2023 January February Archives - Page 2 of 6

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

Seton Development Board’s Hosts 45th Annual Gala

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: The Four Seasons in downtown Austin was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most beloved and anticipated fall events. It was the 45th annual Seton Development Board gala, where over 300 philanthropists, sociables, and community leaders turned out for an evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The black tie optional crowd sported an elegant mix of tuxedos and suits, ballgowns, and cocktail dresses with many vibrant colors spotted in the crowd. The Create the Future theme perfectly accented the cheerful color palette of whites, oranges, yellows, and pinks that dazzled the patrons on hand. The festivities began with a lively cocktail hour where guests posed for photos against a gorgeous floral step and repeat upon arrival. Conversations were had both inside and out as many partygoers opted to have their libations al fresco while enjoying the crisp autumn air.

The action then moved inside to the Four Seasons ballroom for the main program. As the attendees dined on their multicourse meals, they were treated to a series of touching tributes and words from organizational and community leaders on how much the Seton Development Board has positively impacted Central Texas in the past and how it will continue to do so in the future. After the program concluded, guests returned to the ballroom foyer and terrace for a nightcap reception.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Caroline Trube and Ashli Knust, raised over $580,000. Funds raised from this year’s gala will go toward providing support for women’s healthcare needs in Central Texas and beyond. Over the past 45 years, this storied event has raised over $15 million for a variety of Ascension Seton Healthcare projects and initiatives.

LIKE CHILD’S PLAY

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2023 January February, Parties

**Children’s Museum of Houston Hosts Viva Las Vegas Theme Gala**

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

THE SETTING: The Corinthian in Houston was the recent setting for one of the most anticipated social events of the fall season. The Children’s Museum of Houston’s Viva Las Vegas gala attracted over 500 philanthropists and sociables for an evening of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The black tie crowd began the evening in style as guests ascended the grand staircase to the venue’s mezzanine level for cocktails. Partygoers had the opportunity to pose with Vegas performers, including an Elvis impersonator himself, for a photo to commemorate the evening. Once inside, as guests mingled, they perused the impressive array of silent auction packages generously donated by local merchants.

The festivities then moved to the ballroom level of the venue for the main program. As guests dined on their delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to words from the organization’s leaders. Next was the live auction where patrons bid on an array of items, including a week in Aspen, a Houston Astros game day experience, and a private overnight party at The Children’s Museum of Houston, which sold twice. The fun continued well into the night as revelers took part in a casino, which capped off the fabulous evening experience.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Disney and Max Harris, Lexi and Michael Marek, and Liz and Crosby Scofield, raised over $950,000 for the Children’s Museum of Houston. Funds raised from the event will go towards an array of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for children 12 years of age and under.

ART OF NATURE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

The Contemporary Art Dinner Hosts Gala With Dinner Al Fresco

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: A gorgeous evening at Laguna Gloria was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated fall social events. Three hundred philanthropists, art collectors, and sociables descended upon the magical space for the 9th Annual Contemporary Art Dinner…and in the process, were treated to a stunning evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: Partygoers brought their fashion A game with a dazzling mix of bright colors and metallics, creating a happy, welcoming atmosphere that could be felt the second guests entered the upper grounds of Laguna Gloria. Here, the guests could be sipping their favorite spirits and socializing. At the same time, patrons mingled inside the villa on the grounds to view one of the seven lots available during the auction portion of the evening.

As the clock struck eight o’clock, revelers were treated to a performance from a live band, signaling the start of the next part of the night. Dinner and the main program were held on the lower grounds of Laguna Gloria for the first time in the event’s history. More than a few jaws dropped with awe as partygoers entered the open-aired tent, which featured an enchanted nature theme. As everyone dined on the delectable cuisine courtesy of MML Hospitality, they were treated to words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up fundraiser, and a spirited live auction helmed by Sotheby’s, which featured works from top Contemporary artists, including Carlos Amorales, Gisela Colón, The Haas Brothers, Rachel Wolfson Smith, and others. The evening was capped off with an after party where the fun continued well into the night, courtesy of tunes spun by the Chulita Vinyl Club.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Danielle Nieciag and Teresa Windham, raised funds for The Contemporary Austin’s educational and programming opportunities.

