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    Secret garden romance

    Houston couple's romance blooms in enchanted River Oaks garden wedding

    Holly Beretto
    Dec 9, 2019 | 2:02 pm

    There was just something about the River Oaks Garden Club Forum that Tyna and Micah Manzano knew would make it the perfect space for their wedding ceremony and reception.

    "We loved the character of the 100-year-old building," Tyna says. "There was this intimate element, along with the fact that it wasn't made for weddings, that made it more romantic to us."

    The couple also wanted to play off the forum's natural beauty, and with the garden in full bloom on their April 20, 2019 wedding, the romantic aspect of a secret garden space was enhanced. Tyna, a customer development director at a technology company, and Micah, who is sales manager at a manufacturing company, loved having such a unique space, and used a white palate to enhance the angelic feeling they felt the forum offered. Using Lanson B. Jones for their flowers meant beautiful blooms and an elegant aesthetic.

    Tyna says that one of her most special memories from the day was having her grandmother walk her down the aisle. Tyna's grandmother had already considered Micah a grandson long before the wedding, so that moment was significant to both bride and groom.

    "We also had a grandma-granddaughter dance to 'In My Daughters Eyes,' which was so special because Micah's family has really taken us in as family — so looking out and see them smiling back and crying will always stay with me," Tyna says. "Our friends affectionately call her glam-ma, for the look that was given to her on our wedding day from our sweet makeup team, Kiss and Makeup."

    Throughout the wedding planning process, there were many enchanted, serendipitous moments. Tyna met her wedding planner at a coffee shop. When the couple went to listen to a DJ demo, DJ Chaney was covering for DJ they were supposed to see. They loved his personality and ability so much, they knew they had to have him.

    And when Tyna requested information from the photographer, Kelly Hornberger, the two coincidentally wound up being on the same flight from Houston to Denver the very next day. Kelly's romantic photos and fine art eye would add to the couple's secret garden wedding feel.

    By Tyna's own admission, she and her husband are a quirky, connected pair, something one of her bridesmaids mentioned in a speech at the wedding reception. She and Micah met through a mutual friend (who was also a bridesmaid at their wedding) at a crawfish boil.

    "She called me before I got there, saying she found my future husband," says Tyna. "We actually went on our first date that night to karaoke. We didn't sing very well, but we gave it our all; we even had a little choreography."

    They had a little choreography at their wedding, too, dancing under the stars.

    "What a magical feeling to have perfect weather, dancing out in the heart of Houston with those you love most, under the beautiful night sky," says Tyna about the reception. "And boy, did we dance!"

    The couple honeymooned in Greece, visiting Athens, Paros, and Santorini. Now, settled back in Houston, they're enjoying their new life together.

    "I knew our marriage would be something special, but, wow," says Tyna. "Nothing compares to having my loving husband always in my corner as my biggest supporter. I am proud he is my teammate and best friend."

    Micah agrees, offering, "I've been fortunate to do and go to some really cool places, hands down, without a doubt, our engagement and marriage has been my favorite experience yet."

    Wedding planner:Yvette and Marie Events
    Ceremony:River Oaks Garden Club Forum
    Reception venue: River Oaks Garden Club Forum
    Photographer: Kelly Hornberger
    Videographer: Julia Wycliff
    Caterer: Demeris Catering
    Linens: Demeris Catering
    Bridal gown:BHLDN
    Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu's
    Groom's tux:Suit Supply
    Groomsmen's tuxes: Men's Warehouse
    DJ: DJ Chaney
    Florist: Lanson B Jones Floral and Events

    Flowers on the Bronco.

    Real Weddings Houston Tyna Micah Manzano
      
    Photo by Kelly Hornberger
    Flowers on the Bronco.
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    Horns Up High

    Burnt orange spirit lights up Houston at Texas Exes scholarship gala

    Joel Luks
    May 16, 2025 | 5:45 pm
    Texas Exes Scholarship Gala 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Kisha and Jason Itkin, Sallie Alcorn, and Kurt and Tara Arnold.

    It was an elevated burnt orange night at River Oaks Country Club as more than 300 Longhorn faithful gathered for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter’s Longhorn Legacy Scholarship Gala on April 10. The evening’s honorees, Kisha Itkin, Jason Itkin, Tara Arnold, and Kurt Arnold, were celebrated for their generosity and spirited support of The University of Texas at Austin.

    Texas Exes Scholarship Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Kisha and Jason Itkin, Sallie Alcorn, and Kurt and Tara Arnold.

    Greeting guests at valet was none other than Bevo, the famed Longhorn steer and unofficial mascot. Inside, a sculpted ice bar featuring the honorees' names and the Longhorn logo in vibrant burnt orange wowed the crowd. Underwritten by Mike Lowenberg of Lowenberg Law Firm, the frosty centerpiece offered a fitting nod to the honorees’ indelible mark on UT’s legacy. Meanwhile, a UT Tower ice sculpture, framed by a festive balloon wall by Topped Off Co., provided yet another irresistible photo op.

    Leading the evening’s program was Cyndy Garza Roberts, who kicked off festivities with a stirring video. Athletics director Chris Del Conte praised Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnoldfor their invaluable ideas and steadfast support, reinforcing the honorees’ impact beyond just philanthropy. Texas Exes Houston Chapter president Kyle Griffin and event chair Tawnya Bell also shared personal stories, with Bell's emotional scholarship journey underscoring the night’s purpose.

    Personal testimonies from UT grads and scholarship recipients Janelle Chavez and Will Florer inspired more generosity, culminating in a $330,000 fundraising triumph. Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn capped off the tributes with a mayoral proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire, officially declaring April 10 as Kisha and Jason Itkin and Tara and Kurt Arnold Day in Houston.

    In true Longhorn tradition, the evening closed with all guests standing, horns up, singing "The Eyes of Texas, a fitting finale to a night brimming with spirit.

    Spotted were Chuck Harris, Brien Smith, Rick Harsch, June Deadrick, Brock Niezgoda and Meg Hayward, Jackie and Scott Freeman, Luisa and Dr. Lucky Chopra, Ginger Cearley, Erin and Nathan Phelps, Kristen Griffin, Adam Pulaski, Stephanie Wilcox, Catherine Campbell, Al Riddle, Lauren Riddle, Michele Leal and George Farah, Winell and Doug Herron, Kristen Cannon, Niki and James Lassiter, and Amy and Segev Zadok.

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