BEYOND WORDS

BEYOND WORDS

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Spring/Summer 24, Browse

Some of the most important style books seen in years will grace your shelves and coffee tables this spring and summer. Make them the most thought-provoking possible, according to our ardent bibliophile Lance Avery Morgan, who recommends his favorites.

CHARLOTTE MOSS FLOWERS

COLLECTING FASHION
By Alexandra Carl

Here’s an indispensable survey of the most important archival collections assembled by fashion’s key players. For the fashion-obsessed, one’s archive is surely a testament to the act of preservation and, of course, a sophisticated symbol of taste. Archives take time to build, with wardrobes or storage units packed to the brim, and the results end up being remarkable representations of fashion history.

$75. At RizzoliUSA.com.

JUERGEN TELLER: FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY 1999-2016
By Juergen Teller

German photographer Juergen Teller has long collaborated with Dennis Freedman, creative director for W magazine, and the former luxury department store, Barneys New York. Between 1999 and 2016, the pair created a sweep of iconic series, all captured in Teller’s trademark realistic style. It’s a fittingly lo-fi tribute to the photographer’s pared-down vision for fashion imagery, as championed by Freedman.

$55. At RizzoliUSA.com.

DESIGNING INTERIORS
THE BEAUTY BRIEF

CITY OF DREAMS: LOS ANGELES INTERIORS
By Annie Kelly and Tim Street-Porter

This stunning collection of inspiring homes begins with a look back, which includes examples of iconic houses inspired by Hollywood film fantasies. The heart of the book features today’s forward-looking homes, divided into two sections: Living with Art and Design and Los Angeles Modern.

$65. At RizzoliUSA.com.

COLLABORATION: A HISTORY OF POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
By Ariella Aisha Azoulay, Wendy Ewald, Susan Meiselas, Leigh Raiford and Laura Wexler

A radical new history of photography from a team of esteemed writers and thinkers that focuses on the complex collaborations between photographer and subject. Working with an accumulation of more than 600 photographs, each entry breaks apart photography and brings tangible traces of collaboration to light.

$85. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.

INVITING INTERIORS
FASHION IN THE 90S

KENTUCKY DERBY FASHION
By Lili Kobielski

Few styles are more iconic than the finery donned by the crowds at Churchill Downs. Enjoy this close-up look at America’s most inimitable sports fashion event. It’s chock full of twenty horses, 120 seconds, 150 years…and timeless fashion. From the hats in the grandstands, to the silks on the track, fashion is as much a part of the Kentucky Derby as the thoroughbreds, the jockeys, and of course, the mint juleps.

$50. At RizzoliUSA.com.

BEACHSIDE MODERN
By Lauren Li

Modern beachside style is more than shells and surfboards as seen in this new tome. Whether the inspiration comes from nautical themes, natural elements, winter blues, or the charm of the Mediterranean, the priority is always comfort and tranquility. It doesn’t matter if you don’t live near the beach—the spirit can be captured anywhere…like here.

$35. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.

MID-CENTURY TRIM WHITE BORDER
ISLAND WHIMSY

GALERIE HALF: SELECTED WORKS
By Cameron Smith

Considered to be one of the world’s best antique and vintage furniture stores, Galerie Half offers a stylish blend of twentieth-century design, European antiques, and eclectic rarities. A favorite purveyor to the Los Angeles design community, the pieces they offer are imbued with a sense of timeless imperfection, as seen in this book.

$95. At RizzoliUSA.com.

GEORGE HOYNINGEN-HUENE
By George Hoyningen-Huene Estate Archives

This in-depth and richly illustrated book combines elegant design and production values. It’s the first publication in almost forty years on the work of the photographer. His images defined an era as a captivating photographic odyssey spanning fashion, Hollywood, and travel.

$100. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.

MID-CENTURY TRIM WHITE BORDER
ISLAND WHIMSY

THE NEW FRENCH LOOK
By Lauren Li

We all know that trends come and go, yet French interiors, old or new, never go out of style. As seen in this book, the new French look is spirited and fresh, layered but never fussy, effortless yet always chic. Referencing history, it offers a respectful nod to the past without ever looking stale and stuffy.

$35. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.

THOMAS BASTIDE: DESIGN
By Thomas Bastide

This offers a look inside the design dynamo’s studio to discover the techniques, concepts, and inspirations that lie behind his glass creations. Having collaborated with prestigious French and international companies, including Baccarat, Hennessy, and Christofle, this volume pays tribute to the unique techniques that he has contributed.

