Courtly Contemporaries
In the true spirit of Mardi Gras, Ladies of the Mobile Carnival Association (MCA) and Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) gathered together at a historical home for a historic fashion shoot. The Ladies of both Courts were instant friends, bound together by much more than their royal titles. Embracing the Bridgerton craze with Regency era wigs and a tea party, Laughter rang through the halls as these accomplished young ladies toasted to the latest in fashion and fellowship.
By Amber Wielkins; Photography by Stevye Murray
First Lady in waiting richlyn s.pugh
Richlyn aims high and doesn’t miss. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Alabama as a First-Generation Scholar with a dual degree in Criminal Justice and Computer Science, she was active in her studies and on campus. “I became member of the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I worked under the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney, I was on the President’s List, and I was an active member of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Societies, among others. I also enjoyed volunteering at local schools and animal shelters,” she says. Currently, Richlyn is serving as an Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Air Force and is seeking another post-secondary degree. The daughter of Mr. Richard Pugh and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Richlyn tells us she is excited to be thefirst Mardi Gras Royal in her family. “My first court appearance was as a Goblet Bearer on the 2004 MAMGA Royal Court.” It was then that her desire to be an ambassador for our city was born. “Mardi Gras is such a prominent and joyous piece of Mobile’s history, and I am delighted to experience it with Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association.” Richlyn’s custom gown was made by Belinda M. Lehman, and her train and regalia were designed and created by Mr. Johnny Weaver of Royal Clothiers after she explained her vision. “The choice of white for my gown and train was inspired by Princess Diana. I wanted something posh, elegant, and clean that puts you in the mind of Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” she shares. “My train also highlights my Air Force career, my graduation from The University of Alabama, and my first ‘passion’ in life, ballet. It touches my heart that my mother customized some of the pieces and I’m honored to be wearing her favorite earrings.”
Sharing a view common to many, Richlyn says she is thrilled Mardi Gras is returning “because of the joy it brings our beautiful city. It’s just good, clean fun that brings all people together. I love Mobile Mardi Gras,” she smiles, adding, “My family has always been big on Mardi Gras—like RVs and cookouts downtown big. Every year as a child, I used to enjoy riding a float with my dad, but my favorite childhood Mardi Gras memory is standing in front of Goodyear (now Oyster City Brewing Company) with my late grandparents, Levi and Joyce Horne, and eating Chicken on a Stick. They never missed a parade”.
Richlyn has accomplished many “firsts” in her family. “I’m the first in my immediate family to go college, to join the military, and to participate in a Royal Court,” she says. “I’m really looking forward to the lineage that follows me. I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) for the opportunity to serve.”
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Shot on location at The Driskell , a future social club with proprietor
Murphy D. Bishop, II, in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com | TheDriskell.com
Lady Sarah Ellis Brinson
A senior at The University of Alabama in the Multiple Abilities Program (MAP) in the College of Education, Sarah shares, “My major is special because it allows me to become certified to teach both special education and general education students. The MAP program has challenged me in the best ways and has prepared me to teach students of all backgrounds.” She has enjoyed enriching students and watching them reach their full potential. “I am also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, which has given me friendships I will cherish for a lifetime and has also allowed me to get involved in local schools by organizing philanthropic events where we read with students and give them any supplies they need.” The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shields Brinson, Jr. and sister to Elizabeth and Richard, Sarah was surprised when, as she describes, “My parents took me out to dinner and I thought we were celebrating the end of my junior year; when they asked if I wanted to be a part of the Mardi Gras court. I was very excited about the opportunity and even more so when I found out several of my other friends would be doing it as well.”
Lady Sarah will wear a white gown from I Do Bridal & Formal customized by Homer McClure with a bodice of silver and gold beadwork at the waist and the skirt sprinkled with iridescence and Aurora rhinestones. Her train, created by Karen Thornton, is ivory with a gold trellis design supporting rhinestone appliqués. A basket of silver and gold flowers creates a garden bouquet with a butterfly and honeybee floating nearby. At the top of the train is a rhinestone monogram to represent her family name. Her necklace? Sarah smiles in sentiment, “I’m wearing my great grandmother Janet Brinson’s necklace, which she wore when she made her debut.”
Sarah takes a community view of Mardi Gras, claiming, “The thing I love most is seeing people from all areas of Mobile come together to celebrate such a special tradition. My fondest memory is helping my dad load his throws for the Order of Myths. I’m excited Mardi Gras is returning because I know how much it means to so many people in our area.”
Sarah’s future plans are set. “After college, I plan on moving to Dallas and becoming an elementary school teacher. I hope to have an inclusive classroom so I can teach a variety of students with differing needs. I’m thrilled to move there because I’ve lived in Alabama my entire life and I’m excited to live in a big city!”
