concept goes to show he was really ahead of
just laugh and say, ‘Who’s going to read
dust. So we started writing a blog, even
his time. Today the word branding is
that?’ He was very humble and when he
translating them into other languages. We
everywhere. It’s important to work on
came home he was just dad. When he
started getting a lot of visitors and positive
your personal brand,” shares Olivia, a
passed away of a heart attack, I was 23. We
comments. It made us realize we were on
28-year-old majoring in liberal arts at the
did not know he had heart disease. It was
to something,” she explains.
University of Central Florida.
like we woke up in the morning and by
They decided to concentrate less on the
dinner our lives were changed forever,”
blog and more on the book, which took
she says.
about two and a half years to complete.
The description for the book reads: “iBRAND: The Next Generation is about how you brand yourself as a person. It’s
At that time, Olivia was still figuring
“We turned our pain into purpose and this
about positioning yourself to reach your
out where she was going and what she
gave us something to live for. It brought us
goals, creating a personal distinction, and
was going to do. “My dad was my compass,
closer to my dad and I feel like I got to
crafting a road map for yourself to get to
so when I lost him I lost my direction. I
know him all over again,” Olivia says.
where you want to go. It’s about authentic-
felt like I was on a road to nowhere — left
“The book is about personal branding
ity, values and standards. It’s about how
in the middle of the desert with no road
but goes way beyond your brand. It’s more
you stand out from the crowd and how you
map. I did not do so well. I was expelled
than your job title or your wardrobe, it’s a
deliver on your personal brand promises.
from UCF, suffered with depression, had
lifestyle philosophy. It’s how you wake up
And, most importantly, it’s about taking
panic attacks and felt isolated. I needed
and approach every day,” she continues.
calculated risks in life.”
some words of wisdom,” she explains.
“But since we did not have the branding
Olivia is clear that she is not a branding
She was searching for a word, a phrase
credentials, we reached out to industry
expert herself, but just wants to share
or some sign that would direct her. And
leaders and had them write testimonials
words of wisdom from others including
she found those by combing through her
about my dad and back up his principles. I
20
orangeappeal.com
thelist
WOMEN TO WATCH
believe this book gave us some closure
of contacts and sure enough, the person
normally. We really stepped out of our
that we needed and allowed us to be close
would be in there. So we would send them
comfort zone,” she continues.
to him. We hope he is proud of what we’ve
a random email,” she explains.
done.”
The duo claim to be two sides of the
They never really expected many peo-
coin — extroverted Pam and introverted
Of their journey together, Pam recalls
ple to respond to the request. But people
Olivia. And the collaboration challenged
knowing the moment she saw Gary col-
did, and as the responses poured in, the
them both. The public presentations have
lapsed that he was gone. She got through
women realized everything was coming
aided Olivia in overcoming some lifelong
the following weeks with the support of
full circle. “It helped us get through a very
speech and language issues. And the proj-
family, friends and her faith. She was
hard time,” Pam adds. It also helped Pam,
ect pushed Pam to do and learn new
overwhelmed by the number of people
who had spent years in the primary role of
things. They both made a lot of self-discov-
who attended his funeral service and
wife and mother, to reinvent herself while
eries along the way.
shared stories of how Gary had touched
encouraging others.
“The message is we all have obstacles
their lives. She took comfort in the knowl-
“Everyone has a brand — some are bet-
on this roller coaster of life and we don’t
edge that his actions spurred others to fol-
ter than others. We spend a lot of pages in
know what’s ahead of us. But each one of
low suit.
the book discussing how you put yourself
us has more in us than we realize. We say stay positive, stay hopeful,” Pam says.
“It was that ripple effect. As the months
out there every day. One thing we found
would go by the stories grew. And as dif-
was the younger generation, which was
The natural next step after the book’s
ferent names would come up [as possible
raised differently, puts things out there on
publication was the creation of iBRAND
contributors] for the book — sometimes a
social media that impact their brand. And
LifePlan, a workbook for getting where
name would come to me in the middle of
we also learned from all the contributors
you want to be. Both are available at
the night — we would go find Gary’s book
— talking to people we would not have
ibrandnextgen.com.
22
orangeappeal.com
thelist eyeonarts
PERFORMING ARTS 2017-2018 SEASONS We may be in the midst of vacations and lighter schedules, but it is the perfect time to plan for the shows you don’t want to miss. In fact, tickets for many of the events at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts are already on sale. From Broadway favorites and beautiful ballets to all genres of musical performances and concerts, this promises to be a bright, star-filled year.
New to the 2017 – 2018 Dr. Phillips Center Season THE JAZZ VOCAL SUMMIT — DR. PHILLIPS CENTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA Saturday, September 16 Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater This performance is headlined by the newly-formed Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra, which, in their debut solo performance Ellington For Lovers, played to a sold-out crowd in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater.
THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7 Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater returns to Dr. Phillips Center with The Best of The Second City. This must-see show features the best sketches and songs from The Second City’s 55-year history made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more — as well as their trademark improvisation. Come see where it all began during this special three-performance engagement.
NEIL deGRASSE TYSON — THE COSMIC PERSPECTIVE presented in association with Bill Blumenreich Presents Wednesday, October 18 Bob Carr Theater The award-winning astrophysicist, New York Times best-selling author and host of FOX’s Cosmos returns to Orlando, back by 24
orangeappeal.com
popular demand after his sold-out engagement at Dr. Phillips Center last year. His return yields a new topic: The Cosmic Perspective. There is no other view of the world as emotionally potent as one granted by a cosmic perspective. It’s one that sees Earth as a planet in a vast, empty universe. It profoundly influences what we think and feel about science, culture, politics and life itself.
LA LA LAND IN CONCERT Saturday, November 11 Walt Disney Theater Experience the original musical film like never before with a live symphony orchestra. Winner of 6 Academy Awards including Best Original Score and Best Original Song, La La Land tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are both struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.
LA LA LAND JAZZ EXPRERIENCE — DR. PHILLIPS CENTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA Saturday, November 11 Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater Be immersed into the world of La La Land with the Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra in a specially created Seb’s Jazz Club. The Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater is transformed into a replica of Seb’s Club from the film, complete with table-top seating and full bar. Immediately following La La Land — In Concert, VIP guests are invited to come hear an homage to the music that inspired Sebastian to follow his dreams, as well as all the favorites from the film’s award-winning score. Tickets to the performance include reserved seating in either the Alexis & Jim Pugh gallery or at high-top tables on the main floor.
BRIT FLOYD The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show IMMERSION WORLD TOUR 2017 Sunday, November 19 The hotly anticipated rock event of the year comes to Orlando as Brit Floyd brings the music of Pink Floyd to life
thelist eyeonarts
Sunday, December 3 Walt Disney Theater The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis spreads holiday cheer on its national Big Band Holidays tour. With soulful renditions of holiday classics, playful improvisation and entertaining storytelling, they bring out the magic in such favorites as Count Basie’s “Jingle Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and Billie Holliday’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” Jazz royalty Catherine Russell joins as a special guest vocalist, continuing a spirited partnership that has spread Yuletide cheer in dozens of cities across the country. She’ll be joined by fellow vocalist Kenny Washington from New Orleans. For audiences of all ages to enjoy, this uplifting holiday performance creates lasting memories that keep you feeling good throughout the season.
JETHRO TULL BY IAN ANDERSON Wednesday, November 8 SHOPKINS LIVE! Saturday, January 20, 2018
FAIRWINDS BROADWAY IN ORLANDO in the WALT DISNEY THEATER (Subscription Series) RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I September 12 – 17
TITO PUENTE, JR. WITH THE RICO MONACO BAND Sunday, July 23 MARK KOZELEK Saturday, September 30
BOB CARR THEATER PROPAROXITONA Friday, July 14 TAMO JUNTO COM MARCO LUQUE Saturday, July 29
LOVE NEVER DIES November 21 – 26 THE BOOK OF MORMON December 12 – 17 SCHOOL OF ROCK December 26 – 31 RIVERDANCE January 26 – 28, 2018 DISNEY’S THE LION KING February 14 – March 11, 2018 WAITRESS March 20 – 25, 2018 SOMETHING ROTTEN! April 24 – 29, 2018 RENT: 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR June 5 – 10, 2018
Additional Performances: WALT DISNEY THEATER
Saturday, March 3, 2018 Walt Disney Theater
DIANA ROSS: IN THE NAME OF LOVE TOUR Tuesday, June 27
Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, come to life in a classical Wild Kratts story. Off “to the creature rescue,” the Emmy-nominated Kratt Brothers activate fan-favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal “wow facts,” the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again.
DAN TDM Saturday, July 1
orangeappeal.com
ALEXIS & JIM PUGH THEATER
ON YOUR FEET! October 17 – 22
WILD KRATTS LIVE
26
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS™ IN CONCERT November 4 – 5
MICHAEL CAIRNS 2017
BIG BAND HOLIDAYS: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guest Catherine Russell
BRIAN REGAN Friday, September 22
Ana Villafare as Gloria Estefan in On Your Feet!
MATTHEW MURPHY
once again with its lavish new stage show: Immersion World Tour 2017. The spectacle of a Pink Floyd concert experience is truly recaptured in high definition sound and with a stunning million-dollar light show and state-of-the-art video design. Faithfully recreating the scale and pomp of the final 1994 Division Bell tour, complete with circle screen and multiple moving light designs, lasers, inflatables and theatrics, a Brit Floyd show really is as close as fans will get to experiencing the magnificence of a Pink Floyd show live. Believe the hype and don’t miss it.
AN EVENING WITH BILL MAHER Saturday, July 8 ENCORE CAST PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS HAIRSPRAY July 22 – 23 SABRINA CARPENTER: THE DE-TOUR Saturday, August 5 PARAMORE: TOUR TWO Saturday, September 9
Dancers Hitomi Nakamura (Japan) and Alberto Blanco (Spain) in the production Contemporary Wonders. (Contents photo, page 2: Jessica Assef in the production Swan Lake.)