SOUTHERN TRADITION

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | Weddings 2023, 2023 January February

Hannah Claire Gibson and Michael Houseman Gresham Unite In Marriage

By Alexandra Del Lago Photography by John Cain Photography

It was a secretly planned engagement for Hannah Claire Gibson of San Antonio, the daughter of Jenny and Jay Gibson, by Michael Houseman Gresham of Indianola, Mississippi, the son of Louise and Tom Gresham, who were wed in San Antonio. The groom assembled his future wife’s family, as well as his parents, in town by surprise from Mississippi, who would join the festivities once the bride said yes to his proposal. “There were margaritas and maracas in hand, cheering and toasting to the surprise that had been pulled off,” enthused Hannah Gresham. “Within the hour, all of our siblings and a few of my closest San Antonio girlfriends joined in the celebration, and a parade of mariachis topped off the occasion.”

The three-and-a-half-year courtship led to the wedding at Christ Episcopal Church, where the bride grew up attending and was also confirmed. It was the ideal venue for the ceremony for the 550 invited guests, as The Reverend Justin Lindstrom officiated. The couple each had 15 attendants. The bride wore a silk white trumpet-style gown of organza lace set with intricate flowers by Carolina Herrera from Julian Gold Bridal.. She paired the gown with an heirloom veil from the groom’s family, framed with Alençon lace. She also wore a custom pearl choker necklace with an opal brooch center made from her great grandmother’s opal ring and a matching earring set, all designed by Fannie Thomas Jewelry.

Since the wedding occurred right after Easter and Fiesta, the duo wanted to celebrate their reception at The Argyle with family and friends by fully embracing the pleasant springtime weather and by dancing under the open sky as the entire venue was set up as an indoor parlor brought outdoors. Its array of beautiful porches, storied rooms, charming sections like the Coates Garden, and extensive lawns proved perfect for the occasion. During the cocktail hour, guests mingled among a string quartet and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, a magnum champagne station, and a sushi station, with multiple custom bars that carried specialty cocktails of an Espresso Martini and Aperol Spritz. A dinner was served in various custom-trimmed candelabra and flower-flanked tents that featured multiple food options from the bride and groom’s backgrounds from San Antonio and Mississippi, with trays featuring “Taste of Mississippi” and “Taste of Texas”. The guests danced the night away to the sounds of the Drywater Band on a custom dance floor designed by Katherine Moore, one of the bridesmaids, of Katherine Jezek Designs and executed by Illusions Tent and Events. The afterparty music was provided by a DF from Cutting Edge Entertainment. The rehearsal dinner the evening before was held at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

The bride is a graduate of Texas Christian University and owns Hannah Vista Photography. The groom graduated from the University of Mississippi and from Southern Methodist University graduate school and is the vice president at the private equity real estate fund, Velocis. The couple honeymooned in Hermitage Bay, Antigua. They now reside in Dallas and love exploring new places in their travels, skiing in Colorado, tennis, and neighborhood strolls with their dog Hazel.

AN EVERGREEN LOVE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, Weddings 2023

The Nuptials Of Milla Brusenhan And Carter DeWalch

By Jake Gaines Photography by Caroline Lima

It was the most perfect day when Milla Brusenhan, of San Antonio, the daughter of Alicia and Harry J. Brusenhan, and Carter DeWalch of Houston, the son of Julia and Mark DeWalch, were married at the Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio. After a courtship of three years, the groom proposed to his intended bride at Mattie’s Green Pastures in Austin. The duo has celebrated many landmark occasions in their relationship at this venue. “When we first met, I loved Carter’s kind and gentle personality as well as his love for travel and adventure,” shared Milla DeWalch. “I loved Milla’s infectious, happy personality and adventurous spirit when I first got to know her,” said Carter DeWalch. “She is an incredibly loyal, loving, and the most supportive and kind wife.”

The nine-month engagement led to their stunning wedding day at Christ Episcopal Church, where the church sacraments were exchanged, followed by a reception at Club Giraud and Southwest School of Art. The intimate wedding ceremony and reception was elegantly sublime with springtime colors of organic, free-form flowers, chosen to capture the essence of the newlyweds. The bride wore a gown designed by Oscar de la Renta accented with the Parker Veil, a family heirloom on her mother’s side of the family, that has been passed down for generations. Milla’s grandmother’s earrings crowned the ensemble.

