Valdosta Magazine December 2026

Be grateful for today - and proactive for tomorrow.

Thanksgiving reminds us to treasure time with loved ones and safeguard it for the years ahead. There’s no time like the present to remind mothers, sisters and daughters to schedule an annual mammogram. Although breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Georgia women, early detection boosts survival rates as high as 90%.

Schedule your annual mammogram today at Tift Regional Medical Center, Southwell Medical in Adel, or Southwell OB/GYN in Valdosta - all locations are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

A few moments for health today can help create more time together tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Southwell.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Southwell.

Dr. Joe Clifton

Southwell OB/GYN, Valdosta

Dr. Joe Clifton is one of Southwell’s women’s services providers whose team offers mammograms, gynecological cancer screenings, and advanced surgical care. Dr. Clifton is a graduate of the Mercer University School of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

He is the only provider in the region to attain a Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah Kate Call as our new Assistant Bridal and Sales Manager.

A Valdosta native, Sarah Kate has recently moved back home after several years in Athens. She is currently planning a wedding of her own, making her the perfect fit to help our brides find their dream registry pieces and to be Jaclyn's right hand. With her warm personality, e ortless style, and love for celebrating life’s special moments, Sarah Kate brings a fresh energy to the Perfect Settings experience.

Many of you may already know her, and we’re so excited for you to see her smiling face in the store. Be sure to stop by and say hello, and let Sarah Kate help you find something truly special.

Haley Lewis & Kylen McClellan

Sarah Baker & Andrew Martin

Callie Lane & Kolten Thatcher

Bailey Rehberg & Mac Mackey

Emily Perkins & Jordan Dubberly

Julianna Lindsey & Jarod Johnson

Kyra Corbitt & Drew Greene

Autumn Boling & Blake Crews

Anna Stephenson & Albert Stringer

Erin Twomey & Trent Partin

Kalin Boutwell & Miles Parramore

Abbylane Kimbrell & Tison Bell

Brailey Weaver & Labryn Depta

Sarah Grace Reaves & Noah McFather

Analise Granger & Jason Ream

Taylor Sanderlin & Sam Martin

Savannah Scoggins & Hunter Gibson

Brooke Gaither & Henry Daniels

Hannah Pabon & Craig Barry

Savannah Roberts & Ricky Young

Chloe Lynn Collins & Wade Holton

Jamie Flythe & Davis Carter

Logan Best & Luke Law

Addison Yommer & Tyler Alonso

Lauren Thrift & Austin Chastain

Laurel Mallette & Carter Lee

Brianna Missildine & Wyatt Willis

Madelyn Lawrence & Gage Cowart

Danielle Shackelford & Kyle McLaughlin

Ally Orenstein & Thomas Wood

Kaysie Go & Luke Hannon

Sarah Kate Call & Cade Roberts

Carleigh Thomas & Zach Nordone

Maggie Davis & Craig Harrill

Bailee Musgrove & Brodie Whiddon

Carrington Hingson & Thomas Birens

Kate McVay & Ty Haynes

Katie Rothenhofer & Chase Stokes

Kate Hanson & Dylan Gulsby

Caroline Holt & Corbin Bailey

Taylor Slocumb & Colby George

October 30, 2025

November 1, 2025

November 8, 2025

November 15, 2025

November 15, 2025

November 15, 2025

November 15, 2025

November 29, 2025

December 6, 2025

December 6, 2025

December 13, 2025

December 20, 2025

December 20, 2025

January 2, 2026

January 3, 2026

January 3, 2026

January 31, 2026

February 21, 2026

February 21, 2026

February 21, 2026

February 28, 2026

February 28, 2026

March 7, 2026

March 7, 2026

March 14, 2026

March 21, 2026

March 28, 2026

April 4, 2026

April 18, 2026

April 25, 2026

April 25, 2026

May 2, 2026

May 16, 2026

May 16, 2026

May 23, 2026

May 30, 2026

May 30, 2026

May 30, 2026

May 30, 2026

September 12, 2026

October 24, 2026

13 Real Weddings

Our Special Bridal Section Features Beautiful Weddings, Expert Planning Tips and Advice, and Talented Local Vendors to Help Make Your Big Day Unforgettable

37 That’s Amoré Three Couples Share Their Stories of Love and Insights From Their Marriages

45 Cooking With Friends: Chef Randy DeCoudres Colin Prinsloo Shares the Potjie Experience—It’s More Than Just a Stew

FEATURES

PROFILES

What’s Old Is New Again A Home Full of Antiques and Cherished Heirlooms in Kinderlou Gets an Update by 8TWO8 Collective

Featuring the Homes of Ferrell & April Scruggs and Dr. Thomas & Brandi Hobby

Decorated by Susan Mullis, The Flower Gallery

from the PUBLISHER

Our growing family gathered on St. Simons Island for an engagement party for our youngest son, Ki, to Madeline Cowart of Statesboro on November 22. (Hux, Catherine, Millie, John, Connie, Sarah Catherine, and Bowen Riddle, Madeline Cowart, Ki Riddle)

As we approach the end of the year, we look back and are thankful for the bountiful blessings God has provided. Just like many of you, 2025 brought us both great sorrow and abounding joy. Since our last issue, our third child, Ki, was engaged in November. So, we can add that to the list of blessings this year.

We’re also thankful for the continued success of Valdosta Magazine with another four issues under our belt. You might notice that this issue, which has normally been the “Fashion & Holiday” issue, features our annual “Love & Marriage” special section instead. The fashion special section will appear in the Spring 2026 issue in February. As we’ve said, you’ll continue seeing changes in the upcoming issues—all designed to grow Valdosta Magazine’s reach and to enhance our position as Valdosta’s premier magazine.

As always, we’re grateful for our advertisers who make each issue possible. We’re also thankful for the collaboration we have with the community and those who provide insight and direction that keeps us close to the hearts of our readers.

During the holidays, we hope you find time to relax and count the blessings that have been brought your way this year. We also hope you’ll take time to enjoy this issue of Valdosta Magazine and even share it with a friend or two (you can always pick up extra copies at local advertisers and/or subscribe online).

We wish you a healthy, happy New Year filled with continued blessings for you and your family. May 2026 be one of the best years for you and for Valdosta!

With appreciation, John & Connie Riddle

OUR PRAYER FOR YOU IS THAT THE TRUE JOY OF THE SEASON SHINES BRIGHT IN YOUR HEART!

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS

John F. Riddle & Connie K. Riddle

Showcase Publications, Inc.

ART DIRECTOR

Robin Harrison

AD DESIGNER

Russ Hutto

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Amy Faeskorn

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Marlana Hufstetler

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Wes Sewell Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Narci Drossos

Claire Walton

Amy Faeskorn

John Riddle

Marlana Hufstetler

Madison Thornhill

Brooke White

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Annelise Branham

Janna Luke Photography

Leah Thomas Photography

Madison Carter Photography

DaniMarie Photography

Dr. David Retterbush

DESIGNERS

Russ Hutto

Robin Harrison

PROOFREADERS

Amy Faeskorn

Marlana Hufstetler

ADVISING CONSULTANT

Lamb Lastinger

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Johnny B. Lastinger

Valdosta Magazine is published quarterly by SHOWCASE PUBLICATIONS, INC. For information on advertising, submitting articles, or to subscribe: (912) 424-8772 – P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598

info@showcasepublicationsga.com

Yearly subscription rates in the U.S. are $16.00 annually. showcasepublicationsga.com

@valdostamagazine

All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every e ort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. The opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Clay Moseley, Senior Vice-President of SCIG, has spent four decades guiding clients through the complexities of financial planning. A Valdosta native and Valdosta State University graduate, Clay combines deep community roots with extensive expertise in retirement planning and wealth preservation. His background in farming, retail management, and senior leadership gives him a unique perspective on South Georgia’s investment climate Outside the office, Clay enjoys time on the farm and with his wife, Janet Active in local boards and organizations, Clay’s commitment to his clients and his community reflects a lifetime of experience and dedication.

FROM OUR READERS...

Take Valdosta Magazine with you when you travel! Snap a photo with it, send it to us, and you may see it here.

KRE WARD

“Thank you so much to Valdosta Magazine, Javon Longieliere, and Narci Drossos for the wonderful article in the last issue. Narci’s writing is perfection!”

– Kre Ward

“What a great idea! Can’t wait to try it.”

– Donna Miller

“Nice!”

– Susan Dods

COOKING WITH FRIENDS

“We were so thrilled with the article on Leadership Georgia Lowndes County Alumni! Here we are at Truist Park on our site visit for the Marietta Program we created for this year’s 2025 class. We even ran into Drake Baldwin, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year! Thank you, Valdosta Magazine, for supporting and featuring us.”

– Lindsey & Justin Purvis

THE GOOD BOOK

“Such a beautiful, thoughtful place we have here in Valdosta!”

– Stephanie Summers

“A great spot. Very good co ee and books. And the work they are doing for women is incredible.”

– Carlos Quijada

BAILIE MURPHY

“Thank you. It’s wonderful! Y’all did a great job on the story!” – Beverly Langdale

“Such a beautiful and welcoming place. A very generous family that has shared Langwood with so many.” – Peggy Sikes Chitty

“Great story.” – Von Shipman

“Fantastic photos.”

– Barbara Powell McSwain

“Wow!” – John Kohler

“Awesome story!”

– Rhonda Jones

“This is such a great story.”

– Monica L Riley

Where the South gets Engaged

Stories by JOHN RIDDLE

Photography by DANIMARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Gwyneth Steel and Joseph Stockman during their candlelit ceremony

love and ma iage

Step into the magic of love with inspiring stories from three local couples, each sharing cherished moments from their weddings and their unique journeys that led them to “I do.” Plus, explore wedding planning tips and connect with trusted local vendors devoted to making your celebration as memorable and effortless as your love stories.

Congratulations and best wishes to these couples for many blIssful years to come! thank you for sharIng your storIes wIth us.

2025: simple and clean silhouettes with traditional touches

Bridal Trends of 2025 and 2026 Insights

Article by BROOKE WHITE, Owner, White Weddings

2026: elongated bodices and ball gowns

Maybe “Bridgerton” sparked ideas that this generation of brides hadn’t seen previously. This past bridal market was alluring and unforgettable as we saw the Victorian and Edwardian eras take center stage. Structured bodices or corsets are returning with drop and basque waists. These styles accentuate the bride’s silhouette, creating an hourglass figure that’s feminine and regal. This trend draws inspiration from historical times when women’s fashion emphasized a defined or “snatched” waist.