ORLANDO BALLET IN THE WALT DISNEY THEATER SWAN LAKE October 27 – 29 THE NUTCRACKER December 21 – 24 ROMEO & JULIET February 9 – 11 ARCADIAN BROAD’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST FAMILY WEEKEND March 17 – 18 CONTEMPORARY WONDERS May 4 – 6
thelist eyeonarts ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC AT THE BOB CARR THEATER
FAIRWINDS Classic Series 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OPENING: BEETHOVEN’S NINTH September 30 – October 1 BEETHOVEN & MOZART Saturday, November 18 RIMMA PLAYS MENDELSSOHN Saturday, January 20, 2018 BERNSTEIN AND THE NEW WORLD Saturday, February 17, 2018 BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 1 Saturday, April 7, 2018
Pop Series CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES Saturday, October 14 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Saturday, November 25 CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE: CIRQUE GOES TO THE CINEMA Saturday, February 3, 2018 MY SINATRA STARRING CARY HOFFMAN Saturday, March 10, 2018 A TRIBUTE TO ELLA! Saturday, April 21, 2018
OPERA ORLANDO IN THE ALEXIS & JIM PUGH THEATER LA BOHÈME November 15 – 17 AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS December 9 – 10 GIOACHINO ROSSINI’S CINDERELLA March 21, 23 – 25, 2018 For on-sale times and to purchase tickets, guests may visit drphillipscenter.org, call 844-513-2014 or visit the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, 32801, between 10am and 4pm Monday through Friday, and noon to 4pm, Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees.
28
orangeappeal.com
Orlando Shakes Located in Loch Haven Park, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in partnership with UCF will present a full season of productions in the signature series as well as the children’s series and PlayFest at its theater facilities.
2017-2018 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: MAN OF LA MANCHA September 6 – October 8 THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES October 11 – November 19 PLAYFEST, presented by Harriett’s Charitable Trust, presents up to seven new plays in staged readings over a four-day period: November (date TBD) IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY November 29 – December 30 NATIVE GARDENS January 3 – February 4 SHOWTIME FOR SHAKESPEARE: A MAGIC TREE HOUSE ADVENTURE October 19 – November 17 SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE February 7 – March 25, 2018 TWELFTH NIGHT February 21 – March 23, 2018 ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY April 5 – May 5
For tickets and showtimes, visit orlandoshakes.org. Pictured: Scenic rendering by Jim Hunter of Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s upcoming production of Man of La Mancha.
y tt e s r p pop
Lip glosses in the sweetest shades for summer, available at Neiman Marcus at The Mall at Millenia. From top left, clockwise: Chantecaille Brilliant gloss in Lucky, $36; Le Métier de Beauté lip creme in Pavé; $32; YSL glossy stain in Pop Water #220, $36; Chantecaille Luminous gloss in Mango and Framboise, $36 each; Dior Addict Ulta gloss #553, $30; Armani Ecstasy lacquer color #500, $38; Chantecaille Brilliant loss color in Folly, $36; YSL Volupte tint-in-oil in Peach Me Love #6, $32.
beautybody&spirit 30
orangeappeal.com
beautybody&spirit
BEAUTY BAG
Skin Care Favorites from a Skin Care Specialist by Libby Johnson, Orlando Aesthetic Institute
Photo by Kristen Hechler
As a nurse practitioner specializing in the
aging from taking center stage. You don’t
latest techniques in injectables for the
have to settle for sunspots and dryness.
treatment of unwanted lines, wrinkles
Tools are available to slow down the signs
and lost facial volume at Orlando Aesthetic
of aging skin. The first step is realizing
Institute, Colleen Fitch knows a thing or
that glowing skin doesn’t happen by
two about fighting the signs of aging skin.
chance, and that’s why Colleen agreed to
Dryness, sunspots, fine lines, crow’s
share the swag in her designer bag.
feet and dullness. These signs of aging
Colleen’s favorites include products that
skin are unavoidable — trade-offs made
target collagen and improve her skin’s elas-
rally slows down with age, resulting in
after years of playing in the sun, and, well
ticity. A daily staple in her skin care regi-
uneven skin tone and rough skin texture.
let’s be honest, entering a new decade
men is Neostrata Intensive Eye Therapy.
Retinol products provide the necessary
doesn’t do us any favors either.
The ingredients in this refreshing eye
boost to speed up cell turnover, sloughing
If you’re in the 40 and over set, you own
moisturizer smooth fine lines with pep-
off dead skin cells, and restoring the skin’s
the buzz words crow’s feet, uneven skin
tides and enzymes that bolster and plump
even color and softness.
tone, and dull, ruddy skin. As terrible as
the skin.
Before she applies her favorite sun-
that sounds, advancements in skin care
To address dull, patchy skin, Colleen
screen for the ultimate UVA and UVB
technology are denying sun exposure and
applies 0.5% Retin-A. Cell turnover natu-
protection, she maintains and restores her natural moisture barrier with Teoxane Age Defense Cream. Teoxane is an antiaging moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. In women under 40, hyaluronic acid is responsible for the moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness of the skin. After age 40, the amount of this naturally occurring carbohydrate diminishes. Teoxane is specially formulated to enhance the body’s own moisture production through a timereleased technology that remains active throughout the day. For added sexy, she keeps her eyelashes long with Latisse, treats her neck with Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, and periodically pampers her décolleté with the Silc Skin chest mask to prevent chest wrinkles from sun damage, aging and sleeping on her side. Do not give up on softer, smoother skin. Follow Colleen’s lead; elude the sun and the passage of time and restore your radiant glow. Taking charge of your skin should be a timeless pursuit! All of these products are available at the Orlando Aesthetic Institute, orlandoai.com.
32
orangeappeal.com
beautybody&spirit
Is Concierge Medicine the Right Choice for You and Your Family? by Deborah Harding, MD and Victor Harding, MD, Harding Medical Institute
Tremendous advances have been made in the medical sciences. Researchers have discovered cures or vastly improved treatments for many terrible diseases. Heart attack and stroke rates are way down. Many diseases such as diabetes and cancer can be effectively treated and diagnosed much earlier, even predicted, with new techniques. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are becoming much more treatable with cures in sight. The study of the human genome will greatly
A
improve our ability to predict, prevent and treat many conditions. s we are finding ways to
Also, many people must manage the
patient. The concierge doctor should be
prevent and treat dis-
medical care of one or more family mem-
readily available to provide direct care to
eases, we are develop-
bers such as children and elderly, often ill,
the patient whether it be an emergency,
ing ways to extend lon-
parents. Demanding can be the time spent
annual physical, phone call or routine vis-
gevity and quality of
scheduling doctors’ appointments, filling
it. This program is especially designed for
life. As a result, life expectancy has nearly
prescriptions, and working with insur-
busy, health-conscious executives and
doubled since 1900 and we fully believe
ance rules, payments and denials. It is
families.
great progress in the area of longevity will
understandable that as patients, in what-
be made over the next 20 years. Many peo-
ever scenario, we crave the personalized
ple today will live high-quality lives well
care that can really do well to provide us
past 100 years, perhaps much longer. A
with comfort and ease. This idea is what
1. Same-day appointments. Anyone who
major goal of medicine should be to pre-
leads us to taking a closer look at concierge
has struggled back and forth with a
vent premature aging and disease while
medicine.
doctor’s office can attest to the difficulty
maintaining quality of life.
Benefits of Concierge Medicine
of finding the perfect appointment
taking advantage of these advances. Most
What is Concierge Medicine?
doctors, whether general practitioners or
Concierge medicine is fueled by a rela-
fessional, patients have the luxury of
specialists in their field, have the knowl-
tionship between the physician and the
arranging a same-day appointment at
edge and wisdom that is so important for
patient, which inspires enhanced care and
an hour that best suits them. While
the health and well-being of their patients.
special attention to the health needs of the
making an appointment with a doctor
They have invested countless hours of
patient. A doctor in the concierge medi-
in a traditional setting could require
study and work to gain the knowledge that
cine practice is a health care professional
days or weeks of waiting, concierge
can help us stay healthy and happy. Yet,
that provides direct personalized care to
medicine allows a guaranteed direct-
the system is not working very well. Doc-
patients who pay membership fees for the
care experience on short notice. Also,
tors and other providers tend to have mul-
many extra services and conveniences
the appointments typically give the
tiple demands upon their practices that
offered. This is a fantastic option for indi-
patient all the time they need to address
often allows for only a few minutes of face-
viduals who are seeking less hassled,
their medical questions.
to-face contact with each patient. Typical-
higher quality medical care, extended
ly, this is simply not enough time to effec-
office visits with a personalized physician,
2. Coordination of specialized medical
tively utilize the advances at hand and
coordination of specialist visits, and direct
care. One of the greatest benefits of
leads to reactive rather than proactive
and immediate communication with a
concierge medicine is the specialized
medicine.
doctor or provider who is familiar with the
aspect that gives the patient a unique
Unfortunately, many people are not
34
orangeappeal.com
time, especially when the situation is urgent. With a concierge medical pro-
beautybody&spirit experience that can truly make a difference. For example, a relationship with a concierge medicine doctor can also prove helpful when scheduling, coordinating and facilitating appointments with doctors in specialized fields. This also holds true for the scheduling and coordination of diagnostic-related appointments and testing. A relationship with a concierge medicine program can provide the patient with a liaison for patient support and coordination.
3. Advanced testing. Because of extended appointment times, concierge physicians frequently can offer advanced preventive testing which requires longer appointment times to review. Such testing can
5. A commitment to the patient. Another
include complete genome analysis,
benefit of concierge medicine is the
long. It’s for this reason that many adults
telomere length testing, advanced lipid
increased commitment and time to the
who opt for participation in a concierge
analysis, food allergy panels, and a
patient, which can play a vital role in
medicine program are now considering
multitude of other testing.
the patient’s health and happiness.
the same line of health care for their par-
Many concierge medicine practices are
ents. In fact, many will agree that one of
4. Possibility for communication via email
founded on the principle of providing
the greatest services that can be provided
or telephone 24/7. Another challenge
each of their patients with a custom-
for an aging parent is superlative care and
of relying solely on a health profession-
ized experience that streamlines their
instant access to a physician’s expertise in
al in a traditional setting is the lack of
access to quality, personalized health
case of emergencies. Not only can this put
access when questions or concerns
care.
the mind at ease, but it can provide a guar-
arise. It is difficult to find a doctor that can be easily reached via phone or email at all hours of the day. This can
Concierge Medicine for Aging Individuals
anteed flow of communication that can answer questions and concerns at any hour of any day.
