The South’s Hottest Singles
Presenting the sexiest ladies and gentlemen of the South. And, oh by the way, they’re available.
Photography by Greg Ceo
Freelance Creative Director Mark DeHaven
Styling Jessica Thiergart
Stylist Assistants Emily Pollard, Noel Hansbrough
Fashion Intern Loren Maring
Hair & Makeup Michelle Rouzer, Melissa Vogeler and Courtney McBride from 40 Volume Salon
Digital Tech Brandon Harrison
Photo Retouching Mark DeHaven, Valentin Sivyakov, Jolene Mattison
Photo Assistants 1st Assistant: Skip Terpstra; 2nd Assistant: Aziz Oz Lalani
Photo Intern Emily Delph
Location Jepson Center for the Arts
Crystal Schouest
Age: 26
Native of: Houma, Louisiana
Title and place of business: graphic designer, Designs by Lolita
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Life’s too short not to find any and every reason to celebrate.”
My favorite memory is: every memory that has to do with my late grandmother, MaMa Shirley. Her lively Cajun spirit made me who I am today.
One thing I want to do before I die is: find someone I want to grow old with so we can help each other check off our “bucket lists.”
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: enjoy the sunny days in Savannah, eating brunch with my favorite people and then heading to the beach.
My biggest turn-on is: a man who is sure about who he is and, more importantly, who he wants to be.
The quality I most value in a mate is: a sense of humor.
My idea of a perfect first date is: anything thoughtful and unique—but simple. I don’t need fireworks, a skywriter or a five-course meal, but I wouldn’t mind a few sparklers and maybe a steak.
My favorite place to meet new people is: anywhere. If we’re meant to cross paths, we will.
On Crystal: Black Jumpsuit [$140], Sweet Pea, Custard. Black and Silver Tassle Necklaces [$52 each], James Gunn.
Sarah Mespelt
Age: 26
Native of: North Carolina
Title and place of business: designer, Jet Aviation
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Tuppy.”
My favorite memory is: my little brother being born.
One thing I want to do before I die is: go on a cross-country road trip.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: watch movies and drink coffee.
My biggest turn-on is: humor.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: I don’t know!
My favorite place to meet new people is: the beach.
On Sarah: Black Leaf Shift Dress [$316], Karta, James Gunn. Black Ankle Strap Pumps, Model’s Own. Vintage Button Ring [$50], Custard.
Matthew Hall
Age: 33
Native of: Brunswick, Georgia
Title and place of business: agency owner, Nationwide Insurance
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” -Emerson
My favorite memory is: when I graduated from GSU, with my family in the crowd, knowing how proud they were—as much as surprised.
One thing I want to do before I die is: to be successful in all aspects of life, which is a broad and ongoing venture.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: gathering fishing items or scuba gear because I know that I’m looking at a fun day.
My biggest turn-on is: athletics. I like the competitive spirit.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: probably a Jeep ride to Tybee Island to have dinner, followed by a walk on the beach.
My favorite place to meet new people is: the tennis court, gym, [and] through friends. It is nice to have common interests.
On Matthew: Purple and Black Check Button Down Shirt [$115], Peter Millar, John B. Rourke. Multi Stripe Tie [$65], Private Stock, John B. Rourke. Super 150’s Wool Pants [$195], Al Petora, John B. Rourke. Black Leather Belt [$48], Martin Dingman, John B. Rourke.
Edward Whitford
Age: 28
Native of: Champaign, Illinois
Title and place of business: special assistant, United States Attorney and Trial Counsel, 3rd Infantry Division
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.” –from “Ulysses”
My favorite memory is: learning I’d been elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
One thing I want to do before I die is: write a memoir worth reading.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: beat the church crowd to brunch.
My biggest turn-on is: a smart, funny and creative woman—whose daddy owns a liquor store.
The quality I most value in a mate is: good judgment.
My idea of a perfect first date is: fun, challenging and invigorating.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a party thrown by friends and acquaintances.
On Ed: Orange Cotton Lyle Polo [$95], Peter Millar, J. Parker Limited. Navy Italian Silk Blazer [$495], Alan Lebow, J. Parker Limited.
Ray Butts
Age: 33
Native of: Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Title and place of business: doctor of physical therapy, Spine and Sport
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “A loyal friend, who always tried to live honorably. Strived to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.”
My favorite memory is: maybe a slow dance on a snowy night in the courtyard of the Dornröschen Palace in Germany (the original castle of Sleeping Beauty).
One thing I want to do before I die is: travel more extensively in Europe and become fluent in another language.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: meet friends out for breakfast with a nap afterward!
