Longtime customers, family and friends gathered at A. Bryan’s Jewelers on Johnston Street to celebrate Bryan and Angie Spallino’s 23 years in business. A. Bryan’s got its start in 1988 in a 200-square-foot building with no inventory and very little working capital. Bryan slowly built the inventory, making all of the jewelry himself, and eventually moved into his beautiful Johnston Street store — where he offers popular designer lines like Simon G., Gucci and Mastini, in addition to continuing to manufacture some of his own pieces. Champagne toasts, chocolate covered strawberries and other desserts were enjoyed by all, especially the lucky few who won door prizes of great jewelry.
A shocked Mike Coluzzi entered Tsunami’s upstairs dining room to shouts of “surprise!” and “Happy Birthday!” The burly 50-something-year-old blushed profusely as close friends and co-workers greeted him with hugs and kisses and showered him with gifts and humorous cards. Tsunami’s mezzanine dining room became a favorite spot when Mike and wife Jean started dating and remains a fitting venue for any celebration.
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| Wanda Lormand, Velta Cormier- Courville and Heather Williams |
Bryan Spallino and Frankie Russo | Steve Spallino, Flora Young and Charlotte Simpson |
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| George and Claire Guidry | Harvey Hains and Myrtis Ashley | Sandy Hayes and Cecile Spallino |
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| Flora Young, Bryan Spallino, George Marks and Angie Spallino | Timmy Leblanc and Bryan Spallino | Robert John and Angie Spallino |
Sandy and Mitch Landry’s gorgeous estate was the perfect setting for the Evening of Wine, Music & Merriment celebrating Chorale Acadienne’s 31st Season. Sandy prepared the exquisite cuisine herself, including a creamy hot lump crabmeat dip, brie glazed with fresh apples and praline sauce, a fabulous torte and Bananas Foster over ice cream. As Chorale Acadienne’s enchanting board members poured wine, members Lee Cooke, Cindy Habetz and Patsy Bienvenu (of the duo Smooth Like That) serenaded guests, accompanied by gifted pianist Karyn Laing, with a medley of spirituals, opera and standards. A highlight was hostess Sandy Landry’s belting out a version of “Cabaret” that would have made Liza proud!
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| Ricky and Chris Broussard, and Barry and Julie Bleichner |
Ken Soignier, Mike Coluzzi, John Occhipinti and Mike Johnson |
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| Cindy Soignier, Jean Coluzzi and Liz Johnson (front row); Ken Soignier, Mike Coluzzi, John Occhipinti and Mike Johnson |
Cindy and Ken Soignier |
You’re never too young to be a leader, and St. Thomas More juniors have been proving that with their annual Hopefest event. Several years ago a group of teens dreamed of helping special needs kids and the poor and homeless in Acadiana, and then believed that by the grace of God and hard work they could achieve that dream. Organized by more than 150 students and volunteers, the festival is a celebration of faith, hope and love with local musical entertainment, great food, games and a silent auction. This year $42,000 was raised for Catholic Service Centers — a major record-breaker for the event. Let’s hope these inspiring youths keep up their good works throughout the year.
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| Faith, hope and love are hallmarks of Hopefest. | Local musical entertainment is a highlight of the annual event. |
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| Record crowds made Hopefest 2011 the most successful to date. |
Student organizers Amanda Terry and Griffin Dejean |
Welcome to Triton’s Islands, theme of Krewe of Triton’s ball, tableau and mini parade at the Lafayette Cajundome. Tables were decked out with flamingos and Hula dancers (with strategically placed blinky lights), while the stage was flanked with a giant carved islander statue and a tiki bar to capture the tropical theme. The crowd cheered with excitement as the mini parade circled the dome with colorful floats, including “Jamaica Me Crazy” commandeered by festively dressed Robert and Michelle Merill and the mini yacht captained by Scott Coco. Favorite throws were the shell bra caught by several gentlemen and the mini koala bears cast by Australian and Japan float riders Paul and Christy Reon. After the parade, krewe members and guests danced the night away to the sounds of Louisiana Red.