Many patients are trusting these pro-
Signing up your family in a concierge
patient has health issues or concerns
grams to provide personalized care for
medicine program can help to alleviate
that require attention at a moment’s
their aging loved ones as well. This gener-
the burden of providing and guaranteeing
notice. The relationship that exists
ation of working children find their hands
access to health care for your loved ones.
between the patient and the doctor
full with family life and work responsibili-
Consequently, utilizing this type of prac-
allows ease of communication that is
ties, not to mention managing their own
tice can greatly improve the quality of life
essential to the patient. This way, a care
health. Often these same individuals find
and help you to achieve a level of health
plan and communication flow can be
themselves faced with the responsibility
that can lead to longer, happier lives for
created that fits the schedule of the
of caring for their aging parents. This has
you and your family.
patient and the family. Patients even
the potential to include frequent doctor
have the luxury of reviewing lab tests,
visits and check-ups, creating personal-
Dr. Deborah Harding is board certified in
radiology reports and discussing spe-
ized plans that fit their aging parents’
internal, sleep disorder and anti-aging
cialist appointments on the phone,
needs, and making sure that tests and
medicine. The Harding Medical Institute is
which eliminates the time it takes to
appointments with specialists are properly
located in MetroWest. Learn more at
drive to and from a doctor’s office.
coordinated. These responsibilities get
hardingmedicalinstitute.com.
be a challenge, especially when the
36
added to a list that can quickly grow very
orangeappeal.com
beautybody&spirit
RELAX, REHYDRATE, REJUVENATE New waves of health and wellness treatments are hitting Central Florida and the newly opened IV Lounge in South Orlando is among the growing trend for preventive care. As more and more people explore alternatives for living longer, stronger lives, the need for options will continue to grow.
I
“
n the medical world there is a big push
“Foods have been processed or modi-
for overall health and preventive medi-
Stacy Laack
fied. And even the produce we get is not
cine. California is on the forefront of
picked at the proper time with artificial
trending, healthy things like Whole
ripening. Our produce just does not pro-
Foods and Trader Joe’s — the organic
vide the vitamins it once did. So, it’s even
movement started on the West Coast. Peo-
more important now to supplement your
ple are generally looking to lead more
diet. IV therapy is a great way to do this so
healthy lifestyles by preventing themselves
you can boost your immunity, feel good
from getting high blood pressure and
and look good,” she adds.
becoming overweight, ridding their bodies
Getting fluids and vitamins via an IV
of toxins, and strengthening their immune
ensures it goes directly where it should.
system,” explains Stacy Laack, a physician
Some people are not able to absorb vita-
assistant who manages the practice.
mins either through food or oral supple-
Stacy is also an adjunct professor at
ments. That’s why it is important to get
NOVA University and has vast experience
your levels checked. The IV treatments
in women’s health and emergency medi-
are intended for relatively healthy individ-
cine. She has also been involved in various
uals — from those who may have issues
research studies, has had multiple publi-
ically dehydrated, which causes fatigue,
with hypertension or lack of energy to
cations in medical journals and has pre-
joint pain, headaches, high blood pres-
active athletes.
sented at leading national medical and
sure, weight gain, ulcers, kidney stones
“Usually the treatment regimen includes
scientific meetings.
and a myriad of other symptoms. It also
a build-up where you would have an infu-
She says living in Central Florida with
causes skin dullness and makes wrinkles
sion once a week for a month. And then
a high number of visitors from around the
more prominent. IV hydration is the sim-
you could do so once every other week or
world may make us more susceptible to
plest, most effective way to overcome
even once a month for maintenance,” Sta-
germs and diseases. “In this community,
dehydration.
cy explains. The IV Lounge has multi-
we are exposed to a lot more than in other areas,” she adds.
“Especially in Central Florida where
treatment plans available.
heat and humidity are high, our bodies are
In addition to IV treatments, the IV
To address the demand, The IV Lounge
constantly sweating and we are behind in
Lounge offers a revolutionary in-office,
has created a synergistic experience of IV
hydration. I have spent a lot of time in the
30-minute procedure for vaginal rejuve-
vitamin therapy combined with the prac-
ER and patients are coming in with kid-
nation. As women age and go through
tice of mediation to produce immediate
ney stones due to dehydration. You may
childbirth, many experience changes due
results. The IV Lounge offers a sanctuary
think you are drinking enough water but
to vaginal relaxation and dryness. Ther-
for the body and mind in the atmosphere
you really aren’t. It’s almost impossible to
miVa uses gentle radio-frequency con-
of luxury and comfort, all while being
keep up here,” she says.
trolled heat to build collagen, tighten tis-
evaluated and cared for by highly trained
The vitamins received during treat-
sue, increase blood flow to the vaginal
medical professionals. After a health eval-
ments are not produced by the body and
area and restore natural moisture. It tight-
uation, clients sit comfortably in a pod-
should be supplied by outside sources.
ens the external and internal vagina with-
chair listening to a meditation session
Alcohol, refined sugar, nicotine, excessive
out surgery, and no anesthesia is needed.
while their IV is administered.
caffeine, environmental pollution and
Patients can resume normal activity,
many other factors destroy these vitamins.
including intercourse, the same day.
More than 75% of Americans are chron38
orangeappeal.com
beautybody&spirit
“A lot of women — different groups of them — use the vaginal rejuvenation for a variety of issues. There are younger women who have not had children but want more lubrication or enhanced orgasms. Then there are women who have had children that want tightening and elasticity back. The treatments improve appearance as well. It also helps with incontinence. The other group are post-menopausal women or post-cancer patients that cannot use hormones, who benefit from the collagen production. It is more of a natural way to restore the vaginal area,” she says. She explains the tissue is much like a rubber band that can be stretched out and loose, or tight and brittle, but the ThermiVa creates firmness, pliability and flexibility, much like a new rubber band. “Restoring our bodies to their younger version is what it’s
about.
ThermiVa
involves
three
30-minute treatments about a month apart for the best outcome. After a year the recommendation is for one or two more treatments,” Stacy says. For more information on the IV Lounge experience, visit theivlounge.com. 40
orangeappeal.com
exotic nectar
tastes&experiences The Lobby Bar at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando pays tribute to Pandora — The World of AVATAR, the newly opened land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with the Pandora's Lagoon cocktail featuring raspberry-infused gin, Genepy des Alpes, chamomile syrup, a splash of Prosseco and beautifully edible garnishes. Florida resident rates at the resort start at $309/night from August 13 – October 1. 42
orangeappeal.com
tastes&experiences
Retreat and Reconnect at
Reunion Resort
A
by Kate Slentz
lways eager to
We checked in smoothly and made our
set out on a week-
way to the five-bedroom vacation rental
end getaway, we
that easily fit us and our seven guests,
cut the work-
which included grandparents, aunts and
week a little short so our little family (my
uncles, and cousins. The hotel quality beds
husband, Mike, and our son, Benjamin)
and private pool made us very comfortable
could head to the AAA Four Diamond
for the extent of our stay. And most sur-
Reunion Resort and Club, a Salamander
prising was the sheer number of houses
with outside seating, live music, and the
Golf & Spa Resort, for an extended stayca-
around us that had similar features.
nightly (Disney) fireworks seen the dis-
tion. The hustle and bustle of the city faded
Though some were permanent residences
tance made for a fun and unique environ-
into suburbs, then to pasture, as we neared
and not rentals. Still, it would be doubtful
ment. The signature cocktails and diverse
our destination, located on a peaceful
to find any group needs that Reunion
by-the-glass wine options almost made
2,300 acres, just minutes from the theme
couldn’t accommodate — think family
choosing a drink daunting; luckily the
parks. The first thought that came to mind
reunions, weddings, golf getaways, corpo-
exemplary
once on property is just how expansive it
rate retreats, etc. — with luxury suites and
enough to cure any indecisiveness.
is. Even sitting at the gatehouse entrance,
condos, multi-bedroom villas and rental
Chef de Cuisine Jake Brenchley brought
The Grande hotel still seemed to loom far
homes, ranging from 750 to 2,200 square
out a series of signature dishes, including
off in the distance. Once inside, we cruised
feet.
his carefully curated charcuterie board. In
staff
were
knowledgeable
through neighborhoods of vacation homes,
The first night really impressed with
one dish, he managed to put on display his
multi-story villas, a water park, and three
dinner at Eleven. This fine dining experi-
vision of local, farm-to-table cuisine with
championship-caliber golf courses, all of
ence on the top (11th) floor of The Grande
cured meats, including a succulent duck
which were tucked inside beautifully
hotel had much to offer in atmosphere.
prosciutto that was aged in house, local
maintained landscaping.
Large glass windows, an open-air veranda
cheeses, honeycomb, fig toast, and concord
44
orangeappeal.com
grapes that were dried on the veranda out-
fried egg, bacon strips, caramelized onions
waterfalls, a winding 150-foot flume slide,
side the restaurant. Chef Brenchley really
and pepper jack cheese — than expected,
and an interactive water playground with
set the stage for getting us back by men-
and possibly the best sweet potato fries,
twisting slides, wading pool, a 350-gallon
tioning that new décor, furniture and a
according to my husband.
splash bucket, and water games, as well as
more steakhouse-oriented menu would be
After golf and lunch, we enjoyed a
a beach volleyball court.
launched in a couple weeks (now avail-
refreshing dip in our private swimming
Every one of our guests enjoyed Reunion,
able).
pool with the rest of the family, who
and we look forward to going back. There
The next day, we started with a tee time
agreed to babysit our son while we golfed.
was so much to offer that we didn’t even
on the award-winning (Tom) Watson
While Benjamin was a little too young to
scratch the surface, and with the new menu
Course. From valet to pro shop to starter,
partake on this trip, the resort also features
and updated décor at Eleven, it might be
the staff was exceptional in their friendli-
a five-acre water park with a 1,000-ft. lazy
an entirely new experience next time. For
ness and hospitality. Arriving early enough
river with rock structures and multiple
information visit reunionresort.com.