My biggest turn-on is: girly shoes.
The quality I most value in a mate is: a passion for life and overall kindness.
My idea of a perfect first date is: a long, quiet dinner with a bottle of wine and lots of storytelling.
My favorite place to meet new people, other than a bar or club, is: any of the Savannah YMCA locations.
On Ray: Herringbone Jacket [$1195], Hicky Freeman, John B. Rourke. White Button Down Shirt [$90], Gitman, John B. Rourke. Dot Bow Tie [$55], R. Hanauer, John B. Rourke. Dot Pocket Square [$55], R. Hanauer, John B. Rourke. Super 150’s Charcoal Wool Pants [$195], Al Petora, John B. Rourke. Black Leather Belt [$48], Martin Dingman, John B. Rourke. Shoes, Model’s Own.
Mike Passanisi
Age: 25
Native of: Penngrove, California
Title and place of business: director of media relations and play-by-play announcer, Savannah Sand Gnats
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Dead men tell no tales.”
My favorite memory is: my father, brother, uncle and I taking a road trip in our motor home for three weeks, hitting different ballparks around the country.
One thing I want to do before I die is: skydive.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: wake up, grab the Sunday paper, flip through the ads, cook breakfast and relax.
My biggest turn-on is: smiling and laughing and acting girly.
The quality I most value in a mate is: someone to show me things or make me do things that I normally wouldn’t see or do.
My idea of a perfect first date is: A day at the beach—maybe rent a couple of WaveRunners or go parasailing—would be awesome.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a baseball stadium.
On Mike: Super 100’s Wool Blazer [$395], Michael Brandon, J. Parker Limited. Cotton Tuxedo Shirt [$225], Ike Behar, J. Parker Limited. Cotton Pocket Square [$45], R. Hanauer, J. Parker Limited. Super 120’s Trouser [$195], Corbin, J. Parker Limited. Black Croc Dress Shoes [$150], J. Parker Limited, J. Parker Limited.
Crystal Craven
Age: 27
Native of: Rough and Ready, California
Title and place of business: network administrator, Hancock Askew & Co, LLP
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “And all bewitched by love, she lifts her eyes toward the fires of the witnessing evening star and trusts him her desires.” -Mihai Eminescu
My favorite memory is: my grandfather doing handstands on the beach in northern California.
One thing I want to do before I die is: travel more and backpack across Europe.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sip coffee on my back porch and read.
My biggest turn-on is: intelligence.
The quality I most value in a mate is: consideration.
My idea of a perfect first date is: excellent conversation over a good bottle of wine.
My favorite place to meet new people is: North Beach, Tybee Island.
On Crystal: SIA Green Stripe Dress [$298], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Satin Crystal Bolt Pumps [$550], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Amber Filigree Earrings [$21], Custard.
Courtney Buntin Victor
Age: 30
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: owner and beauty guru, Glow MedSpa and Beauty Boutique, Glow Beauty and Bronzing Boutique
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “She lived gracefully, loved deeply, performed random acts of kindness and her memory makes those who knew her smile.”
My favorite memory is: trips with my family abroad and to tropical locations.
One thing I want to do before I die is: travel around the world.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: go to church with my family followed by a big brunch.
My biggest turn-on is: intelligence.
The quality I most value in a mate is: a kind heart.
My idea of a perfect first date is: The itinerary is not important, but lots of laughter, old-fashioned–gentleman behavior and great conversation are musts.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a social event.
On Courtney: Strapless Citron Silk Shantung Dress [$570], ESCADA, ESCADA Company Store. Black Patent Pumps, Stylist’s Own. Diamond Bracelet [$57], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Large Flower Ring [$86], James Gunn.
Ryan Wethington
Age: 25
Native of: Tallahassee, Florida
Title and place of business: medical device sales representative
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Work hard, party harder.”
My favorite memory is: August 10, 1989, the day my little brother was born.
One thing I want to do before I die is: watch FSU win the national championship in football, baseball and basketball.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sleep in.
My biggest turn-on is: independence and hard work but a woman who can also let loose and have a good time.
The quality I most value in a mate is: goal orientation.
My idea of a perfect first date is: attending a concert or sporting event, followed by dinner and then drinks at the local hot spots.
My favorite place to meet new people is: the gym or the hospital, since that is where I spend most of my time.
