2 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
Bridal Edition TABLE OF CONTENTS
4‐6 Gabrielle Coury Hefner and Connor Guy Houston marry in a sunset ceremony at the Omni Hotel.
7 The original BC Clark love story of Flora and B.C. inspires new collection.
8 The OKC Zoo offers the appeal of a destination wedding but close to home.
11 Book a private party at Mama Roja and enjoy amazing views of Lake Hefner.
Photos by Katie Cunningham
Above: Cover bride Gabrielle Houston with her parents Robert Hefner IV and her mom Carol Hefner. At left: With the groom’s family, sisterinlaw Blaire Houston, motherinlaw Brooke Houston, Mr. and Mrs. Connor Houston, brotherinlaw Ike Houston and fatherinlaw Christopher Houston. OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 3
Photos by Katie Cunningham
The bride’s family: From left; Beckett Berglan, Sophia Dangora, Tristan Berglan, Dominic Dangora, Iman Dangora, motherofthebride Carol Hefner, fatherofthebride Robert Hefner IV, bride Gabrielle, groom Connor, Alexis Burckart, Blake Burckart, Kellie Hefner and Robert Hefner V. Flowergirls: Isabelle Burckart, Grace Burckart and Elizabeth Hefner. Ringbearers: Easton Hefner and Pierson Hefner.
Gabrielle & Connor Couple marries at sunset at Omni
G Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Connor Guy Houston.
4 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
Gabrielle Coury Hefner and Connor Guy Houston were unit‐ ed in marriage at sunset on Sept. 4, 2021 at the Scissortail Terrace of Oklahoma City Omni Hotel. Gabrielle is the daughter of Carol and Robert Alexander Hefner IV of Oklahoma City. Connor is the son of Brooke and Christopher Guy Houston of Tulsa. Pastor Jacob White of Life Church officiated the Christian covenant ceremony. The venue was draped and
accented in tufted and draped tex‐ tures of white. White orchids spilled from large vases featuring tropical banana leaf arrangements at the elevated altar. The glass balustrade was accented with boxwood hedges and tropical boughs. Given in marriage by her father, Robert, the bride wore a form‐fit‐ ted gown of crystal, sequin and pearl embellished cream tulle overlaying a mocha satin sheath by Essence of Australia.
It featured a sheer embellished scalloped cathedral length train. Her cathedral length veil was of silk tulle by Toni Federici. She carried a draped bouquet of white orchids, Foxglove and white lilies hand‐wrapped in satin with an heirloom antique handkerchief from her late grandmother, Lynn Coury. Attending the bride were sisters, Alexis Hefner Burckart and Iman Hefner Dangora, sister‐in‐law Blaire Houston, as well as cousin Alyssa Nicole Coury. Bridesmaids included Lauren Engasser, Sydney Johnson, Annie Anderson and McClane Thorp, of Dallas, Texas; Melanie Busbey of Houston, Texas; Monica Elkins of Midland, Texas; and Danni Chilcott, of Oklahoma City. House Party attendants were Madison Rhodes and Emily Dompka of Dallas, Texas; Ashley Hampton of Amarillo, Texas; and Laryssa Lomax, of Oklahoma City. Junior Bridesmaids were nieces Sophia Dangora, of Edmond; Elle, Sophie and Olivia Ingram, of Tulsa. Best man was brother‐of‐the‐groom Ike Houston, of Tulsa. Also attending the groom was brother‐in‐law Robert A. Hefner V, of Nichols Hills; as well as Austin Casillas, Dillon Harding, Grant Guest and Brady Hissong, of Tulsa; Hayden Hedrick, of Houston; and Colt Standefer, Graham Thompson, Jack Arthur and Hudson Lambert, of Dallas. Ring Bearers were nephews, Easton and Pierson Hefner. Serving as ushers were brothers‐in‐law, Dominic Anthony Dangora and John Blake Burckart, as well as Sam Postma, of Dallas. For more, see Page 6
The details: Upper right, the seated dinner reception featured a lush candlelit tropical ambiance with a magnificent soaring treelined table top for the cou ple’s and wedding party table. Above: The sixtier squared cake was elevated by a glass and goldtrunk based structure on an elevated dais.