afforded time to warm up on the large and well-maintained practice facilities. Then we set off to the first tee to take on the championship course with more than 170 bunkers, I found the course to be very enjoyable — mostly wide open, with intermittent elevation changes and scattered bunkers that constantly tested shot placement. The individual holes were a fun mix; some longer that challenged all aspects of your game; some shorter, very scorable holes; and most somewhere in between. Grand homes and vacation rentals lined most of the course. Designs and architecture often drew comments and interest as we played around them. We would gladly come back to have another go at the Watson course, but Reunion Resort also boasts two other signature golf courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, creating a 54-hole trifecta of great golf. The biggest surprise of the weekend had to be after the round of golf when we ate lunch at The Clubhouse Grill. After a long, hot morning, all we hoped for was a good sandwich and a cold drink. What we got was more great service, better sandwiches — like the 19th Hole Burger, with july | august 2017
45
tastes&experiences
BITS & BITES
LOOKING FOR A SUMMER ADVENTURE WITHOUT THE DRIVE? O-TOWN IS BRIMMING WITH HOT SPOTS TO WET YOUR WHISTLE, LICK YOUR CHOPS AND PARTY ON... Vroom, Vroom Yum For months you may have seen the “coming soon” sign from I-4, and now Ace Cafe Orlando, the first North American location of the celebrated London-based motor diner and the sixth in the world, is open. The 35,000-square-foot dining, entertainment and retail destination reinvigorates a key parcel in downtown Orlando now known as “Ace Corner,” where it expects to draw more than 400,000 people annually. Since 1938, Ace Cafe London has been a mecca for those passionate about cars, bikes and rock ‘n’ roll culture. The original location on London’s North Circular Road began as a roadside cafe for truckers, then evolved into a popular destination for rock ‘n’ roll-loving teens riding motorbikes during the ’50s and ’60s. Today, Ace has a multi-generational appeal among motorsports enthusiasts from all over the world. Much larger than its London namesake, Ace Cafe Orlando spans two floors and features a full-service restaurant, two kitchens, four bars, a coffee bar, a communal counter, a mezzanine that overlooks the main floor dining area and stage, and private and semiprivate spaces for groups both large and small. Rounding out the offerings inside the Ace are: Rockers Speed Shop (selling official Ace gear and apparel); a BMW motorcycle dealer; Dainese D-Store (Italy’s legendary hightech riding gear and accessories brand); EagleRider motorcycle rental company (the world’s largest motorcycle tourism company); and Stonebridge Motor Gallery, selling an ever-changing line-up of original motorsports and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired artwork, photography, sculptures and memorabilia, as well as collectable vintage and rare, one-off custom motorcycles. Executive Chef Christopher Truesdell’s menu can be defined as American diner fare that features made-from-scratch homestyle comfort food with a twist and captures the authentic spirit and flavors of some of the best diners and backroad joints across the country, all at an affordable price point. There is also a nod to Ace Cafe’s roots with authentic British favorites like bangers and mash, fish and chips, and chicken curry. A carefully curated list of house-made specialty craft cocktails, fresh juices, martinis, wines, cold-pressed and hot spiked coffee drinks, spiked and non-spiked fresh gelato milkshakes, and an extensive list of craft, domestic and imported beer across 104 taps headline a bountiful array of adult beverages available from four fullystocked bars. For more information, visit acecafeusa.com.
Pep It Up! College Park’s restaurant scene has gotten a little more lively as The Peppy Bistro (formerly Paxia) on Edgewater Drive now offers a variety of entertainment for patrons to enjoy while dining and sipping. The monthly schedule includes trivia, karaoke,
female
impersonator
Leigh
Shannon’s variety show, special events, and even jazz by the legendary Jacqueline Jones. Owner and chef Jerry Peppy — who most recently owned and operated Casa di Pepe in Delray Beach — has also updated the décor to feature painting of icons and superstars by local artist Jim Bronzo. The menu, billed as fusion cuisine, features everything from charcuterie platters to steak entrées to kid-friendly fare, while the inviting bartenders serve up craft cocktails, beer and wine. The Peppy Bistro is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday. For more information, visit peppybistro.com.
46
orangeappeal.com
tastes&experiences
BITS & BITES
Wine & Dine The first two may be off the menu, but the next edition of the Bull & Bear Masters 2017 Wine Pairing Series hosted by Chef de Cuisine Richard Brown and General Manager Rafael Frederick is scheduled for July. It’s always a treat to attend a paired wine dinner — and the May event at Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando was no exception. In addition to the masterfully prepared five-course meal, we were led through the Paul Hobbs wines by master sommelier Michael McNeil. The slender-stemmed Sophienwald wine glasses were provided by Ginger Turner of Adelion, U.S. distributor of the Austrian-made vessels. The setting is quite intimate — just two large tables in the private wine room. For information, visit waldorfastoriaorlando.com/masters-2017/ Rafael Frederick and Chef Richard Brown
NOLA-Inspired Muddy Waters Thornton Park and downtown foodies have something to celebrate with the opening of
Light, Crisp Summer Sipper
Muddy Waters, a new concept from the teams of Beacon Hill Group and Two Chefs Res-
Local chef, entrepreneur and nonprofit
taurants, that has opened in the spot of the former Mucho Tequila & Tacos. It features New
founder Jamie McFadden is celebrating the
Orleans-inspired cuisine from Chef Bernard Carmouche and Chef Larry Sinibaldi of Two
season with his newly released Snowbirds
Chefs Seafood Restaurant on Magnolia Avenue. The menu pays homage to Chef Bernard’s
Vintners 2016 Rosé, created with wine-
deep New Orleans roots and culinary background, with an emphasis on fresh, authentic
maker Norm Saley. This is just his latest
ingredients sourced from Louisiana and masterfully prepared using expert techniques.
foray into the wine world and he intended
Chef Bernard started his career in New Orleans in 1984 and in 1992 became the Chef de Cuisine at Emeril’s New Orleans; later relocating to Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando in
this latest creation to pair easily with summer barbecues and lighter menus.
1998. Chef Bernard was promoted to Emeril’s culinary director for the Southeast in 2003.
The refreshingly bright, fruit-forward
During this time, he was mentored by Chef Emeril Lagasse and trained in the South of
blend produced from three Rhône-style
France at Le Moulin de Mougins, a celebrated 3 Michelin-star restaurant under the highly
grape varietals in the Columbia Valley
acclaimed Chef Roger Verge. He has received many accolades throughout his career and has appeared on Good Morning America, cooked for the Dalai Lama, and was inducted into the Orlando Culinary Hall of Fame in 2011. Chef Larry Sinibaldi has lived in the Orlando area for more than 20 years. After working his way up through the Hilton Hotel Corporation, he became executive chef at The Palm Restaurant, a position he held for 11 years. Embracing his extensive knowledge and passion for seafood, in 2015 Larry created and opened Two Chefs Seafood & Oyster Bar with partner Chef Bernard. During his time in Orlando, Chef Sinibaldi has won numerous awards including Super Chef at the Live Cookoff Championship, CRJ’s Iron Chef, and he was named a Top 20 Chef in Orlando. Muddy Waters partners Mark Angelo and Todd Ulmer of Beacon Hill Group have opened 11 concepts over the years, and currently own and operate downtown establishments including Stardust Lounge, Aku Aku Tiki Bar and Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge. They have won numerous awards and accolades, including seven Orlando Golden Brick Awards. For more information, call 407-843-9676. 48
orangeappeal.com
tastes&experiences BITS & BITES
AVA — Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache — goes well with some of Jamie’s favorite dishes like barbecued lamb, fried chicken, roasted beet salad with goat cheese and pistachios, and smoked corn and queso fresco with avocado toast. A shimmering salmon color, with hints of lavender on the rim, bright aromas of wild strawberries and rose petal present on the nose, as well as hints of white pepper and stone fruits, and aged in stainless steel for five months, Snowbirds 2016 Rosé is crisp on the palate, with a medium body and balanced acidity. Snowbird Vintners wines pay tribute to Jamie’s and his family’s love of food and wine. A portion of proceeds from the sale of every bottle go to the PEAS Foundation, a charitable organization, founded to help bring fresh fruits and vegetables to local homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other nonprofits in Central Florida. You can find Snowbirds at Whole Foods. For other locations go to facebook.com/ snowbirdsvintners. To purchase online, visit quantumleapwinery.com.
QUICK BITES…
Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, the celebrated magiAt longtime fave,
cians of See Live Magic can be found performing sleight-of-hand tableside from 7–9pm every Saturday night. And the
Generous Pour is back on the table at The
Capital Grille (Pointe Orlando and The
Mall at Millenia), from July 10 – September 3, featuring 90+ point finds at special prices with dinner. The list will be available July 10 at thecapitalgrille.com/events/
Ruth’s Chris Steak House will be hosting
the-generous-pour-wine-tasting.
the World’s Best Champagnes Dinner as part of its Ruth’s TasteMaker Dinner Series at the Lake Mary, Winter Park and Sand Lake Road locations. For more details visit ruthschris.com/promotions/ worlds-best-champagnes-dinner. 50
orangeappeal.com
crystal light
home&design Make it a no-mess, no-stress summer with these inexpensive entertaining accessories. The acrylic glasses and colorful cocktails napkins are less than $3 each from Publix, HomeGoods and Tuesday Morning.
52
orangeappeal.com
home&design
TILE STYLE
Vives Tile
Top Trend Takeaways from the 2017 Coverings Show by Karen LeBlanc
G
oodbye wood looks; fabric
is the new muse in tile style with the latest porcelain and ceramic tiles rendered in leather, jute, linen, plaids, tweeds and other textiles. At Coverings 2017, the largest stone and tile show in North America, textile inspired and terrazzo were the dominant looks in tile as cladding, flooring and architectural features. The annual exhibition brings together European and American design trends in surface style from leading Italian, Spanish and North American brands. Advances in HD printing and tile manufacturing technologies make ceramic and porcelain tiles the perfect doppelgängers for almost any surface material imaginable. Today, tile is the doyenne of design after more than half a century eclipsed by other decadedefining surface trends — 1950s linoleum, 1960s laminate, 1970s wood paneling and wall-to-wall carpeting, 1980s floral wallpaper and 1990s travertine. Fast-forward to the 21st century where imaginative installation techniques combine with novel tile designs to create striking surfaces in modern-day homes. Here are the latest surface design concepts to customize or update your living space.
54
orangeappeal.com
TERRAZZO RENAISSANCE Terrazzo has been around for centuries, first originating as mosaics of marble pieces in 16th century Venice. Today, this ancient surface material is enjoying an artistic reincarnation as ceramic tiles in pastel color palettes or mixed-in patterns. Spanish tile company Vives launched The Dolce Vita Collection with a selection of pastel-hued terrazzo tile in small and large formats in single colors and patterns. Another popular iteration of the terrazzo look is a fragmented tile design characterized by the random assortment of pieces in different shapes and sizes. These designed patterns come together in a kaleidoscope layout.
