DREAMS DO COME TRUE

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Sheridan Butler And Tyler Binford Marry In Austin

By Rose Betty Williams
Photography by Jenny DeMarco

Texas natives Sheridan Butler, the daughter of Renee and Eddie Butler, and Tyler Binford, the son of Ann and Weston Binford, grew up in Austin. She went to Saint Michael’s High School, then Ole Miss. He went to Westlake High School, then Texas State. Even though their childhood homes were both in Westlake, they found each other after they graduated from college. Tyler said he was attracted to Sheridan’s beautiful smile, and Sheridan found Tyler’s sense of humor irresistible. They dated for four and a half years before Tyler drew on his good humor to proclaim his love for Sheridan.

It was Halloween 2017. Sheridan was dressed as Regina George from Mean Girls, and Tyler as Aaron Samuels (Regina’s boyfriend). Sheridan was hosting a party at her home when Tyler managed to sneak out of the party without her noticing. A young trick or treater rang the doorbell escorted by someone dressed in a bear costume. Before Sheridan could think, the person dressed as a bear pulled her out onto her front porch, removed the bear head and proposed. Sheridan said yes to Tyler in the bear costume. 

That began a very busy year of meticulous wedding planning and six incredible parties to celebrate their engagement. Friends and family toasted the couple at a Monte Carlo-themed party at The Highball, a weekend-long party for the bridesmaids and groomsmen at a Lake Austin home, another patio party at a Lake Austin home, a BBQ, Bubbles & Brews, a Mad Hatter bridal tea party at the Headliners Club and an Around The World Beer Tasting Party held at Chateau Bellevue. Also, they chose Vickie Roan at The Menagerie to help them with all their wedding registry needs.

Sheridan and Tyler wanted their wedding to highlight family traditions and be filled with fun activities, flowers, themed rooms, specialty drinks, favorite foods, all kinds of music, dancing, more flowers, and photos of them during all stages of their lives. The Thursday night before the wedding, Sheridan and her mother, Renee, hosted the bridal party dinner at Tarry House. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Headliners Club (just like Sheridan’s parents’ rehearsal dinner 35 years earlier), and the Welcome Party after the dinner was hosted by the bride’s grandmother, Ann Butler.

The ceremony was held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church. Barton Strings provided the music as the bride walked down the aisle carrying a bouquet of calla lilies that was just like her mother’s bouquet when she got married. The flower girl’s basket was the same basket that her mother held for Sheridan’s parents’ wedding. She wore a Rita Vinieris-designed wedding gown accessorized with her mother’s diamond and emerald earrings for something borrowed.

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Austin Country Club was transformed for the festive reception. “No detail went unnoticed,” said Sheridan. Westbank Flower Market arranged more than 3500 white calla lilies for the grand entrance. Two thousand of them stood waist high to greet guests walking down the long aisle to the party, and through the next set of double-doors, the walls were completely covered in greenery so that the callas seemed to be growing from the floor.

The bride and her mother created the names for the themed reception rooms as well as the creative names for each food item. Some of the themed rooms included the Dance Room of Ice with a mirrored dance floor and a 16-foot long ice bar that had two large beer luges on either corner that were filled with beer for guests to refill their drinks. The wedding cake was themed Beyond the Cake of Towering Jewels and the groom’s cake was called Tyler’s Texas Adventure Cake. “It had an oil rig, guitar, Westlake Chaparrals logo, poker chips and Coors beer on it,” Tyler said. “All of my favorite things besides Sheridan.” Matchmaker provided the music for guests who danced the night away.

The bride is active in the Austin community with the Junior League of Austin and the Andy Roddick Foundation and the groom works at Capitol Wright Distribution. The happy couple, Sheridan and Tyler, had a spectacular send off to start their married life together. They left in a 1963 Bentley through a waterfall of fireworks and a calla lily salute. They honeymooned at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and Half Moon Bay. It’s always been Sheridan’s dream to stay at The Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay since she calls it a “castle on the beach.” She thanked her parents by saying, “This was the wedding I always dreamed of. This was the wedding of the century for Tyler and me, and a day we will never forget.”

