Partying!
Invitation, please!
If you are giving a party and want your guests attired in a certain fashion, preferably dressed up, you have several options. One is to state, “formal evening attire” on the invitation. Another is to both script that and to supply key accessories. And that’s just what Mr. Christopher Hammond and Ms. Jeanene Oubre did when they requested the pleasure of one’s company at an “Evening Jazz Reception celebrating their daughter Grace Felice Hammond.” It unfolded in the Audubon Tea Room.
The invitations, perhaps the most distinctive of the debutante season, came in a black velvet box with gold “palmetto-type” motifs on the cover and the words “Grace Felice Hammond: 2023,” in gold. Inside, the venue was indicated, also in gold, and with a nod to art déco. But what really impressed recipients were the contents: long white gloves and a formal black bowtie.
For the “Evening Jazz Reception,” the party program furthered the 1920s look of the invitation with the fan-like “palmetto” designs in gold on black. It also contained the procedure for the formalities. An invocation launched the presentation, as delivered by the Rev. David Hoey, a member of the Original Illinois Club, which presented Grace. Darren Patin, OIC president, spoke about the club’s history and, right after, former president Tracey Thibodaux introduced club members and the Rev. Hoey presented the club’s debutantes. Next, Dr. Dionne Rudison and Robyn McCormick presented the honoree, who, during her acknowledgements, spoke eloquently and sincerely. Near the conclusion of the program, Grace partnered with her club-member father for the Original Illinois Club Waltz to “My Belle Evangeline,” played by the Louis Pettinelli 1920s Jazz Band. More fine stepping came from the IOC members and the debutantes and then, the members and their ladies. As entertainment, Kenneth “Kynt” Bryan’s Flash Mob performed the Charleston to “Bang Bang” by Will.i.am, evoking “The Great Gatsby” era.
All were intrigued by the décor. As “Evening” invitees arrived, they admired the party's gold palette and, on an easel, a large framed photo portrait of Grace. Tempting, but for later, was the six-tiered party cake surrounded at the base by two floral arrangements of white hibiscus, and single-bite desserts, including petits fours. The round tables, where guests sat, were covered in black cloths and centered with elaborate, up-lighted crystal chandeliers that were topped by white ostrich plumes and had cascading strings of crystal beading. Further touches by K&A Events were pearls and antique gramophones. The Flower Girls did the floral arrangements.
Another “flower” outfitted the debutante’s mother: Yvonne LaFleur. Grace donned a full-skirted, gold-hued gown by House of Wu, which she accessorized with a tiara, indicative of her forthcoming royalty with OIC.
More features of the jazzy jaunt were the sumptuous buffet offerings (including gumbo, a charcuterie board and a mashed potatoes bar) and DJ Rahbee (Rahbee Carpenter). Taking it all in, among the many, were deb grandmother Addie Hammond, Ed Marshall, Renee Gill Pratt, Irma Muse Dixon, Diana Bajoie, Darren and Chanttell Patin, Gregory Perrault, Angelle McConduit, Mr. and Mrs. Marques McCormick, Dr. and Mrs. Warren McKenna Jr., and Dr. and Mrs. Robert Newsome.
“Unforgettable” was Grace’s description of the glorious gallivanting for which she expressed extensive gratitude. She continued saying, “It was a night filled with laughter, dancing and…memories with my family and friends.”
A Paean to the Paon
Mr. David M. Haydel and Dr. Sheryl Kennedy Haydel entertained at the Royal Palm in Harvey for a peacock-themed bash in honor of daughter Clark Kennedy Haydel, an Original Illinois Club debutante. “Full-length gowns and tuxedos” was the dress-code statement. Credit for the lovely levity tapped Pleasant Dreams (of Atlanta) and KDW Designs, violinist Molly Graham, Studio 513 Photography, graphic designer Sirdaria Williams, the venue’s purveyance, DB Studio for Clark’s dress, mistress of ceremonies Gina Swanson, and debutante coordinators Bettye Johnston, Marion Maheia, Chanttell Patin and Rogerwere Washington. Special thanks also went to host Syaire LeKeith Caston and hostesses Toni Harrigan, Lauren Haydel, Jade Pleasant Slater and Madeleine Roché Boucree.
For the formalities, the notables were Marice Bailey, Tracey Thibodaux, Darren Patin, the Rev. David Hoey (with Dr. Shelita), Sonia J. Kennedy (who introduced Clark), Kafi Kennedy Swanson, deb brother Davis Gaudin Haydel, Madeleine Boucree, deb grandmothers Jean Clark Kennedy and Cynthia Marie Gaudin, Shawn Anglim (with Anne Daniell), Morgan Clark, Angela Kamratowski, and Jackie Kimbrough. The OIC’s debutante cotillion featured Mia Castro, A’Keya Louise davis, Grace Felice Hammond, honoree Clark, Peyton-Morgan Reine Johnson, Torie Ann Joseph, Annalise Cecilia Loud, Blair Simone Smith and Akasha Zaire Williams. Waltzes culminated the program
They, and others such as Jamyee C. Pleasant and Dean Slater, relished many aspects of the peacock partying and the radiant honoree. All were fans of Clark.
Midnight Lights
Original Illinois Club debutante Akasha Zaire Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Williams, was honored at Nola Event Hall, which was decorated to capture the “Midnight Lights” theme with colors of white, silver, royal blue and black. A small business, Akasha and Tamia Designs, did the décor and Mr. Brown spun the tunes as the DJ. Delicious food filled the party plates.
The who’s who limelighted mistress of ceremonies Jacquelyn Denise Reid; the honoree’s family, which included her parents, three brothers Devante and DaQuan Cross and Daylon Williams, and two sisters Tamia and Phoebe Williams; and club VIPs and debutantes. As did co-debs Grace and Clark, Akasha enjoyed the first turn on the dance floor with her father.
Attending, too, were the Darren Patins, sponsor Anthony “Tony” Maheia and Marion, the Mark V. Josephs, the Adrian Taylors, Sherry Sylve, Adrian Cross, Tina Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Cross Jr. Adding a special sentimental note, honoree Akasha appeared in her mother’s remade wedding dress.