A joyful bridal shower for Erika Jane Williams was held Saturday, April 26 in the home of Michael and Jeanne Gore Roberts. “Pretty Lingerie” was the theme. Erika is the daughter of Judy Woods-Williams and Michael C. Williams. Hostesses were Jeanne Roberts Johnson, Stephanie Evans Roberts, Jeanne Gore Roberts and Gail Allmon. Out of town guests were Groom-to-Be Christopher O’Neal Hickman (Toledo, OH), his parents, Bishop and Mrs. Robert F. Hickman (Piqua, OH) and Christopher’s Aunt, Mrs. Willa Garrett (Clarksville, TN).
Guests were greeted with champagne cocktails as they mingled in the pool area. Later, guests were led to the Roberts’ Ballroom, beautifully decorated with hues of lavender, purple, silver and rhinestones (the bride’s wedding colors). Gorgeous gladiolas and brilliant candles topped the beautiful satin-covered tables. John Dunn catered the scrumptious meal.
The dessert, breathtaking to view and delicious to eat, was prepared by African-American pastry chef Simone Faure. It was a replica of a wedding dress complete with jeweled neckline, cascading folds and a flowered waist. Ms. Faure is the proprietor of Chouquette, a French patisserie. She isa former executive pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and St. Louis. Chouquette is a sweet boutique and tea room located in St. Louis’ Botanical Heights neighborhood.
Guests next enjoyed a series of games including “Dress the Bride.” Potpourri Correspondent Gwen Key along withthe Bride-to-Be Erika and Stephanie Griffin won coveted prizes designed by Jeanne Roberts Johnson, Esq. (“GiGi”). Erika received an array of beautiful gifts. The unique parting souvenir was bottled water with a photo of the bride and groom-to-be. According to Gwen, the afternoon was akin to being in an enchanted forest.
A few close friends and family in attendance included Thelma Cook, Frankie M. Freeman, Esq., Peggy Proctor, Pat Sanders, Bonnie Gipson, Lynn Kennedy, Rosalee Johnson, Joyce Price, Judge Paula Perkins Bryant, Laura Bryant, Dr. Eva Frazer, Robin Smith, Gwen Pennington, Jeanne Gore, Delores Roberts, Patricia Reed-Boswell, Dottie Pennington, Fannie Bohlen and Stephanie Griffin.
A few of St. Louis’ prominent Lady Lawyers are looking forward to summer and decided to kick off spring with a Ladies Night recently. The evening began with dinner and ended with an evening of rollicking fun at Trainwreck in Westport Plaza. Super Soulful band “Dirty Muggs” was in the house. The Sharp Barristers who traded their law books for dancing shoes Saturday night were Attorneys Hope Whitehead, Annette Slack, Inez Ross, Felicia Ford, Maylin Mahoney, Joan Miller and Nanette Baker.
Smart Setters celebrated their spring kick-off with a recent celebration at Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen in Webster Groves. This unique downhome restaurant offers shrimp and grits, live jazz and blues bands live with a very New Orleans feel. Who better to select this venue than Xavier University grad Ingrid Taylor, M.D. Members enjoyed a yummy Southern brunch, a live jazz/blues quartet, great friendship and a personal book-signing by Charles A. Shaw, Esq., author of Watch Everything.
Hostesses for the day were Deborah Berryman, Johnetta Craig, M.D., Mary Riley Douglas, Jeralyn James, Alison Nash Dula, M.D., Mary Olivia Polk, M.D., Delores Roberts, Robin Smith Stallworth and Ingrid. The group is looking forward to re-visiting this joint, if only to study the eclectic blues- jazz memorabilia and artwork.
News from Los Angeles: Martin Luther King Community Health Foundation Board Chair Linda Griego and Board Member Candace Bond McKeever received the Second Supervisorial District’s Women of the Year award at a recent luncheon. Griego and Bond McKeever, a native St. Louisan, were honored for their outstanding work as advocates for their vision and guidance on the foundation board. As board members, they play a crucial role in building a deep base of support for the LA’s new MLK Community Hospital. They were instrumental in raising more than $600,000 for the new hospital at the Building the Dream luncheon earlier this year. Kudos, Candace!
Blessings! Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.