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DOWN TO A FINE ART

DOWN TO A FINE ART

Eighth Annual MTV: REDEFINE Art Event Sizzles

By Rob Giardinelli          Photography by Bruno and Fort Lion Studio

THE SETTING: The Statler Hotel in Dallas was the setting for the eighth annual MTV RE:DEFINE Art Auction and Gala. Over 300 notable Sociables from Dallas, London and beyond were on hand for a fantastic evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The evening began with cocktails where the rocker chic-attired crowd sipped cocktails while previewing 30 pieces of exemplary contemporary art and luxury experiences up for bid during the benefit auction. The action then moved into the ballroom for the evening’s program, which was emceed by MTV’s Rebecca Dudley. 

Highlights of the program included a live-auction helmed by world-renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury, who presided over spirited bidding of many priceless works. Among the items up for bid were two works from Marc Quinn, who was also honored during the program for his long-standing support of MTV RE:DEFINE. The program was concluded with a show-stopping performance by superstar Rita Ora. The fun continued well past midnight as partygoers danced the night away at an after party to the tunes of internationally known DJ Aeroplane who was flown in specifically for the event by after party host Giorgio of Los Angeles, capping off a magical evening that those on hand will always remember.

THE PURPOSE: The event was co-hosted by Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss, chaired by Sami Abboud, with Jonny Burt and Joe Kennedy serving as art chairs and raised over $1.6 million dollars. Proceeds from the evening will go toward HIV prevention and education through the MTV Staying Alive Foundation as well as arts education and awareness through the Goss Michael Foundation. Since it’s founding in 2011, MTV: REDEFINE has raised over $14 million dollars for these causes.

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ON WITH THE SHOW

ON WITH THE SHOW

Society For Performing Arts Celebrates 50th Anniversary

By Jennifer Roosth          Photography by Wilson Parrish

THE SETTING: The Society for the Performing Arts held its Black & White Ball at the Wortham Center Grand Foyer to celebrate over 50 years of bringing the world’s best performances to Houston. Reminiscent of the Party of the Century hosted by Truman Capote in New York City in 1966, the SPA Black & White Ball was indeed the party to remember this season.

THE STYLE: Over 400 black tie guests, clad in black and white with a dazzling array of bewitching masks, enjoyed cocktails and canapés while perusing the silent auction. Jackson & Co created a fabulous three-course meal and Rebekah Johnson created an elegantly over-the-top room décor with cascading crystal chandeliers installed above beautiful towering sprays of orchids and roses on the tables. Auctioneer Jeff Smith raised a record-breaking  figure from the fabulous auction curated by Yasmine Haddad. Guests were then mesmerized by the exciting performances of the cast of Chicago and then danced the night away to Empire 6 at the after party.

THE PURPOSE: The chairs for this unforgettable night raising over $500,000 were Mary Ann and David McKeithan and Cheryl and Sam Byington, with Margaret Alkek Williams serving as honorary chair. Rini and Edward Ziegler were the community honorees and HEB was the corporate honoree. The Society for the Performing Arts presents internationally acclaimed artists from the entire performing arts spectrum, traditional to avant-garde alike, from large orchestras and dance companies to recitalists and solo performers, for audiences at Houston’s Jones Hall.

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LET’S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

LET’S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

A honeymoon is a time of rest, relaxation and taking in the sun after the big day happens. Our luxe style arbiter Rank & Style CEO Jamie Chandlee has a few recommendations that make the Top 10 list of your must-haves as you get up and get away. For more information, visit Rank & Style.

#1 OFF DUTY

Please, no emails, calls or texts allowed since this straw hat with black pompoms and black sequin lettering states there’s only room for fun in the sun. $65. At Hats By Olivia.

#2 LIP SERVICE

Plump, gloss and pout all at the same time with Christian Dior’s Lip Maximizer. We think the Raspberry Glow is the perfect shade from day to evening. $34. At Nordstrom.

#3 REALLY NAILING IT

Going neutral has its advantages. OPI Nail Lacquer’s Funny Bunny in Pearly White sets the bar high all summer long. $10.50. At Amazon.

#4 YOUR OTHER PRINTS CHARMING

Two dresses in one, Rhode’s Nala Sleeveless Print Mini Dress can be worn as a chemise or belted. In pink and orange, it’s perfect for dinner on the terrace overlooking the water. $355. At Saks Fifth Avenue.