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| Glowing Gators Valerie Simon, Joe Moseley, Bridget and David Vanderhoeven, and Felicia and Byron Edwards |
John and Lauren Wilson |
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| Lifeguard Hollie Gravouilla | Masked ladies Kelly Briggs, Debbie Hamilton, Patti LeBlanc, Adrienne Seal, Laura Sarradet and Jill Beaullieu |
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| King Triton XXXII Russell Joseph Daily and Queen Triton XXXII Cassie Marie Clark |
Trynd Ristorante & Boutique Lounge gave patrons a sneak peak of its fabulous new restaurant, martini bar, cigar bar and outdoor patios at two recent VIP Parties. Party-goers sampled freshly shucked oysters, clams and huge boiled shrimp from the iced-down seafood bar. Servers passed around dishes of braised rabbit, bruschetta and fresh caprese on skewers. Special guests were treated to first-rate service and a visit by chef Dean Mitchell in the exclusive private dining room. Sated from the wine and delicious food, attendees adjourned upstairs to the lounge to dance the night away to tunes from the ’70s and ’80s.
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| Matt Stuller, Kathleen Haik (standing), Cece Stuller and Nichole Begue | Rachel Conques, Leslie Turk, Stephanie Decuir and Sharon Moss | Kim Neustrom, Dana Cañedo, Kenny Hunter and Susan Holliday |
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| Kefah and Nidal Balbesi | Linda Terry and Gina Aswell | Julie and Willie Leday |
Friends and family gathered for Sherry and Bob Nicols’ fifth-year anniversary party at the elegant 1100 Room in the City Club at River Ranch. Renowned musician Tony Lucca came all the way from Los Angeles to play for the pair. Friends Donna and Bob Sanders trekked from Dallas to share in the festivities. The cooing couple proudly introduced their handsome sons, Dillon Gallet, Cullen Gallet and Geoff Nicols, to the crowd. It was truly a special and unforgettable way to celebrate their wedded bliss during Valentine’s weekend.
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| Donna and Bob Sanders, Bob and Sherry Nicols |
Bob and Sherry Nicols |
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| Jon Michael and Kristie Gass | Dillon Gallet, Sherry Nicols, Cullen Gallet and Geoff Nicols |
Ann and Bill Fenstermaker opened their home for the first event of the 2011 Opus Christi Magnum series hosted by Tracy and Frank Neuner and IberiaBank. Opus Christi Magnum, translated as “The Great Works of Christ,” is the primary fundraiser benefiting Lafayette Catholic Service Centers. State Sen. Mike Michot is the 2011 OCM chair, and Beth Ardoin the 2012 OCM chair-elect. LCSC’s mission is to help the poor, hungry and the homeless of Acadiana. Opus Christi Magnum’s 2011 series will continue with five scheduled dates throughout the year; the next is May 24.
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| Robert John, John Dan Gielen and L.J. Gielen |
Ann Fenstermaker and Karol Fleming |
Clair and David Daly and Beth Ardoin |
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| Ron Prejean, Bob Romero and Georgette Prejean |
Bill Fenstermaker and Robert Daigle |
Lynn Trahan and Julie and Jerry Vascocu |
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| Bob and Gail Romero |
Frank and Tracy Neuner, |
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It was a wild and crazy Sunday afternoon for the Krewe of Bonaparte at its Corner Bar social. Guys and gals sported checkered visors, shirts and caps for the racingly good time. Karaoke never sounded so good at the mic of Dr. Scott Gauthreaux. Who knew that the doc rapped Vanilla Ice better than the iceman himself? By the end of the bash, krewe members were dancin’ and singin’ and moovin’ to the groovin’ — all before sunset!
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| Brian and Ann Borns, and Leslie and Colin Burnum | Cathy and David McKinney, Janie and Mike Campbell, and Krewe of Bonaparte Capt. Robert Torian | Chook and Lydia Cloninger |
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| Denise and Robert Torian | Linda and Roger Turner, Sandra Delhomme (front), and Jeff and Sheri Raggio | Dr. Scott Gauthreaux and his entourage |
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| Robert and Michelle Kallam |
Supporters of the Acadiana Outreach Center enjoyed an exquisite evening of taste at the Chocoholic Frolic on Main Street in River Ranch. Street musicians serenaded patrons as they perused the shops sipping chocolate-infused beverages and sampling chocolate confections along the sidewalks. Intriguing silent auction items included a basket of Camp Bow Wow doggie desserts and a gorgeous chocolate diamond pendant from Paul’s Jewelry.
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| Saxophonist Jamie Cappel | Paula and Daniel Graffeo | Julia Autin and Susan Theall |
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