Vives Tile
home&design The Desire Collection by Fiandre Group
Unicom Starker Tile
TILE AS ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS Tile is also taking form as architectural elements that work as space dividers, visual transitions and other building blocks in home interiors. The Tile of Spain Pavilion showcased a wall crafted of ceramic baguettes
LEATHER AND LACE Tile rendered as tanned animal hides, replicated as woven, knitted, knotted textures of macramé, linen, madras, tweed and tartan, or as patterns of lace are fresh alternatives to the ubiquitous stone and wood tile looks. At the show, many tile debuts drew inspiration from fabric and textiles. “We’ve seen a lot of fabric looks in linen, plaid and jute patterns on a porcelain but I’m beginning to see a lot of leather looks,” notes Alena Capra, Coverings Show ambassador. Italian tile manufacturer Atlas Concorde launched the Chester Collection, cladding an entire bar vignette in its Saddle brown
by Natucer that functions as a space divider. “Ceramics is not only a cladding material but a functional building material that separates areas while keeping
an open feel,” says Ryan Fasan, technical consultant for Tile of Spain, referring to the Life Arq collection by Natucer, ceramic bricks in tubular forms. “These innovative, functional pieces can be used inside or outside as facades to shade, improve energy efficiency or enhance privacy.” As a visual transition, clever tile installation techniques on the walls and floors stylishly join spaces by mixing and merging different tile designs in a random and gradually diminishing pattern. Nikki Vega, owner of bluetreehomes, designed a tiny home for the Coverings Show Installation Design Showcase that featured octagon tile by Crossville Inc. spilling over from the kitchen into the living area in an installation that randomly integrates the octagons with light, wood-look, plank tile to visually transition between the two spaces.
tile evoking worn leather, with color options available in Biscuit, Dove and Cigar. Leather-inspired tile brings a luxurious gravitas to spaces such as a home office or library, billiards room, man cave or winery. For a more feminine sensibility, collections such as Arte Pura by Ceramiche Refin feature imprints of lace, fragmented embroidery and layers of torn linen with frenetic doodles. Another option, the Desire Collection by the Fiandre Group featured
ceramic
and
porcelain
tile
inspired by traditional fabric textures, lacy embellishments and highly graphical visual effects. 56
orangeappeal.com
Red Clay Tile by Fiandre Group
Fabric inspired tile
home&design
Atlas Concorde 3 D Tile
PoPJob by Mirage Tile
Absolut Keramika
SYNERGISTIC COLOR PALETTES
DIMENSIONAL TILE
Today’s creative tile installations call on several coordinating
Dimensional tile continues to gain traction in home interiors
colors rather than a single color to style a space. Rooms are no
with new sculptural designs in large formats and subway tile.
longer rendered in one color but a palette of related hues. “It’s not
Kim clad the walls of her tiny home design with Atlas Concorde
really about a single color or a trending color anymore; it’s more
3D tile to add texture to the Palm Springs-inspired, Modernism-
of a complete color scheme or palette that is a grouping of syner-
styled interiors. “I love putting texture in small spaces and I
gistic colors for an entire space,” Ryan notes.
think dimensional tile offers fresh alternatives to reclaimed
Many of these synergistic color palettes “think pink,” combining pastels with pink taking the lead. Italian tile company Mirage
wood looks,” says Kim, who used two different types of dimensional tile in the 175-square-foot home.
launched a showstopper tile collection called PoPJob designed by StudioJob in pink that abstracts wood grain patterning into a pop art interpretation. The high gloss, intensely saturated tile has a thick layer of crystalline glass for a chromatic saturation effect and comes in the additional colors of blue, green, black, beige, gray and white. Interior designer Kim Lewis infused pinks inspired by the Palm Springs sunset in her tiny home design for the Coverings Show. “The most popular thing people have loved about this tiny house is the pink tile in the shower because it has a nostalgic appeal,” explains Kim, referring to the Magnifique pink tiles by Atlas Concorde on the bathroom and shower walls.
Atlas Concorde Manifique Tile Subway Tile Denim Look
Subway tile in textures such as denim, vintage wood, or painted and worn wood strips and brick also comprise this trending look, adding a tactile quality to walls and backsplashes.
58
orangeappeal.com
Tonalite Tile
july | august 2017
59
home&design
Three-dimensional tile styles in metallics of bronze, platinum and gold add sculptural bling to surfaces. “We are seeing the reemergence of metallics in pewter, silver and platinum — all sorts of really cool metallic hues. I think gold, as we’ve seen in design, is starting to come back in furnishings and accent pieces, and I think we need tile to pull it all together,” Alena says.
Relonda 3D Tile
VINTAGE LOOK TILES A mashup between modern and rustic is creating a new genre of tile style that draws from industrial and vintage influences. Tile manufacturers debuted several new designs that mix cement, distressed woods and stone with worn markings for an aged patina that plays to both the past and present in home style. Apavisa’s Nanofusion line exemplifies this vintage-industrial look mixing wood grain and stone within a thin layer of cement. Distressed cement replaces polished and uniform cement looks of the past as an
Distressed Cement Tile
updated interpretation. “It’s the look of cement with that warehouse industrial feel, so the tile takes on looks of oxidized metals with worn markings,” Alena notes. As a design tool, tile resides at the intersection of art and architecture offering the creative freedom to play with pattern, grout color and designs for signature surfaces. These latest tile design concepts express trends and technological innovations in ceramic and porcelain surfaces for the home. For more on tile trends from the Coverings Show, check out a new episode airing on thedesigntourist.com. Nanofusion by Apavisa
Karen LeBlanc is host of The Design Tourist series. She travels the globe attending some of the world’s premiere design events in search of the latest trends, tastemakers and unique finds. Learn more at thedesigntourist.com.
60
orangeappeal.com
62
orangeappeal.com
64
orangeappeal.com
july | august 2017
65
66
orangeappeal.com
68
orangeappeal.com
70
orangeappeal.com
72
orangeappeal.com
74
orangeappeal.com
76
orangeappeal.com
78
orangeappeal.com
80
orangeappeal.com
82
orangeappeal.com
84
orangeappeal.com
86
orangeappeal.com
88
orangeappeal.com
90
orangeappeal.com
92
orangeappeal.com
going coastal Balmy, breezy, sophisticated, laidback and quirky — everything the Sunshine State is known for — describes a recent trek to South Florida and the Keys. There is nothing easier than an old-school summer road trip — pack as much as you want; come and go as you please.
Taking a week to explore the coast in celebration of my 34th wedding anniversary, Fort Lauderdale seemed a good place to start and Key West would be the perfect ending. I had not been in the area much in the decades since I left South Florida to come back home to Central Florida. Would it be too much of a change I wondered? Story and Photos by Christi
Ashby
july | august 2017
95
F
rom the days of the classic beach movies like Where the Boys Are with Connie Francis and George Hamilton, Fort Lauderdale beach was the original hot spot for spring breakers. The International Swimming Hall of Fame opened here in 1965 further cementing the area’s reputation for water sports. By the late ‘80s and early ’90s, the surfside city was rein-
venting and diversifying itself by combining cultural, historical and shopping icons and activities with the famous beach. The Riverwalk Project included what is now the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, Broward Center for the Performing Arts and 1901-built Stranahan House. By the 2000s the city’s gem, Las Olas Boulevard, was undergoing a renaissance as well. Along A1A today, condominium and hotel towers are soaring to new heights and giving visitors a host of new options. One of those is the recently renovated ($55 million) W Fort Lauderdale that displays a modern design with hip and happening amenities — this is not your grandmother’s heyday hotel. Yet the lovely shore is still accessible and unobstructed, just steps across the pedestrian-friendly street. The wide sidewalk by the sand fills with joggers and strollers who are refreshed by the breezes and salt air. If you have been to the Aloft in downtown Orlando, consider this property to be a big brother. It has the same contemporary vibe with more amenities and larger spaces. The distinctive music track, put together by some of today’s top DJs and producers, hits you the minute you walk in the doors, and the contemporary décor, with lots of concrete and sleek furnishings punctuated by colorful art, sets the tone for a wonderful escape. Entering on the ground floor, the valet quickly unloaded our luggage — too much — and whisked us to the elevator where we were greeted on the fourth floor at a
(Previous page) The Fort Lauderdale public beach beckons sea, sand and sun lovers of all ages. One of the seating areas in the gracious and spacious Living Room at the W Fort Lauderdale. The famous Elbo Room on Fort Lauderdale beach known for its music and dive bar vibe. The Atlantic Ocean’s gentle waves in South Florida.
96
orangeappeal.com
FT. LAUDERDALE small, personal reception desk. While we waited briefly, I gazed around to see the Indulge at Bliss Spa that offers rejuvenation services including mani/pedis, massages and oxygen-pumping facials to illicit a glow. Just beyond is the main lobby — the Living Room in W-speak — with cocktail and sushi bars and multiple seating areas leading to the expansive glass doors and ocean views. But before getting further on my exploration, it was time to move up to our room and unpack. Accommodations are luxurious in keeping with the mood of the hotel — cool with all the latest in tech including a Bluetooth speaker sound system and charging alarm clock, bedside USB portal and electrical outlets and 50" flat screen TV. Our room also had a floor-to-ceiling ocean view and private balcony.
Views of the W Fort Lauderdale: The wrap-around deck lounge off the fourth floor Living Room; WET East, the peek-a-boo rooftop pool and outdoor bar and the hotel tower with ocean view balconies; Stephen Starr’s award-winning steakhouse STEAK 954, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
july | august 2017
97
For the next 36 hours we took full advantage of the recently restyled WET East, the peek-a-boo rooftop pool with spectacular ocean views. In addition to rows and rows of comfortable loungers and chaises, there were plenty of sun-shielding umbrellas. There is poolside food and drink service as well as a full outdoor bar. For a more luxe dining experience, you can catch the action at Stephen Starr’s award-winning steakhouse STEAK 954, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s billed as a modern interpretation of the classic steakhouse featuring dry-aged meats. Guests can sit inside the dramatic décor, including a 15' reef aquarium filled with jellyfish, or outside on the oceanside terrace. We were impressed with the dishes as well as the professional service. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the beach district with easy walking to restaurants, bars and shopping. We took advantage of that by taking a couple of strolls during our stay. We just had to stop in the iconic Elbo Room, beachside watering hole since 1938, for cocktails and stool-dancing to the live music. It’s a down-and-dirty, no-nonsense, cash-only dive that knows how to celebrate the simple essence of the beach. We absolutely loved the Casablanca Café that was both charming and quaint with exceptional service. A restored historic home, it has a Mediterranean vibe with matching menu. When we mentioned it was our anniversary, we were seated at a tiny table for two right in front with a scenic view and presented with a special
A
dessert after our meal.
nother property provided a restful retreat with an Old Florida ambiance in a quieter section of Fort Lauderdale beach. Pelican Grand Beach Resort, part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection, has an intimate inn ambiance with coastal chic elements. The 156-room boutique hotel sits on 500 feet of pri-
vate beach making it ideal for families. It was updated with new amenities in 2015 while retaining its character. We found the welcoming lobby refreshing, even though the weather
E L A D R AUDE
FT. L
was a little gray. After walking through the comfortable seating areas we opened the double doors leading out to a large veranda filled with rocking chairs that overlooked the peaceful beach view — perfect for reading or sneaking in a little nap. The O2K Lounge, off the lobby and overlooking the resort’s zero entry oceanfront pool and lazy river, had some great casual meals and appetizers. And I especially liked the fish tacos with jicama slaw and chili cilantro aioli, while my husband digged his burger. There were also plenty of libation options from beer and wine to craft cocktails.
