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.
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’
LeBrina Jackson
AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.
What are you hopeful for right now in this world?
More love from humanity, absolutely! Especially with the holidays upon us, I'm hopeful that we can all tap into that spirit of generosity and compassion. We've been through a lot, especially since the pandemic and its aftermath, and I think people are craving connection and kindness. I'm hopeful that we’ll take the time to truly appreciate each other and spread a little extra love this season.
What does love look like to you?
Love is about showing up for the people you care about, no matter what. It's about being present, offering support, celebrating their wins, and being a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Love is about creating a safe space where people feel seen and valued.
LeBrina, how do you incorporate the concept of gratitude into your daily life?
Gratitude is my secret weapon! Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone, I start my day by listing a few things I'm grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or the sound of my daughter laughing. Maybe it was my horse’s whinny of joy when I came to saddle him up and he knows a great ride is ahead. Or noticing my son working as hard on his homework as he does on the football field. Thinking of blessings like those helps me set a positive tone for the day and appreciate all the good in my life.
Why is that important to you? What do you get out of it?
Gratitude is like a reset button for my mind. It helps me shift my perspective from what's missing to what I already have. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. And honestly, it just makes me feel happier and more content.
How can you encourage younger generations, kids to embrace this idea?
I think it starts with instilling an attitude of appreciation from an early age. Leading by example is key — kids learn by watching us express our own thankfulness. Create a culture of appreciation at home or in the classroom, encouraging kids to notice the good in their lives. Teaching them to say “thank you” sincerely, to be aware of other people’s feelings and to show kindness can go a long way.
Employees?
Building a culture of celebrating each other is key! Encourage your team to acknowledge wins, big or small, with shout-outs, thank-you notes, or even a fun team lunch. When people feel seen and appreciated, it boosts morale and creates a ripple effect of positivity that our guests can feel too. Lead by example and celebrate your team’s accomplishments!
How can someone incorporate a gratitude ritual into their lives?
It’s easier than you think! Start by literally scheduling a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. You can write it down in a journal, say it out loud, or just think about it quietly. It is a wonderful way to get in the mindset for your daily meditation time. Another idea is to incorporate gratitude into your existing routines, like saying what you’re grateful for before meals or when you tuck your little ones into bed.
What are you grateful for right now, at this very moment?
I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my thoughts on gratitude and hopefully inspire others to embrace it. I'm also incredibly grateful for my amazing family, my supportive friends, and my fantastic team at Escape Spa. And of course, I'm grateful for all of our wonderful guests who trust us to provide them with an escape from the everyday!
All That Jazz: With ‘Moonlight’ Theme, Mercury Mixes Up Musical Medley, Goes Glam for 2025 Gala
Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk
BLAME IT ON the Moon! Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 gala at the Thompson hotel — themed “Moonlight Serenade and chaired by Ally Shell and Martijn Van Koolwijk — was a night of glamour and big band vibes, raising more than $350,000 for the company.
“The event featured a spectacular night of live music, exquisite dining and generous philanthropy,” said a rep for the orchestra. “Mercury musicians, along with performers from Houston Jazz Orchestra, delighted the crowd with a unique fusion of classical and jazz influences, bringing fresh energy to the orchestra’s signature style.” The theme was a nod to Glenn Miller’s iconic “Moonlight Serenade.”
Johnny Bravo led the auction, scoring big bucks for items such as golfing adventures and a fabulous Mexico getaway. A yellow gold necklace with diamonds and yellow beads was raffled off.
“This year’s gala was a true testament to the power of music to unite and inspire,” said Antoine Plante, Artistic Director of Mercury.
Bucks raised at the posh affair will support Mercury’s concerts, community engagement programs, and educational initiatives, which reach thousands of students across the Greater Houston area each year, Mercury says.
Jen Grigsby, Kimberly Rawlins, Anna Winter, Vanessa Weeke and Sherry Weiner
Shane and Marissa Gilroy
Antoine Plante
Kim Padgett, Sarah Leftwich and Donae Chramosta
Mary Foster and Don DeSimone
Brian Ritter, Steve Barth, June Barth and Antoine Plante
- Mercury Orchestra Blasts Off, with Fun Retro-Space-Age Gala and Supporters Like Lynn Wyatt ›
- Lynn Wyatt and Elton John Ditties Among Highlights at Mercury’s First-Ever Opening Night Dinner ›
- 'Arabian Night' Christens Thompson Hotel, Breaks Fundraising Record for Mercury Orchestra ›
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)