The iconic simplicity of Sadie Roberson’s 2019 wedding dress made a lasting impression still felt today. How can you argue with modern minimalism when a classic dress allows you to see the beauty of the bride? Clean lines, simple silhouettes, and understated or no detailing. Think sleek, elegant, mikado, or modern satin that’s timeless—the perfect look to pair with statement shoes, bold lace veils, or lace jackets.

Unique, simple, and clean bridal looks are achieved through seamstress talents using various sleeve and jacket designs, capes, and overskirts. Beautiful, feminine bows can be added to the lower back, with or without tails down the train, on the sleeves, or on the strap— and we love to see it!

For brides who’ve always wanted a grand entrance: this is your time. Voluminous skirts and ball gowns are filling our collections next year, and what’s more bridal than a dramatic A-line silhouette—the kind someone in the wedding party insists you “just try on for fun”? A fitted bodice and exaggerated skirt have roots in royal traditions and classic fairytale weddings, and we think they’re fabulous and scream “bridal.” These designs began with clean and simple lines, but now we’re seeing that anything goes. We’re excited to see ball gown variations with simple fabrics, lace placements, pearl or bead embellishments, exquisite floral fabrics, and a variety of necklines.

Embracing current bridal styles is fun, but it’s important to honor each bride’s own influence and individuality. Whether it’s simple and classic or modern and bold, today’s trends along with customizations allow a bride to express her own style so that her wedding dress is the perfect statement of the woman she is and the woman she will become after marriage. We’re honored to play a special role in facilitating the selection of one of the most important dresses you’ll ever wear. -VM

love and ma iage

gwyneth steel & joseph stockman

CHERISHED MOMENTS

Story by JOHN RIDDLE / Photography by DANIMARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR JOSEPH STOCKMAN AND GWYNETH STEEL, VALDOSTA ISN’T JUST THEIR HOME—it’s the heart of their love story. Gwyneth grew up in Valdosta, while Joseph, originally from Tallassee, Alabama, found his way here through a military assignment at Moody Air Force Base. Their paths crossed on a church evangelism beach trip, where Joseph introduced himself as “Joseph, like the coat of many colors,” which made a lasting impression on Gwyneth.

gwyneth steel & joseph stockman

They hit it o from e moment ey met

and talked nonstop on the long ride home. “I remember being really impressed when one of the first questions he asked was about my testimony,” Gwyneth said. Since that day, they’ve been inseparable.

Joseph’s proposal was as thoughtful as it was surprising. Gwyneth, who worked at Steel’s Jewelry, her family’s business, was led to believe she was participating in a magazine photo shoot. Her mother coordinated her hair and makeup, and Gwyneth was excited to be modeling. When she was ready, her mother told her that the photographer had to postpone. Joseph then suggested he borrow a friend’s camera and take some photos of Gwyneth himself at Reed Bingham State Park—a favorite date spot of theirs for fishing, hiking, and picnics. After

snapping pictures for half an hour, Joseph asked Gwyneth to turn around, and she found him waiting on one knee with a ring. The location, the spontaneity, and Joseph’s gentle creativity made the moment unforgettable.

Their wedding day was filled with meaningful touches. The 8 p.m. ceremony took place at New Covenant Church, their home church, followed by a reception at the Valdosta Country Club—the same venue Gwyneth’s parents celebrated their own wedding. Gwyneth and her bridesmaids got ready at her grandmother, Susan Steel’s, house—a cherished family space. She had a sixpence in her shoe given to her by her grandmother symbolizing wishes for wealth and happiness, and she also wore her mother’s diamond earrings. One of the more deeply touching moments during the ceremony came when Gwyneth and Joseph’s sisters read from Corinthians 13, followed by Gwyneth and Joseph’s prayers for each other before the exchange of rings.

The wedding party included nine bridesmaids and nine groomsmen, most of whom live in Valdosta. The planning was a family affair with Gwyneth’s aunts, Elizabeth Milstead and

“I remember being really impressed when one of the first questions he asked was about my testimony.”

Aprile Steel, helping wedding planner Davis Lastinger of ML Events transform her dream into reality—a traditional wedding reimagined as a candlelit celebration followed by desserts and dancing. One of the reception highlights was Gwyneth’s father singing Huey Lewis’s “The Power of Love” with the live band, prompting everyone to join in on the dance floor.

Gwyneth’s advice for brides is simple: “Enjoy your wedding day! People who take time to come are there to celebrate with you and love you. They don’t mind if you can’t get around to everyone. They are happy to see you on the dance floor, eating cake, and enjoying your own wedding day!” -VM

wedding details

MARCH 29, 2025

Ceremony

New Covenant Church

Reception

Valdosta Country Club

Bridal Gown

White Weddings

Jewelry

Steel’s Jewelry

Get ready for skin that looks visibly firmer, smoother, and glowing with a luminous, beaming radiance.

The New Cryo Facial and Retail Collection is a breakthrough in professional skincare.

AVAILABLE AT LEMONGRASS DAY SPA.

love and ma iage

molly mizell & payton davis

LOVE ANCHORED IN FAMILY AND TRADITION

Story by JOHN RIDDLE / Photography by MADISON CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN MOLLY (MIZELL) DAVIS AND PAYTON DAVIS REFLECT ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, they remember a celebration marked by tradition and personal touches—a day that had its start with family connections dating back before either of them were born.

“Our families had known each o er f a while

through my parents’ business,” Molly recalls. “His parents were in my family’s warehouse one day picking up a sofa when they started talking about lobstering in the Florida Keys. Next thing we knew, we had a trip planned together for the upcoming lobster season!”

While the parents knew each other, their children did not meet until that trip. “We spent nights bully-netting for lobster, running around the boat, laughing, and learning about each other,” says Molly. Two days after returning home, Molly and Payton went on their first date—just one month before they left for different colleges. It was the beginning of a five-year long-distance relationship.

Payton planned his proposal as a total surprise, and it went off without a hitch. The day after Thanksgiving in 2024, he led Molly down the oak drive at South Eden Plantation in Thomasville. “I had no idea it was coming,” Molly says. “He turned to me, got down on one knee, and proposed. Our families were waiting for us at a restaurant in Thomasville for dinner afterwards. It was perfect.”

“It was a wonderful day filled with so much joy and love. payton and I had dreamed about that day for so long that we couldnʼt believe it was happening.”

On May 17, 2025, Molly and Payton exchanged vows and held a joyful reception at the Pavillion at Lee Farm Reserve in Dupont, Georgia. “It was a wonderful day filled with so much joy and love. Payton and I had dreamed about that day for so long that we couldn’t believe it was finally happening,” Molly says.

Molly spent the night at the venue with her bridesmaids. “It was special to spend the night in such a beautiful house before the wedding with my bridesmaids and sister,” she says. “We were so blessed to be surrounded with love from our family and friends the entire weekend.”

The morning of their wedding was “slow and sweet.” Molly spent it getting ready with her mom, future mother-in-law, sister, bridesmaids, and grandmothers. A first look with her dad was especially meaningful, followed by a private moment with Payton before the ceremony. “We never left each other’s sides after our first look.”

Molly and Payton ensured family traditions were woven into many various aspects of the day. “We wanted every detail to reflect us,” says Molly. Her favorite flowers—hydrangeas and ranunculus—adorned the space, many cut fresh from her grandmother’s garden. “My grandmother always had beautiful flowers in her garden, which I loved as a child. So when she showed up with fresh cut hydrangeas from her garden for my bouquet and the arrangements, it added such a sentimental touch.”

Molly also used her grandmother’s wedding cake knives and her great-grandmother’s silver punch bowl, filled with white orchids. She even baked her own wedding cake, with each tier a different flavor, though she did have help assembling the layers. “No one would let me do it in my wedding dress!” she laughs. After the reception, late-night snacks of double doozies— one of Payton’s favorite desserts—were a hit, iced by Molly and her bridesmaids the night before.

Even the wedding dress shopping was a family affair. “Shopping at White Weddings was so special,” Molly says. “My cousin, Brooke White, is the owner and made my dream dress a reality.”

Molly’s advice for other brides is simple but wise: “Trust everyone when they say it goes by

fast—savor each moment. Include special details that reflect you and your future husband’s personalities. Hire a wedding planner who can understand your vision and handle all the details so you can just enjoy the day.” -VM

wedding details

MAY 17, 2025

Ceremony & Reception

Lee Farm Reserve

Bridal Gown

White Weddings

Groomsmen Attire

White Weddings Men

Florist

Lynn Vallotton

Wedding Planner

Susanna Dover Harris

Jewelry

Steel’s Jewelry

Photography

Madison Carter Photography

Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a big production, your wedding should be as unforgettable as you are. Planning and hosting a wedding can be overwhelming to even the most seasoned planner. We can assist you every step of the wayfrom finding the perfect location to booking the rooms.

Bridal Showers, Engagement - Rehearsal dinners, and Wedding Receptions, our staff will work tirelessly to make it a Lifetime Memory. Events up to 200 people.

weddings@williamshotelgroup.com www.williamshotelgroup.com

Azalea's Full Service Lounge and Restaurant.

love and ma iage kara hope hanson & brandon rockwell

PERFECT TIMING

Story by JOHN RIDDLE / Photography by LEAH THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR KARA HOPE HANSON, Valdosta has always been home. For Brandon Rockwell, it became a place of new beginnings when he arrived as an internal medicine resident at SGMC Health. Their paths crossed thanks to a thoughtful colleague, Lilly Johnson, who saw a spark between them. She approached them individually with a simple question: “Would you be interested in getting to know each other?” Both said “yes.”

That was in December 2023,

and after a few days of texting, they talked together in person at the annual Physician Holiday Party at Hallabrook Hill—the very venue where they would later say “I do.” Their first official date at Woodstack BBQ was filled with laughter; both felt it could be the start of something special. That Christmas together was filled with cozy nights, new adventures, and kitchen dances as their love grew into something lasting.

Weeks passed before Brandon asked Kara Hope to be his girlfriend. Soon after that, she said “I love you” for the first time, but it was a vacation to California in April 2025 that changed everything.

After exploring San Francisco and driving the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur, the couple found themselves at Pfeiffer Beach State Park. Amid the cliffs and waves as fog rolled in, they were headed back to the car when Brandon asked Kara Hope to turn around, where she found him down on one knee. The proposal was a blur of emotion. Kara Hope isn’t even sure what she said initially. Brandon wasn’t either, and finally asked, “Did you say yes?,” to which Kara Hope responded with a very clear and excited “Yes!”