98
orangeappeal.com
At OCEAN2000, under the direction of Executive Chef Derek Rosen, the menu is filled with seafood and contemporary American cuisine with Latin influences. There is a distinct emphasis on organic ingredients and a focus on regionally influenced fare. The interiors are ocean-inspired with some yacht-like details. Leather banquettes and booths set the table for a little romance. Our dinner was deliciously prepared and service was exceptional. I ordered the Maple & Guava BBQ-Glazed Salmon with fava bean, sweet potato and jicama succotash, and crispy potato hay, which was a sublime blend of flavors. OCEAN2000 is the three-meal-a-day restaurant that extends out onto the veranda. We loved the seaside breakfast under cooling fans before a walk on the beach. And although we ordered off the menu, the Sunday brunch was a very popular option. The true test of a coastal resort is how it entertains you when the weather isn’t the best. At Pelican Grand, that means lots of pampering and recharging at the PURE Spa. I indulged in the PURE You Massage, which meant exactly that — I could direct my therapist in a customized session. The property also serves up tasty treats and boutique shopping in The Emporium, a 1950sstyle ice cream shop. All in all this is a laidback luxury resort with a beautiful backdrop.
(Left page) The charming and quaint Casablanca Café serving Mediterranean fare on the beach. Rocking chairs add to the serenity of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort’s wide, oceanfront veranda; (This page) OCEAN2000’s interiors are ocean-inspired with some yacht-like details. The comfortably appointed Old Florida-style lobby at Pelican Grand. Maple & Guava BBQ-Glazed Salmon with fava bean, sweet potato and jicama succotash and crispy potato hay from Executive Chef Derek Rosen. july | august 2017
99
I
n the early ’80s, Miami was my home base as an international flight attendant for Air Florida. I had moved to South Florida a few months out of
college to begin my career in retail, which quickly derailed when the allure of travel was too tempting a year and a half later. The flying was fun, but not a glamorous job or career-maker. However, it did allow for lots of days off a month and that meant
KEY BISCAYNE
long stays at the beach. This was before sadly dilapidated Miami Beach was reborn into the glitzy, glamorous South Beach. So Key Biscayne was the place to go for sun, sand and surf. Home to the 800-acrea Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area on the southern third of the island, there was not much else other than a Sonesta resort hotel when I began frequenting Key Biscayne. Now, the middle of the key is developed with resorts and condominiums. We decided to stay at The RitzCarlton Key Biscayne, not knowing at the time that we were in for a very pleasant surprise. Unbeknownst to me, an old friend was the general manager and we were in for the honeymoon treatment. Upon arriving, hours before official check-in, we were graciously greeted and shown to our room. The resort had recently undergone a renovation and the room was thoughtfully appointed with everything you would expect — spacious bathroom with soaking tub, sitting area, private balcony overlooking the pools and ocean, and comfortable bed with luxurious linens. The balcony view beckoned us and we changed and headed out to the pool area — there are two separate areas, one for adults and one for families. We lounged,
100
orangeappeal.com
swam and even had cocktails at the tiki bar. After a few hours of bliss, we dressed for the evening and met Mark Ferland (former GM at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando) and his lovely wife for cocktails and catching up. Mark had arranged a dinner for us at Lightkeepers, the new restaurant concept led by the young and accomplished Executive Chef Raul A. Del Pozo. We were seated at a lovely outdoor table decorated with rose petals forming a heart. Chef Raul brought out dish after dish, from appetizers and entrées to a celebratory dessert, for an absolutely unforgettable evening. The next morning we enjoyed a luxurious couples’ massage at the signature Ritz-Carlton Spa. The 25,000-square-foot facility features 21 treatment rooms, co-ed Sanctuary lounge, saunas, whirlpools and steam rooms, and treatments inspired by the native Tequesta Indians and former coconut plantation site. Our relaxing two hours was followed by the bountiful Sunday brunch at Lightkeepers. It is obviously a favorite of locals as groups of fashionable couples and families awaited their tables. Many of the dishes were locally and Latin-infused, and there really was something for everyone. It was 24 hours of sheer perfection and a wonderfully relaxing getaway.
(Left page) The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne exterior view of the beach and expansive pool areas. (This page) The large, luxurious lobby looking out to the fountains and reflecting pool. Cantina Beach is the area’s only oceanfront Mexican restaurant with South Florida’s largest tequila collection. The resort’s grounds are filled with native plants, water features and sculptures. One of Executive Chef Raul A. Del Pozo’s delicious dinner salads.
july | august 2017
101
L
ong stretches of mangroves stand guard as the oceans border the road on either side. Nature rules this coral cay archipelago that is truly a wonder. It’s also testament to Henry Flagler who linked the islands with his Overseas Railway in the early 1900s. I have been astounded at the number of people I know who have never been. And others
would never consider the drive, preferring to fly into Marathon or Key West. When I was 10, we headed down in the station wagon to visit a fellow Navy family stationed there. I remember the long journey over scary bridges ending at a Howard Johnson’s. On that trip I was most fascinated by the Key West Hand Print Fabric Factory (open from 1961-2009). Little did I know that Lilly Pulitzer also discovered the lively screen-print designs and commissioned them for her iconic Florida fashions. In my 20’s the Keys and Key West became a weekend mecca — an escape from work and Miami. If we had only one day we would head to Islamorada, and if we had more hours Big Pine Key and Key West were the targets. Thankfully the Seven Mile Bridge was rebuilt and opened in 1982, but not too much else has changed. There have been renovations to some of the older resorts and the famous Holiday Isle Tiki Bar, home of the original rum runner cocktail, has been updated and expanded. The local waterways gained infamy as Rum Row during prohibition when the illegal liquor was transported via boats to avoid detection. We heard tales of the rum wars from the bartender at The Gates Hotel’s Rum Row bar. The property was our home for two nights. Just as you drive into Key West there is a string of hotels (converted motels) operated by The Keys Collection and named Rooster Row in honor of the island’s free-roaming fowl. The Gates is low-key with subtle beachy décor in the lobby and guest rooms. In addition to the outdoor bar — with an adjacent entertainment stage and cigar deck — there is a large pool and onsite food truck. Many of the original motels did not have
T S E W Y E K 102
orangeappeal.com
restaurants so The Blind Pig serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with specialties like the Jake and Bake (a Cuban egg press with scrambled eggs, Applewood bacon, American cheese and mayo on Cuban bread) and The Blind Pig (smoky pulled pork, aged cheddar cheese, on pretzel bread with cider barbeque glazeand sweet onions). It also offers a variety of in-between-meal snacks. The re-done rooms have the same familiar motel layout — with the humming air conditioning unit under the window — but with modern conveniences and fresh coastal-style furnishings. It was nice to park the car right near our room for excursions to Mallory Square and Duval Street. The Gates has a concierge to assist with everything from bike rentals (the preferred mode of transportation for many) and fishing expeditions to tours of the Rodriguez Cigar Factory and Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. We experienced the latter two, starting at the distillery for a private tour of the facility followed by an entertaining tasting of seven different rums and a tequila. The 1903 building was originally a Coca-Cola bottling plant opened to meet the local sailors’ demand for rum and cokes. The chef-distilled (six times) rums are made with Florida sugar cane and infusions of coconut, pineapple, spices, vanilla crème brulée and real key lime for a smooth finish. After a quick lunch on Front Street, we headed to meet Dany DiFabio who is continuing his family’s cigar legacy using the traditional Cuban method handed down from his grandparents, Angel and Daniella Rodriguez. He spoke of the pride and passion for the business as we watched a woman hand rolling the tobacco, and shared the story of his family who had owned a tobacco plantation in Cuba before it was taken over by the government and they emigrated to the U.S. Nearby is the famous Kino Factory where one of the island’s best-known products — simple leather sandals — are made and sold. A local we encountered at Captain Tony’s Saloon, the oldest bar in Key West, advised us to check out the
(Left page) Coastal chic décor in The Gates Hotel lobby. The Rum Row bar with homages to the area’s history. Bikes are everywhere including the front entrance to the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. (This page) The Key West Museum of Art & History at The Custom House. A trio of interesting characters from Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, World’s Smallest Bar on Duval Street and Danny DiFabio of Rodriguez Cigar Factory.
july | august 2017
103
T S E W Y E K Hog’s Breath Saloon (established in 1975) for live music. There are plenty of places to stop in from maritime museums and historical and cultural centers to restaurants and bars. The mainstay drag, Duval Street, is as busy as ever with revelers filling the sidewalk cafés and porches. Old town Key West is a bright, noisy, colorful carnival, but there is a serene side we discovered at Oceans Edge Key West, a newly opened resort and renovated marina on Stock Island. It is the largest property with 175 rooms — each with an ocean view — six pools overlooking the water and an outdoor restaurant and bar. Built and operated by a local family committed to conserving paradise, the docks provided and endless show of yachts and fishing charters coming and going. Guests can also access paddleboards, Jet-Skis, nature excursions, yoga classes and more from the resort. The exterior of the white buildings is embellished with Old Florida trellis and architectural details and tropical landscaping. But the guest rooms are clean, modern spaces with blue and white furnishings and home-like accessories. We perched on our large, private balcony for morning coffee and sunset glasses of wine. Having drinks and dinner at the Yellowfin Bar & Grill provides a front seat to tall tales as fisherman head in to relive the day and have their fresh catches cooked by the chef. There are full breakfast and lunch menus as well. A Starbucks counter offers quick items and mandatory coffees in the early hours. We agreed the visit here was a very restful and restorative way to end the week of adventure. Views from Oceans Edge Key West: Contemporary coastal décor in blues and white adorns the guest rooms with balconies and ocean views. Crab cakes and slaw are just one of the sea-inspired specialties at Yellowfin Bar & Grill; Old Florida trellis and tropical landscaping line the buildings; One of the six pools next to the beautiful marina.
Please visit orangeappeal.com/scoop for more details.
104
orangeappeal.com
Weddings LOVE STORIES, GOWNS, RINGS & TRENDS
t
Simply Stunning Solutions Bridal goes to New York twice a year to attend Bridal Fashion Week. At Bridal Fashion Week, we view our designers' newest collections and hand select wedding gowns and accessories that are shown in our boutique. Each season, designers showcase new trends and statement pieces. These are a few of the different trends our designers showcased.
106
orangeappeal.com
RIVINI
Photos by
Kristen Weaver Photography
Ines Di Santo
Oversized bows made a comeback in the Spring 2018 collection. This classic detail is perfectly paired on ball gowns or fitted gowns for a statement piece. Gown "Promise" by Ines Di Santo is a fitted stretch satin gown paired with a detachable bow train.
