Lady Aerielle Aliyahna Reese
Aerielle, the daughter of Dr. Jacalyn Howze Reese and Mr. Edward Leon Reese Jr., is proud to serve as a distinguished member of the MAMGA Court. Despite being new to MAMGA, she represents a fresh chapter in her family’s Mardi Gras lineage, set to create her own mark in this time-honored Mobile tradition.
Growing up in Mobile, Aerielle and her family have cherished the Mardi Gras festivities, reveling in the joy of reuniting with friends and family for the annual celebration. Now, as she steps into the role of Lady in Waiting, Aerielle expresses her excitement about representing MAMGA, strengthening ties to the Mobile community, and sharing the magic of Mardi Gras traditions with friends from out of town.
A proud alumna of St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Aerielle continues her academic journey at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health. Her dedication to academic excellence is reflected in her membership in various honor societies and her active involvement in charitable work, including volunteering at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Birmingham. Looking towards the future, Aerielle plans to attend medical school, aspiring to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.
Outside of school, Lady Aerielle loves traveling with her sister and mother. “We’ve had the opportunity to visit over 20 countries and counting! One of my fondest memories was during the time that we lived in Europe when we had the opportunity to spend spring break in Rome, Capri and Sardinia, Italy. Greece tops my travel bucket list, and I am looking forward to participating in a medical mission trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands this summer,” she recalls.
“Love Letter to Mobile:
“I am honored to represent all that is Mobile as a member of Mamga’s Royal Court,, making memories that last a lifetime, and being able to immerse myself in traditions through Mardi Gras. Mobile is welcoming, vibrant and a city brimming with Southern hospitality, one that I am proud to call my hometown. I look forward to sharing all that is special about the city I call home over the coming Carnival season and in many to come.”
– Lady Aerielle Aliyahna Reese”
For Aerielle, Mobile is not just a place; it’s a nurturing home that has played a crucial role in shaping her identity. “Being from a military family and living abroad for several years, coming back to St. Paul’s and the Bay Area provided familiarity, nurturing and a strong sense of community. I especially enjoy boat days on the Bay with my Dad, and rooftop pool and spa days at the Battle House with my Mom. Where carnival season is concerned, being part of such a storied Mobile tradition creates lasting ties to this wonderful community and is something that I look forward to sharing with my family for years to come.”
Aerielle’s personal style is characterized as classic and timeless. She draws inspiration from her mother, who has been her guiding force in the styling process for the Carnival season. The coronation gown, designed by Ni’El Bridal Atelier in Birmingham, AL, reflects Aerielle’s understated elegance, while the train, designed by Patricia Richardson, adds a touch of regal sophistication. Kelvin Wilkerson, with MAMGA, Curtis Allen and Danielle Ward have been instrumental in styling her for the season. “I am honored to represent all that is Mobile as a member of MAMGA’s Royal Court, making memories that last a lifetime, and being able to immerse myself in traditions through Mardi Gras,” she tells us. “Mobile is welcoming, vibrant and a city brimming with Southern hospitality, one that I am proud to call my hometown. I look forward to sharing all that is special about the city I call home over the coming Carnival season.”