On August 16, Kara Hope and Brandon gathered with loved ones at Hallabrook Hill for their wedding ceremony and reception. While they contemplated a destination wedding, the couple chose to tie the knot in Valdosta so they could be surrounded by those they love most. “My family is here, Brandon’s parents were only two hours away, and most of our friends were nearby,” says Kara Hope. “We felt so honored that friends and family traveled from all over the country to celebrate with us.” Hallabrook Hill was a dream venue for Kara Hope—she knew from the moment she first visited that it was the place she wanted to get married.

The day was set to unfold perfectly, but nature had other plans. Just before the ceremony, torrential rain swept across the county, prompting flash flood warnings. Guests arrived under umbrellas, escorted by the Hallabrook staff, while the wedding party waited anxiously in the groom’s quarters.

Kara Hope recalls pacing in the main house, hoping for a break in the downpour. When the moment finally came, she was ushered to the chapel under a canopy of umbrellas, her dress miraculously untouched by the rain. As the doors opened and the violinist played “Lover” by Taylor Swift, all of her nerves melted away. “My dad told me to take a deep breath and reminded me to walk slowly,” she remembers. “Then I saw Brandon waiting at the end of the aisle, and everything felt exactly as it should be.”

Kara Hope describes the experience as “stepping into a moment I had dreamed about since I was a little girl.” Sharing handwritten vows was especially meaningful. “Brandon’s vows were so authentic and incredibly sweet that they made me cry,” she says. “Even now, they still do! It was intimate, raw, and one of the most meaningful parts of the entire day. Standing there, hand in hand, with the faces of our closest family and friends shining back at us, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s a memory we’ll hold onto for the rest of our lives— one that will always remind us how loved we are and how special it was to begin our marriage surrounded by so much joy.”

Though her grandmother, Frances Hanson, passed away in 2017, Kara Hope found a way to keep her close. She had diamonds from her grandmother’s necklace set into her wedding band by Steel’s Jewelry, creating a cherished daily reminder of love and legacy.

Kara Hope offers heartfelt advice to future brides for keeping the day joyous and meaningful. “Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of you and your spouse. Plan a wedding that reflects your vision—choose the flowers, dress, décor, music, cake, and food that make you genuinely happy without worrying about outside opinions or expectations. But don’t get so overwhelmed by the details that you lose sight of the bigger picture: the marriage you’re beginning and the life you’re building together.” -VM

“brandonʼs vows were so authentic and incredibly sweet that they made me cry. even now, they still do.”

wedding details

AUGUST 16, 2025

Ceremony & Reception

Hallabrook Hill

Bridal Gown

White Weddings

Catering Covington’s Jewelry Steel’s Jewelry

Photography

Leah Thomas Photography

why use a travel agent for your honeymoon planning?

TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING PLANNING AND HONEYMOON MORE ENJOYABLE

by

Planning a honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of getting married, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between choosing the perfect destination, booking flights and accommodations, planning activities, and making sure everything fits your budget, the process can quickly become stressful. That’s where a travel agent can be a real lifesaver.

Travel agents bring expertise and insider knowledge to the table. They know the best resorts, hidden gems, and romantic experiences at destinations all over the world. Instead of spending hours researching online, a travel agent can provide personalized recommendations that match your interests, whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, a

European city adventure, or a once-in-alifetime cultural experience.

Working with a travel agent also saves you time. They handle all the details— flights, transfers, excursions, and special requests—so you can focus on enjoying the excitement of your upcoming honeymoon. Plus, travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, perks, and upgrades that you won’t find when booking online. From room upgrades and private excursions to complimentary amenities, these extras can make your honeymoon feel truly special.

When it comes to luxury honeymoon destinations, the possibilities are endless. Imagine sipping champagne in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, enjoying your own private pool and sunset views of crystal-clear waters. Or

make

picture exploring the romantic canals of Venice from a private gondola, then retreating to a five-star boutique hotel with personalized service and exquisite dining.

For couples who want a mix of relaxation and indulgence, a luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resort can be the perfect choice. Envision a private ocean-view suite, gourmet dining, couple’s spa treatments, and excursions like snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or sailing at sunset—all handled seamlessly by the resort staff. These resorts are designed with romance in mind, allowing honeymooners to focus entirely on each other while enjoying every luxury and amenity imaginable. -VM

and

Claire

izes in creating personalized honeymoon experiences, from intimate beach escapes to luxurious multi-destination trips. She guides couples through every detail and ensures they secure the best accommodations, upgrades, and experiences. With Claire’s expertise and dedication, honeymoon planning becomes exciting, e ortless, and truly unforgettable. Reach out to Claire today at 229-469-6302 or claire@palmtravelgroup.com.

“IN NAPOLI, WHERE LOVE IS KING, WHEN BOY MEETS GIRL, HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY…”

Amoré

That’s

11 years

26 years

25 years

Food—along with recollections of it being eaten, prepared, or shared—holds a special place in the hearts of many a happy couple, and this issue’s featured sweethearts are no exception. Whether it’s the Vallottons’ “plate of donuts” rules for a successful marriage, the Moseleys’ post-date night ice cream runs, or the Skinners’ relationship milestones measured in slices of pizza, these lovebirds remind us that breaking bread with our beloved always carries the promise of sparking fresh joy, making new memories, and rekindling the passion that started it all.

That’s

Amoré Lynn & Rouse

Vallotton

25 Years | A Plate of Donuts

Story by Amy Faeskorn / Photo by Janna Luke Photography

Many people meet their future spouses through college fraternities and sororities. For Rouse and Lynn (Tarpley) Vallotton, it took 15 years and one perfectly timed moment to go from Greek “siblings” to “husband and wife.”

In 1985, Lynn, a Douglas native, was a sophomore at what was then Valdosta State College (VSC) and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. As a little sister to the fraternity, she began helping Rouse, who grew up in Valdosta, rush Pi Kappa Phi. “We felt a spark from the get-go, but at the time we were each dating other people,” Lynn remembers. Once Rouse joined the fraternity, she became his “big sister,” and they continued to forge a deep connection and friendship. After they both graduated from VSC—Lynn in 1988 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts and Rouse in 1989 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Organizational Communications— they went their separate ways, Rouse into the Army, where he served in counterintelligence before returning to Valdosta to work in his family’s real estate business, and Lynn to Macon, where she worked as a floral designer and owned her florist shop for almost 10 years.

“Through it all, we were always in each other’s lives,” says Lynn. “We were in fairly regular contact and stayed in touch pretty faithfully.” One evening in October of 1999, Rouse was driving back from Atlanta to Valdosta and called Lynn to see if he could stop by to say hello. “I had just flown in earlier that day from a trip to Connecticut, and we had last talked maybe six months prior,” Lynn recalls. “But as soon as we saw each other, we felt the timing was right to take our relationship to the next level.” They dated long distance between Macon and Valdosta for the next several months, with Rouse sometimes surprising Lynn at her home with a cooler full of McDonald’s eggnog milkshakes or a box of fresh figs from the tree on his property. “We didn’t need to go through that ‘getting to know each other’ part. We were both a bit older and established. No kids? Never married? It felt like—well—what are we waiting for?” Rouse laughs.

“We’ve been through some very hard times and su ered a lot of loss, but it’s strengthened our relationship in so many ways.” – LYNN VALLOTTON

With the clarity that accompanies a decision to commit, the couple got engaged soon afterwards in New York City at One if by Land, Two if by Sea, a romantic and historic restaurant in the heart of Greenwich Village. Their wedding ceremony took place on September 30, 2000 at the Lovely Lane Chapel in Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island with a reception on Jekyll Island for over 300 guests. “We didn’t realize it when we first met, but we both had attended church youth camp there,” Lynn says. “It just seemed like the perfect spot.” Lynn arranged her own flowers, of course, with help from florist friends. After an 18-day, fairy-tale honeymoon throughout Europe, Lynn sold her shop in Macon, and the newlyweds settled in Rouse’s house in Valdosta that’s now one of their rental properties before moving to their current home two years later.

Though they consider themselves extremely fortunate, Lynn and Rouse have known their share of life’s challenges: their first son, Tarpley, was born in 2002 and died in 2003. “We’ve been through some very hard times and suffered a lot of loss, but it’s strengthened our relationship in so many ways,” says Lynn. They were blessed with another son, Rouse III, in 2005; he’s now in his junior year at Mercer University. After establishing herself as a freelance floral designer in Valdosta, Lynn began teaching art at Valwood School in 2013 while Rouse went out on his own to establish his investments and real estate business. Through it all, they’ve prioritized their marriage and have stayed true to their vows. “We’re both stubborn and up for a challenge,” Rouse says. “We know our core values as a family and have had some great role models in our parents and grandparents on both sides.”

Although the couple has different interests—Lynn likes to read, paint, and play Mah-jongg while Rouse dabbles in history and genealogy and frequently spends time with “Duck Ponders”—they’ve kept their relationship strong by spending time together doing things they both enjoy, especially travel. They’ve returned to Europe several times and recently made a jaunt to Boothbay Harbor, Maine. While on the road, they also participate in Geocaching, a pastime involving the search for hidden containers, or caches, placed at certain coordinates all over the world. When they’re home, they love to spend time at their family lake house, built by Rouse’s grandfather in 1941. “The golden hour of each day is spent on our porch, gazing at the water, watching the birds and sipping cocktails, and it’s so important to us,” says Rouse.

As they celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, the Vallottons attribute their successful marriage to a certain beloved pastry. “My niece Warner and I have had this ritual of getting donuts from Dixie Cream Donut Shop on our birthdays,” Rouse explains. “And one day, Lynn and I compared our differences to those donuts. She’s creative and super active, so hers typically overflow the sides, but I’m more analytical, so mine are neatly organized and stacked in the middle. Our ‘plate of donuts’ doesn’t need to be like the other’s for us to love and support one another, and we don’t ever need to judge them because they are all good.” Lynn finds communication and staying light-hearted to be key as well. “Continue the flirtation and compliment each other’s strengths. And of course, laugh!” -VM

Amoré That’s

Rebecca & Tad Moseley

26 Years | Sweet Treats

Story by Amy Faeskorn / Photo by Wes Sewell Photography

For Dr. Thomas (Tad) Moseley III, a chivalrous gesture outside a Valdosta High School classroom paid off in ways he could never have imagined.

“I first noticed Tad when he held the door open for me as I was going into the science department,” recalls Rebecca (Coyne) Moseley. “I could tell right away he was a gentleman.” Although Tad—who was born in Jacksonville and has family going back three generations in Valdosta— was just a sophomore at the time, he had noticed Rebecca, a senior, in their circle of mutual friends but felt her to be “out of his league.”

