Event Planning + Services

The Ground Up Project

Supporting a community for unique adults with special needs Article and Photography by Provided The ultimate goal of any parenting journey is to instill basic skills, confidence, happiness, and the opportunity for success and independence for our children. As a group of parents to amazing special needs individuals, The Ground Up Project is a new non-profit set to fill the deficiencies in long-term living options for those on a neurodivergent life path. In an attempt to bridge the gap between...

Life + Culture

Bonds That Heal

The Vital Mission Behind Operation Healing Forces Article by Annalisa Sawick | Photography by Provided Imagine a life where every day is a battle; not just against external threats, but against your own mind and body. This is the reality for many Special Operations Forces (SOF) members, whose lives are often marred by physical injuries, mental trauma, and the strains of combat. Without the proper resources, these veterans and their families are left to continue their fight in the trenches...

Food + Beverage

Thrive and Learn

South Walton Academy offers a place for children of all abilities to learn Article and Photography by Provided South Walton Academy was founded by a mother’s passion to see her children and clients thrive. Calley Middlebrooks, an Early Intervention Therapist and mother to three children, saw a need in Walton County for a school that valued individualized curriculum and inclusion for children of all abilities. “My son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four,” Calley said. As a...

Life + Culture

Bridging the Gap

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation supports educational dreams Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Contributed Children’s charities offer so much to the community, especially to children who are at-risk, or who are from families experiencing financial hardship. However once these children reach the age of 18, they often age-out and are left with financial burdens that put them in the same shoes that they started out in - this crisis is where the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation...

Life + Culture

Contrarianism in Investing

Article by Bennett Stein As a Registered Investment Advisor and portfolio manager, I get asked all sorts of investment questions. When I mention what I do for a living and that I follow my own style of value investing, I am frequently asked, “So that makes you a contrarian, huh?” Well, the answer to that is yes and no…and it depends. A contrarian is someone who goes against the crowds and/or perceived wisdom of the day. In investing, contrarianism leads one to be optimistic when others are...

Home + Design

Elite Kitchen Designs

Feather Nolan Talks Trending Kitchen Features Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Shanna Perret of Davista Photography Renovations, new builds, vacation home upgrades and reimagined spaces, these are all perfect opportunities to visit the new showroom of Elite Cabinet Designs. Newly opened in May of this year, the showroom is much more than a sample room, it is a chance to experience what elevated home design looks like. “We were trying to create an inspirational place where people...

Food + Beverage

Making The Macaron Chef

Local Bakery Offers Sweet Treats and More Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Contributed Photos The first macaron that Elisabeta Jenkins of The Macaron Chef ever tasted was one she made herself. A self-taught chef, Elisabeta was inspired to try the French dessert when she saw colorful photos of them on a calendar.  “I remember sitting at my desk and looking at the calendar and the picture had macarons on it, and I thought, ‘Ok, I’m going to make those desserts!’” Elisabeta said.  ...

Food + Beverage

Explore the Exclusive

Wine & Dine Experiences at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Galina Wells Photography Elegant, Elevated, and Exclusive, are three words to describe the new food and beverage scene at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Sandestin, renowned as the premier Resort in Northwest Florida, is now offering first-of-its-kind wine locker memberships and social memberships to the exclusive Burnt Pine Golf Club. “Everything that you’ve heard about food and beverage...

Food + Beverage

More Than Mexican

Pepito's Mexican Restaurant Brings Class and Local Flavor to Traditional Cuisine Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Shanna Perret of Davista Photography Eliseo Gutierrez of Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant came to Destin on vacation in 1997 and decided this was the place he wanted to live. Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Eliseo had grown up cooking and eating traditional Mexican food and noticed a need for the flavors of his roots in the Destin area.  “I always liked the kitchen,”...

Home + Design

Creating Interior Jewels on the Emerald Coast

HOME AT EASE Incorporates Design Indoors & Outdoors Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Robert Young, Forever Young Images If you have ever watched HGTV and thought it would be fun to have a home remodel and redesign like they do in the home improvement shows, Laura Bommarito of HOME AT EASE is your girl.  “I have solid relationships with long-term local trades providing concierge level service to my clients in the area,” Laura said. “I’m different from other designers in that I...