SENSATIONAL & STATELY

SENSATIONAL & STATELY

by | Dec 30, 2021 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2022 January February, Parties

Opening German Gala Presents Debutantes

By Jake Gaines     Photography by Katie Clementson of Billo Smith Photography

THE STYLE: The San Antonio German Club recently hosted its annual Opening German gala in honor of the season’s debutantes. Held on a crisp, cool autumn evening at The Red Berry Estate, owned and operated by the RK Group, the ball offered a glorious night of dining and dancing in celebration of the club’s group of young ladies being presented to the city’s society in such stately surroundings.

THE SETTING: Resplendent in gorgeous white gowns, this year’s debutantes sparkled as they were presented by their fathers, then led to their escorts. A tent was constructed by Illusions Rentals & Design to hold the presentation ceremony, and Catering by Rosemary created the food stations. The cuisine was situated outside, in front of the estate, by the water’s edge under a moonlit sky. Ramiro Cervera and his Orchestra provided the live music for the presentation and the first dance of the debutantes with their fathers. The floral decor was created by Danny Cuellar and the Trinity Flowers team. The multi-colored arrangements provided the stunning color palette for the presentation stage and the tabletops. The after party music was provided by In IOCity and DJ Genafire.

THE PURPOSE:  The 2021-2022 President is George Edward Hinchey, and Stuart Lee Cavender, Jr. was the chairman of the 2021 Opening German. Formed in 1880, an inspired group of young San Antonio men gathered to create a new social organization. They named it The Ascension Club, which quickly flourished in San Antonio’s society. In 1890, under the leadership of J. Riley Gordon, Oliver Warwick, George W. Martin, and Francis L. Town, the name of the Club was changed to The San Antonio German Club, after The German, a popular dance of the era, which became a traditional dance during the Club’s early years. For 141 years since that time, with the exception of only a few years, the San Antonio German Club has presented its debutantes during San Antonio’s social season.

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OH, HOW PARISIAN

OH, HOW PARISIAN

by | Jun 30, 2021 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2021 July August, Parties

The Order Of The Alamo Hosts The Court Of Parisian Splendour Coronation

 

By Jake Gaines         Photography by Katie Clementson

THE SETTING: Because of the pandemic, the original The Order of the Alamo coronation date in 2020 was moved twice to 2021 when the Order hosted a privately-themed event, The Court of Parisian Splendour, that occurred al fresco with a much smaller attendance and COVID protocol in place. The Argyle was the venue for the Coronation of the Queen and her Court, a reception, and dance afterward. 

 

THE STYLE: An entire stage was built that allowed the court to make a full entry, bow, and then ascend the main stairs of the Argyle. Mistress of the Robes Kate Coiner Park, and the event’s artistic directors, Amy Stieren and Wendy Stieren, began working on the court’s 26 Queen, Princess, and Duchess’ dresses and robes long before the ceremony. The Parisian theme of the gowns was based on extensive research and design to represent the various icons, monuments, and culture from Paris. Then the dresses were draped over the railings of the second and third story verandas. The main “house” of the Argyle served as the evening’s set, while the families and their guests looked on. The intimate setting, and master of ceremonies, Albert Steves, as the Lord High Chamberlain, made it an exceptional event for all who participated.    

 

At the beginning of the show, the Order honored the 2020 The Order of the Alamo President Elliott G. Hayne, accompanied by his three daughters. Representing Napoleon I, Albert Steves V was introduced as the Lord High Chamberlain. After the 24 Duchesses and their Dukes were presented, including six from the Visiting Court and eighteen from the Royal Household, the current 2021 Order President Andrew B. Price and his son, Nelson, arrived to preside at the Coronation of the Queen. The Princess, Hannah Elizabeth Bakke, was presented, after which all rose for the Queen, Elizabeth “Liza” Grace Huey, crowned by 2021 Order President Andrew B. Price.

 

After the coronation, the Duchesses came down to the stage from their seats on the verandas. Their trains remained on the Argyle verandas, and they exited down the main ramp, waving to their friends and family.  Albert Steves’ last words to the audience were “Until the City of Lights beckons again…remember, that Paris…is always a good idea”.