Born in Tucson, Arizona, Rebecca and her family settled in Valdosta in 1989 when her father was stationed at Moody Air Force Base. While she and Tad got to know each other casually during high school, it wasn’t until after she graduated in June of 1993, when he gave her a ride home from a party one summer night in Madison, Florida, that they finally had time for a meaningful talk. “He spoke a lot about his younger sister, which told me that family was important to him,” says Rebecca. “That and the turtle cheesecake and orange juice he offered me a few weeks later on our first date had me pleasantly intrigued.”

“There was never a time I didn’t want to be in her presence. I cherish the memory of our early dating so much.”

– DR. TAD MOSELEY

They officially became a couple at the end of that summer, a decision that marked the start of a long-distance relationship that endured Tad’s last two years of high school, Rebecca’s and Tad’s undergraduate periods at Georgia Institute of Technology and Auburn University respectively, and Rebecca’s first two years working after college. Tad’s family was extremely supportive from the beginning, trusting him to drive up to Atlanta on his own to see her and sometimes even accompanying him. “There was never a time I didn’t want to be in her presence. I cherish the memory of our early dating so much,” says Tad. “We were often apart, but that made the time we spent together that much more special. We committed so early on, and I think it really carried us through.”

emergency fund,” Tad chuckles.

After graduating from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Management, Rebecca took a job in Columbus, Georgia, just 45 minutes from Auburn, where Tad still had two years until graduation. They got engaged at the beginning of Tad’s senior year at Ray’s on the River in Atlanta and Tad graduated shortly thereafter with his Bachelor of Science in Zoology in May of 1999.

Their wedding took place on July 10 of that year with a ceremony at St. John the Evangelist Church in Valdosta and a reception afterward at Valdosta Country Club with nearly 500 guests in attendance. They honeymooned in the United Kingdom and ran out of money on the second to last day of the trip. “We had to dip into the traveler’s cheque

Upon their return, the Moseleys bought a home in Opelika, Alabama, near Auburn (where Tad would attend veterinary school) and stayed there for the next four years. Meanwhile, Rebecca worked remotely in software support from 1999 to 2012. The couple’s first son, Thomas Henry IV, was born in 2003, shortly after Tad graduated and moved back to Valdosta, where the opportunity soon came for him to work at the Animal Health Center. Their second son, Charles Howell, joined the family in 2005, followed by William Coyne in 2009, and Tad completed the purchase of the practice from Dr. Dave Richards in 2012, with Rebecca coming on full-time as practice manager that same year.

The couple has seen their share of ups and downs. “There’ve been times when we sought help when we needed it,” says Rebecca. “Our parents modeled

for us that marriage is not a fairy tale and that your spouse is not going to complete you.” Their faith has always been at the center of their relationship and has provided the support to see them through those difficult times. “Marriage is a huge undertaking. It’s not just a given. It’s a covenant with God, and it’s unbreakable,” says Tad. “It takes effort and grace,” Rebecca adds. Tad and Rebecca maintain their bond by exercising together and spending as much time outdoors as they can, either at the beach or on the trail. After a long day at work, they often unwind by making a quick dinner and relaxing on the couch to watch reruns of “Friends.” Their favorite ritual? Dessert at Dairy Queen on date night. “We’ve been going to the one on Ashley Street for so long,” Rebecca explains. “We’ll even go after eating out at a fancier place!” Although they do love to be with family and friends, Tad finds that after almost three decades, Rebecca is still his favorite person to be around. “My preference is always to spend time with my wife. It’s never a sacrifice to be with her.”

As their family grows and an empty nest looms—Thomas is now a senior at Berry College in Rome, Georgia; Charlie is a US Navy Diver stationed in Mayport, Florida; and William is a junior at Valdosta High School—the Moseleys look forward to whatever life has in store for them next. “We’ve learned that you fall in love by emotions,” says Tad, “but you stay in love by making the choice to keep loving that other person.” Rebecca agrees. “That, and a DQ Blizzard!” -VM

Amoré That’s

Bonnie & Brad Skinner

11 Years | Easy as Pie

Story by Amy Faeskorn / Photo by Wes Sewell Photography

Little did Bonnie (Smith) Skinner know when she donned a runaway bride costume for a 2007 Phi Mu sorority social that her future groom stood in the crowd.

Brad Skinner, who grew up in Savannah, Georgia, had been recruited by Valdosta State University (VSU) to play golf, and he and Bonnie were just acquaintances at the time. “After that night, I was invited by a group of our mutual friends to go on a mountain trip, and that’s when Bonnie I got to know each other.” Born and raised in Valdosta, Bonnie was a year ahead of Brad in her biology studies, and the two remained close friends until she graduated in 2008. Their first real date was at the original Vito’s Pizzeria in downtown Valdosta. “Because we were friends first, we had that mutual respect from the start,” she recalls. “It was such a great foundation for us.”

The couple initially bonded over similar experiences their families had endured. “I lost a sister to brain cancer, and Bonnie’s brother is a childhood cancer survivor,” explains Brad. “We both saw our parents face adversity and learned so much from that. It’s always been a point of connection for us knowing that no one is

immune from this kind of stuff, and that you have to be a team with your spouse through everything life throws you.”

After Brad graduated from VSU in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he worked for a year as the assistant golf pro at Valdosta Country Club. Bonnie moved to Tampa the following May for the Nova Southeastern University’s Anesthesiology Assistant Program, graduating in 2012. By December of 2010, Brad moved to Tampa to be closer to her, but they faced yet another challenge: Bonnie began clinical rotations that brought her to a different city each month—Jacksonville, Panama City, and as far away as Little Rock, Arkansas. “We had eight months together before I was off again,” says Bonnie. Although Brad was busy working as a golf professional, he jokes that he was the one crying alone in his 500-square-foot apartment watching “Christmas Vacation.”

Bonnie returned to Tampa in November 2013, when she took a job at the Moffitt Cancer Center. By that time, Brad knew he wanted them to take the next step in their relationship, so he began planning a surprise engagement at Walt Disney World for the following Valentine’s Day. “We had come up for a wedding in Valdosta in January, and I talked to her whole family about my idea,” says Brad. “They usually did a Disney trip for President’s Day, so Bonnie would be truly surprised.” He rented a boat and ordered pizza for them to eat on the ride. “I had no clue what he was up to,” Bonnie remembers. “We always went for pizza in Tampa, and I was busy watching the fireworks over Magic Kingdom. The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee, and the boat driver was taking our picture!” Bonnie’s family was back at the hotel when they returned and helped them celebrate the next day. For Brad, the high of the engagement was tinged with the loss of his father to leukemia just two weeks later. “I was comforted by what my mom told me he had said

when she told him the news,” he says. ‘‘‘Brad and Bonnie are getting married, and I think that’s amazing.’”

Growing up, Bonnie had always loved Park Avenue Church at Christmastime and knew she wanted a December wedding.

“The first thing we did the Monday after our engagement was reserve the date,” she says. On December 6, 2014, in the presence of almost 400 guests, the couple exchanged their vows followed by a reception at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. To Bonnie’s delight, the Valdosta Christmas parade took place that same day and time, passing by the church at the exact right moment. “Brad’s groomsmen went outside and walked in it!” she says. “Brad wore his dad’s cufflinks with his tuxedo so he could be there with us in spirit.”

“The motto in our household is God first, others second, and self third. When you hold hands and pray out loud with your spouse, it’s an unbelievable thing.”

After honeymooning in Jamaica, they returned home to Tampa. In July of 2015, Bonnie’s current employer, Valdosta Anesthesia Associates (VAA), offered her a job, and they returned to Valdosta once more. Brad continued his career in investment advising and financial planning, most recently at Stifel, where he’s now an advisor, and Bonnie remains at VAA. Their son Payne was born in 2017, and daughter Sutton joined the family in 2020.

Faith has been at the center of the Skinners’ marriage from the start and keeps them strong, supportive, and joyous in their relationship. They even teach the third grade Sunday school class together! “The motto in our household is God first, others second, and self third,” Brad explains. “When you hold hands and pray out loud with your spouse, it’s an unbelievable thing.” Bonnie is also grateful for their consistent communication as they

– BRAD SKINNER

juggle two full-time jobs and two young children. “It’s all about that respect I felt from Brad in the beginning. He supports me as a working mom and makes sure we’re all having fun together.” Friday nights are reserved for pizza, popcorn, and snuggles on the couch, and every Thursday evening, Bonnie’s mom hosts the extended family dinner.

Last year, Bonnie and Brad celebrated their 10th anniversary with dinner at the “new” Vito’s and a trip to Paris and London; as they enter their second decade of marriage, they continue to enjoy life as it unfolds. “The genesis of our relationship coming from friendship has helped us so much,” Brad notes. “Just as much as she’s my wife, Bonnie’s my best friend.” Bonnie agrees. “We try to always have a heart of gratitude for all the ways God has blessed us.” -VM

COOKING th friends

With RANDY DECOUDRES d COLIN PRINSLOO

Valdosta Magazine is collaborating with Randy DeCoudres, executive chef and co-owner of Friends Grille + Bar and Woodstack BBQ Tavern, for a new regular feature highlighting the joys of cooking with friends. For our second segment, Randy joins Colin Prinsloo, who prepared oxtail potjie, a stew stemming from his South African roots.

THE POTJIE EXPERIENCE

More Than Just a Stew

Asthe weather cools and the fire crackles, the Prinsloo family invites friends to gather, cook, and celebrate—making memories, one delicious bite at a time. That’s why Randy thought highlighting Colin’s oxtail potjie would be something readers would find interesting, di erent, and entertaining. Colin, who hails from South Africa, loves sharing the dish with friends and showing them “braai,” the open-fire technique used to cook it over.

Potjie is a South African traditional fall stew cooked over an open fire in a three-legged Dutch oven. “Potjie is a labor of love,” Colin explains. “You make the fire and then relax with a drink as you wait for the coals to form. The pot goes directly onto the coals, and for the next few hours, you regulate the heat and build anticipation.”

COOKING th friends

“The base of the stew is common in South African culture, but all the ingredients you add make it unique to each family.”

The tradition is rooted in South African heritage, where a braai is comparable to an American barbecue. “I prefer to use open fire with a mix of wood and charcoal. There’s a distinctive flavor that permeates the meat from the smoke every time you open the lid. It’s like a special ingredient.”

For Colin, potjie isn’t just a dish—it’s an event. “It takes a long time, but as it cooks, it’s a festive time around the fire,” he says. Everyone takes a peek at the meat and drools over the smells released every time the lid is opened. The aroma is mouthwatering, and the atmosphere is what makes it special.”

