Editor’s Letter

[ EDITOR’S LETTER ]

Not a day goes by that I don’t tell my little Shih Tzu, Elle, that she’s my best friend.

She was a surprise birthday present 16 years ago, and every day since, she’s been a source of joy, unconditional love and comfort. I know that many pet parents out there can relate. Pets, whether they’re dogs, cats or something more exotic (from cockatoos to salamanders), become part of our families and enrich our lives in myriad ways. Our cover story for this issue is dedicated to them. In it, you’ll read about how to get involved in fostering an animal, how much to budget to keep your pet healthy and happy, how to get the best results in a professional photo session, pet decor tips from interior designer-turned-TV personality (and cover model) Brian Patrick Flynn and much more.

You’ll find the rest of this issue peppered with fascinating stories to inspire you. Lauren Finney Harden offers a round-up of holiday gifts designed to transport you to far-flung destinations in Simply Approved; H.M. Cauley explores Knoxville, Tennessee; and beverage writer Angela Hansberger shares expert insights about how to create a whiskey and chocolate tasting at home, just in time for your holiday gatherings.

As we head into the festive season where we’ll be contemplating the many things we have to be grateful for and planning celebrations with family and friends, I know I’ll be evergrateful for my fourlegged loved one.

Happy reading, friends!

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL STAYCATION

Take Stock P22

The Bellyard's outdoor terrace has city views, verdant plants and cozy seating.

Midtown’s Bellyard Hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay, all without moving your car.

BY: Ginger Strejcek

Here Comes the Bride

Catering to brides from Atlanta and beyond, Suite Bridal offers a variety of designer gowns with in-house alterations available.

Buckhead boutique makes dreams come true

Looking for the dress? Shop designer styles in an intimate setting at Suite Bridal, newly relocated to Buckhead at 2285 Peachtree Road N.E. Custom Bridal Modifications, an alternations shop, is tucked under the same roof by the same owners. Both are by appointment only.

Suite Bridal offerings range from sheath gowns by Stella York, the boutique’s bestseller, to sleek silhouettes by Barcelona’s Sophie Et Voilà, an Atlanta exclusive. Dress prices range from $900 to $3,000, and offthe-rack samples start at $500. Sizing goes from 6 to 26. The alteration services extend from standard to special requests, such as adding sleeves, embellishments and layers.

Both companies are run by husband-andwife team Ricardo and Melissa Barraza, who acquired Suite Bridal earlier this year and moved the 7-year-old business from its original Virginia-Highland location. A seamstress extraordinaire, Melissa first founded Custom Bridal Modifications in 2014. Ricardo spent the past 15 years as a managing partner at The Capital Grille before joining his wife in the new venture.

Finding the perfect dress for the big day is a big decision, says Ricardo, ringing in his 26th year of happily ever after with Melissa. “Brides want to be beautiful, whatever that means to them,” he says. “The dress they end up leaving with is a dress that makes them feel like their truest, most beautifully radiant selves.” n

SUITE BRIDAL

470.225.7500 suitebridal.com @suitebridal

NEWS CLIPS

TRADING SPACES

As the working world reemerges from its COVID-19 cocoon, Transwestern Real Estate Services has unveiled sleek new regional headquarters on the top two floors of Atlanta Financial Center, which is the former home of City Club of Buckhead. The firm teamed up with designers from Cooper Carry to reimagine a next-gen workplace that sparks connection and collaboration through a unique floor plan featuring glass office walls and a greenhouse-like amenity hub with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive cityscape views.

transwestern.com @transwestern

SPORTY SPICE

Just in time for the holidays, Veronica Beard is opening its first Atlanta boutique at Buckhead Village, rocking cool-girl vibes with such on-trend must-haves as the brown Miller Leather Dickey Jacket ($1,295), shearlinglined Daxi Clog Bootie ($495) and oversized cable-knit Collina Sweater Vest ($350). Making a style statement with feminine silhouettes tailored for the real world, the American ready-to-wear brand was founded in 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, whose single rack of dickey jackets has since expanded into a lifestyle collection with 16 U.S. store locations. The label further empowers women through the #VBGivesBack initiative.

veronicabeard.com @veronicabeard

READY, AIM, FIRE

Insight Virtual Ballistics has hit the mark with a new entertainment venue in Upper Westside, bundling gaming fun with sharpshooter skills in a safe setting that offers a realistic experience through the use of retro-fitted weapons, laser ammo and proprietary simulators. Available for corporate events, individuals and groups, the facility features private bays with life-size screens, comfy couches and catering. “Our guests have an absolute blast and don’t want to leave,” says owner Amy Dixon of the female-run business, which also includes certified firearm training.

insightvirtualballistics.com @insightvirtualballistics