Months after Benjamin Brollier proposed to Courtney Corinne Wood in the garden of her family’s home, with a cushion-cut diamond ring his mother Louise helped select, his mom passed away. In planning their lavish New Year’s Eve wedding at River Oaks Country Club, C.C. and Benjy kept Louise top of mind and in their hearts, curating thoughtful details like heirloom jewelry and special wedding programs. But the high school sweethearts also wanted to celebrate life and love, and ring in a fresh New Year with 500 loved ones — a vision expertly executed by Keely Thorne planner Jennifer Kaldis, and the floral and decor team at Todd Events. C.C. and Benjy each had 18 attendants standing by their side at the altar, and out on the dance floor, which remained packed even after the stroke of midnight! After fueling up on late-night breakfast tacos, the newlyweds escaped in a convertible Rolls-Royce — with a backdrop of fireworks, of course.
Arts of Healing Taps Surgeons, Researchers to Model in Tootsies Style Show
Emily Peterson
THE ARTS OF Healing organization has grown tremendously over the past few years, and this spring, Tootsies hosted a crowd of 300-plus for a charitable style show featuring 20 influential physicians and medical professionals.
The models were selected not only for their contributions in their field, but also for the ways in which they connect with their community. The beautiful ladies strutting their stuff included surgeons Tamara Saunders, Christy Moeller, Victoria Chang, Kelly Bree, Mara Antonoff, Kristy Hamilton, Sanaz Harirchian and Abigail Rodriguez; cardiologists Tim Pham and Brit Owen; anethesiologists Emily Peterson and Tiffany Su; family medicine practitioners Gabrielle Lyon and Monica Kalra; healthcare strategists Paola Alvarez-Malo and Alex Colver Brock; gastroenterologist Chami Amaratungee; gynecologic oncologist Anne Busisiwe Alaniz; researcher Livia Schiavinato Eberlin; and philanthropist and CEO Jessica Hatch Farrokhza.
Tootsies’ creative director Fady Armanious hand selected outfits for each of the models, and the crowd applauded and cheered them on as they took to the catwalk.
“Through medicine, art, creativity and community, we impact physicians’ and patients’ lives,” said Arts of Healing executive director Kristen Collins, who coordinates other events including a fall art show and gala, and a summer art camp for pediatric cancer patients. “We specifically design outlets and events for creativity and connection for the physicians, as well as patients.”
Alexis Rosales, Nadia Hafeez, Jasmine Gallo
Whitney Lawson, Carson Brown, Casey Adams
Brittany Chamber, Amber Shelvin, Lisa Joubert
Tina Maddox and Rebecca Zhou
Amy and Christen Springs
Mandy Breckbill and Rachele Goetz
Danielle Antosh, Katie Bolt
Lauren Haire, Jen Grigsby
Christy Moeller
Kristy Hamilton
Kristen Collins and Fady Armanious
Jessica Hatch Farrokhza and Brookelyn Barton Avila
Monica Patel, Brittany Owen, Shaden Khalaf
Tamara Saunders
Tiffany Su
Isaac and Lori Raijman
Jacy Cooper, Ashlee Rubbo
Ede Booth, Laurie Dykoski, Tammy Saunders, Brittany Allen
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Stage Right! Symphony’s Wine Dinner a Lavish Affair for Gourmands and Oenophiles
Robert Clay, Dana Barton, Bobbie Nau and Tony Bradfield
DINNER ON THE stage is always a special privilege for arts patrons — and the annual Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction, served on the stage of the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, was arguably even more spectacular than usual. After all, in addition to the uniquely striking setting, Symphony supporters also were treated a multi-course meal by chef Aaron Bludorn, paired with wines chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods.
Some “350 guests marveled at intricate French-inspired centerpieces featuring roses of varying colors and candelabras,” said a Symphony rep of the black-tie affair. “Upon arrival, guests mingled while admiring a variety of outstanding wines and spirits part of the silent auction and grazed on light bites including duck cigars, pimento cheese gougères and arancini.”
After guests were seated, a starter of Ora King Salmon with satsuma and parsnip was presented, followed by a rich ravioli filled with short rib, red onion and fig. Filet mignon with pommes puree, creamed spinach and a topping of sauce chasseur was the main course. For dessert: pavlova with strawberry, Chantilly cream and lemon curd.
The sold-out event, chaired by Nancy and Bryan Ruez, with help from wine auction chair was Jack Matzer, raised more than $850,000 for Houston Symphony’s education and community-engagement initiatives, per the company. VIP guests included Jesse Tutor, Bobbie Nau, Margaret Alkek Williams, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Daniel Irion, Kirk Kveton, Elia Gabbanelli, Robert Sakowitz, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Jacquie Baly and James Craig.
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Margaret Alkek Williams and John Mangum
Aerin and Quentin Smith
Ann and Jonathan Ayre
Chairs Nancy and Bryan Ruez
Elia and Michael Gabbanelli
Elizabeth Colombowala, Valerie Dieterich, Ann Ayre, Rachel Ellsworth
Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion
Eric and Lisa Lindsey