On the cover: The Abaco Club
Current Issue
Sophisticated Giving Charity Register 2025
A comprehensive guide highlighting the work of charitable organizations in Nashville. Presented by LBMC
Highlights from the September/October Issue
There are places in the world where luxury and natural beauty come together so seamlessly that it feels less like a vacation and more like stepping into a dream. On Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas, The Abaco Club embodies this rare combination. Tucked along a pristine crescent of white sand known as Winding Bay, this 500-acre private paradise is not just a destination, but a way of life. It offers members and homeowners a sanctuary where every sunrise over turquoise waters feels like a personal gift, every meal celebrates the island's flavors, and every moment is an opportunity to indulge in barefoot luxury.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo by The Abaco Club
Cover Story: Paradise Perfected
Designing (For) Women
2025 FLOWER Showhouse brings designers to Nashville supporting The Next Door.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Left: Margot Shaw, Founder and Editor-in-Chiefof Flower Magazine, who has launched several designer Showhouses all over the Southeast.
Perched atop the dramatic cliffs of Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, Georgia, Cloudland at McLemore Resort is a luxurious sanctuary where natural beauty meets refined comfort and Southern hospitality. Opened in 2024 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, this 245-room retreat offers sweeping views, world-class amenities, and a tranquil ambiance that places it among the premier destinations in the Southeast. Located just 45 minutes from Chattanooga and roughly two hours from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville, Cloudland is easily accessible yet feels worlds away.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos Courtesy of Cloudlands
Above the Clouds
Lofty Pursuits
Nestled within the storied grounds of Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, The Rochford Loft for Culinary Arts offers an intimate, elevated dining experience where history, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional wines meet. Perched in the original hayloft of the historic Stables—built in 1892—this exclusive venue invites guests to savor a curated culinary journey in a setting unlike any other.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Courtesy of Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
French Twist
Pastis—the celebrated Parisian‑style brasserie and James Beard‑recognized NYC institution founded in 1999 by Keith McNally—has officially landed in Nashville's Wedgewood‑Houston neighborhood. Housed in the historic May Hosiery Mills, a former sock factory dating back to 1909, the new location, situated on the same block as Soho House Nashville and the future Hermès Boutique, Pastis is a thoughtful tribute to the brand's heritage and its continued evolution. Designed by McNally & Ian McPheely of Paisley Design, the space features quintessential Pastis flair, including white subway tile, red banquettes, mosaic floors, tin ceilings, antique chairs, and golden French lighting, with hand-painted mirrors by designer Robert Padilla. The 8,400square ft venue includes a 2,774square foot indoor space seating 170 diners plus an 18‑seat central zinc bar. A 75-seat patio is set to open later this year.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Elizabeth Wiseman
Romancing the Art
Diana Madaras speaks of her artistic life with gratitude and wonder. "I live a romantic lifestyle," she says, "turning my passion for Western living into art." In a chaotic world, true serenity can often feel elusive. Standing before a Madaras painting feels like hearing your favoritesong begin—a sudden energy shift into a moment of happiness. Madaras has made it her life's work to share these fleeting glimpses of respite and beauty. Her signature style is instantly recognizable and defined by bold, joyful color.
That creative energy will be on full display on October 25 when the Madaras 2025 Annual Show unveils 25 new original paintings. For collectors, it offers a rare glimpse into the ongoing evolution of her celebrated work. Though she has created more than 2,000 pieces over the course of her career, original paintings are rarely available outside of this annual event, making the show a meaningful opportunity.
Text: Kiley Kennedy
Photo: Steven Meckler
Eye on an Era
The Frist Museum of Art brings Beatlemania into focus with Paul McCartney’s photos
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Paul McCartney under exclusive license to MPL Archives LLC
Sophisticated Wedding: Dr. Ladonna Y. Boyd & Waddell H. Wright
On April 5, 2025, family and friends gathered in Nashville to celebrate the marriage of Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd and Mr. Waddell H. Wright. Their day was steeped in faith, family, and personal touches that made the occasion both deeply meaningful and joyfully unforgettable.
Photo: Cassidy Case, Flower & Oak
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Society Calendar
Events of note in September & October
Broadway Brunch Patron Party
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
EL.I.’s House
Photos courtesy Eli’s House
Southern Festival of Books
Photos by Jason Bihler
L’Ete Du Vin Patrons’ Party
Photos Courtesy NWA
L’Ete Du Vin
Photos courtesy of Nashville WIne Auction
Two Rivers Mansion Ribbon Cutting
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Swan Ball Auction Kickoff
Photos by Warner Tidwell
Broadway Brunch
Photos by Nashville REP
Cammack Society
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Pencil Breakfast
I asked my Father one time when I was single and working a lot of hours in my investment banking job in New York, Is this all there is? And my father said, "Well, raising children is a big part of it, and it will go fast." Dad was right about most things,and he was undoubtedly right about that.
2025 is the first year in which I will have no child-related school activities. My oldest son, Jack, graduated from Columbia College in 2020, and my youngest son, Charlie, graduated from Wake Forest last year. So, from the time Jack started kindergarten at Currey Ingram in 2003, to the time Charlie graduated from Wake in 2024, makes twenty-one years of kids in school—where did it all go?
Text: Dave Mahanes
From the Publisher
Get To Know Us
At Sophisticated Living, we are dedicated and passionate about all the finer things life has to offer. Whether your interests are close to home or in far-flung places, each issue shares highlights of the good life in Nashville and beyond.
Dave Mahanes, Publisher & Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief
Melissa and Dave have been married for 26 years and moved from NewYork to Nashville 18 years ago. Melissa is originally from Greenwich, CT, graduated with B.A. in Fine Arts from Vanderbilt University, and is also a graduate of Sotheby’s Fine Arts Program. During her career, Melissa worked for Sotheby’s and contemporary art dealers Larry Gagosian and Anthony d’Offay in New York. Her graphic design company, Kalligraphia, has designed invitations for many popular Nashville fundraisers. Since moving to Nashville, Melissa has been very involved in the Nashville community serving on the boards of Nashville Ballet and Sexual AssaultCenter, as well as Co-Chairing The Mad Hatter, Ballet Ball, Symphony Ball, and Swan Ball Auction.
Dave grew up in Nashville, attended Ensworth and MBA, graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Duke University, and received his M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Dave spent most of his career as a banker in New York and Nashville. Also very active in the Nashville community, Dave has served on the boards of Belle Meade Plantation and Equal Chance for Education, the advisory boards of W.O. Smith School, and the Nashville Symphony as well as serving as a Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church.
Melissa and Dave look forward to bringing their creativity and passion for the arts, the finer things that Nashville has to offer, and the Middle Tennessee non-forprofit community to Sophisticated Living Nashville and Sophisticated Giving.
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For advertising information contact Dave Mahanes at dave@slmag.net or 615.495.4250
Connect with Us
Dave Mahanes, Publisher: dave@slmag.net / 615.495.4250
Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief: melissa@slmag.net 615.308.9294