RIVINI
july | august 2017
107
t
Ines Di Santo
Sleek silhouettes are a classic look that many of our designers showcased this season. The minimalistic bride loves fluid fabrics, structure and clean lines. These looks are timeless and are perfect for brides of all ages.
Lela Rose
REEM ACRA
RIVINI
108
orangeappeal.com
Texture was another trend shown
INES DI SANTO
during Bridal Fashion Week. The texture on wedding gowns can be seen as three-dimensional floral, such as on the Lela Rose design, or textured fabric like on this Ines Di Santo gown. Texture and embellishments are a unique way brides can wear a classic gown, yet stay on trend.
Lela Rose
REEM ACRA
july | august 2017
109
Trend(R)ing
Engagement Rings ROSE GOLD
q This gold is a newer choice for brides looking for something unique. q The color tends to make the diamonds pop. ORNATE HALOS q Rings have more of a designed halo instead of the uniform micropavé halo. q This look can be achieved by using diamonds of various shapes and size, adding interest to the ring and giving it a more vintage feel. ACCENT DIAMONDS
q We are designing more rings with subtle side stones to accent the center Engagement ring and wedding band designs have evolved quite a bit over the years, and what’s great about modern-day designs is they are becoming more and more personal without being too trendy. When it comes to choosing the most important pieces of jewelry, personal preference should always be the first consideration. Gianni Vincent Jewellers describes some of the popular design elements for today’s brides:
110
orangeappeal.com
diamond, as opposed to three stone rings where all three diamonds or gemstones are similar in size. These petite diamonds let the main diamond or gemstone remain center stage.
EAST WEST (LEFT TO RIGHT)
q These settings have become a new way to use elongated diamonds such as oval, marquise and cushions cuts.
Wedding Bands q Stackable bands have become very popular. q Rose gold to match the engagement ring or complement a ring in another metal. q Vintage-inspired bands, going back to the ornate halo style. q Very simple and plain platinum bands.
Trend(R)ing Tips for Selecting a Diamond q Always buy from a reputable dealer. A good jeweler will do the hard work for you — choosing the perfect diamond within your price range.
q Compare different cuts and qualities to better understand the basics of diamonds. Diamond quality is measured by the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut and carat weight.
q Trust your eye. q Do not believe everything you read online — you wouldn’t choose a wife based on Selecting a diamond for a custom engagement ring can be a daunting task. The pressure to find the perfect sparkler that will stand the test of time takes time and lots of thought. Stacey Papp, owner and in-house designer at Bay Hill Jewelers, shares some insights:
112
orangeappeal.com
a “certificate,” so why buy a diamond that way.
q The cut of the stone is how the angles and proportions relate to light. If you buy from the best diamond cutters, you will see the most brilliance.
q Shop early — up to a year in advance. The more time I have, the better I can
negotiate the best stone for the client. Once a stone is selected, the average time to design a custom engagement ring is four weeks.
q When in doubt, Hearts on Fire (pictured) carries the world’s most perfectly cut
diamonds. They are cut by the best in the world with vibration-free technology.
CREATING A ONE-OF-A-KIND
Wedding Dress
by Holly Smith, Tears of Joy Seamstress Services
t
Photos by Tears of Joy Photography
WHEN IT COMES TO CUSTOMIZING
This can be helpful if purchasing a sample
YOUR WEDDING DRESS YOU NEED TO
gown that is too small.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND. REMEMBER THAT EVERY GOWN IS A BLANK CANVAS.
Customizing a gown is basically up to interpretation. A layer of galaxy tulle under a skirt can add shimmer. Adding or remov-
EVEN THOUGH IT WAS DESIGNED A
ing crinoline can change the fullness of a
CERTAIN WAY, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO
skirt. Cutting the front of the skirt into a
STAY IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM. SOME-
high-low dress can show off a pair of glam-
TIMES SMALL CHANGES WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE FINAL LOOK. Adding a lace or sheer buildup to a strapless gown is one way to achieve a more modest look. It can also add drama to a plain neckline. One simple treatment is to add a scalloped lace trim across the top which can also help with coverage to a low bust line. Items such as keyholes or beaded and lace straps can be permanently attached or made removable. This affords the opportunity to have more than one look on your wedding day. Another way to create a more dramatic,
orous heels. Rhinestone crystals sprinkled all over will give a nice sparkle effect. Applying lace appliques or lace trim to the hemline can add dimension to a plain skirt. Having a good seamstress to interpret your vision is most important in making those changes come to life. Take the time to consult more than one and be sure that they understand the vision you are trying to achieve. Get a good estimate of the cost of the changes you wish to make and ensure that you have enough time to complete all the alterations before your wedding day. In the end it is up to you and your imagination in making your gown one of a kind.
finished look is by adding sleeves to a sleeveless gown. Whether a short, flouncy drape, three quarter or full length, sleeves can add flair and complete the look. It is best when ordering a new gown to see if you can purchase matching fabric from the designer so your custom additions will look flawless. When turning a wedding gown into your own creation, one way is to add a sweetheart neckline that will accentuate the bust line. The back of a strapless gown can be lowered into more of a V and will flatter the shape of the back. It can also help if a gown is too snug around the top edge. Another way to add drama to the back is to incorporate a lace-up corset. 114
orangeappeal.com
Adding sleeves to a gown creates a more dramatic, finished look.
The Wedding of
Sydney Bellows Chapman Brownlee and
THEIR STORY: Sydney and Chapman both grew up in Orlando with many mutual friends, but didn’t cross paths until after college. “One evening I was out at a local restaurant having dinner with girlfriends when Chapman, seeing me alone for a few moments from across the room, approached me and suggested that I join him and his friends at another table,” Sydney explains. “Even though I laughed and politely declined, he ignored me and proceeded to gather my belongings. Chapman’s high-risk, high-reward attitude paid off and I quickly fell in love with him.” THE PROPOSAL: “On February 24, 2016, two years after we met, Chapman surprised me with a picnic on the top of Proctor Mountain in Sun Valley, Idaho, where my mother lives. It was on this mountain that he asked me to marry him,” Sydney says. “There was never a doubt in either of our minds that we were meant for each other, and we truly feel blessed to have found each other this early in life.” CEREMONY AND RECEPTION:
The couple married in Sydney’s childhood church, All Saints Episcopal in Winter Park. It was officiated by Father Rob Lord of All Saints and Dr. David Swanson of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, where Chapman is a member. The reception was held both indoors and outdoors at the Winter Park Racquet Club. “The weather that day was perfect and the lakeside view was breathtaking,” Sydney says. “A live band played Frank Sinatra and other classic songs throughout the evening until our departure by boat.” 116
orangeappeal.com
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: “I was ready — I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. Chapman is my dream come true, and the peace in knowing that we were meant to be together resonated through the entire day. This combined with the fact that we were surrounded by our family and close friends made it all that much more special.”
Date: February 4, 2017 Ceremony: All Saints Episcopal Church Reception: Winter Park Racquet Club Proud Parents: Ms. Bobi Bellows; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bellows; Mr. and Mrs. Curt Brownlee Photography: LH Photography Videography: Nate Puhr Dress: Vera Wang gown, Monique Lhuillier skirt and bolero, The Collection Bridal in Winter Park Wedding coordination: Sydney B. Brownlee Floral: Jessica Battistone Cake: Bake Me A Cake Hair: Le Salon Zizou Makeup: Rosa Haynes Entertainment: The Bay Kings Band Lighting: Al Dee Productions Transportation: VIP Wedding Transportation Honeymoon: Paris, France
WHERE THEY ARE NOW: The newlyweds live in Orlando and both work for their respective family businesses. Sydney graduated in event planning and now works in real estate and event planning at the Sydgan Corporation in Winter Park. “Planning my own wedding was one of the most enjoyable jobs that I’ve had, and I’ve decided to devote a large part of my career to specializing in just that,” Sydney adds. “Chapman has also been very successful working in business development at Brownlee Lighting in Orlando.”
july | august 2017
117
The Wedding of
Lauren Bojalad Christopher Kelly and
Date: February 25, 2017 Venue: Four Seasons Resort Orlando Wedding coordination: Blush by Brandee Gaar Photography: The Nielsens Photography & Design Dress: Isabelle Armstrong gown, The Collection Bridal in Winter Park Design, floral and décor: Flourish Productions Makeup: Leslie Christin, Studio CARA Hair: Mildred Emmanueli Entertainment: Atomic Entertainment
THEIR STORY: Chris and Lauren met through mutual friends at a University of Florida football game. “Upon meeting me, I think both my knowledge and genuine love for football intrigued Chris and eventually I convinced him to sit with me during that night’s game,” Lauren explains. “From that night on, despite living in separate cities, we were figuratively inseparable.” THE PROPOSAL: On the morning of Lauren’s birthday, Chris presented her with a series of heartfelt gifts. “The first: a small card that said ‘welcome home’ with the key to our first home inside,” Lauren shares. “The second: a Delta airlines blanket came with no explanation — though I assumed it meant a trip was on the horizon. For my final gift, Chris stated it was too awkward to wrap and he had to retrieve it from the garage. As he left the room he gave me my birthday card with a touching letter, the end of which instructed me to turn around where I found him on one knee holding the ring asking me to marry him.” CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: Both the ceremony and reception were at the Four Seasons Orlando Grand Ballroom on February 25, 2017. “It was important to us that our guests only had to travel to one location and could fully immerse themselves into the celebration,” Lauren says. “My mom, Teri Bojalad, 118
orangeappeal.com
worked with the vendors to capture our perfect day, which we described as classical with a modern twist. Everything was handpicked to match the elegance and clean lines of the hotel; from the romantically neutral color of the flowers and the drapery used to accent the ceremony to the incredibly ornate head table and unique layout of the reception room. The day was seamlessly planned and truly more than Chris and I could have ever imagined.”
PERSONAL THOUGHTS:
“Although, we were anxiously excited, any and all anxiety went away during our first look. From the moment we saw each other, to the moment we went to sleep that night, we never stopped smiling. Having all of our favorite people in one room celebrating something so special with us is the kind of thing that only happens once in a lifetime.”