#5 SLEEP TIGHT

This washable silk two piece pajama set by Lunya can travel the globe with you. Just hand wash and lay flat to dry. $178. At Lunya.

#6 HOOP DREAMS

These Roxanne Assoulin earrings will have you jumping through hoops because they go with everything. From pairing with a swimsuit to cocktails, it shows your most colorful side. In Cinque Terre enamel and gold tone. $90. At Net-A-Porter.

#7 IN THE SWIM OF THINGS

The Antibes scallop bikini by Marysia is ideal for sunning. The bandeau top and delicately edged trim is so very now. $282. At Shopbop.com

#8 LUSCIOUS LINGERIE

These Bride & Mrs. low-rise thongs are meant to add a bit of novelty, of course, in this set of two. $56. At Bloomingdale’s

#9 KEEP CALM & CARRY THIS ON

This pouch is perfect for storing your hair styling tools or packing bikinis for your next weekend getaway. Customize with a monogram. $54. At Stony Clover Lane.

#10 ST. TROPEZ SCENE

This Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil by Tom Ford captures the sultry effect of sun-kissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. $100. At Nordstrom.

SUMMER’S SOFT GLOW

SUMMER’S SOFT GLOW

Warm summer days, sunny skies and a light breeze set the perfect backdrop for nuptial events and honeymoons. Whether you are a guest or a bride, preparing for the big day or a dreamy honeymoon, consider these summertime beauty essentials for a luminous goddess glow and the perfect summer bridal look, according to our beauty expert Ana Bribiesca Hoff.

HEATWAVE BEAUTY

Sensual and sultry tones add instant gleam and warmth to your complexion, enhancing natural skin tone and creating definition. The NARS Summer Lights Face Palette featuring four eyeshadows  in matte and shimmering finishes with bronzer and highlighter to heighten and brighten  create an ethereal bridal look. $59. At Sephora.

HEATWAVE PROTECTION

Guard against sun’s damaging rays with this innovative, continuous mist sunscreen. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and California Poppy, this SPF 30 formula provides an effective shield from UVA and UVB rays while the tint helps camouflage imperfections and even skin tone. $39. At BeautyCounter.com

LUMINOUS PERFECTION

Charlotte Tilbury’s Supermodel Body is a must-have this summer. The slimming-hydrating body shimmer catches the light for an elongated, slimmer-looking glossy-skinned body. $125. At Charlotte Tilbury

GLOWING & RADIANT

From first kisses to champagne toasts, this holy grail lipstick formula with a lustrous finish will keep your lips looking hydrated and glamourous from day to night. Three youthful hues with a hint of 23-karat gold are perfect for any nuptial event. $120 for the set. At Tatcha.

RAINBOW BRITE

It’s time for washes of pink, purple, yellow and orange swept in a graphic yet soft shape eye shadow. Try Fenty Beauty Galaxy Eyeshadow Palette. $59. At Sephora.

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS

This new limited-edition scent for summer explores a new olfactory territory – warm, sensual and sunny – Light Blue Sun is inspired by the exhilarating magic of summer love on the enchanting island of Capri. We recommend both Pour Femme and Pour Homme. $68-$102.

At Dolce & Gabbana.

THAT SUN-KISSED GLOW

Transition away from contouring and sweep a light-catching bronzer along cheekbones, not beneath, for a sun-kissed goddess glow. Try Givenchy Summer Solar Pulse Healthy Glow Powder Marble Edition. $55.

At Neiman Marcus.

BRIGHT FUTURE

Chantecaille’s Blanc Gardenia Brightening Emulsion is the stuff of dreams. This soft, lightweight moisturizer infused with Vitamin C and unique brightening ingredients that work to minimize visible discoloration and nourish skin to maintain an even looking skin tone.1.7 oz.$160. At Chantecaille.com

OIL BE GONE

This oil-absorbing base is a blotting paper in a tube that prevents a makeup meltdown allowing foundation to stay smooth, seamless and last longer. Try Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Top Secrets Instant Matte Pore Refiner. $20.

At Neiman Marcus.