For Colin, sharing potjie and braai with friends is about more than food—it’s about introducing South Georgia to the warmth and versatility of South African cooking. “The base of the stew is common in South African culture, but all the ingredients you add make it unique to each family,” explains Colin. “It’s special to me because I get to introduce people here to the way we do things in my native country.” -VM

Oxtail Potjie and Cooking Tips

• Heat a Dutch oven over an open fire or cook on a stovetop.

• Add oil and brown the onions in the pot to create the base flavor. Remove the onions and set aside.

• Add the oxtail (or a good cut of roasting beef) to the pot and brown.

• Add beef broth to form the base (for a richer flavor, a bottle of wine can be added) and regulate it for three to four hours until the meat is tender.

• Once the meat is tender, add carrots, onions, celery, and mushrooms. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until done to your liking.

• As the stew simmers, more vegetables can be tossed in for complexity.

• For a unique touch, dumplings can be baked right on top, crisped by coals placed over the lid.

Mielie Pap

Potjie is traditionally served over mielie pap, or “pap,” a sti porridge made with fine maize meal (cornmeal), water, and a pinch of salt that’s similar to grits in South Georgia. South Africans eat it as a cereal or as a side with meat.

Ingredients

• 5 – 6 cups water (1⁄2 water, 1⁄2 milk for cereal)

• 1 cup corn flour

• 1⁄2 tsp. salt

• 1 tbsp. butter (optional)

Instructions

Boil the water in a pot and add salt and butter. Slowly stir in the flour with a fork. Turn the heat to medium and wait for mixture to start bubbling. Cover the pot with a lid and let the pap simmer for 30 – 45 minutes (the longer and slower it steams, the better the taste).

The sourdough bread was made by Colin’s parents from a starter they got from a 900-year-old bakery in Holland.

MENU

Rum Rum Rudolph

For a festive twist on the classic rum and coke cocktail, try the Rum Rum Rudolph, inspired by Rudolph the reindeer’s bright red nose.

Ingredients

• 1 rosemary sprig

• 1 maraschino cherry

• 4 oz. Coca-Cola (Randy suggests Mexican Coca-Cola with real sugar)

• 2 oz. white or dark rum

• 1 1⁄2 oz. tart cherry juice

Step 1

Cut rosemary sprig into two 2” pieces. Strip leaves from bottom half of each piece. Poke two holes on top of maraschino cherry with a toothpick. Insert rosemary sprigs into each hole. Insert toothpick through cherry, slightly askew from the center to avoid the pit.

Step 2

Fill a collins glass with ice, then add CocaCola, rum, and cherry juice. Gently stir to combine, then garnish with prepared rosemary sprig and cherry.

BRAAI, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY: THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICAN COOKING

When friends gather at the Prinsloo home, braai-style cooking takes center stage. Steaks and lamb are grilled over real wood coals, while side dishes like whole roasted potatoes, corn, and broccolini are cooked directly in the coals. A crowd favorite is the braai broodjie, a fire-grilled grilled cheese sandwich with crispy bread and perfectly melted cheese, infused with smoky flavor.

South African staples like coriander-based seasonings and coarse, high-quality salt are always on hand, elevating the grilling experience and bringing a taste of home to every meal.

Colin, who moved to Valdosta to attend Valdosta State University, owns Clarity Clinical Laboratory, and is the proud father to Brice, 12, and Brett, 10. He’s made it his mission to share the flavors and festive spirit of South African cooking with friends in South Georgia. His parents, Deon and Elaine Prinsloo, also live in Valdosta and are flight attendants with United Airlines.

Experience gracious living with THE F REEDOM TO B E Y OURSELF

At Presbyterian Home Quitman, you’ll find a welcoming community built on fellowship and timeless hospitality. Our scenic, 60-acre campus invites you to move at your own pace—whether that means embracing the quaint allure of front-porch living, joining a fitness class, fishing at the pond, or expanding your mind through lifelong learning op p ortunities. You’ll have peace of mind in knowing our devoted team is here to provide support with care options that include Short-Term Rehabilitation, Personal Care, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing care, should you ever need them.

Call 229.263.6100 to learn more and schedule a personal tour.

Scan the QR code to download our brochure. Presbyterian Village Quitman is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

Home Styles for the Holidays and All Year Through

FEATURING A HOME THAT HAS FOUND NEW LIFE among its curated antiques and cherished heirlooms with updated interior design elements by 8TWO8 Collective. Also, two stunning homes adorned in rich holiday décor by Susan Mullis of The Flower Gallery.

Michael, Laura Ashlee, & Ashlee McRae

What’s Old Is New Again HOME

for the mother-daughter duo behind 8TWO8 Collective, every project starts with “textures, tones, and a little prayer for direction.” When they were chosen to update a home in Kinderlou, the pair lovingly created bespoke designs utilizing cherished antiques and family heirlooms mixed with updated wall coverings, window treatments, and thoughtful pairings of old and new pieces. The result: a place that simply feels like home.

The dining room tells a story using a statement wallpaper to set the tone, a cherished family table, and a set of antique chairs for the perfect setting. New lighting and thoughtful layers blend for that ideal balance of old meets new.

Antiques are part of the owner’s signature, each piece part of her story. The foyer and primary bedroom were styled with those treasures in mind. Curated collage walls are highlighted with custom bedding and draperies and paired with new furnishings. Soothing coral and green accents capture her spirit beautifully.

Never be afraid to mix patterns.

Color is a great way to make a home feel warm.

Using what you have in a different way can make it feel new again.

HOME FOR THE Holidays

THE SCRUGGS’ PLACE

The home of Ferrell and April Scruggs is surrounded by stretches of lush green space. The home’s décor compliments the natural setting, creating true holiday magic through earthy touches, fresh pine, and elegant gold and silver accents.

Designs by

FRESH PINE & TRADITIONAL TOUCHES

Walking into the Scruggs home, you feel thrust onto the pages of a Christmas story. A princess pine garland welcomes all, and fresh matching pine wreaths hang on the double doors. Billowy silver bows add a finishing touch of luxury to the natural décor. Inside, a paperwhite centerpiece adds a festive fragrance to the foyer. The Christmas tree dressed in green, silver, and gold ornaments and mantle adorned with pine garland, fresh magnolia from the Scruggs property, and colorful stockings complete the cozy feel.

THE HOBBYS’ PLACE HOME FOR THE Holidays

The wooden entrance doors that welcome guests into the impressive brick home of Dr. Thomas and Brandi Hobby at this time of year reveal an interior that’s the perfect canvas for holiday splendor.

Holiday Designs by SUSAN MULLIS, THE FLOWER GALLERY

Photography by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

The Hobbys’ home tells a seasonal story, with each room conveying its own sense of wonder. It’s like walking into a Christmas wonderland. The garlands are the true showstoppers as they drape gracefully across banisters, mantels, and doorways—lush and woven with layers of evergreen, red berries, and gold accents that catch the light like flickers of a candle. Coordinating cascading ribbons add a traditional touch. In this home, Christmas doesn’t just arrive— it envelops you in warmth and festivity.

The home is decorated throughout with Christmas trees dressed in red, green, and gold accents and lights illuminating the branches. Heirloom pieces paired with new ornaments provide the perfect blend of nostalgia and elegance.

Green garlands breathe life into every corner of the Hobbys’ home, fusing with the brightness of red accents and gold holiday glamour.

ADowntown Delight

TWENTY YEARS ON, 306 NORTH REMAINS A MAINSTAY OF VALDOSTA’S CULINARY SCENE

On a late afternoon at 306 North, the upscale eatery founded in 1995 by Stan Cox and his late wife, Sue, a group of gentlemen sit around the hi-top table looking out onto North Patterson Street. Beams of sunlight slant through the window while they enjoy a few beers and engage in light chit-chat and laughter as the staff mill about in preparation for evening dinner service. They’re the kind of regulars who’ve helped make the restaurant a local favorite for two decades—a blessing not lost on Stan.

“FOR US, IT’S NOT BEEN WHAT WE STARTED WITH, BUT WHAT WE ENDED UP WITH. OUR REPUTATION MEANS EVERYTHING.”

– STAN COX

“We have very loyal customers,” says Stan, who continues to oversee day-to-day operations at 306 North and its sister business, Covington’s. “Over the years, we’ve always tried to keep them happy and accommodate them however we can.” His daughter Amy, who has worked front of house since high school, attributes the restaurant’s success to consistent branding. “We wouldn’t call ourselves ‘fine dining.’ There’s no pretension here—we just keep doing fresh, southern-inspired food made with the best local ingredients we can source,” she says. “Signature dishes like my greatgrandmother’s squash soufflé definitely keep people coming back.”

Stan and Sue were involved in the hospitality industry for many years before renting space in 1992 on the property where Covington’s now stands. As the catering business grew and the opportunity came to purchase the land on the Covington’s footprint as well as the 306 North building from Sherry Wetherington—whose iconic clothing store, Only Options, operated there until she relocated it uptown in 1996—they decided to expand. Yet it would be another 10 years before they could do so; the 306 North building served largely as storage space for Covington’s

until 2004, when local restaurateur Randy DeCoudres, who had recently graduated from culinary school, began working for the Coxes in the Covington’s kitchen and inspired Sue to consider opening a restaurant that could serve dinner.

Over the next year and a half, Stan and Sue oversaw the renovation of the restaurant, designed by local architects Santiago Iturralde and Rob Evans, along with the construction of a warehouse behind Covington’s—and a new family home adjacent to the properties. On November 17, 2005, 306 North launched with a much-anticipated soft opening to a sell-out crowd. “We were just excited to join the ranks of other greats in town like The Bistro and Charlie Tripper’s,” Amy recalls. “We also had a stream of travelers from local hotels and people driving to and from Florida which continues today. Plus, we just kind of needed a place to eat dinner as a family every night!”

Although Randy left in 2010 to launch his own ventures, Stan and Sue recruited and nurtured a team of employees who helped them keep pace with growth from the start—some of whom, like head chef José Tepixtle, have been in the kitchen since day one. “Our catering business was huge at the time, and we were so

“WE WOULDN’T CALL OURSELVES ‘FINE DINING.’ THERE’S NO PRETENSION HERE—WE JUST KEEP DOING FRESH, SOUTHERNINSPIRED FOOD MADE WITH THE BEST LOCAL INGREDIENTS WE CAN SOURCE.” – AMY COX

“WE’RE STILL GRATEFUL FOR EVERYONE WHO GOT US HERE.” – AMY COX

grateful to have this pool of people to draw from as we opened,” Amy remembers. “We’re still grateful for everyone who got us here.” Harris Waters began working for the Coxes as a 15-year-old caterer and has been the restaurant’s manager since 2019. Travis Simmons, a local watercolor painter, has also been a server at 306 North on and off for the last 15 years, and longtime employee Pat Williams continues to sub in as a jack-of-all-trades on an on-call basis.