$85. At RizzoliUSA.com.

MID-CENTURY TRIM WHITE BORDER

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Spring/Summer 24, Resort

The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Should Be Your Next Journey, according to our Mexico-loving Jake Gaines. The sun, the water, and the relaxation all add up to the perfect trip close to home with its picturesque views and array of aquatic activities.

Photography courtesy of Andaz Mayakoba

CONTEMPORARY COOL
Once you hop on a quick flight, from two to three hours from most Texas cities, into Cancun, you’ll soon be on your way an hour’s drive to the serene Andaz, whisked away by a private shuttle arranged by the property. We recommend the Andaz Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, a Hyatt concept, as your next retreat to get away from it all. Once you’re on the ocean with the breeze blowing through your hair, you’ll know what true relaxation is. The natural beauty surrounding the region is also home to an idyllic range of flora and fauna that set the tone for a relaxing adventure. Upon arriving at the grand entrance, the friendly team will greet you in front of the prominent, cenote-inspired water feature. Once given a stone to toss into the aqua element, you’re encouraged to make a wish, or intention, for the stay. I wished for serenity for the next few days, and it came true.

In most of Mexico’s resorts today, a modern sense of design and architecture helps you feel like you are somewhere special. At the Andaz, the primarily white and gray color theme of the rooms and suites blend seamlessly into the verdant growth that envelops the resort. Waking up to the exotic birds singing among the lagoon’s many haciendas is a treat. After all, Mayakoba is a 620-acre vista filled with lagoons, jungles, and beaches. Think of it as a secure gated community of luxury private residences three hotels, along with the Andaz: Rosewood, Banyan Tree, and Fairmount. The best part of this collaboration is that you can visit these other nearby resorts, enjoy their amenities, and sign it to your room at the Andaz.

You come as a tourist. You live as a local,” stated Andaz General Manager Pascal Dupuis when we caught up with him over breakfast. At the Andaz in the Riviera Maya, guests are invited to enjoy what might be considered a hidden paradise. It truly is like no other. In the jungle, yet near the ocean, it’s a place where style meets nature at an elevated level. The Andaz’s chic design reflects not only the native Mayan culture but embraces contemporary design, as well. When you arrive, you’ll find 214 guestrooms, including 41 luxury suites…so there’s an option for every visitor. In this lushly preserved mangrove environment, there’s also space for meetings and corporate events since the property offers 14,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting space. Want to host a unique corporate retreat here? You might get Boss of the Year if you do.

EMBRACE NATURE
Being on the ocean, the water is an important part of the resort’s attraction. Sunning on the pristine white sands of the Caribbean beach or at one of two spacious outdoor pools, the tropical vibe is ever-present. The palm trees that sway above lend themselves to the tropical paradise feel. Enjoy time alone in the water or in one of the many cabanas with beverage and food service available. For the ultimate relaxation, the 10,000-square-foot luxe Naum Wellness and Spa, with six treatment areas, can be part of your visit. Want to have one-of-a-kind experiences? This is the place to find them. You can start the day with a two-hour private boat tour that weaves through the lagoons and mangroves to truly experience the majestic beauty of the resort. The sights and sounds of Mexico’s nature, including plenty of colorful birds, are the perfect view while enjoying a five-star breakfast that is served fresh and healthy.

The five uniquely created restaurants and bars at the resort offer culinary experiences to satisfy any taste. Recently, two of its five restaurants were included in the coveted Guia Gastronomica list, which highlights the 250 best restaurants in Mexico. Dining al fresco, which I recommend at every meal at the resort, I was captivated by the substantial architectural point of view of the venue, as well as the ingenious mix of seasonings and spices that were a part of every dish. From the fresh produce to the freshly caught fish, as well as plenty of vegan options, the sky is the limit for delicious cuisine at the eateries. As General Manager Pascal Dupuis muses about the entire resort, “If you are in love with sustainability, nature, experiences, and the perfect location, then Andaz Mayakoba is the place for you.” With so much to offer, what are you waiting for?

LOVE’S TRIUMPH

LOVE’S TRIUMPH

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Preston Harmon And Matthew McLaughlin Tie The Knot

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by James & Jess Wedding Photography

In the City of Love, as Paris is known, Matthew McLaughlin, the son of Vicki and John McLaughlin of San Antonio, surprised Preston Harmon, the son of Shannon and Mark Harmon of Lubbock, with a heartfelt proposal during a stroll through the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, amongst the hundred statues, monuments, and fountains that were scattered throughout the grounds.

