On the cover: Dancing Queen Cortney Reiselman
Photo by Ashley Hylbert
Current Issue
Sophisticated Giving Charity Register 2025
A comprehensive guide highlighting the work of charitable organizations in Nashville. Presented by LBMC
Highlights from the November/December Issue
Carolyn Smith Bryant visits with the dazzling Cortney Reiselman
Interview by Carolyn Smith Bryant
Photo by Ashley Hylbert
Cover Story: Dancing Queen
Fantastic Four
In today's crowded spirits world, where authenticity matters as much as flavor, Four Branches Bourbon has carved out its own unique space. More than a whiskey, it's a living testament to service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. The names behind the bottle—Harold Underdown (Navy), RJ Casey (Army), Mike Trott (Air Force), and Rick Franco (Marines)—share a bond that extends beyond their time in uniform. For Franco, the idea was born in Iraq, where he served as a Marine and later a CIA contractor. After losing his close friend and fellow Marine, Greg Wright Jr., in an ambush overseas, Franco sought to create something enduring. “Greg's memory fuels everything I do," he reflects. "Every sip is a tribute to remembering, not forgetting."
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Nashville’s skyline is evolving, and Peabody Union is leading the charge. Nestled along the Cumberland River in SoBro, this 4.6-acre mixed-use development isn’t just reshaping the cityscape—it’s redefining how Nashville connects with its waterfront. Developed by Ray Hensler in partnership with Stiles and PGIM Real Estate, Peabody Union anchors the newly envisioned South Bank district, a serene yet vibrant extension of downtown that blends residential elegance, curated retail, verdant green spaces, and thoughtfully designed office spaces.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos:Alan Karchmer
Rooted in Luxury
Wheel Love
Years ago, a successful musician client said to me, "You never really own your stuff. Your stuff owns you." It was an interesting concept, so I tucked it away.
In 2022, my wife suggested I purchase my dream car, that stereotypical middle-aged guy's sports car. She said I had been a "car guy" all my life, but never really bought "the car," and now we could afford it. So I did. Felicia (the name I gave the car) was visceral, amazing, and exciting to every sense every time I drove it. My wife, however, hated that I always had to park at the far end of every parking lot to avoid the possibility of the first door ding.
Text: Greg Luken
Legacy in the Making
A light-filled sunroom in herearly 20th-century Nashville home is where jewelry designer Jody Abram brings her pieces to life. Her line, Maymie by Jody Abram, feels like a perfect marriage of Jody’s inimitable styleand Nashville: sophisticated, soulful, and just a little unexpected. Jody's story begins with her grandmother, Maymie, a woman with a gift for unearthing beauty in unlikely places. Together they spent Saturdays sifting through estate sales, scavenging for costume jewelry and forgotten baubles that deserved a second life. Those early memories shaped Jody's design sensibility, teaching her to see possibility in what others might overlook and to appreciate jewelry not just as adornment, but as memory made tangible.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Rachel Moore Photography
Eastern Elegance
In a neighborhood that already knows how to shine, the Gulch just found its newest jewel. Legendary New York restaurant Philippe Chow has officially opened its doors in Nashville, introducing a new era of refined dining to one of the city's most energetic neighborhoods.
The acclaimed restaurant—celebrated for two decades of Beijing-inspired cuisine and star-studded hospitality—invites guests to experience its signature blend of glamour and flavor at its new home inside historic Cummins Station.
Text: Meslissa Mahanes
Photo: Nathan Zucker
Sophisticated Wedding: Elaine Tucker & Paul Robert Benny, Jr.
Paul and Rachel met in February of 2022 after swiping right on Hinge.
While that is not the most glamorous origin story, our first meeting felt like something out of a romantic comedy—Rachel went for a handshake, Paul went for a hug, and she stumbled rightinto his arms. Her very first thought? He has a lovely, genuine smile. By the third date, Rachel knew Paul was the one. Paul, ever thoughtful and intentional, took his time and said, "I love you," about nine months later—he was the first to say it.
Our love story has been written across landscapes near and far. We've camped under the stars in the Tetons, biked and skied through the Pacific Northwest, flown helicopters around the Cascades, and rafted the mighty waters of the Grand Canyon.
Photo: White Buffalo Photography
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Society Calendar
Events of note in November & December
Antiques & Garden Show Kick Off Coffee
Photos by MMH Photography
All In For Hygiene
Photos by Charlie Mahanes
Chic Awearness
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Barks on Broadway
Photos Kaitlyn Hungerford
Chukkers for Charity
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Paint the Town Red
Photos by Jason Bihler
Cause for Paws
Photos by Melissa Mahanes & Adrian Morales
Opry 100
Photos courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Sunset Safari
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Picnic for the Parks
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
The Next Door
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Oakworth Capital
Photos courtesy of Oakworth Capital
Symphony Ball Prelude
Photos by Jason Bihler
Tiffany Circle
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Tennessee Waltz
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Public School’s Hall of Fame
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Hostess & Home Anniversary
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Stars Table (AUX)
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Impact Awards
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Heritage Ball
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Swan Ball Committee Kickoff
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Branching Out
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Fall for NAHT
Photos courtesy of NAHT
Franktown Groundbreaking
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
In the spirit of the season, I wanted to share a few of my favorite Christmas memories from childhood.
My earliest recollections are from Lake Bluff, Illinois, where I lived on the North Shore of Chicago until I was five years old. Christmas was always white, and as an only child, I was lucky to have big, magical holidays. My dad absolutely loved Christmas. He'd shake and sniff every gift under the tree, trying to guess what was inside, and though he always finished his shopping early, he'd end up dashing out at the last minute to find some toy I'd just seen on TV—like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way.
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.
Advertise with Sophisticated Living
Sophisticated Living readers are affluent, educated, capable and influential consumers. Our award-winning editorial, full-page only ad format and unique direct-distribution method gives our advertisers ample opportunity to maximize their message in front of the highest income earners in Nashville.
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