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.
THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.
From Tuesday through Sunday, between 5 and 6 PM, The Marigold Club transforms into a haven of refined indulgence for their newly launched happy hour. Think half-off champagne by the bottle, caviar service that feels straight out of a Bond film, crisp martinis that demand slow sipping, and a spread of oysters and snacks that elevate the entire affair. Because sometimes, a little decadence is exactly what you need. Enjoy half-off champagne by the bottle, half-off martinis, half-off shrimp cocktail, half-off caviar service, half-off bar snacks, and half-off French fries—each bite and sip is designed to make your evening effortlessly luxurious.
While you are there, discover the intricate mural by Pauline de Roussy de Sales , where hidden nods to The Marigold Club’s story come to life. Delight in the playful crochet art “Sardines on Toast” and “Seafood Salad” by Kate Jenkins , bringing humor and charm to every detail. And don’t miss Sabrina Bockler’s surrealist painting, “Hungry Hearts,” which blends Golden Era Dutch influences with modern themes of identity and abundance. From the hand-painted wallpaper by London’s Degournay to the Murano chandeliers and sconces from Vernier House each piece is a masterpiece in its own right. Every corner of our space is a story, told through art and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re toasting to something grand or simply treating yourself just because, The Marigold Club’s Golden Hour is the perfect backdrop. It’s about savoring the finer things, letting time slip away in the most stylish way possible, and making the evening a little more golden.
So, what are you waiting for? The bubbles are chilled, the oysters are fresh, and your seat is waiting.
*The Marigold Club Golden Hour is available anywhere in the restaurant from 5 – 6 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Glenda and Russell Gordy and Alicia and Garrett Gordy (photo by Wilson Parish)
EVEN AS RODEO season winds down, the party people at the Stage Houston theater company were still donning boots and shouting yahoo — and taking in a record haul of $1.4 million!
With a glittery theme — Rhinestone Cowboys and Golden Vikings — Stages welcomes a fun group of loyal supporters to a tented gala dinner on the grounds of its Gordy theater. Myrtle Jones chaired the ball, with longtime company champion George Lancaster serving as honorary chair.
“Mirrored disco balls, intricate gold chandeliers, and accents of silver and gold sequins set the stage for a chic Western ambiance,” said a Stages rep. “Dazzling floral arrangements of roses, hydrangeas, tulips, and snapdragons adorned tables draped in gold and black linens.”
The dinner menu features beef tenderloin medallion with a rich Zinfandel glace, served up with yellow squash casserole, rainbow baby carrots, and asparagus. For dessert: chocolate pecan tarts, topped with cinnamon-whipped mascarpone, blackberries, and bourbon caramel sauce.
Among many emotional moments, longtime Stages star Denise Fennell gave moving remarks in accepting an award for artistic excellence. “Best known for her role as “Sister” [in the Late Nite Catechismseries], Denise has spent 17 years in the Stages spotlight, where she has also created and premiered original works, including Lessons Learned, which will make its world premiere at Stages this May,” the rep said.
The cast of the western-flavored Das Barbecü musical performed, and Johnny Bravo officiated a boisterous auction. Popular items in the latter included Oscar watching with Elton John and a visit to a posh Montana ranch with Yellowstone cast members.
Guests included Jo Furr, Ralph Burch, Vicki West, Brad and Brenda Jones, theater namesakes Glenda and Russell Gordy, Beth Madison, Ed Finger, and new Stage execs Gwen Watkins and Derek Livingston.
Brenda and Brad Jones (photo by Wilson Parish)
The cowgirl welcome committee (photo by Wilson Parish)
George C. Lancaster and Gwen Watkins (photo by Wilson Parish)
Myrtle Jones (photo by Wilson Parish)
Dean Putterman and Ed Finger (photo by Wilson Parish)
Debra and Mike Dishberger (photo by Jacob Power)
Denise Fennell and Risk Pasqualone (photo by Wilson Parish)
Carey Kirkpatrick and Neil Hershey (photo by Wilson Parish)
Cabrina and Steven Owsley (photo by Wilson Parish)
Luis and Stacy Gomar (photo by Jacob Power)
A First at 4th: Bold Theater Company Gem Touts Successful Debut Gala at Saint Augustine
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
ONE OF THE lesser-known gems of Houston’s performing arts scene — the splendid, bold 4th Wall Theatre Company — threw its first-ever “Fête” gala fundraiser at the beautiful new Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, raking in $212,000 to support it artistic mission.
“Inspired by the company’s upcoming Hamlet — a stripped-down, modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s masterpiece featuring four actors in over 30 roles— Fête swept guests into a ‘killer’ evening with philanthropic flair,” noted a rep for the company. “The night began with a spirited cocktail hour featuring ‘The Ophelia,’ a rosemary Champagne spritz and nod to Hamlet’s tragic betrothed. A generous lot flocked to the cheeky ‘Skull Pull,’ 4th Wall’s take on the traditional gift pull, while a costumed ‘King Hamlet’s Ghost’ and a dramatic fencing duel offered a theatrical preview of the upcoming production.”
The candlelight dinner was a treat, offered up by celeb chek Aaron Bludorn of the hotel’s Perseid restaurant. Other memorable morsels included performances by pianist Ben Childress, vocalist Rachael Logue, and actor-singer Wesley Whitson, who’ll ply the title role in Hamlet. The traditional “paddles up” fundraising ask took on special meaning as board president Ken Bohan, one of the unsung heroes of Houston philanthropy set, personally matched all donations. Live auctions items included trips to Broadway and London’s West End.
“My heart is full of gratitude for our community of supporters that showed up in a big way to make our inaugural 4th Wall Fête gala a HUGE success,” said Managing Director Catherine Dunaway. “Together we set a new fundraising record for 4th Wall — the fuel we will need to power our biggest and most ambitious season yet.”
Guests included Dean O’Kelley, Jody and Julie Batdorf, Amy Sutton, Gary Chiles, Dominic A. Cellitti, Steven E. Breyfogle, Christopher Bacon, Sharyn Feller, David Harris, Lona McManus, Gary Wulf, Donna and Norman Lewis, George Lancaster, Mark Folkes, Christopher Johnston, and David and Audrey Gow.
Colton Larsen, Hoa Nguyen and David Gow
Kathy Hubbard and Annise Parker
Piper and Chris Madland
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
Ken Bohan, Lary Barton and Tripp Carter
Norman and Donna Lewis
Dan O_Brien and Philip Lehl
Mary and Paul Nugent and Sharyn Feller
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