This issue has so many special features I don’t know where to begin. Our Valentine’s cover story is always a highlight of the February/March issue. Over the years we’ve featured dozens of amazing couples who’ve shared their poignant and entertaining stories about how they met and their secrets to a long and successful marriage. This issue is no exception as Lucy Adams has captured our four couples’ happily-ever-after stories beginning on page 30.
As is fitting, this issue also unveils our annualBrides magazine, featuring a special wedding and photo gallery of area brides. This year’s wedding, that of Julie and Henrik Norlander, is of particular interest. If the names sound familiar, it’s because Henrik was a member of the Augusta State University golf team that won back-to-back national championships. Now on the PGA Tour path, Henrik met Augusta native Julie Anderson during Masters week several years ago while out with friends. After an extended long-distance relationship, the two were married this past October in a fairlytale wedding that celebrated the traditions of Henrik’s Swedish homeland. It’s a must read for future brides and golf enthusiasts alike.
Perhaps the most special feature in this issue is “Around Town” on page 72 where we recognize the 50th anniversary of the Augusta Symphony Guild Cotillion. Started in 1957 by Mrs. Joseph B Cumming, the Guild began as a select committee of Augusta women whose mission was to advocate for a group of volunteer musicians known as the Augusta Civic Orchestra. In 1963, they held their first Cotillion and presented six young women to family and friends at the Old Richmond Hotel. Today the Guild continues to provide crucial support to the symphony and organizes a Cotillion ball every year.
This past November, they hosted a cocktail party to commemorate Cotillion’s 50th anniversary as well as to honor all of the debs, Cotillion chairwomen, committee members and Guild members—past and present. In an amazing feat of organizing, planning and downright sleuthing, the committee was able to locate and invite most of those who’ve participated over the years to attend. They also gathered an impressive collection of Cotillion gowns and memorabilia for display.
We have published just a few of the photos from the party, but if you visit our website (www.augustamagazine.com) you can see dozens more. Photographer Tim Conway was kind enough to donate his services and if you’re interested in purchasing any of the photos I’m sure he’d be happy to oblige. It was a special occasion for a very special group.
-Sherry
This article appears in the February/March 2015 issue of Augusta Magazine.