Rick Van Hook, a Thomasville native who completed culinary arts training at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina after briefly attending Valdosta State University (VSU), returned to Valdosta at Randy’s request. “We were friends from our VSU days, and he was just getting the place off the ground. I was so honored he asked me to be his sous chef,” recalls Van Hook, who now heads the Culinary Arts department at Lowndes High School. “It was such a great environment. Sue was

the lifeline of the place, and Stan always made sure we had everything we needed. They let us develop the menu as we saw fit. I’ll always be grateful to the Coxes. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them!” The restaurant also claims responsibility for at least one marriage: Van Hook got to know Stevan, the woman who became his wife in 2009, while the two worked together in the kitchen.

When the time came last year to give 306 North an update to its décor, Stan and Amy returned to local designer Laura Yale, owner of MODified Interior Designs, who had made over Covington’s dining area in 2017 and had worked with the Coxes on some of their other properties; they gave her free rein to freshen the space. “We wanted everything modular,” Amy explains. “We took some things out that weren’t but made sure the Harley Room [named in memory of Harley Hall, a close family friend who worked in three of the Coxes’ restaurants and was killed in a car

accident at the age of 26 less than a year after 306 North opened] stayed open for larger parties.”

Yale revamped the bathrooms and streamlined the overall color palette. “It’s still us,” says Amy. “It’s just a bit more modern now.”

With Stan showing no signs of retiring—he can be spotted bussing tables, hopping into the Covington’s delivery truck, or updating inventory on the office computer on any given day—and Amy continuing to play a crucial role in all aspects of operation, the future looks bright. “I’ve been accused of being here too much,” Stan laughs. “But we’re fortunate. For us, it’s not been what we started with, but what we ended up with. Our reputation means everything.” Van Hook also marvels at the ongoing popularity of the place that not only serves delicious food but also helps the community grow and thrive. “They’ve truly expanded the palate of Valdosta. I hope they keeping doing that for a long time to come.” -VM

2025 Platinum Council Award Recipient

Proudly serving South Georgia for 29 years

Investment Guidance | Business Services | Retirement Income Strategies

Honored with multiple accolades and recognition, including: 2024, 2023, 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, Georgia*

Joseph M. Paoletti, CFP®, Managing Director – Investments | Senior Financial Advisor 3310 B North Valdosta Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602 | 229-259-7832 | joseph.paoletti@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Scan the QR code for more information on each award

*The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors is measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/226/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/206/30/21.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker- dealer and non- bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. PM- 01202027- 8200168.1.1

/

WhenCharlene Blache was just three years old, she told her mother she wanted to be a doctor. She didn’t fully understand what that meant, but she knew what it looked like. Her physician, Dr. Lennox Jordan, had a way of making her feel seen and heard as a child. “He always took care of whatever ailments I had, and I was fascinated by that,” Blache says.

Blache was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, a vibrant twin-island nation in the eastern Caribbean. Her father, an avid reader, kept a section of his bookcase reserved for thick medical encyclopedias. Blache was drawn to

FROM CURIOSITY

TRINIDAD NATIVE DR. CHARLENE BLACHE BRINGS COMFORT AND CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY SHE NOW CALLS HOME

Story by MADISON THORNHILL

them from a young age and found herself captivated by the intricate illustrations of the human body.

Blache’s curiosity shaped everything she did. Each Christmas, her father let her and her brother select a toy under $20 from the toy store, and she always chose sciencerelated ones. “I didn’t choose dolls,” she laughs. “When I had a choice, I wanted a microscope, a chemistry set, or a doctor’s kit.”

In school, Blache excelled in her science classes, eventually earning an island scholarship that allowed her to attend medical school in Mona, Jamaica at just 19 years old.

“God made me who I am today, and what I do is a part of my calling, because all of those little elements of interest and focus for me as a child weren’t by chance.” – Dr. Charlene Blache

After five years of rigorous study, she returned home to Trinidad to intern at Port-of-Spain General Hospital. While there, she met her mentor, Dr. Petronella Manning-Alleyne, a neonatologist who cared for premature and critically ill newborns. Under her guidance, Blache discovered her love for pediatrics. “[Dr. Manning-Alleyne] was confident and capable,” she says.

With the help of Dr. Manning-Alleyne, Blache gained the opportunity to complete pediatric residency at Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York from 1995 to 1998. Although she initially aspired to follow in her mentor’s footsteps and specialize in neonatology, her stance shifted during her training.

As technological advances allowed more premature infants to survive, Blache observed that survival alone did not always translate into true thriving for these tiny patients. In New York, the hospital was able to care for and save infants

born much earlier than those Charlene had treated during her experience in Trinidad.

Blache was struck by how many of these fragile infants struggled with lasting health issues and diminished quality of life in the neonatal unit. At the same time, she found great joy in her pediatric residency and ultimately decided to become a pediatrician instead of a neonatologist.

As Blache’s J-1 visa approached expiration toward the end of her residency, she was advised by her cousin, Dr. Raymond Noel, an internist in Valdosta, to consider practicing medicine in the underserved community of Brooks County, which needed a pediatrician. She applied for a J-1 visa that allows physicians who have completed their training to work in areas facing clinician shortages. She secured employment with Archbold Medical Center in Brooks County. While there, she tried to learn as much as she could about the business side of medicine, which isn’t taught in medical school. After becoming a permanent U.S. resident, Noel encouraged her to start her own practice in Quitman.

“I remember those patients like it was yesterday,” says Blache. “It was a slow development of deep relationships, and I still see many of those young people today. I see their kids.” With the support of devoted team members, including receptionist Miss Bessie and nurse practitioner Virginia Cochran, Blache established a thriving practice. She later opened a second practice in Valdosta while continuing to run the Quitman location, eventually moving her full focus to Valdosta in 2012. Today, she has been serving Valdosta

“Being surrounded by the right people is key to making progress in any endeavor.” – Dr. Charlene Blache

for more than 25 years, with her work deeply guided by her faith and commitment to community.

“I believe that young people are our future. I want them to know they’re special, and God has something great in store for each of them,” she says. “God made me who I am today, and what I do is a part of my calling, because all of those little elements of interest and focus for me as a child weren’t by chance.”

Though she grew up attending church, Blache embraced Christianity more fully in her adult years. “I know what it means in my life to be a follower of Christ, and I want my

patients to benefit from that as early as possible,” she explains.

Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles. While working at Archbold, she also took on additional work with newborns in Valdosta since Brooks County wasn’t delivering babies. While this wasn’t a violation of her visa, a Brooks County administrator opposed Blache working in both towns, and he threatened to end her J-1 visa waiver experience. In response, people rallied behind her, petitioning federal authorities to allow her to continue. The experience strengthened her belief in the power of community.

“People from all walks of life stood

up for me. That’s probably why I have such a great love for giving back, because I saw how others were there for me when I needed them,” she says.

Blache is actively involved in local initiatives like the Boys & Girls Club and United2Prevent, a nonprofit working in suicide prevention and awareness. She met her husband, Dr. Larry Smith, in Valdosta, and they have one son, Lawrence. Her current practice, Southern Pediatrics, employs 25 staff members and reflects her dedication to the community. “Being surrounded by the right people is key to making progress in any endeavor,” she says. -VM

CARY BROWN

Arnold Palmer once said, “Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.” Cary Brown seems to have molded his golf game—and his life— after Palmer’s advice. Brown’s journey is marked by passion and dedication to service. As he steps into his new role on the national PGA of America Board, his focus remains on fostering growth and inclusion throughout the sport. With a wealth of experience and a reputation for integrity, Brown is poised to help shape the future of golf, both locally and nationally.

Brown, who has been the general manager and PGA Director of Golf at Valdosta Country Club (VCC) for fifteen years and also became general

JOHN RIDDLE

manager in 2017, was elected to the national PGA of America board in early November as the District 13 Director. The VCC board said in a statement that Brown’s election is “a monumental achievement and an incredible honor for both Cary and our club. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cary on this well-deserved honor. His leadership, character, and dedication continue to make VCC a special place.”

Brown became a Class A PGA member in July 2011. He has held multiple o ces and earned several awards from the Georgia PGA including being named Georgia Professional of the Year in 2019. He served as president of the Georgia

NEW NATIONAL PGA OF AMERICA BOARD MEMBER

Section PGA from 2022 to 2024.

Scott Geary, CEO & Executive Director of the Georgia PGA, says Brown’s career reflects “the spirit of service and leadership that defines our association. His integrity, creativity, and commitment to advancing our members and the game of golf make him an outstanding representative for District 13 on the national stage.”

“It’s truly a privilege to serve on the PGA of America Board of Directors,” Brown says. “I am deeply committed to supporting my fellow PGA professionals, strengthening pathways for mentorship and education, and ensuring that golf continues to be a sport that welcomes and inspires everyone.”

CARY BROWN SAT DOWN WITH VALDOSTA MAGAZINE TO SHARE MORE ABOUT HIS NEW ROLE AS A MEMBER OF THE PGA OF AMERICA BOARD.

VM: What are your responsibilities as a member of the national PGA board?

Brown: I help govern the PGA of America—setting policies, interpreting the constitution and bylaws, and making decisions between annual meetings. I vote on matters such as amendments, regulations, and other national-level issues. I also take part in resolving disputes that may arise between sections or between members under the association’s jurisdiction. In addition, I would help decide on broader association-level initiatives—including educational, welfare, or other funds or programs the PGA may create or maintain.

VM: What area is covered by District 13, and will you be traveling for responsibilities in those areas?

Brown: District 13 includes Georgia, North Florida, and South Florida PGA Sections. I try to be in person in each of those regions for board meetings and any annual meetings they have for their membership.

VM: How were you selected and what is the term of office?

Brown: The Georgia Section Board appointed me. The office rotates among the three sections represented and has a four-year term.

VM: What does it mean for Valdosta Country Club and for the state to have someone on the PGA Board?

Brown: I believe having representation at any facility represented by a PGA professional at the national stage provides notoriety to their club, as well as opening up relationships with other clubs across the country.

VM: What are some of the things you hope to accomplish during your term?

Brown: My main goal is to communicate and convey the interests, concerns, and perspectives of my region’s sections to the national board.

VM: What does it mean to you personally to be chosen for this position?