On Ryan: Black Button Down Shirt [$75], John B. Rourke Private Collection, John B. Rourke. Black Cable Knit Sweater [$160], Viyella, John B. Rourke. Diamond Print Tie [$135], Robert Talbott Best of Class, John B. Rourke. Houndstooth Pants [$195], Al Petora, John B. Rourke. Watch, Model’s Own.
Katherine Graham
Age: 32
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: financial advisor, The Lutz Group at Raymond James & Associates
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Always true to others, always true to self.”
My favorite memory is: shark fishing as a young girl with my mother, aunt and sister.
One thing I want to do before I die is: dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sleep in.
My biggest turn-on is: genuine self-confidence based on a true sense of self (not ego).
The quality I most value in a mate is: sincerity.
My idea of a perfect first date is: dinner and drinks downtown.
My favorite place to meet new people is: a community or charitable event.
On Katherine: Navy Halter Dress [$435], David Meister, Bleu Belle Boutique. Pink Suede Pumps, Stylist’s Own. Watch, Model’s Own. Circle Stone Ring [$68], James Gunn.
Mitchell Hall
Age: 26
Native of: Florida
Title and place of business: creative director, BleuBelle, Inc.
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” -Yves Saint Laurent
My favorite memory is: attending the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City with three of my favorite people.
One thing I want to do before I die is: live in Venice.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: sleep in; take a long walk with my dog; go to late church; have brunch with mimosas at the Mansion on Forsyth Park.
My biggest turn-on is: a quick wit.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: late appetizers at Cha Bella, Pedicab to the river, ferry boat to the Westin at Savannah Harbor, drinks and dessert by the pool.
My favorite place to meet new people is: downtown networking socials.
On Mitchell: Ink Black Watch Blazer [$428], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Black Stinky Rat Henley [$25], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Ink Black Watch Pant [$228], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Shoes, Model’s Own.
Athena Carellas
Age: Guess
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: legal assistant, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “I’m not in here … look up!”
My favorite memory is: preparing Greek pastries in the kitchen with my mom and Aunt Dottie.
One thing I want to do before I die is: definitely go ziplining in some cool destination.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: relax (a little)!
My biggest turn-on is: a great sense of humor and personality.
The quality I most value in a mate is: trust and honesty.
My idea of a perfect first date is: If you’re with someone you connect with and you’re having a great time, then that’s a perfect date.
My favorite place to meet new people is: at community events, at the beach, through a friend … anywhere!
On Athena: Jade Christina Dress [$218], Corey Lynn Calter, James Gunn. Nude Patent Pumps, Stylist’s Own. Black Glass Bead Necklace [$19], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Monocle Necklace [$11], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Eco-friendly Chain Necklace [$147], Jami Rodriguez, Custard.
Cecilia Russo
Age: 37
Native of: Savannah
Title and place of business: president, Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” –Dr. Suess
My favorite memory is: childhood summers at our Back River beach house on Tybee Island.
One thing I want to do before I die is: visit the Italian Riviera.
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: it depends on my Saturday night.
My biggest turn-on is: confidence.
The quality I most value in a mate is: honesty, integrity and a good heart.
My idea of a perfect first date is: a pretty afternoon sitting outside enjoying a really cold glass of white wine, watching the sun set, enjoying a great meal and even better conversation.
My favorite place to meet new people is: at fun networking or social events.
On Cecilia: Black Wool Crepe Wrap Dress [$2,190.80], James Hogan, James Hogan. Satin Crystal Bolt Pumps [$550], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs. Jade Earrings [$150], Kenneth Jay Lane, James Hogan.
Brendan Pappas
Age: 34
Native of: Tybee Island
Title and place of business: owner, Kayak Kafé
If I could choose my own epitaph, it would read: “He died tragically, rescuing his family from the remains of a destroyed sinking battleship.” –from The Royal Tenenbaums
My favorite memory is: watching a great acoustic band play at sunrise in a remote train station in Java, Indonesia.
One thing I want to do before I die is: get lost in Polynesia for a while (a long while).
My favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings is: drink good coffee and read The New York Times in bed.
My biggest turn-on is: definitely unprintable!
The quality I most value in a mate is: self-confidence.
My idea of a perfect first date is: cooking dinner and drinking wine.
My favorite place to meet new people, other than a bar or club, is: while traveling in a remote place.
On Brendan: Super 150’s Wool Suit [$595], Rossetti Ummo, J. Parker Limited. Stripe Button Down Shirt [$165], House of Carrington, J. Parker Limited. Cotton Pocket Square [$55], Peter Millar, J. Parker Limited. Alligator Belt [$350], J. Parker Limited, J. Parker Limited. Shoes, Model’s Own.
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