Nothing makes the promise of a fun wedding more official than a smashing engagement party and that's exactly what KTRK Channel 13 news whiz Miya Shay and state representative candidate Gene Wu enjoyed Friday night when more than 80 of their BFFs gathered at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House to celebrate.

Del Frisco's GM Arthur Mooradian hosted the fete that had guests sipping cocktails, savoring light bites and digging into the cupcakes that were specially prepared by executive chef Steve Haug. Tropical exotic florals, compliments of Miriam Habib and Lexis Florist, filled the party space.

Much of the buzz centered on the couple's plans for a destination wedding, a project that event planner Deborah Elias is working on along with bridesmaid Kim Padgett.

The chic party crowd included Jessica Rossman and Gordon Bethune, KHOU Channel 11's Courtney Zubowski, the mayor's press secretary Jessica Michan, Channel 13's Tom Koch and wife Brenda, KPRC Channel 2's Mary Benton, Jack Rains, Erica Rose, Dr. Franklin Rose, and Channel 8's Ernie Manouse and Jackson Hearn.

A heartfelt au revoir

From day one in the fashion hot seat at Saks Fifth Avenue, Sylvia Forsythe has been one of the hardest working, well-liked women in the field. And now she has moved on to join the team at St. Luke's Episcopal Charities, but not before friends and her SFA family wished her fond farewell.

Lucky Chopra sponsored the luncheon fete on Friday at his 51 Fifteen in Saks and the gathering was hosted by a group of friends — Anne Carl, Kimberly DeLape, Deborah Duncan, Kim Moody, Beth Sanders Moore, Wendy O'Hanna, Warner Roberts, Pily Simon, Alicia Smith, Michelle Leyendecker Smith and SFA GM Terry Zymslo.

Zymslo, with Sylvia on his arm, delivered the most moving toast of all the champagne tributes, causing everyone's eyes to fill with tears.

Adoring fans who've worked and played with Sylvia over the years included Lenny Matuszewski, chef Philippe Schmit, Tena Faust, Nidhika Mehta, Mehrnaz Gill, Terry Wayne Jones, Phyllis Williams, Merele Yarborough and Ericka Bagwell.

Look for Sylvia as director of development for programs and events at St. Luke's.

A grand boost for Project GRAD

Franci and Jim Crane opened their swankienda for an educational evening on the benefits of Project GRAD complete with students working the room to shed light on the educational program. Founders Kathryn and Jim Ketelsen, H-E-B president Scott McClelland and Project GRAD executive director Ann Stiles welcomed guests to the cocktail party.

Learning about the 750 graduating seniors to receive Project Grad scholarships next week were Connie and Roger Plank, Lesha Elsenbrook, Jeanie Kilroy, Ann and Carl Stern, Cathy and Dr. Gary Brock, Joan and John Scales, Judy Allen, Dina Alsowayel and Tony Chase and Bobbie Nau.

Sight 'ems

Karen and Mike Mayell, Sallymoon and Dr. Alan Bentz, Dee Dee Gugenheim and friends dining at various tables at Brasserie 19 . . .

Lora and Dr. John Clemmons celebrating their wedding anniversary with friends at Tony's . . .

Melissa Mithoff celebrating her birthday over lunch with a lively bunch of gal pals at La Griglia. Among the partying brood — Greggory Burk, Rosemarie Johnson, Courtney Hopson, Debbie Festari, Kara Howes, Mauney Mafrige, Milette Sherman and Carmen Maria Montiel.