Rob GIardinelli Archives - Page 3 of 27

STORY OF SONG

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

Change Sings At The SAFE Storybook Gala

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Konstantin Belyshev and Justin Rouhier

THE SETTING: The Omni Barton Creek Resort in Austin was the recent setting for a night of fun and fundraising. Over 600 attendees were on hand for the annual SAFE Storybook Gala. The cocktail-attired crowd began the evening with drinks in the foyer outside the venue’s ballroom. Guests were encouraged to wear their favorite attire to showcase their musical flair as a nod to the theme of the evening, Change Sings. As partygoers sipped on their favorite spirits, they had the opportunity to peruse silent auction items, receive a personalized poem courtesy of Typewriter Rodeo, and mingle with other revelers.

THE STYLE: The festivities then moved into the ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on their delicious multi-course meals, they were treated to highly impactful testimonials from the organization’s leaders and those who have benefitted from SAFE’s services. Next came a spirited live auction with many fabulous items, the highlight of which was a private in-home dining experience with Uchiko’s Tyson Cole, which sold twice for $30,000 each.

The evening was capped off by giving the SAFE Guardian Award to Frankie Fowler, who was recognized for her tireless contributions to the organization. Upon receiving the award, she was surprised by an onstage performance by the Austin Chapter of the Texas Gospel Choir, whose beautiful songs brought tears to the eyes of many, and the crowd to their feet, ending the evening on a high note.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Pamela Benson Owens and Diane Land, raised over $900,000 for The SAFE Alliance. Funds raised from the event will provide services for children and adults of abuse, including shelter, face-to-face and digital support, advocacy, prevention, and educational programs.

PERFECT PARK-ING SPOT

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

Mumford & Sons Headlines Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s Gala

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt, Mill Photography Studio

THE SETTING: A picture-perfect fall evening at Waterloo Greenway Park in downtown Austin was the recent setting for a fabulous night of dining and music al fresco for a worthy cause. Over 700 of the city’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, and community leaders were on hand for the second annual Glow in the Park, which has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the fall social season.

THE STYLE: The attire? It was “cocktail with a twist” as partygoers mixed cocktail gowns and suits with sneakers that were ideal for the evening’s festivities. The cocktail hour was held on the concourse of the Moody Amphitheatre under a beautiful and shaded tree canopy, where patrons mingled as they brimmed with anticipation for all the fun ahead.

The festivities then moved down to the lawn of the Moody Amphitheatre for the main program, where partygoers gasped as they descended the stairs onto the lawn, which had been transformed into a stunning al fresco ballroom. As guests dined on a delectable family-style meal courtesy of MML hospitality, they were treated to words by the organization’s leaders, as community leaders Gary Farmer and Chris Mattson were honored for their dedication to the venue.

Next came a live auction and paddles up that raised over $500,000 and included such notable items as a Party Like a Rockstar experience at the Moody Amphitheatre, an International Foodie Lovers trip, and a dinner with world-renowned chef Mathew Peters, being among the most popular. The evening was capped off with a show-stopping performance by Mumford & Sons, whose tunes brought the crowd to their feet and ensured the fun lasted well into the night.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Sabrina Brown and Jamie Chandlee, with Susan and Gary Farmer and Chris Mattson serving as honorary chairs, raised over $1.9 million for the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Funds raised from the event provide free programs and access to the 11-acre public greenspace located in downtown Austin, which includes one and a half miles of scenic trails, playscapes, and the world-class 5,000 seat capacity Moody Amphitheatre.

A WORLD OF LOVE

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

Alexis Williams & Alex Barry Exchange Nuptials

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Remi Dupac

It is a classic story of modern-day Texas. Two people move from places outside of Texas to Austin, one of the most desired cities in the world. The two initially connect via the dating app, Bumble, yet the fellow instinctively knows that the lass is the one for him. Instead of waiting for her to reply, he heads to another well-known app, Instagram, to direct message her, and, as they say in all great love stories, the rest is history. Thus begins the love story of Alexis Williams, the daughter of Amber Williams and Kurt Williams of Portland, Oregon, and Alex Barry, the son of Mary and Tom Barry of Dublin, Ireland.

Once together, the adventurous couple was immediately drawn to one another. “I knew that we would get along. Even if things don’t go to plan, we are always a good team,” recalls the groom, Alex Barry, upon first meeting his future bride. Meanwhile, Alexis was drawn to their shared interests and beliefs. “I chose Alex because our values and beliefs align. He is kind, loyal, and genuine. Plus, we have so much fun together,” mused the bride.

The couple, who share a love of sports and the outdoors had dated for three and a half years when the groom popped the question on a hike in Austin. “It was right after the 100-year ice storm in February 2021,” recalls Alexis Barry. “We went on our hike with a beautiful overlook. He got down on one knee and popped the question with the sweetest speech. My dream man in my dream city. I was over the moon happy.”

The bride and groom were engaged for 18 months, and during that time, the couple decided France was the place they wanted to marry. After touring nine different wedding venues around the country, they found the perfect spot at Chateau de la Napoule, a 14th-century castle on the Mediterranean Sea in Cannes. The wedding was a two-day affair, which is traditional with Irish weddings. The first day featured the wedding itself, held al fresco on the grounds of the chateau. The shades of pink color palette created a bright and whimsical balance to the Medieval architecture of the venue. Âme Luxury Events planned the wedding festivities. The couple’s first dance was the most memorable part of the day. The bride and groom had hired a dance instructor to teach them a routine, which was performed to an acoustic version of the song, Cinema. After a few choruses, the music transitioned into a faster, electronic version to get the party started.

Keeping with the Irish wedding customs, the second day of the celebration featured a more casual party than the wedding day itself. Friends and family donned their finest summer white ensembles for a Sunset Beach Party at the Riviera Beach Club in Cannes. “There is nothing chicer than being in all white at a beach club on the French Riviera,” mused the bride. The fun continued at the beach club until about 1:00 AM, when a large part of the group headed to one of the hottest clubs in Cannes, Baoli, to dance the night away, capping off two days of pure love and joy.

The couple, already in their favorite country in the world, stayed in France for their honeymoon for an additional week by spending time in the Provence countryside. They live in Austin, where the bride is an interior designer, and the groom works in finance.

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

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

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.