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Shot on location at The Driskell , a future social club with proprietor
Murphy D. Bishop, II, in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com | TheDriskell.com
Lady Lauren McKee
A summa cum laude graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) in Huntsville in 2020, Lauren majored in biology with a concentration in pre-professional health. While attending, she was named MVP of the women’s basketball team and was selected player of the week. Additionally, she was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and Beta Kappa Chi (BKX) National Scientific Honor Society. To cap off a stellar university experience, during her senior year, she was one of three students selected to represent the institution at a NASA conference in Los Angeles, California.
Lauren hasn’t been able to attend any Mardi Gras events due to playing collegiate basketball. She asks, “What better way to return to Mardi Gras than to be a part of the MAMGA Royal Court?” Currently a second-year pharmacy student at Xavier University of Louisiana located in New Orleans, Lauren is on track to graduate as a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2024. We’re not sure how she does it all, but we assuredly know she does it with energy and graciousness.
Lauren is the daughter of Lorenzo and Felicia McKee and sister to Lorenzo; her family has been involved with the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) since her father was named First Knight in 1989. Her brother served as a Knight in 2017 and now it’s her turn to represent her city at Mardi Gras, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. Her gown and train are spectacular, thanks to the work of the talented Mr. Johnny Weaver of Royal Clothiers, who both acquired and customized her royal regalia
Merely mentioning her childhood memories of Mardi Gras makes Lauren smile, remembering when her family and friends would gather together to attend the parades. She fondly recalls, “It was a tradition for my father to go downtown in the middle of the night to park the truck to reserve our favorite spot for Fat Tuesday.” She’s been riding in parades since she was a little girl, when her parents “would decorate the wagon and I would ride and throw Mardi Gras favors to the crowd during the daycare’s parade.” From elementary to high school, she rode floats with family and friends.
“Now, as an adult, I’m delighted to be a member of the MAMGA Royal Court and ride with such amazing people. I’m happy Mardi Gras is returning because it’s the one event that brings the entire city together to have a great time. It’s great to see people travel from various cities and states to enjoy Mardi Gras where it originated, here in Mobile,” she says. Adding an extra layer of sweetness to this year’s festivities, it will be the first time since 2016 that Lauren has been able to attend any Mardi Gras events due to playing collegiate basketball. She asks, “What better way to return to Mardi Gras than to be a part of the MAMGA Royal Court?” Currently a second-year pharmacy student at Xavier University of Louisiana located in New Orleans, Lauren is on track to graduate as a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2024. We’re not sure how she does it all, but we assuredly know she does it with energy and graciousness.
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Shot on location at The Driskell , a future social club with proprietor
Murphy D. Bishop, II, in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com | TheDriskell.com
Lady Olivia Grace Rathle
A senior majoring in public relations at The University of Alabama, Olivia is minoring in in communication studies. “I am a member of the Nu Beta chapter of Chi Omega and I’ve loved every second of my time at Alabama. I’ve met so many amazing people and wouldn’t change a thing about my college experience!” she beams.
The daughter of Mr. Amin Rathle and Mrs. Cindy Rathle, Olivia has an older sister, Madeline, who lives in Manhattan. “When we were growing up, we always loved going to the parades as a family with all of our friends,” she says. Her best memory? “When I was really little, I loved to get on my dad’s shoulders and try to catch the biggest stuffed animals!” Obviously, she’s a Mardi Gras veteran, as everyone from the area knows the best way to catch a stuffed animal is to hold up a small child. Olivia was thrilled to be asked to join MCA’s Court this season, saying, “My mom called me on FaceTime when I was at school in Tuscaloosa and she had a huge smile on her face. I had no idea what she was about to tell me and then she flipped the camera around to the letter asking me to be in the court—it was such an exciting day!”
Olivia’s royal attire is “a champagne-colored off- the-shoulder gown with gold lace from Bella Bridesmaids with embellishments by the talented Christal Hall,” she says, adding, “My train is ivory satin with a champagne lace overlay embellished with rhinestones and crystals, champagne satin flowers, and a custom two-letter monogram, also done by Christal Hall.” Her jewelry is as sentimental as it is exquisite—a three-strand pearl bracelet along with a pearl choker on loan from her mother. On the return on Mardi Gras, Olivia’s eyes light up. “I love to remind anyone not from here that Mardi Gras started in Mobile. It brings such a sense of community. Everyone comes together and celebrates something special to our city. I think this year will be a huge celebration because we have to make up for missing last year!” she exclaims. While Olivia isn’t sure where she’ll want to live after university, she’s firm in her belief that she’d enjoy a career at a boutique PR agency, but right now? “!’m making the most of my last year in college and am determined to follow the best advice I’ve received regarding Mardi Gras, which is, ‘If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong!’”
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Shot on location at The Driskell , a future social club with proprietor
Murphy D. Bishop, II, in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com | TheDriskell.com
Lady Alexis Leann Dees
A senior majoring in Business Management at Alabama State University (ASU), Alexis is justifiably proud of all she’s accomplished. “During my time at ASU, I’ve worked hard to become a Sensational Stingette of the Mighty Marching Hornet Band, I’m a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority, and have been named campus queen. I recently served as the co-chair of the HBCU 4 Life Committee for Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. (Beta Pi chapter), and I serve as Miss Gold of the Miss Black and Gold Court of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.” Alexis has also been on the Dean’s list every semester.
