Color was abundant everywhere at Lucy Currence and Charlotte Freeman’s debutante party, themed “Carnival Des Couleurs,” hosted by their parents Mr. and Mrs. Richard Morrison Currence Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lawrence Freeman. Wearing designs by local couturier Mary Williams, Charlotte and Lucy sparkled in white cocktail dresses adorned with beaded floral accents. Guests got their sparkle on at the Elektra Cosmetics Booth and documented their style in the 360 degree photo Boogie Booth. Urban Earth was responsible for all of the greenery and colorful floral centerpieces around the venue. The cool tunes of Gen 8 Band from Los Angeles got guests moving on the checkered dance floor with a light show provided by See Hear Productions. Charlotte and Lucy joined Gen 8 Band on stage for two songs: “Choppa Style” and “Get Crunk,” and the finale, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” closed out the party with all of the guests surrounding Charlotte, Lucy and their families in a dance floor circle.
Guests were welcomed to The Sugar Mill with the crest from the invitation and honoree’s names in lights on a custom styled “midway tunnel” with pulsating lights. At first glance, the scene was all black and white, as the family greeted their guests underneath a custom awning striped tent from Element with Elan Artists performing in black and white couture. The first pop of color was the talented violinist performing in all pink, and just beyond, a large custom-built carousel bar that offered guests (and many LSU fans) the opportunity to watch the SEC Championship game with built-in screens.
Z Event Company splattered color throughout the rest of the venue, from the stage backdrop to the oversized inflated flowers hanging from the greenery-covered trusses. Fleur de Lis Catering provided food stations and colorful treats for the dessert booth alongside Poof Cotton Candy whipping up colored spun sugar. A late night pass of bites featured Nashville hot chicken sliders, soft pretzels with Abita Amber cheese sauce and fried mini Oreos and Lucky Dog carts flanked the exit doors at the end of the night.
Hosts Mr. and Mrs. John Fenner French and Dr. and Mrs. Ronald James French flank Rebecca Emerson French at her party honoring her family’s proud heritage with a Scottish Hunting Feast theme that transported guests into a Scottish castle at 1705 Calhoun St. Write On Stationary created a custom invitation with Rebecca’s father’s Boyd clan family tartan and an image of her ancestors’ family castle, Dean Castle in Kilmarnock, Scotland. All of Rebecca’s immediate family had tartan clothes or embellishments made from family tartans from Edinburgh, and Rebecca’s custom attire, along with that of her father and brother, was made by Edgardo of New Orleans. The family encouraged their guests to get into the party spirit by wearing traditional highland attire, including kilts with black formal jackets and scarves, pins and sporran.
Anna November, Sam Shaefer, Ram Ayyala and Ellanor Patton toasted a larger-than-life portrait of Rebecca in Renaissance Scottish Royal Dress in the style of John Singer Sargent painted by Mural Artist Scott Bullock. Guests were welcomed to the party with Robert Grubbs playing bagpipes as they entered the tent and by a floral chandelier by Urban Earth. Large plumes of grass, thistle and feathers decorated the home, complete with a Great Hall flanked by rows of banners bearing family crests hanging from the rafters. A roaring fireplace centered the room, surrounded by mounted deer, pheasant and ducks hanging above the mantle.
Ralph Brennan Catering and Events passed appetizers and champagne as guests entered, as well as a Scottish dinner that included venison shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash and leek and tattie soup. Local band BRW brought high energy that rocked the night away, and even backed up Rebecca singing a performance of “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna, for which she received a standing ovation! Late night treats included cheeseburger sliders, fish and chips and Cafe du Monde coffee and beignets.
Sarah Lane, Peyton Lecorgne and Julia Saer were honored in a Three Steel Magnolia-themed fête at Antoine’s by their parents Mr. and Mrs. Harry Merritt Lane III, Mr. and Mrs. Matthrew Phillips Lecorgne and Mr. and Mrs. John Kenneth Saer Jr.
A blush and bashful color scheme transformed the restaurant into a magnolia-covered wonderland, accented with tinted magnolia mirrors, draped blush curtains and a warm festive dance floor. Angle.events planned the party, decorated by flowers arranged by Urban Earth and lighting by Firefly.
Antoine’s food stations and passed appetizers were available throughout the restaurant, including the classic Baked Alaska. The Twelfth Night Revelers Suite offered grillades and grits; the Roy Alcitore Room hosted cigar rolling with a bar and balcony for viewing St. Louis Street from above; and The Mystery Room featured a UVA theme, where all three debutantes attend school, with orange and blue wigs for photo opportunities and fresh sushi for all to enjoy. The Japanese Room became the late night club with DJ Mannie Fresh and Choppa closing the night.
