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Magnolia Cotillion
Anniversary Elegance Among the Magnolias
August 17, 1994
............................................... Home to RIPANDMARSHA.com | Contact Rip & Marsha by Brad Benedict, AMBUSH Mag 2000
White was the fashionable color of the evening at the elegant 20th anniversary celebration
at 828 Bourbon Street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans.
The surprise of the evening came when Jim Wilterger halted the cutting of the anniversary
cake and presented a proclamation to the hosts. Below the heading for the City of New
Orleans, it read: "Be it known that the mayor of New Orleans has this day proclaimed
August 17,1994 to be the 20th Anniversary of Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain Day in New
Orleans. Signed - Marc Morial, Mayor."
The radiant couple accepted with graciousness and cut the fabulous anniversary cake, once
again sealing their commitment to each other among the splendor of this magical setting.
From that first meeting twenty years ago, Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain have had an
almost fairy-tale life together. As the years progressed, their love grew even stronger.
That was evident as the evening advanced and the guests continued to arrive, many making
first appearances and others renewing long-standing friendships. These guests came from
all over the state, and in lieu of anniversary gifts, the hosts accepted donations to the
NO/AIDS Walk to be held later this year.
The Magnolia Cotillion has been their anniversary celebration since those early days in
Baton Rouge, but this one was the most lavish of them all.
Magnolias adorned the stairwell and upper balcony overlooking the interior patio, along
with orchids and numerous other plants. White doves and netting was lovingly draped
from the front entrance and along the passageway leading to the circular staircase and
upper landing. The end of the passageway had a lovely statuary encircled with white
lattice work with smaller magnolias and netting draped around it. Live and artificial ivy
enhanced the beauty of the area.
Marsha was beautifully attired in a mother-of-the-bride white silk dress with long borealis
crystal and rhinestone earrings and white open-toe heels. An AIDS pin was over her heart.
Her gift for this anniversary was a cluster ring made up of 20 diamonds, a lavish gift from
her beloved.
Rip wore a white suit with short pant and verticle striped shirt which showed off the
pounds he has shed. His outfit was accented with black shoes, and an AIDS pin was also
over his heart.
The white attire gave them a virginal quality which only enhanced the seriousness with
which they projected on this fabulous occasion.
With the artifacts collected on their travels, the home was a showplace of Southern charm.
The large magnolia wreath on the front balcony was only a hint of what was on the
interior. With the statue of David, the abundance of plants and the cool summer breeze,
the balcony showed off the serenity of this locale, a place in time returned to its former
elegance.
The food served in the living quarters on the upper level was superb. It was a spread fit for
the fashionable people who came to this function. And as a centerpiece, the couple chose
magnolias, of course, draped over a silver heart with a golden dove placed across the heart.
Among the dishes offered on beautiful silverware were: Pork and rabbit pate with calvados
brandy; smoked salmon mousse; dark liver mousse with cognac; Old South cheddar cheese
bisquits; and a huge honey-baked ham that would have made Nero envious.
The food downstairs was also delectable and opulent. Here was smoked salmon, salmon
caviar, boiled shrimp with Petunias' Chef Jay Loomis' cock-tail sauce and remoulade sauce, smoked
salmon pastrami, golden whitefish caviar, and several cracker and bread varieties.
The white cake itself had four layers, each representing five years of love and adoration. It
was decorated with small magnolias that had been draped around it.
Drinks were served on both levels. Of course the lower level is the headquarters for
Ambush Magazine, and the decor is marvelous. Even the main desk is adorned with a large
vase filled with huge artificial bird of paradise stalks. The outer area is also accented with
numerous artificial arrangements, pictures and paintings.
From Roman memorabilia downstairs to the King Tut memorabilia upstairs, the residence
was smashingly luxuriant in all respects. And above the mantel in the living room is the
ever-present red ribbon sculpture, lighted and sending out rays of hope for the end to this dreaded
disease.
The Magnolia Cotillion is a delightful escape from the realities of the real world. It offers
an escape into the charm and grandeur of another period. Not only is it an impressive
affair, but it also offers a rare look at what love, loyalty and extreme happiness can do in a
devoted union.
The guest list of approximately 400 people is most impressive.
Councilman Troy Carter arrived and had said he would stay a short time, but he stayed
longer and seemed to relish the excitement of the evening.
The lovely and charming Judge Miriam G. Waltzer, a candidate for the Louisiana State
Supreme Court, First District seat, was also among those enjoying the evening.
For the happy couple, the evening was one that memories are made of. It was a glowing
finale to a glorious event and to a glorious couple.
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