The Luxe Life

Austin design enthusiasts gather for sexy summertime house party

Jason Lawson, Carrie HardPhoto by Daniel Davis
Matt Shoberg, Paige ShobergPhoto by Daniel Davis
Wendy Ward, Alex Larsen, Zelina Serna, Mary Anne McMahon, Adam Dorsey, Linda Miller, Evelyn WilliamsPhoto by Daniel Davis
Tim Sack, Yvette Boatwright, Alyssa Flores, Jen Davis Realty AustinPhoto by Daniel Davis
Gert Johan ManschotPhoto by Daniel Davis
Gabriel Trinidad, Hailey Roberts, Mark Stoever, Paula AblesPhoto by Daniel Davis
Jim LaRue, Kristi LaRuePhoto by Daniel Davis
Kelle ContinePhoto by Daniel Davis
Kristi LaRue, Beth WoodsPhoto by Daniel Davis
Kyle McCollum, Megan SmithPhoto by Daniel Davis
Lania Fryou, Katherine Reagan, Killy ScheerPhoto by Daniel Davis
Lisa Hall, Kim Higbie, Kyle McCollumPhoto by Daniel Davis
Sub-Zero Wolf provided a chef for a culinary demonstration.Photo by Daniel Davis
Christopher DennyPhoto by Daniel Davis
Land Restoration designed the landscaping.Photo by Daniel Davis
Roxanne Whaley, Katherine ReaganPhoto by Daniel Davis
Philip Bradshaw, Brooke Friesen, Rez LankeraniPhoto by Daniel Davis
Sarah Beattie, Kyle FirlePhoto by Daniel Davis
Sarah Yant, Jeff Capra, Amy HovisPhoto by Daniel Davis
The home is designed by LaRue Architects.Photo by Daniel Davis
Furniture by Vervano.Photo by Daniel Davis
Yvette Boatwright, Jen Davis, Alyssa FloresPhoto by Daniel Davis

The only thing hotter than the weather was the custom LaRue Architects home where design enthusiasts gathered for a cool cocktail party hosted by Luxe Interiors+Design magazine and Shoberg Homes.

Dripping Springs vodka cocktails and Spicewood Vineyards wines flowed freely, as guests nibbled bites from East Side King and learned a few culinary moves at the chef demo courtesy of Sub-Zero Wolf.

With a bluesy soundtrack from local musician Christopher Denny streaming in from the pool deck, attendees checked out the expertly styled interiors — in particular the stunning crystal antler chandelier by glass artist Jason Lawson, new artwork by Gert Johan Manschot and select furniture by Vervano.

The home, located in the Rob Roy neighborhood, is featured in the fall issue of Luxe Interiors+Design. Design partners include landscape designers Land Restoration, Schroeder Carpets and Hardwood Designs, Portella Iron Doors, and Exclusive Windows and Doors of Austin.

On the scene: Luxe Interiors+Design publisher Tim Sack, Paige and Matt Shoberg, Wendy Ward, Alex Larsen, Zelina Serna, Mary Anne McMahon, Adam Dorsey, Linda Miller, Evelyn Williams, Sarah Beattie, Kyle Firle, Kelle Contine, and Kristi and Jim LaRue.

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Gabby Thomas and Spencer McManes are now engaged. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Five-time Olympic medalist and social media powerhouse Gabby Thomas is sporting some new metal — an engagement ring from luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co.

Vogue magazine reported March 25 that Gabby's longtime boyfriend, Spencer McManes, 29, recently popped the question on the rooftop of a staycation rental in Travis Heights. The 28-year-old Thomas accepted the proposal. Thomas and McManes live together in Austin with their dog, Rico Thee Pug.

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The couple started dating in 2022, one year after she stumbled upon his pizza reviews on Instragram. “I’m a huge fan of pizza myself,” she tells Vogue. “I was like, ‘This looks like really good quality content.’”

Impressed by his pizza prowess, Thomas followed McManes on Instagram.

“I got the notification that I had a new follower. I was like, ‘That’s crazy! Gabby Thomas?’” he tells Vogue. “I immediately DM’d her and asked, ‘What did I do to earn a follow?’”

It wasn’t long before that Instagram follow led to love.

Four years after that initial Instagram encounter, Thomas’s best friend and a photographer witnessed the surprise proposal in a setting that overflowed with fresh flowers. “Oh my gosh, this is happening,” Thomas recalls thinking.

“Normally he’s very bad with surprises — and this was the one surprise I think I’ve ever witnessed him keep,” she tells Vogue.

Thomas, a world-class sprinter, earned three gold medals at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and one bronze medal and one silver medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Thomas has spun her golden success on the track into sponsorship deals with footwear and apparel brand New Balance, Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava, and smartwatch brand Amazfit.

Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard University and a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Thomas and McManes get along despite the fact that he’s an alumnus of Yale University, an Ivy League archrival of Harvard.

McManes founded an Austin-based non-alcoholic seltzer brand called Kaviva. A former Yale football player, McManes competes for the Austin Huns Rugby Football Club, according to TMZ.

Right now, the newly engaged Thomas has little time to celebrate or plan her impending marriage. She kicks off her 2025 track-and-field season this weekend at the Texas Relays in Austin — where she may or may not be flashing her new bling.

celebrities olympics engagement

The Luxe Life

Austin design enthusiasts gather for sexy summertime house party

The Luxe Life

Austin design enthusiasts gather for sexy summertime house party

The Long Run

Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas gets engaged on Austin staycation

The Long Run

Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas gets engaged on Austin staycation