ON THE HEELS of last year's San Luis Salute, which was Texas' biggest Mardi Gras bash ever, Tilman Fertitta was determined to throw another stupendous celebration.
And that he did. Nearly 2,000 tickets were purchased within hours of them going on sale, and revelers from all over the country flew in to party Mardi in Galveston.
Per the Fertitta family's custom, a Champagne-fueled pre-party was held in a chandelier-bedecked tent on the dock next to their mega-yacht, The Boardwalk. Guests sipped Veuve and explored the $150 million, 77-meter yacht before heading to the main event, a gala at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort.
Channeling the "Gilded Masquerade" theme, Richard Flowers of The Events Company created stunning tablescapes flecked with gold, colorful blooms and chic animal print. Speaking of wild, fire dancers, sword-swallowing showmen and an aerial violinist entertained the black-tie-clad gala-goers to the sounds of The Big Beyond.
After a seated dinner of short rib and gourmet shrimp and grits — the latter dyed purple in true Mardi Gras fashion — guests got on their feet for Pitbull, who last performed at the San Luis Salute in 2016.
Thomas and Hailey Kleiderer
Rich Handler
Blayne Fertitta and Dancie Ware
Patrick Fertitta, Paige Fertitta and Blake Fertitta
Carol Alvarado and Renu Khator
Lance and Alicia Smith
Caroline Brown and Elizabeth Kohlhausen
Kelly Wainscott and Craig Kovacevich
Chris Titterington and Sophie Titterington
Pitbull
The Boardwalk yacht
2023 Knights of Momus Royal Court and Tilman Fertitta