The wedding event planning dream team was the collaborative expertise of Katherine Lopez of Sweet August Events, who realized the bride’s ideas and brought them to life, along with Danny Cuellar of Trinity Flowers and Jessica Huisman of Freesia Designs, who defined and refined the exquisite floral design. A delicious dinner was served by Club Giraud and also highlighted Milla’s favorite drink, a spicy Ranch Water and Carter’s Old Fashioned. The band, Love and Happiness, from Austin, surprised the couple with a fun and fantastic blues-inspired “Front Line” performance as the newly married couple arrived at the reception. Milla and Carter then surprised everyone with a disco ball, hidden by a ceiling of flowers, that was lowered down above the dance floor, mid-way through the celebration.

The rehearsal dinner at The Argyle, hosted by the groom’s parents, Julia and Mark DeWalch, began the wedding weekend on the highest and happiest note, reconnecting and tying together both families and dear friends. This ever-special and beautiful evening was capped off with a super fun Post Toast given by precious friends from Houston.

The bride is a Texas Christian University graduate and completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She is working as an occupational therapist at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. The groom graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and is a development manager at Hillwood Communities. The couple enjoyed a whirlwind honeymoon in Italy, where they visited Lake Como, Florence, Montepulciano, and Rome. They now make Austin their residence, where they love spending time together at home, enjoying the outdoors with their dogs, fly fishing, cooking, and trying new restaurants.

TWO OF HEARTS

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | Weddings 2023, 2023 January February

The Marriage Of Leslie Ticku And Michael Shulman

By Alexandra Del Lago Photography by Matthew Alvarado, Hey Beloved

It was meant to be. While working in New York City, this couple met through friends who spent summers in the Hamptons and winter ski trips to Colorado together. For Leslie Ticku, the daughter of Beth and Forrester Smith III, and the late Dr. Raj Ticku, of San Antonio, and Michael Shulman, the son of Kristine and Dr. Jay Shulman of Dallas, romance blossomed quickly. After dating for three years, the couple was engaged for six months while planning their San Antonio wedding.

“He surprised me on my 30th birthday when we were surrounded by friends,” enthused Leslie Shulman about how the groom popped the question. “I had a wine-tasting birthday party, and Michael proposed toward the end of the night when it was time to bring out the cake.” The groom, Michael Shulman, shared, “When I first met Leslie, it was her sweet smile that drew me in. We quickly found ourselves puzzling and cracking little jokes. My crush only grew from there. Now, her humor, work ethic, and intelligence are her most impressive traits.”

The nuptials, which occurred on the lawn of The Argyle witnessed by over 200 guests, was a memorable and elegant celebration. A color palette of gorgeous shades of blues, greens, pinks, and oranges was implemented for the sunny occasion. The bride wore a gown designed by Lela Rose, and the couple was each supported by their 17 attendants. Reverend Allie Hayes Shulman, the groom’s sister-in-law, was the officiant, which made the day very special, surrounded by their family and friends.

The reception, a seated dinner, followed at The Argyle. The couple’s favorite dinner selection of Pepper Bomb Filet and Mesquite Red Snapper was served while the tequila flowed, and plenty of Espresso Martinis were enjoyed throughout the evening. The event planner was Katherine Lopez of Sweet August Events, while Danny Cuellar of Trinity Flowers created the lively floral décor. The band, Drywater, played to the guests’ enjoyment. The rehearsal dinner, a Welcome Fiesta, was held in the courtyard at Hotel Emma, and the reception’s after party was there, as well.

The bride is a University of Texas at Austin graduate with a degree from the School of Communications and is the director of marketing at a technology company, Out Of Office. The groom graduated from Southern Methodist University and is now vice president of Asset Management. They reside in Dallas and honeymooned in Tuscany’s Maremma region of Italy. The couple are wanderlust travelers and love an adventurous road trip with their Goldendoodle, Ollie, as well as finding great new restaurants wherever their travel journeys take them.