h
Photos by Katie Cunningham
OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 5
Gabrielle & Connor Cocktail hour featured signature drinks and Mediterranean Charcuterie. Music was provided by Sam Kahre on electric cello. The seated dinner reception was held at Five Moons Ballroom at the Omni. XO Floral by Haleigh Kinney and Mary Ellen Alexander of Eventures, Inc. created a lush candlelit tropical ambiance with a magnificent soaring tree‐lined table top for the couple’s and wedding party table. The cake table featured a six‐tier squared masterpiece by Andrea Howard Designs elevated by a glass and gold trunk based structure on an elevated dais. Guests filled the dance floor to the music
of Grooveline Band and Lebanese heritage dancing until mid‐ night when guests were treated to a midnight snack and a brief video vignette of the wedding and reception by Von Wedding Films. After a private last dance, the couple was whisked away by Bentley convertible to enjoy an extended honeymoon get‐ away in Wyoming and Montana. The Houstons reside in Oklahoma City where the groom is an engineer for OneGas Inc. and Gabrielle is a realtor with the Hefner Team at Sage Sotheby’s and a wine representative with Southern Glazers.
Photos by Katie Cunningham
Above: The wedding party congratulates the newlyweds as the sun sets on the Scissortail Terrace at the Omni Hotel. Below: The couple leaves the reception to be whisked away in a Bentley convertible.
The bride with her junior attendants: Elle, Sophie and Olivia Ingram, Isabelle Burckart, Grace Burckart and Sophia Dangora holding Elizabeth Hefner. 6 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
B
The original BC Clark love story that sparked a legacy
BC Clark’s exclusive new engagement and wedding band collection is not simply an assortment of exquisite rings, but inspired by the love story of no other than company founder, B.C. Clark Sr., and his wife Flora. “My great‐grandparents started our com‐ pany. Along the way they also set an inspir‐ ing example of where love and commit‐ ment can take you,” said Coleman Clark, BC Clark president. “Like B.C. and Flora’s story, these iconic pieces stand the test of time. Classic beauty and passionate brilliance worthy of a lifetime together. We are very excited to introduce this collection to our customers.” In 1892, a few days after arriving in Purcell with dreams of making his fortune in Indian Territory, B.C. Clark met Flora, a young woman working at the post office. The post only came once a day, but B.C. would venture over to “check the mail” multiple times each day. Love blossomed, and in 1894, B.C. and Flora married. Over the years, B.C. and Flora created a beautiful life and family together. At the age of 92, B.C. once said, “The greatest thing in the world is love. My wife is a wonderful person and she has been a source of inspi‐ ration to me all these years.”
“The greatest thing in the world is love. My wife is a wonderful per son and she has been a source of inspiration to me all these years.” — B.C. Clark
Flora passed away in April 1963 and B.C. passed away in June that same year. While their love story concluded after 69 years of marriage, their legacy lives on today. “We are proud to continue that timeless legacy through this new collection,” Coleman Clark said. “We hope these rings will be part of a new generation of strong marriages — sparking many new legacies.” Explore this custom‐designed collection of engagement rings and wedding bands exclusively at BC Clark. Visit BCClark.com or drop by one of their three Oklahoma City locations – Downtown, Classen Curve and Northpark, to view the collection. About BC Clark Founded by B.C. Clark Sr. in 1892, BC Clark Jewelers has remained a family‑owned business through four generations of Clarks. Today BC Clark is Oklahoma’s leading jewel‑ er, and the home to the most sought‑after designers and luxury brands including Rolex, David Yurman and many more. BC Clark is proud to offer Oklahoma's finest jewelry at three locations across Oklahoma City ‑ Downtown, Northpark Mall, and Classen Curve. Visit them at the new www.BCClark.com. OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 7
Sweep your guests away to Sanctuary Asia when you host your big day in the Lotus Pavilion, a twostory building with floortoceiling windows overlooking the entire Zoo.
T
Say ‘I do’ at the OKC Zoo
Tie the knot at the Oklahoma City Zoo! With 120+ acres of lush landscape, exqui‐ site wildlife and a variety of venues, the Zoo offers the exotic appeal of a destination wedding right in your backyard. Sweep your guests away to Sanctuary Asia when you host your big day in the Lotus Pavilion, a two‐story building with floor‐to‐ceiling windows overlooking the entire Zoo. A private pathway will lead your guests to the event space where the architecture seamlessly blends into the ani‐ mal habitats complete with breathtaking views of Asian elephants, Indian rhinos, Komodo dragons and more! If it’s the outdoors you crave, look no further than the expansive picnic grounds engulfed in greenery and settled on the lake’s edges. The large, open‐air Roughneck Pavilion overlooks the lake and is accented by a high wood plank ceiling and two fire‐ places. Your guests will enjoy the lawn access just steps beyond the venue for 8 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
With 120+ acres of lush landscape, exquisite wildlife and a variety of venues, the Zoo offers the exotic appeal of a destination wedding right in your backyard.