Brown: I am honored and humbled by the trust our PGA professionals have put in me to represent them to the best of my abilities. You must have a servant’s heart for governance at any level.

VM: OK, what every golfer wants to know—do you think this will improve your golf game?

Brown: Well, there’s not much golf that takes place for me right now, so I don’t think so! -VM

CENTER

• LASIK Surgery

• Cataract Surgery

• Glaucoma Treatment and In-Office Laser Surgery

• Corneal Dystrophy

• Corneal Transparent

• External Eye Diseases

• Diabetic Eye Disease Evaluation and Laser Treatment

• Complete Eye Examinations

CULTIVATING A Greater FUTURE

Story by MARLANA HUFSTETLER / Photography by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUTH GEORGIA COUNCIL SCOUTING AMERICA HONORS CLINTON AND JEANA BEELAND

September 11 marked Scouting

America’s 2025 South Georgia Council (SGC) Distinguished Citizens Dinner at Valdosta’s Rainwater Conference Center. While the Distinguished Citizen Award is traditionally bestowed upon a single honoree, Clinton and Jeana Beeland of CJB Companies were recognized as changemakers for local agriculture and community this year.

“I couldn’t think more highly of the Beelands,” says Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson. “They’re always involved with a charitable heart and pouring back into this city. They’ve been an integral and vital part of our community for many years.”

SGC holds this biennial dinner to acknowledge extraordinary leadership by a local citizen who serves as a living

example of the Scout oath and law. The Beelands are the first couple ever to be honored, and according to former honoree Dr. Bill Grow, “are the perfect example of the American dream.”

The couple first met at the Georgia Institute of Technology when Valdosta native Jeana was working toward her Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Clinton, originally from Macon, was pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After jumpstarting their careers in North Carolina, the pair settled in Valdosta in 1992 when Clinton secured a position with what was then the Griffin Corporation and Jeana worked for Levi Strauss & Co. while enrolled in Valdosta State University’s MBA program.

Clinton founded their agricultural

manufacturing enterprise, CJB Industries, and parent company, CJB Companies, in 1997, with Jeana joining the business in 1999. They established CJB Applied Technologies in 2015 and Salvus in 2018, providing the global farming community with resources such as agricultural and specialty product development, chemical and biological formulations, and food safety detection capabilities.

The CJB “R.I.T.E.S.,” a company guiding principle standing for respect, integrity, trust, excellence, and stewardship, lies at the heart of everything the Beelands do, directing their everyday lives and civic engagement as much as their industry endeavors. “The more you give, the more you receive. Like our marriage of 36 years, family, friends, company,

and community take effort, but the unexpected return is a thousand-fold,” says Clinton. “We’re so blessed to work with people who are true leaders in our industry and community,” Jeana adds.

While presenting the Beelands’ award, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue recognized the values of the Scout oath that Clinton and Jeana continuously embody through their outstanding civil service, moral integrity, and dedication to others. “Community is powerful. It’s what holds us together,” he says. “The power of community rests on three things—education, economic development, and service— all of which exemplify what [the Beelands] have done in their lives and their careers.”

Having previously served on Leadership Lowndes, Leadership Georgia, the Board of ValdostaLowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary International, among others, Clinton is an active member of Vistage Group 2081, the Chair of One Valdosta Lowndes, an Advisory Board member for Synovus Bank, and a member of Georgia Tech College of Engineering External Advisory Board.

Prior to Jeana’s current service on the local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Board and Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) Board of Governors, she served on the Valdosta Board of Education, the Valdosta Junior Service League, Georgia’s Workforce Development Board, and the Board of

the Vestry of Christ Episcopal Church.

“We have so many people to thank that we couldn’t possibly name them all,” says Jeana. “First, the good Lord, who has blessed us in so many ways; our parents, Curtis and Jean and Jan and Robbie; our children Robbie, Mitchell, and her husband, Andre; our grandchildren; and our mentors for the past 20 years, Jerry Jennett and George Robbins. I can’t forget the Griffin family for bringing us back to Valdosta and all our co-workers.”

“We know how valuable education is in improving an individual’s life and the community in which they reside,” adds Clinton. “We’re honored to give a little and receive so much in return. Our hope is that we all do the same and find ourselves blessed with the unexpected.” -VM

“The power of community rests on three things—education, economic development, and service— all of which exemplify what [the Beelands] have done in their lives and their careers.”

–UNIVERSITY

PRESENTER SERIES

Regular Season Pass - $155/season pass

Available now through January 21, 2026

Individual Shows - $60/ea ticket

Available now through March 19, 2026

ARTS & Culture

DR. DAVID RETTERBUSH

Inspired Photographer

INlocal surgeon David Retterbush’s hands, lives have been saved. In a sense, one could also say that lives have been captured—with his camera, that is. As the oldest of eight children, Retterbush cites his father, the late Dr. William Charles Retterbush, also a surgeon, as his first inspiration. He recalls that his father enjoyed taking pictures of his family and travels with his Leica 35 mm film camera. The Retterbush family would often gather to view their dad’s slide shows using dozens of slide carousels and a Kodak projector. When he was eight, his father taught him how a camera works and how to use a separate light meter to measure ambient light to set the f-stop and shutter speed. He read every book, article, and manual on photography he could and then went out “into the field” to learn by trial and error. A few years back, he took workshops at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts with its previous director, Jamie Harmon, who now runs a portrait studio in Memphis.

ARTS & Culture

Retterbush has long called Valdosta home. He attended St. John’s Catholic School from kindergarten through 8th grade, then attended Valdosta High School. He enjoyed being a member of the Marching Cats Band and was an honor graduate in 1970. It was in high school that Retterbush got his first Nikon 35mm film camera. He loved shooting rural landscapes, old barns, and still lifes. Subsequently, he went to Valdosta State University for his undergraduate studies followed by the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where he received his medical degree in 1977. Next, he completed a surgical residency at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He returned to Valdosta, where he entered the private practice of general surgery with his dad.

As photographic technology developed, Retterbush transitioned to a digital format camera. He enjoyed photographing his wife Denise’s orchids, his children, and later, his grandchildren. With the assistance of his friend and fellow photographer, Dr. Joe Morgan, he obtained press credentials to photograph University of Georgia football games. It was on the sidelines where he learned the art of sports photography. He also secured press credentials for the University of Florida. He continued to hone his skills and had the memorable experiences of shooting some Florida State University games as well as bowl games and SEC championships.

Retterbush’s first submission was for the Turner Center’s annual Spring Into Art exhibition over 20 years ago. He sold one entry of Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge’s lily pads, and his entry of two donkey heads taken at the Feinberg farm was juried. He laughs and observes that at the time, he thought it must have been “beginner’s luck.” Retterbush adds that he is not a commercial artist, but upon request he has sold some of his work at his cost. He doesn’t advertise or have a website, but he enjoys posting his photographs on Facebook and Instagram to share with his friends. As an aside, he adds that he has been honored to have two of Valdosta’s “top tier” artists, Annette Crosby and Jeannie Cowart, purchase his work from Spring into Art and have them hanging in their homes. Since his long-ago first entry into Spring into Art, Retterbush continues to enter every show. His work has been chosen for the prestigious Colson Calendar on numerous occasions; his Clavia photograph, “Spring Dew,” was

In his Athens, Georgia condo, Retterbush has framed photographs of Camargue horses in southern France. These striking animals have lived wild for centuries and are protected by the French government. Photo by Denise Retterbush

featured on the cover in 2016. His elephant shot, “Water Walk,” was the 2022 cover and won first place in the digital medium/photography category. Multiple entries have been juried with a variety of subjects: antique cars, the Venetian canals, rural landscapes, and old buildings, to name a few.

“I was fortunate to meet a former National Geographic and now freelance wildlife photographer, Ali Darvish, 15 years ago while waiting in line for our press passes to get into “The Swamp” to shoot the UF game,” he says. “Ali took me under his wing, and we’ve become great friends. I’ve taken three trips to Africa with him (Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania).”

Among his other photographic journeys, Retterbush has enjoyed the winter vistas of Yellowstone National Park; the lavender fields and Camargue horses in southern France (Provence); the glacial and volcanic views in Iceland; the grizzly bears of the Katmai Peninsula in Alaska as well as the salmon run at Brooks Falls; cityscapes and canals of Venice, Italy; and the tulips in Amsterdam. “My most recent trip was last August: the Pantanal in Brazil to photograph the wild jaguars,” he recalls. “When Ali and

I were in Cape Town, South Africa, he arranged for us to photograph the great white sharks in a cage in the ocean. Unfortunately, the day we were supposed to go, and to Denise’s delight, the trip was canceled because of inclement weather. Nevertheless, I was disappointed!”

Not surprisingly, Retterbush’s favorite subject is wildlife photography—especially elephants and giraffes. When he’s not serving on the Georgia Composite Medical Board in Atlanta or visiting his grandchildren, he’s out there with a camera. To see his work, be sure to mark your calendar for Spring into Art 2026. -VM

COMPLETE WOMEN’S CARE

At Valdosta Chiropractic & Rehab, we're able to diagnose and treat your condition while also making you feel at home and offering each patient personalized attention.

Our office is equipped with the most evidenced-based tools to get you

Celebrating 15 Years!

DR. LACIE GUY

220 Gornto Road

Valdosta, GA 31602

229-247-2828

valdostachiropractic.com

Proudly serving Valdosta and the surrounding communities, Hughston Clinic of Valdosta is your hometown team for expert orthopedic care. With five board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists, with a skilled rehab team, we specialize in sports medicine, hand, wrist & elbow, foot & ankle, hip, knee, shoulder, spine, and total joint replacement. We also offer on-site physical therapy & diagnostics for your convenience. From Friday night lights to everyday life, we’re here to keep you moving.

Brook Bearden, MD

Kevin J. Collins, MD

Matthew Heaton, MD

Douglas W. Pahl, MD

Larae Seemann, MD

B OOK REVIEWS

SHave you ever heard (or read) the term “metafiction”? It sounds trendy and obscure, but it’s been around for a while. Remember Thornton Wilder’s Our Town? The stage manager addresses the audience directly, moves time forward, and steps in and out of the action as di erent characters. This “breaking the fourth wall” was also used by Geo rey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. METAFICTION

THE TEN YEAR AFFAIR

by Erin Somers (2025) 304 pgs.

imon & Schuster refers to Erin Somers’ newest release as a “sliding doors novel” because she splits the narrative into “parallel realities.” One is protagonist Nora’s real life as a young wife and mother, and the other is an imagined life as a spicy adulteress. Cora, on maternity leave with her second baby, has an uninspired career as a marketing writer who writes about marketing without actually marketing anything. She lives in a middle-class, rapidly gentrifying Hudson Valley village an hour north of New York City.

