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.
MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.
At 40 years old, Michelle has carved out a significant niche in the competitive world of Houston real estate. Reyna Group, under her leadership, boasts a team of 25 highly skilled agents who collectively cover the extensive Houston area, Galveston, the Hill Country, and Mexico. Reyna Group is renowned for its client-centric approach, ensuring that every transaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
"Our goal at Reyna Group is to provide unparalleled service to our clients," Michelle asserts. "We believe in building lasting relationships based on trust, the utmost level of care during each transaction, and stellar results.
With her unwavering commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach, Michelle is poised to continue leading the Reyna Group to new heights. Her story is a testament to what passion, hard work, and a client-first mindset can achieve in the dynamic world of real estate.
photo by Chris Nguyen
THE OWNERS BEHIND two of the Heights' most beloved nightlife destinations are teaming up to bring the neighborhood a new hangout.
Starduster Lounge opens later this month, from White Oak Music Hall cofounder Will Thomas and Benjy Mason of Johnny's Gold Brick and Winnie's. The eclectic project is located at 3921 N. Main St., the former home to Spanish Flowers restaurant, and is designed to recall Texas in the '70s, with touches of cowboy and Tejano culture. The 1940s building has been reimagined as a wacky Tex-Western lounge, pulling inspiration from its past lives as a Latin music venue and Mexican restaurant. Expect vintage fixtures, hand-painted tiles, architectural details like archways, and a mural of a desert by local artist Carissa Marx-Beaty.
The space will be inviting to those who wish to kick back with a brewski and those who want to sip on a high-end cocktail alike. According to a release, a peek at the drink menu reveals a mix of agave spirits and whiskey, plus a tight list of fun and approachable cocktails from local bartender Justin Ware. (The Freezer Cosmo with hibiscus and lemongrass vodka sounds delish.)
As for food, there will be a rotating lineup of Houston food trucks to be parked outside.
Starduster Lounge bows late January and will be open until 2am nightly.
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Former La Griglia Space Will Soon Become Goode Co. Cantina — with an Exclusive Tequila Bar
AN ICONIC RESTAURANT space on West Gray, once home to La Griglia and a hopping patio scene, will soon be vivacious once again. In March, Goode Company will opens the fourth outpost of its popular Tex-Mex spot Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina on West Gray at McDuffie.
The Kitchen & Cantina menu touts beautifully executed classics like mesquite-grilled fajitas, enchiladas verdes, taquitos and mouthwatering combo platters, all made with hand-rolled tortillas, house-ground sausage and more. With existing locations in Memorial, the Heights and The Woodlands, it has garnered a following city-wide.
But there's something about the new River Oaks restaurant that goes beyond the basic margarita: Behind the main building, a "cavern-like" agave-focused bar will feature a drink list comprised of mezcal- and tequila-forward beverages, plus a menu of light bites like flautas and aguachile. More info about the forthcoming Bar Buena can be found on Instagram.
“We are excited to continue Goode Company’s journey and expand into the River Oaks community with this new location,” said Goode Company Chef and President Levi Goode in a statement. “We aim to create an inviting atmosphere where people can unwind, relax on our outdoor patio, enjoy some delicious food, or take in an excellently crafted cocktail at Bar Buena.”
Rendering of new Goode Co. Kitchen + Cantina (courtesy Brown McGregor Architects, Inc.)