WHERE THEY ARE NOW: “Chris and I are both fortunate to have jobs that bring us passion and purpose,” Lauren says. “Chris is extremely blessed to work as a business advisor for an organization that affords him the opportunity to work from home when he is not otherwise traveling to serve clients. As such, our story had a happy ending and he moved to be in Orlando with me where I continue to work in human resources at an amazing institution of higher education.”
july | august 2017
119
The Wedding of
Allison Borbely David Novalis and
THEIR STORY: Allie and David met eight years ago while working together at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. “We worked closely together for a few months and ended up both moving on to other job opportunities at around the same time,” Allie explains. “Shortly after we parted, David asked me on our first date and we have been inseparable ever since!” THE PROPOSAL: On September 21, 2014, David planned a day date to the movies at Universal Orlando’s City Walk. “After the movie, we rode the water taxi over to the Portofino Bay Hotel,” Allie shares. “We walked around the hotel while reminiscing about when we first met. David then led me to a beautiful courtyard and popped the question! It was perfect!” CEREMONY AND RECEPTION:
The wedding ceremony and reception took place at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. “The ceremony was outside on the Gatlin Terrace overlooking the picturesque golf course and the reception was in the beautiful two-story Butler Ballroom,” Allie says. “The weather was gorgeous, the scenery was romantic, and the wonderful staff at the Rosen provided us with a worry-free day.”
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: “We both were surprisingly calm on the big day. We were both so excited to meet at the end of the aisle and then celebrate with all of our family and friends.” WHERE THEY ARE NOW: “We are now living in our home in the Lake Nona area,” Allie says. Allie works as a medical assistant for the Orlando Foot and Ankle Clinic and David is the director of marketing for Central Florida Golf.
Date: April 9, 2016 Venue/catering: Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Day-of wedding coordination: Wendy Gray, The Event Source Photography: Shaina DeCiryan Lifestyle & Wedding Photography Floral: Rochelle Koontz, In Bloom Florist Dress: Hayley Paige gown, Calvet Couture Bridal Entertainment: White Rose Entertainment Officiant: Father Richard White, Sensational Ceremonies Hair and makeup: Kimberly Rivera, Margarita Sanchez and Brittany Meyer of Alemar Salon & Spa Ceremony music: Live String Trio led by Valerie Pernice Cookie bar: Maria Borbely (mother of the bride) and Pat Novalis (mother of the groom) 120
orangeappeal.com
The Wedding of
Natasha Ruiz Mario Distefano and
THEIR STORY: Natasha and Mario met working together at Home Depot. She had just transferred to the store and was teamed up with him. “When lunchtime came around I was thinking of different ways to ask him, “What’s good to eat around here?” hoping maybe he would take me to lunch,” Natasha explains. “And the funny thing is that he did take me to one of his favorite spots. At that moment I knew he was going to be something more.” THE PROPOSAL: On a trip to Italy with Natasha and his family, Mario carried the ring around in his pocket when they toured Rome and Florence waiting for the perfect moment to propose. It wasn’t until the family took a gondola ride in Venice that Mario found his moment.” CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: The couple got married on March 11, 2017, at Sydonie Mansion in Mount Dora. “When we first saw this place, we fell in love,” Natasha shares. “I can't describe how beautiful this place is. That day was supposed to be rainy; we had a tent ready on standby, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was beautiful; everything just fit. The décor looked amazing. We danced the night away under the stars.” PERSONAL THOUGHTS: “We always said come our wedding day, we weren’t going to have butterflies. Mario said he wouldn’t cry because he's not that type of guy. Well, I felt the nerves when I was walking out the door to walk down to the aisle. As I was walking down, everything just went blank and it was just Mario and me. And when I looked at Mario's face he was crying, but I knew in that moment he was super happy.” WHERE THEY ARE NOW: The newlyweds are living in their new home that they built in Port St. Lucie. They want to have children soon, but for now Natasha works as a surgical technician for Martin Memorial Hospital and Mario works as a private banker at Wells Fargo. 122
orangeappeal.com
Date: March 11, 2017 Venue: Sydonie Mansion Wedding coordination: Dandy Details Events & Design Photography: Victoria Angela Photography Floral: In Bloom Florist Catering: Leefayes Catering Bartending: Drinks by Dawn Cake: Perla’s Cakes Décor rentals: Crystal and Crates Vintage Rentals Makeup: Sarai Rodriguez, The Misses MUA Entertainment: DJ Louie Entertainment
Confessions of a Bride:
Planning an Intimate Affair by COURTNEY
K
GLEATON HAZOURI
Photos by VERVE
STUDIO
en and I met on July 5,
Still, I pushed on for the big show. I
demands. It was then I knew that the busi-
2014. A friend was having
began meeting with vendors and booked
ness of getting married had become a big
a party and I almost didn’t
venues. I went with my mother-in-law to
business indeed.
go as it was across town.
New York City to find my dream wedding
I sat Ken down to tell him I preferred to
But I decided to go on the
gown. As I tried on Oscar de la Renta and
elope and then go off on an amazing hon-
chance that I might meet Mr. Right. I was
Carolina Herrera, I knew something was
eymoon. He almost fell off his chair and
eating potato chips next to Ken, and I
off. How can anything be off when trying
thought I had sustained a concussion.
looked over at him and said, “What is your
on those designers? As I started to review
After the shock wore off, he was thrilled
name? How old are you? What do you?
vendor contracts, I was surprised at their
as something smaller suited him. I believe
Are you married? Are you divorced?” He
grooms often and easily get passed over as
was intrigued by my direct line of ques-
brides get caught up in the shiny objects of
tioning that only a lawyer could appreci-
the big day!
ate. He asked me out for the next evening and we’ve been together ever since.
I called The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island to inquire if they had April 22, 2017 open;
I knew almost immediately upon get-
would they entertain a wedding of only 15
ting engaged that I was going to be the
people; and lastly, could our Yorkie, Clover,
“anti-bride.” I wanted our day to be unique,
be included? They not only said yes to
stylish and meaningful; something out of
everything but treated us as if we were
the ordinary. I went to the usual places to
hosting a 300-person wedding. From the
look for wedding inspiration like Pinterest
moment we stepped on property to the
and Instagram. Yet, I soon realized every-
moment we left, our family was treated
thing appeared the same or predictable. I
with such love. I gave them my require-
simply could not handle another chalk-
ments of unique, stylish and meaningful. I
board Mr. & Mrs. sign or Gatsby-themed
purchased my dress online, which was final
wedding. Our wedding needed to reflect
sale for only $525 (a big difference than the
our love, personalities and faith.
dresses I was looking at in New York).
124
orangeappeal.com
We were the first couple to be married on a terrace overlooking the beach — an incredible architectural altar was built for us and our faith was represented perfectly. The Ritz even thought to reserve a chair for my late brother, Perrin, so that he was
included in this special moment.
rience where they felt it was just as much
offered a luxurious four-course meal.
their weekend as it was ours. The wonder-
They dined on steak and lobster beauti-
ful benefits to having a wedding like this is
fully served on aged salt blocks, sipped
that we enjoyed every second, had zero
champagne, and indulged in a four-flavor
stress and remember every moment! One
cake with ice cream.
size does not fit all for weddings but there’s
Since we kept our wedding small we
126
orangeappeal.com
were able to give our guests a luxury expe-
After our ceremony, our guests were
something to be said for less is more!
july | august 2017
127
givingback
Orlando Foundation Creating an Educational “Bridge’’ For Pulse Victims’ Children
W
WHEN THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB TRAGEDY OCCURRED IN SUMMER 2016, Orlando philanthropist Stacey
resilience, compassion and generosity of
never-ending journey toward creating a
the Orlando community.’’
better life for scores of children throughout
The foundation is already making a
Central Florida. The foundation, launched
Papp knew her foundation, Bridges of
tangible impact through the fund. Recently,
in 2004, has been on a mission to provide
Light, needed to get involved in helping
it presented a child with the first college
educational and financial resources for
the victims. While other charitable orga-
scholarship from the fund at an inspira-
abandoned, abused and neglected Central
nizations rushed to donate much-needed
tional luncheon at The Alfond Inn in Win-
Florida children within the foster care
items such as food, clothing and gift cards,
ter Park. Elementary school student Bella
system.
Stacey knew that Bridges of Light was
Melendez, whose father Leo Melendez
The foundation achieves this through a
uniquely equipped to provide even more
was nearly killed in the Pulse shooting,
variety of ways, including a summer camp
sustainable assistance.
will now have a brighter future following
program; its Closet of Care, which pro-
that awful night from her past.
vides fundamental home and school sup-
A year later, Bridges of Light Foundation is well on its way to helping several of
“We cried a lot of tears during that
plies; and its Educational Tutoring Pro-
the victims in ways that can support them
moment when Bella was receiving the
gram, which prepares children to graduate
for years, decades, and possibly even for a
scholarship because we felt proud that we
high school and advance to higher educa-
lifetime. Shortly after the tragedy, the foun-
finally had something to celebrate,’’ Stacey
tion or pursue their careers. The founda-
dation launched its Bridges of Light Vic-
shares. “At the end of the day, seeing Leo’s
tion partners with Great Oaks Village and
tims Education Fund, a charitable endow-
face and knowing his daughter will have
Carver Middle School to support many of
ment created to provide college tuition and
the opportunity to go to college without
these programs. The foundation’s Victims
other educational expenses to the Pulse
that burden being put on him after all that
Education Fund furthers that mission and
victims’ children. The fund works closely
he has already been through was an
is already having an enduring impact.
with the Florida Prepaid College Board to
incredible feeling.’’
make the college scholarships a reality.
“We’re always helping children, but this
Stacey promises that the Melendez
fund is a way of helping these families
It’s believed to be the only Pulse-relat-
family is just the start. Two more children
through something that this city has never
ed fund of its kind and is aimed at provid-
impacted by the shooting are expected to
seen before,’’ Stacey says. “It’s having a
ing lasting support for the children who
receive the next college scholarships from
profound impact on us because we’re help-
lost or nearly lost a parent in the attack,
the fund during the Bridges of Light Foun-
ing create a legacy by gifting something to
which claimed the lives of 49 people and
dation’s 14th annual Players Ball gala on
these families that will last forever.’’
injured 50 others.
September 16 at the Four Seasons Resort
Anyone interested in contributing to the
“This is a true labor of love for the
Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. And
Bridges of Light Victims Education Fund or
Bridges of Light Foundation which has
if it’s anything like the presentation to the
attending the foundation’s upcoming Play-
been coming to the aid of children in need
Melendez family, it’ll be another emotion-
ers Ball should visit bridgesoflightfounda-
in Central Florida for years,’’ Stacey says.
al and inspiring moment that underscores
tion.org.
“We are working every day to ensure these
Central Florida’s overwhelming support
children’s futures don’t become another
for the Pulse victims and their families.
casualty of this horrific event, but instead
For the Bridges of Light Foundation,
become an enduring testament to the
though, it’ll be yet another milestone in its
128
orangeappeal.com
Featured above: Stacey Papp and Jorge Cruz presenting the first Bridges of Light Victims Education Fund scholarship to Pulse survivor Leo Melendez and his daughter, Bella.