Somers’ clever satire is on hilarious display in the opening of the narrative when Cora meets Sam, a dad on paternity leave while his wife returned quickly to her high-powered job as a corporate attorney. Cora and Sam attend a new parent group, where they bond over their distaste for “Broccoli Mom” and “white lady with dreadlocks.” Despite what could be a heavy theme of adultery, Somers treats her angst-ridden millennial characters with compassion as they face marital restlessness, the COVID pandemic, and aging parents. All the characters, even the eccentric minor ones and

the children, are depicted fully with entertaining dialogue. A decade goes by rapidly as you turn the pages to learn whether Cora’s “lives” ever converge.

The Ten Year Aff air has been named a New Yorker, NPR, ELLE, and Esquire Best Book of the Year.

CONTEMPORARY/

THE CORRESPONDENT

by Virginia Evans (2025) 291 pgs.

Virginia Evans has been writing rejected novels for decades, but this is her much-heralded “debut.” In The Correspondent, she renders an ordinary life extraordinary with the many letters of her elderly heroine, Sybil Van Antwerp. Sybil, a retired lawyer, is in what she calls “the winter season” of her life. Regrets? She’s had a few. She’s been a wife, mother, divorcee, grandmother, and decision-maker. Most of all, she’s a letter-writer, and she often corresponds with authors of her favorite thoughtprovoking books. Though a fictional character, Sybil has actually inspired book clubs all over the world. Walk into a bookstore and you might find a table with The Correspondent surrounded by the titles discussed in Sybil’s letters: Lonesome Dove, Ulysses, The Lord of the Rings, Cutting for Stone, and Never Let Me Go, to name a few.

Sybil’s letters present a few mysteries early on; ultimately, the resolutions are satisfying for the reader. You won’t be thinking, “Ugh! Unlikely coincidence!” Themes of making connections through correspondence, confronting the past with reflection, and facing one’s future with fortitude are themes that resonate. As Sybil notes, “My life has

been both miraculous and mundane.” Evans holds a B.A. in English Literature from James Madison University and a Masters of Creative Writing from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She currently lives in WinstonSalem with her family. Named a “Best Book of the Year” by NPR and The Washington Post, this little novel’s fans will likely be gifting it this holiday season. And something tells me Evans’ rejection letters are permanently in her past.

CONTEMPORARY

SPECTACULAR THINGS

by Beck Dorey-Stein (2025)

368 pgs.

This bestselling novel was a July selection by Reese’s Book Club. It’s set in small-town Maine and features two impoverished sisters, Mia and Cricket. They love soccer, just like their mother. The plot opens with an impossible dilemma—one sister demanding a big sacrifice from the other. The reader might form an opinion early on regarding which sister’s side to take and which sister is being reasonable (or not). As the narrative flashes back, even as far as to their mother’s childhood, the rest of the story unfolds. Their mom has secrets, and some remain a mystery. Growing up is never easy, and the life of a “phenom” athlete during what the publisher refers to as “the golden age of female soccer” certainly has “spectacular” complications. This is Dorey-Stein’s third book, and her years as a high school English teacher illuminate the sisters’ poignant experiences as teens in the novel. You will want to turn the pages quickly to

learn their fates as adults.

Dorey-Stein is herself a Maine resident, and she often answers readers’ questions on her Instagram.

HISTORICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL FICTION

THE LAND IN WINTER

by Andrew Miller (2024) 384 pgs.

Andrew Miller made the prestigious Booker Prize shortlist in 2025 for this novel. It was also winner of the 2025 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and the 2025 Winston Graham Historical Prize for Fiction. The New Yorker put it on their “Best of 2025” list. Miller has been called “a master of nuance” and a “chronicler of the human heart.” His previous novels have won acclaim in the U.K. as well. His characters, The Guardian observes, “have looked into the abyss.” That said, The Land in Winter is not exactly a bleak novel, although it is deeply psychological. Largely character-driven in style, it’s set during the December-January “Big Freeze” that hit England’s west country from 1962-63. In the seemingly detached opening, a young man is found to have committed suicide in the basement of an asylum. This tableau soon makes sense within the larger narrative.

There are two neighboring families. Bill Simmons, a gentleman farmer, has entrepreneurial dreams. His wife, Rita, was a barroom dancer. Now she sits on the kitchen floor reading and eating spaghetti with her hands. Eric Parry is a doctor who has pulled himself up from his rough Birmingham beginnings. His wife, Irene, is from an affluent and literary family, but now she has little to do beyond planning a Boxing Day “drinks party.” Both Rita and Irene are pregnant, and they form an unlikely friendship, at one point building a snowman in the frozen landscape between their homes.

How will these four young people, on the precipice of big change in their lives, face the storm that’s coming? This unforgettable read is atmospherically cold, but you can’t help becoming engaged with their fates.

Grab a warm throw blanket and settle in to turn the pages.

HISTORICAL FICTION

BUCKEYE

by Patrick Ryan (2025) 464 pgs.

Everyoneknows the famous photo of “the kiss in Times Square” that captured the joy of Japanese surrender on April 14, 1945. In the beginning of Buckeye, a similar kiss happens in the basement of a hardware store a few weeks later as the small-town Ohio citizens learn from their radios that Germany has surrendered to the Allies. This scene is how Cal meets Margaret. Both are married to others, and their chance encounter sets a plot in motion that reverberates for decades—into the Vietnam era and beyond.

Ryan skillfully weaves his tale by going back as well as forward in time, illuminating the lives of his characters when they were children. There’s something of all the major conflicts of the 20th century—Cal grew up in the shadow of his father’s WWI service. But this hefty, engaging novel is about more than conflict; it’s also about love, forgiveness, and hope.

Ryan grew up in Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University. He went on to earn his Master of Creative Writing at Bowling Green University. He’s written several young adult and other novels, though none with the success of Buckeye, which was a “Read with Jenna” selection. He now makes his home in New York.

AARTS & Culture

This is Shelley Read’s debut novel, published to wide acclaim and made popular by word-of-mouth with book clubs. Read is a former college lecturer and environmental journalist. As a fifth generation Coloradoan who now lives in the Elk Mountains of the Western Slope, she writes with authenticity about the land. Read says she’s fascinated by place and displacement, and she always considers the land itself and characters’ connection to it when writing.

Set in a small town in post-World War II Colorado, this is an emotionally evocative love story, beginning as young Victoria Nash walks downtown looking for her brother and encounters a mysterious drifter. She’s from a family famous for their peach farm, as the book’s cover might indicate. Times goes by and the town faces the government’s plan to flood their property. She has some big decisions to make that will affect not only herself, but also her entire family for decades to come. The town is judgmental, and Victoria’s life calls for endurance. Richly imagined and well-written, there are some unexpectedly satisfying twists.

Narci Drossos describes herself as a compulsive reader, saved in her youth by a summer bookmobile librarian who ignored the biweekly limit of five books, thus allowing her, in one summer, to go from Harriet the Spy and Nancy Drew to David Copperfield and Jane Eyre. She holds three degrees from Valdosta State University and has been teaching English at Valdosta High School for over 30 years. She’s published book reviews in ELLE and online on Instagram @novels_with_narci, where she’d appreciate a follow and your feedback on this feature using #VMbookreview.

VALDOSTA COUNTRY CLUB’S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

One of Valdosta Country Club’s (VCC) most beloved traditions returned this December as families gathered for their annual Breakfast with Santa. Members enjoyed a festive morning complete with a delicious buffet, Christmas crafts, and plenty of magical photo moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s a morning that brings joy to all ages and remains a cherished way to kick off the holiday season at VCC!

SYMPHONY BALL

The Valdosta Symphony Guild presented the Symphony Ball on November 8 at Valdosta Country Club with the theme “It’s the 70s! Let’s dance!” Proceeds from the annual event benefited youth and collegiate programs of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

AN EVENING IN THE PARK

SGMC Health Foundation hosted a black-tie celebration to launch the highly anticipated “Groundbreaking Growth” comprehensive capital campaign. This ambitious $25 million fundraising initiative aims to support SGMC Health in its mission to provide top-notch healthcare services to the community. The elegant event took place on August 14 at the Rainwater Conference Center, bringing together guests and supporters in a memorable evening of celebration and philanthropy.

VALDOSTA COUNTRY CLUB’S 2025 MEMBER-MEMBER TOURNAMENT

Member-Member Weekend was such a fun, high-energy weekend at Valdosta Country Club for both our golfers and tennis players! We kicked things off Friday with the 80s-themed tennis clinic—neon, headbands, and all—which set the tone for a weekend full of friendly competition.

Across the golf course and the courts, members brought their A-game. We had fantastic turnouts in every division, competitive play, and so many

moments of great sportsmanship. Congratulations to all of our 2025 Member-Member Champions and Runners-Up in both golf and tennis— we’re so proud of everyone who participated!

A huge thank you to our golf and tennis staff, and to every member who came out, dressed up, and made this weekend one to remember. Events like this truly highlight what makes VCC such a special community!

828designcollective.com aceelectric.net adcteam.com astroexterminating.com blantongriffin.com @boardwalkvaldostats cauthanconstruction.com hahiraga.gov valdostacity.com colonial-bag.com colquittemc.com cbcbank.com covingtonscatering.com duggandentaldmd.com ellastopcorralvaldosta.com facelabvaldosta.com foxhillplantation.com georgiabeerco.com guardianbankonline.com

Hallabrook Hill hmorthodontics.com hoganspharmacy.net williamshotelgroup.com ga.hughston.com fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com

Kaleidoscope, Gallery & Emporium leeoffice.net lemongrassdayspaonline.com

Lynn Vallotton Floral Design magnoliagraceseniorcare.com memorablejourneystravel.com onlyoptionsvaldosta.com palmtravelgroupga.com mclanefuneralservices.com shopperfectsettings.com phgainc.com princeautovaldosta.com quailbranchlodge.com qualityoutdoorsva.com renasantbank.com southeastcapitalinvestments.com southernobgyn.com southernpediatricclinic.com southernselfstorage.com mysouthwell.com steelsjewelry.com stifelvaldosta.com synovus.com talk921.com thecanopyatazaleagrove.com theflowergalleryga.com thegardensvaldosta.com thelinksapartments.com themckey.com turnercenter.org valdostachiropractic.com valdostacc.com thomasvilleeye.com valdostachamber.com fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com wessewellphotography.com whitewedbridalvaldosta.com