Sue Tucker
October 5th, 2006

  As of August 7, 2006, in Aspen, Colorado, I begin a new chapter in my life as Mrs. Stephen Tucker. I sit here writing my first column with a new name and like most blushing brides, I am elated with the wonder of our new marriage, family, and the years of romance ahead. I have had the privilege of witnessing some of the greatest love affairs of our time. Immediately a favorite is Charlie and Nora Hestor, an aura of adoration and eloquence I will never forget. Or how about the big life of former Fifth District Orange County Supervisor, General Tom Riley and wife of nearly 60 years Emma Jane, an astute couple who warmed hearts. I fondly witnessed the 50th anniversary vows of Donna and John Crean, although she graciously insists it be stated JOHN and Donna Crean. I can reflect upon the impressionable couples that I met through my society columnist experiences over the past fifteen years; although I never had the chance to know them well (like General William Lyon and Willa Dean and Margaret and Carl Karcher). And then lets not forget the modern day couples who still beam with love, have grandbabies to boast about and charities to serve; the efflorescent Elizabeth Tierney with handsome Tom Tierney at her side, or all-smile Cindy Gates with charming husband John; same goes for their buddies the Manclarks; Darleen (or Darby to others, sorry) keeping Bill Manclark on his toes with everything from tattoos, hearts, and charity events. Thank goodness for some great role models in my life that will no doubt set some achievable goals with that special man I now call my husband, Steve Tucker.



MARTIN MADNESS

This has been a very busy summer, especially for some thrill seekers. Twyla and Chuck Martin always keep a fast pace and took some time off from the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts project at Chapman University to enjoy perfect weather on their trip aboard the fabulous yacht named Four Wishes (Long Life, Health, Prosperity and Love). They saw Aida performed at the ruins in Verona, had a safari tour of Titos private island of Brijuni, and then ran into the islands most famous resident, Umberto Angeloni, CEO of Brioni. From there it was off to Pebble Beach for some golf before showing up in time for the Segerstrom Concert Hall festivities looking as young and vibrant as ever!



DREAM BIKING.

Elyse Roberts was a super sport to give her husband, Robert Bryson, the trip of his life to Italy as he participated in the annual vintage motorcycle racing exhibition in Rimini and got to ride with famous motorcyclist Giancomo Agostini. The annual block party was founded in the 30s in honor of a fallen biker, Pasolini. That lifetime experience was followed by visiting the quaint and hard-to-get-to town of Ravello, which seems to be delightfully stuck in time with children playing ball in the streets and little old men hanging out in cafes. Their trip down the Amalfi Coast was most memorable in Positano and the roots of our very own Mossimo Carro (Ariane Bakers husband). The two enjoyed the notoriety of his roots and the celebrity status of his family name there. Their trip ended with a week in Paris, visiting Laguna Beach neighbors Elizabeth Blaylock (her Mother, Audra Linley, was Mrs. Roper in Threes Company) and boyfriend Lee Seigel, whose stepfather is James Whitmore. The couple shared a great time dining at little wine stores where a great chef will make a special appearance just to cook a lavish meal for patrons. Out of this world, shrills Elyse!



HI-HO HI-HO, ITS OFF

TO GOLF WE GO.

Golf lovers also made debuts at some of the hottest tracks; big time player Mike Petronella just had a highlight of his life playing Augusta National in Georgia with die-hard golf pal Dave Brokaw. But that was quickly overshadowed by the private jet ride to Monterey to play in the American Heroes Charity Golf Tournament at Monterey Peninsula Country Club with Peter Chapman and Dave, of course. But thats not all; he will wind up the summer with an extravagant golfers paradise trip for Peters 50th birthday to Scotland to play St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Troon, Turnberry, and finishing at Kingsbarnes. Traveling mates include Dave of course (he owes him money), Peter Chapman, Steve Schwartz, Preston Murray, Steve Izzi, Joe Rocque, and Jeff Siblan. Molly Chapman celebrated hubbys birthday with a send-off Chapman Fiesta in their Mesa Verde home on the 18th hole for the golf widows and their guys. If you ask any of the wives like Devon Petronella, It sounds to me like just another excuse to head out of town and play golf (again).


BELLS ARE RINGING.

That charismatic man around town, Lou Sabatasso, has asked for the hand of dark-haired beauty Danica Apostolvis. They enjoyed his estate in Coeur dAlene this summer where he too got in a few rounds on his favorite track, Black Rock Golf Course, which was voted by Golf Digest magazine as the best new private golf course and clubhouse in America in 2003. The course was built by our very own Newport Beach resident Marshall Chesron. The Italian lovers also enjoyed boating on Lake Coeur dAlene where Louie reports that National Geographic touts it as one of the best five lakes in the world. Sounds like he found the perfect bride to enjoy his getaway; he has also been doing some reading!



LITTLE JEANNIE

Speaking of another track, little Jeannie Lawrence took some time out to race Porsches in the Masters Class Program at the world-renowned Barber Motor Sport Park race course in Birmingham, Alabama. This is her second trip and rumor has it she is in training for the arrival of her new Cayman S to tackle the OC roadways. But thats not all; she has taken to the sky too and has been seen sneaking into the Orange County Flight Center a couple times a week studying for her pilots license. Be advised, you might want to travel by sea!



NEW LOOK, SAME LUXURY

Chopard, the internationally-known watch and jewelry company re-opens the doors to a brand new updated boutique of handcrafted Italian walnut furniture, rich fabrics, and handcrafted floors. It has expanded the space to be able to present an even wider range of Chopard creations. Whether its Haute Joaillerie, a classic watch, the sporty Mille Miglia chronograph, the two time-zone Dual Tec for the world travelers, or the Happy Spirit collection for the playful and vibrant style of Californiayour new style awaits you!



MARK YOU CALENDARS

Come up close with All American Rejects lead singer and bassist band member Tyson Ritter as he models at Neiman Marcus for the Hip Event Tour 2006 by Theory on Friday, October 6 thru Monday, October 9, 2006. Tyson represents the youthful spirit and vitality for this exclusive new collection, which is a collaborative effort that combines Theorys signature emphasis on fit and quality with the attitude and edge of the fashion-forward Neiman Marcus customer. Never without his black Converse sneakers, Ritter has a unique fashion sense that mixes the flash of 80s glam rockers AC/DC (his inspiration) with the laid-back style of his hometown, Stillwater, Oklahoma. An event not to be missed, visit www.NeimanMarcus.com