additional seating or entertainment. The picnic grounds also house the smaller Wildcat Pavilion and West Picnic Deck com‐ plete with picnic tables and four‐top tables, perfect for a casual reception or rehearsal dinner. Cat Forest provides an ethereal, intimate vibe with winding sidewalks shrouded in bamboo and views of Sumatran tigers, jaguars and other exotic cats. Big Rivers in Oklahoma Trails is an exquisite indoor venue surrounded by native Oklahoma wildlife. Featuring a boardwalk entrance and waterfall, Big Rivers is home to grizzly bears, black bears, river otters and a vast collection of reptiles, amphibians and fish. These immersive venues and more offer ample photo opportunities and unforget‐ table encounters with the world’s wildlife. Your big day should be as unique as you are! Visit okczoo.org/your‐events for more information about hosting your wedding at the OKC Zoo!
OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 9
Make the menu memorable, too
W
Weddings are memorable for a host of reasons. While couples remember their weddings because they mark the day they officially tied the knot, guests may remember weddings for other reasons, including the food served at the reception. Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors that provide unforgettable ambiance. But regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception. Guests might rave about the escargot or complain that the fish was flaky, but couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward ensuring there are more compliments than complaints once the dinner bell rings. • Don't zero in on specialties. According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, a survey of nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, the average wedding hosted 136 guests. While couples might be tempted by spe‐ cialty dishes when choosing their wedding menus, couples who are hosting dozens, if not hundreds, of guests should keep things simple.
• Consider potential allergies. In regard to entrées, make sure guests with food allergies can choose something that won't make them sick. According to Food Allergy Research & Education®, an organization devoted to improving the quality of life of individuals with Couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward food allergies, some common foods cause the ensuring there are more compliments than complaints once the dinner bell majority of allergic reactions. Peanuts, soy, rings. sesame, and shellfish are among the most com‐ mon food allergies, according to FARE. FARE also notes that allergies to wheat, milk and eggs are common in children. While such foods can still be served at wedding receptions, make sure to also include foods that are unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. Couples can even ask guests to inform them of any food allergies. • Don't hesitate to offer a favorite food. While specialty entrées might not be a great choice, especially at large receptions where lots of mouths must be fed, a couple who has a favorite food that's symbolic of their relationship should not hesitate to offer it during the cocktail hour. For example, a couple who met in Thailand may want to offer a favorite Thai dish. • Offer an elaborate dessert. The last bite guests will take is dessert, so couples who want their guests to go home raving about the food may want to offer something special after the entrées have been taken away. Some guests may not indulge, but those who do might end their nights thinking about the delicious dessert they enjoyed as the festivities drew to a close. If the dessert is especially unique, offer something more traditional alongside it for more hesitant guests. Choosing a wedding menu should be fun. Menus should reflect not only couples' tastes but also include some popular foods so no one goes home hungry.
10 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
Every day is a good one at Mama Roja
M
Mama Roja treats every day like a celebration! We have two private dining rooms to help you celebrate life’s moments, big or small. Each room offers extraordinary views of Lake Hefner and breathtaking sunsets, which will make you feel miles away from the ordinary. Our staff will deliver exceptional service while providing a memorable experience for you and your guests. Rooms can accommodate up to 75 guests and are equipped with Wi‐ Fi and audio‐visual equipment. Our event coordinator can help you tailor our menu to suit your special event needs today! Come fiesta with us! Escape from the ordinary with a fresh twist on seafood accompa‐ nied by a premier lakefront view a timeless vibe, sophisticated, fresh cuisine and knowledgeable, service‐driven staff, will make you feel miles away from your everyday life. Our private dining room can host up to 56 guests including an exclusive bar, AV capabilities, and access to our patio and gazebo. The event coordination team can help you hand select a menu offering of sophisticated and fresh cui‐ sine to ensure a timeless atmosphere for your special event. Our out‐ side patio and restaurant can also be booked for larger groups.
Both of Mama Roja’s private dining rooms offer extraordinary views of Lake Hefner.
OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 11
Plus one? Couples need to carefully consider which guests will be extended the option to bring a guest
M
Making a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task. Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invita‐ tion, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those with budgets in mind. According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70. However, catering costs will vary depending on the reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place. When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a "plus one" to the occasion. As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set in stone. Any guest who is married It's typically standard to invite a couple as a whole to the wedding, even if you've never met the spouse. This often comes up when inviting work friends, according to Vogue magazine. Even if you have never interacted with a cowork‐ er's spouse, etiquette dictates that all married guests be allowed to bring their spouses along. Any guest who is engaged or is in a serious long‑term relationship It can be challenging to know the relationship status of everyone who will be invited to the wedding, but chances are you'll have a good idea of those people closest to you. Include a plus one for guests who are engaged or in long‐ term relationships. Consider guests who may not know others Weddings often are times when childhood friends reconnect, or people who haven't seen each other in a while come together. If there's a good chance someone who is single and is invited to the wedding may not know anyone else there except the couple, extend a plus one as a courtesy. Include the wedding party All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing a date to the wedding. Apart from these guidelines, couples can establish any other rules, such as no plus ones for guests under a certain age or those who are not in serious relationships. The Knot also says it is polite to find out who the plus one will be so that wedding reception seating cards include that person's name instead of "and guest." 12 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 13
Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes
Choose a florist wisely
W
Weddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical.
schemes may coordinate with white ranunculus flowers, dahlias, dusty miller foliage, and viburnum berries. • Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with examples in hand. Show the florist the types of arrange‐ ments you prefer and have actual fabric swatches from bridesmaid gowns or groomsmen vests so that colors can be complemented.
Some weddings adhere to themes that are designed to make an impression and showcase couples' personalities. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception. Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that's rustic, romantic, modern or even whimsical. Skilled florists may use a variety of flow‐ ers and foliage, as well as dramatic dis‐ plays to help create the couple's wedding day vision. According to an internal study from the wedding advice and planning resource The Knot, which surveyed more than 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, the average cost of wedding flowers was $2,000 in 2019. However, the cost of floral arrangements can vary depending on the scope of the arrangements and choice of flowers, including whether they're in season or not. It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly. • Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. If your wedding theme ties into a specific season, you will work with the florist to find blooms and other pieces that coordinate. For example, winter wed‐ dings with white, ice blue and silver color 14 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine
Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that's rustic, romantic, modern or even whimsical. Skilled florists may use a variety of flowers and foliage, as well as dramatic displays to help create the couple's wedding day vision.
• Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Types of floral arrangements include bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, maid of honor bouquet, corsages for mothers/grand‐ mothers, boutonnieres for groomsmen and fathers/grandfathers, flower girl headpiece, petals to sprinkle, table center‐ pieces, altar arrangements, pew or chair decorations, and cake decorations. • Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Allergies also may be exacerbated by flowers with strong aromas. Discuss options with the florist before proceeding. • Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget. Couples can take certain steps as they choose floral arrangements for their wed‐ dings. Cost should not be the only factor in the decision, even though it is an important one.
The 4 Cs of diamonds
D
Diamonds are the stone of choice for engagement rings and wedding jewelry. Diamonds are durable and remain a timeless way to complement every style. Anyone who is about to purchase a diamond is encouraged to do their research about selecting quality diamonds. At the heart of the diamond grading process are the 4 Cs of diamond quality. The Cs refer to carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, and cut grade. The Gemological Institute of America helped to create the Diamond 4 Cs and the International Diamond Grading System®. These benchmarks are used to classify all diamonds. The following is the GIA's explanation of each com‐ ponent of the system. • Carat: Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much the diamond weighs and is equivalent to 200 milligrams per carat. Each carat is subdivided into 100 points. Therefore, a one‐carat diamond is 1.00 or 100 points, while a twenty‐five point diamond is .25 carats. Naturally, larger diamonds can be more rare and desirable.
• Color: A white diamond is more valuable the less color it contains. GIA uses a D‐to‐Z grading system to determine a diamond's color value. D would be a color‐ less diamond and Z the most saturated with color. • Clarity: Diamonds are formed by carbon exposed to heat and pressure. Natural internal characteristics known as inclusions and external components called blemishes are the norm. The closer the gem comes to being perfect‐ ly pure without inclusions or blemishes, the greater the value. • Cut: To transmit light and sparkle, diamonds have to be cut precisely and with great artistry. A diamond will be further graded based on symmetry and proportions, as well as how the stone returns light. Brightness, which is the internal and external white light reflected; fire, or the scattering of white light into rainbow colors; and scintillation, or the sparkle the diamond produces, are factored into how the cut is valued. Diamonds are a major investment. Consumers who do their research and verify diamond grading can get the best value for their money. OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 15