“We chose the Argyle in honor of Matthew’s late father as our wedding venue,” said Preston Harmon. “After retiring from his career, he was President of the Argyle for a time. When we spend time there, we think of him and felt that having both the ceremony and the reception, there was a way for him to be included.” The ceremony was held on the lawn in front of the Club, and afterward, there was a cocktail hour there. The newly married couple had a cocktail on the upstairs porch overlooking their guests before joining them. “It was fun because most people didn’t see us. We were able to talk to one another and take everything in. Our guests then made their way to the tent for the reception,” shared Matthew McLaughlin.

From the beginning planning stages, Preston wanted the wedding to feel timeless. Their save-the-dates and invitations all followed the same overall theme. They used a chinoiserie pattern that MF Creative Designs developed, and the primary color theme was light blue, navy, and white. Julian Leaver Events in Dallas was their wedding planner, and Jackson Durham Events in Dallas created the florals and décor. After the gorgeous ceremony, there was a seated dinner for the 250 guests, who then enjoyed dancing to the band, Simply Irresistible from Atlanta, into the wee hours of the morning. The rehearsal dinner was the evening before at Club Giraud.

Preston’s older brother, Pierce Harmon, served as his Best Man, and his attendants were Kaylyn Adams, Jenny Bivins, Emily Callan, Audrey Cash, Hunter Haas, Maddie Weakley Haas, Luke Heytens, Jack Nelms, and Laura Rathmell. Matthew’s Best Man was his twin brother, Michael McLaughlin, and attending him were Tad Brittingham, Charlotte Cooper, Evan Golden, Bo Kamensky, Spencer Lewis, Shelby Maberry, Bryson Marshall, Philip Massari, and Bonnie McLaughlin. Harper and Jones and Studio Lakan custom-designed both of the groom’s tuxedo ensembles.

“Nobody can truly prepare you for the feelings that wash over you when looking around and witnessing nearly everyone who had individually supported both of us…and then joined together to support our relationship from its inception to this most cherished day,” shared the couple. “Having all those dear to us gathered in one place, celebrating our union, is a memory we will forever treasure. The air was filled with an almost touchable sense of joy that night.”

Preston graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, and Matthew graduated from Southern Methodist University. The couple, who reside in Dallas, had a brief honeymoon at Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and are excitedly planning an extended honeymoon in the near future along the coast of Italy.

ADVENTURE IN LOVE

ADVENTURE IN LOVE

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Julia Collins And Graves Peeler Unite In Marriage

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Sergio Sandona

When adventure calls, as they say, answer it. It was an elaborate adventure indeed when Julia Tate Collins, daughter of Cynthia and Everett Collins, married Graves Bowen Peeler, son of Marianna and Jason Peeler, all of San Antonio, in a Mexico City wedding, where the couple and their families have a deep connection.
The couple, who grew up two blocks from each other and met in middle school, began dating their senior year of high school until they were recently married. As a surprise, the groom asked for his intended bride’s hand in marriage while the future bride was planning a party for her sister’s surprise engagement party. So, Julia, still in her pajamas, was shocked when Graves popped the question, with just the two of them in the living room of her childhood home. “I was most attracted to Graves because of his quirky personality and incredible mind,” shared Julia Peeler. “He is always one step ahead of me and knows every answer to any question I ask.” As Graves Peeler enthused, “Besides being beautiful, Julia has an amazing characteristic of seeing the world in such a happy and fun way. She’s kind to everyone she meets and is so adventurous.”
The wedding ceremony occurred in Mexico City’s Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia Catholic Church in Roma Norte. Mariachis welcomed the 250 attendees as they entered the church, and an orchestra performed for the ceremony. The festive reception followed at Proyecto Publico Prim, where a Marimba band serenaded the guests. The bride looked sensational in her wedding dress designed by Romona Keveza, jacket by Carolina Herrera, and veil by Oscar de la Renta, all from Casa de Novia in Houston. The beautiful sapphire and diamond studs she wore were a gift from her bridesmaids, and the diamond in the center of her engagement ring was her grandmother’s, Marilyn Eldridge, and the groom and his mother designed an incredible ring around it. Julia chose her sister, Chloe Collins, as her Maid of Honor, and she had 22 attendants, while Graves selected his brothers to be his Best Men, Luke Peeler and Ben Peeler, along with 18 attendants and Ring Bearer Hardy Clark.
Shades of pink, red, orange, green, and white were chosen for the festivities, which occurred on a full moon weekend, with the wedding planned by Marcela Borro. The floral design was created by Essenza’s Mariana Buendia and included the woven hanging lanterns made by artisans from the Sierra de Guerrero area. The 700 garlands of carnations (2,800 in total) were installed, along with 2000 Oaxacan-style candles that were all handmade in Mexico City with the craftsmen’s ancestral techniques. Guests, who were greeted by Oaxacan masked greeters, dined on a sumptuous buffet dinner. They later enjoyed experiencing a 3-D Photo Booth, piñatas filled with Fireball shots, a champagne tower, dancers, fire throwers, a fortune teller, a hookah lounge, a Beatles cover band, tunes spun by D.J. Men-yo, and a Lucha Libre performance that lasted until 5 a.m.
Julia, who received her master’s degree in education from Texas Christian University works for interior designer Lila Malone. Graves, who also graduated from Texas Christian University and the University of Houston Law School, is an associate attorney at Uhl Fitzsimmons law firm. The couple spent their honeymoon in Rome, Florence, and Tuscany, Italy, and now make their home in San Antonio.