The daughter of Robert and Beverly Dees and sister to Robert Dees, Jr., Alexis is the first to represent her family as royalty in the Mobile Area Madi Gras Association. She says, “I’ve wanted to be on the court since high school. Finding out I was invited to serve was a dream come true.”
Alexis might be the first in her family to become Mardi Gras Royalty, she nonetheless has the royal aesthetic down pat. Sharing the details, she smiles, ”My gown is an ivory off-shoulder A-line with a sweetheart neckline, with pearl and Swarovski crystal detailing around the bodice and neckline.” Purchased at Bella’s Bridal & Formal in Hoover, Alabama, she continues, “My dress was hand- stoned by me because I wanted to be a part of this amazing process. My train is purple and gold with silver accents, including a cross, an ivy leaf representing my sorority, and a symbol representing Alabama State University and my position in the band. Lastly, center stage on the train is a gold fleur-de-lis.” Completing her look will be a string of pearls her mom gifted her.” Gracious to a fault, Alexis says, “I’m grateful for Patrice Cook and Neikei Dixon for their help and vision.”
For her, Mardi Gras is about more than parades and balls. “I love the family atmosphere Mardi Gras brings about. Some view Mardi Gras as one big party, but to me, it’s more of a family reunion. During Mardi Gras, you never meet a stranger, everyone is family, and I think that’s what makes ‘letting the good times roll’ so remarkable,” she states. Her favorite Mardi Gras Memory? “Watching The Sensational Stingettes of the Mighty Marching Hornet band of Alabama State University. As a dancer, I could not miss them. As I stood watching, I remember being mesmerized by their talent and beauty and instantly knowing I wanted to become one. Fortunately, that dream came true and I became a Sensational Stingette my freshman year of college in 2018.” Talk about a full-circle moment!
Our time together drawing short, Alexis concludes her remarks with gratitude, saying, “I especially want to thank my parents and brother for all they do and their continued support and MAMGA for this meaningful opportunity to serve on the Court.”
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Shot on location at The Driskell , a future social club with proprietor
Murphy D. Bishop, II, in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com | TheDriskell.com
Lady Mathilde “Mattie” Elizabeth Marie Naman
A senior at The University of Alabama, Mattie is majoring in public relations and is a member of the sorority Chi Omega. Her accomplishments include senior positions in the Alabama Panhellenic Association, writing for Capstone Agency, being Marketing Director for Platform Magazine, Director of InterGreek Affairs for UA Student Government Association, and a member of no fewer than five honor societies.
The daughter of Judge and Mrs. Edmond George Naman, Mattie and her family are no strangers to the Mobile Carnival Association (MCA). In 2019, her brother Blaize served as Knight along with her first cousin Lady Mary Ashley Hand. Other family served in prior years, but Mattie was genuinely surprised by her Court invitation, telling us, “My mom called me, saying I’d received a letter from MCA. When I came home and opened it, I was filled with excitement and delightful shock. I was honored to be asked to be on this year’s MCA Mardi Gras Court and to be a part of the year that Mardi Gras came back!”
Mattie’s royal ensemble is the definition of elegant. She and her mom, Marcelle, found the perfect gown at I Do Bridal & Formal. The Casablanca gown, embellished by Homer McClure, is “enhanced by a gold scalloped neckline set with coral rhinestones while the bodice, skirt, and hem have a panel of beaded lace embellished with gold trefoils and Aurora teardrops.” And her train? “The train was created by the late Tom Lennon and further embellished by Loni Shaw and Homer McClure. I’ve always admired it; it first worn by Louise Luce McClelland in 1980,” she says. “It’s an art nouveau design of golden grasses and lilies with a series of en tremblant dragonflies in coral and gold fluttering the length of the train.” To complete her look with a sentimental touch, Mattie describing her jewelry, shares, “I’ll wear my mother’s aquamarine and diamond ring, the first piece of jewelry my father gave her, and also a pearl and diamond necklace given to my mother by my father’s parents.”
Mardi Gras runs through the heart of the Naman family. Mattie shares, “We always kick off the Mardi Gras season by celebrating the Epiphany with a king cake. My grandmother would always bake her own king cake and my mom continues that tradition.” On the return of Carnival, she states, “I am so happy because it gives our city something to celebrate again. The pandemic saw lots of loss and hard times, so I think our city is ready to celebrate again. I am so honored I get to be a small part of that celebration.” Mattie’s favorite childhood memory comes easy; she tells us, “Meeting my dad and grandfather outside of the Civic Center as they get in their floats before the start of the Crew of Columbus Parade. My grandfather is 93 and can still throw those stuffed animals and beads farther than anyone else!”
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Shot on location at The Driskell , a future social club with proprietor
Murphy D. Bishop, II, in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com | TheDriskell.com