SUMMER’S NOW “UN” POWDERED

RMS Beauty “Un” Powder is the perfect formula for summer. A light-reflecting, translucent and ultra-fine powder that never looks cakey. It provides radiance while absorbing excess oil and removing unwanted shine. $34. At Sephora

GLOWING DROPS

Summer sunlight in a bottle. These innovative self-tanning drops allow you to control your tan while fighting dryness, dullness and uneven tone and texture by adding Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster to your daily moisturizer. $32. At Dillard’s.

FIESTA’S AMERICAN BEAUTY

FIESTA’S AMERICAN BEAUTY

The Order of the Alamo Presents The Court of America The Beautiful

By Jake Gaines Photography by Gary Stanko  

 

THE SETTING: The fabulous gowns and trains that are the focal point of the Fiesta coronation each year are legendary. This year the United States quite literally took center stage as the focus, too. Mistress of the Robes Elizabeth Roberts and the Court Artist Roxana Newsom spent the past year designing each work of art that would be worn by the 24 duchesses of The Court of America The Beautiful. The Order of the Alamo coronation chairman has the responsibility of appointing the Mistress of the Robes, the person to decide on a theme, find inspiration and conduct research for the Coronation robe designs. Every year the Coronation has a different theme. Some of the past themes have celebrated Argentine Republic, Treasures of Africa, Nature’s Tapestry, the Napoleonic Empire, and more. Together we focused on some of the themes that make America unique. Endeavoring to tell the story of America, but limited to twenty-four Duchesses, along with and a Queen and Princess, the details in the dresses and trains were very important according to Roberts.

With this most stately theme, the duchesses stunned in their regal gowns, each adorned with Swarovski crystals, glass baguettes, bugle beads, and custom stones. Each gown featured a 10 to 14-foot long train and weighed up to 60 pounds. The theme was inspired by American history, music, art, literature, space exploration, architecture, national parks, flora and fauna, Native Americans, America’s westward expansion and explorers to the New World. Some of the 2019 robe themes were: the New American Sound, Celestial Wonders, Celebrated Stories, Splendors of the New World, Dreams of Limitless Possibilities, and Lush Tropical Paradise.

The Princess’ train was inspired by the song “America the Beautiful” by Katherine Bates and represented the agricultural and natural riches of America’s Heartland and “Purple Mountains Majesty Above the Fruited Plain.” The Queen’s train represented architectural and environmental elements seen in Washington, D.C. representing influences from across the nation and in international friendships. The capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Oval Office, the Resolute desk and the Washington Mall’s cherry trees in full bloom. Instead of a red, white and blue theme, we chose to focus on the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms resplendent each spring, planted early in the 20th century to celebrate the United States’ then diplomatic friendship with Japan. No detail left unplanned, Roberts and Newsom event utilized cherry blossoms for the coronation stage backdrop showcasing this year’s creations.

 The presentation of these stunning, bejeweled designs culminated with the final young lady to ascend the grand stage of the Majestic Theatre, Claudia Kiolbassa, Queen Of The Court Of America The Beautiful. The Duchesses and the Royal Princess preceded the Queen ascending the stage as well. It is a spectacular evening of pomp and circumstance.

THE STYLE: With a backdrop featuring classic American landmarks, the Majestic lived up to its name setting a most majestic scene for the Order of the Alamo’s coronation of the Queen of the Court of America The Beautiful. Fifteen duchesses from San Antonio and nine duchesses from Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Eldorado and Napa, California represented various themes woven into the overall collection and ceremony celebrating our state and nation. The first to make an appearance on stage were the young court pages. Each little girl, dressed in a long dress and tiny tiara, curtsied before the crowd and took her place to favorite instrumental performances that represented the United States. It was then that Lord High Chamberlain Wilbur Matthews II made his grand entrance. Serving as King Antonio XCVII was Roger Hill III and the Order of the Alamo President was Marshall Steves III. The Coronation Chairman for the festivities was  Elliott Hayne.

THE PURPOSE: Since 1891, every April, San Antonio celebrates Fiesta to honor the heroes of the historic Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. In 1909, the Order of the Alamo joined in what would become the city’s largest party and every year has elected a queen to reign over the celebrations. A princess and a court is comprised of twenty-four duchesses, young ladies from San Antonio, as well as outside San Antonio, are elected to represent Texas’ heritage.

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