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.
Wanda Lormand, Velta Cormier-
Courville and Heather Williams
Bryan Spallino and Frankie Russo
Steve Spallino, Flora Young and Charlotte Simpson
George and Claire Guidry
Harvey Hains and Myrtis Ashley
Sandy Hayes and Cecile Spallino
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!
Ricky and Chris Broussard, and Barry
and Julie Bleichner
Ken Soignier, Mike Coluzzi, John Occhipinti
and Mike Johnson
Cindy Soignier, Jean Coluzzi and Liz Johnson
(front row); Ken Soignier, Mike Coluzzi, John
Occhipinti and Mike Johnson
Cindy and Ken Soignier