MARRY GO ‘ROUND

MARRY GO ‘ROUND

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Spring/Summer 24, Editor's Letter

Weddings are back. Heck, we’re all back. Like never before. In full force. And we are so excited to be celebrating the very special wedding occasions of some of our favorite families across Texas in this issue. No matter the location or style, we feel like there is something for each of you to be inspired by as we celebrate and elevate across these pages. This issue isn’t just about weddings. It’s about witnessing the kind of spectacle that makes fireworks at a rock concert seem like child’s play. We’ve spared no satin, lace, and certainly no expense. If your definition of ‘wedding goals’ includes swans as ring bearers, a guest list longer than the Great Wall of China, and a dress that requires its own zip code – you’re in for a treat.

We’ve had plenty of experiences over the years covering larger-than-life weddings. We once sat down with a groom over martinis who insisted on getting married in a medieval castle. Suit of armor included. Apparently, he figured that if he was going to make a lifelong commitment, he might as well do it with a sword by his side. Chivalry isn’t dead; it’s often dressed simply in a snazzy tuxedo. Another groom we encountered wanted to arrive at his ceremony by helicopter because why walk down the aisle when you can make an entrance worthy of an action movie hero?

One bride, quite a lovely lass, we met along the way wanted to make her grand debut on a boat adorned with enough flowers to put the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to shame. Practical? Maybe not. But hey, it’s all about the pizzazz and heart-stopping memorable moments, right? We also understand one bride demanded her bridesmaids undergo a rigorous boot camp to achieve ‘wedding-worthy’ fitness. We can only hope they at least got a slice of the twelve-tiered cake as compensation.

On the topic of love, and there’s been plenty written about it in these pages now and over the years with how our nuptial participants met, fell in love, proposed, planned their weddings with families, made things very public or kept them private, honeymooned and then settled into their lives together officially as newlyweds. We are here to guide you through that labyrinth of love, lace, and some ludicrously expensive ceremonies. So, our wildly talented editorial, publishing, and design teams have risen to new heights with this issue. And through those efforts, we have wrangled thousands of participants, stories, and images to create what you are looking at right now. If you’re in the throes of planning your own nuptials or just living vicariously through the extravagant fantasies of others, our luxury weddings offer inspiration for everyone. For a dose of reality amidst the tulle and tiaras, we offer an array of impressive, Texas-sized ceremonies on a silver platter.

This issue promises an adventure into a world where love knows no limits and wedding planners have magical powers. Whether you’re single, taken, or just here for the free planning tips (we don’t judge), we’re here for you. So, grab a copy, find a comfy seat (preferably on a throne made of roses), and prepare to be swept away by the grandeur, glitz, and sheer audacity of love. Let’s toast to the extravagance, boundless creativity, and undeniably stylish chaos that is often the biggest day of our lives. We bid you adieu, still knee-deep in cufflinks and confetti…

 

Lance Avery Morgan

Editor-In-Chief &

Creative Director

Lance@SocietyTexas.com

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Portrait photography by Romy Suskin