July 6, 2019 Tie The Knot Signature Issue

CELEBRATING YEARS

120

TIE THE KNOT ISSUE ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY | KCINDEPENDENT.COM | JULY 6, 2019 | $3.00

May Your Wedding Be “Inspired”

inspiredoccasionskc.com

816.444.8372

Unique Ideas....Unforgettable Events

www.inspiredoccasionskc.com

816.444.8372

The first-of-its-kind in the US, The Bubble Tap Trailer KC by Tap Trailer Co. is a vintage-inspired mobile bar serving bubbly and other offerings on tap.

Two of our taps serve bubbly and one is “wired” to serve flat wine (rosé anyone??)

The self-contained trailer is compact in size and fits into most event spaces making it perfect for parties, corporate events and weddings, as well as large festivals and public events.

The bubbly comes by the keg, with each keg containing roughly 100 glasses of ready-to-drink bubbly. There are no bottles to open or dispose of and the best part, no waste (because wasting alcohol should be a crime).

The interior of the trailer has a “champagne room” photo booth lounge, making your event even more Instagrammable.

taptrailerco.com • @BubbleTapKC • tami@taptrailerco.com

E S TA B L I S H E D 1 8 9 9 | K A N S A S C I T Y ’ S J O U R N A L O F S O C I E T Y | K C I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M

Bailey Pianalto Photography

r. and Mrs. Dan A. Haugh of Lawrence, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Alden Elizabeth Haugh, to Brad Alan Harris, the son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Joseph Harris of Saint Paul, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Gene R. McLaughlin and the late Dr. and Mrs. Oscar M. Haugh. Alden is a graduate of Lawrence Free State High School. She earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture economics from Kansas State University. Alden is a BOTAR, class of 2009, and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She is employed with Bartlett and Company in Kansas City.

Her groom-elect graduated from Saint Paul High School. Brad received a bachelor of science degree in business marketing from Pittsburg State University. He is careering with Commercial Bank and Harris Land Management. Theirs will be a March 28th wedding at The Jayhawk Club in Lawrence.

THE INDEPENDENT (USPS 260-700) is a magazine of distinguished society, chronicling clubs, sports, and the cultural events scene with complete coverage in Kansas City’s preferred buyer’s market. Published bi-weekly except for December 2019 when we publish the first and second Saturdays. Published by The Independent Magazine L.L.C., Kansas City, Missouri, and Periodicals Postage Paid at Kansas City, Missouri. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material submitted for publication, including photographs. The publisher expressly prohibits the mutilation of this publication and the sale of individual clippings, articles or photographs there from whether or not item is sold in its original form or in combination with any other product, process or article. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned. Copyright by The Independent Magazine L.L.C. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. The Independent POSTMASTER: please send address changes to The Independent, 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120, Prairie Village, KS. 66208.

Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 5

TIE THE KNOT 2019 We hope you enjoy The Independent’s special salute to weddings. This signature issue will celebrate more than a century of weddings with all of the things that go along with saying, “I do.” So come on, let’s tie the knot!

Reprinted from the May 7, 1938 issue of The Independent.

6 | July 6, 2019 |

@theindependentkc

Reprinted from the May 14, 1938 issue of The Independent.

1924

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Reprinted from the July 30, 1938 issue of The Independent.

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Corbin Gurkin

Bride’sBook C

ortney Leigh Patterson and Christopher Downey Barton were united in matrimony on March 1st at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of the late Jeanne Lillig-Patterson and the late Neal Patterson. Cortney is the granddaughter of Frances and Paul Lillig of Kansas City, Missouri, and the late Betty and Wendell Patterson. Her groom is the son of Dianne and Bruce Barton, Jr., of Prairie Village, Kansas. Chris is the grandson of the late Mary and Charles Downey, Jr., and the late Jane and Bruce Barton. Clare Amey served as a maid of honor for her cousin. In addition, Jessica Jackson was a maid of honor. Chris’ sister, Caroline Barton Tudas, was a bridesmaid, as was Cortney’s sister, Lindsey Patterson Smith. Serving as bridesmaids were Elizabeth Adams, Stephanie Bradshaw, Jane Gleaves, Jessica Hebenstreit, Elizabeth Heddens, Elizabeth Nelson, Catherine Rault, Eva Roffis, and Kristina Young. David Calvert served as the best man. Cortney’s brothers, William Patterson and Clay Patterson, were groomsmen, as was Ryan Tudas, Chris’ brother-in-law. Benjamin Alingh, Kerry Bowen, Patrick Cohen, William Daugherty, Jr., Garrett Geiger, Kevin Joseph, Blake May, Brian Meyer, and Fulton Taylor all served as groomsmen. On March 2nd, members of the Patterson family hosted a sumptuous reception at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for Cortney and Chris. Following a honeymoon in the Seychelles, the happy couple is at home in Fairway, Kansas. Cortney is employed with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, and Chris is employed with Five Elms Capital, both in Kansas City.

Chris and Cortney Barton

The Wedding Party

Ryan Tudas and Caroline Barton Tudas, Bruce Barton, Jr. and Dianne Barton, the newlyweds, William Patterson, Clay Patterson, Carrie Patterson, and Matt Smith and Lindsey Patterson Smith posed with the flower girls and ring bearers.

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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

The happy couple with their beautiful wedding cake

Love At First Plié

By Paul Horsley

L

Bailey Pianalto Photography

illiana Hagerman and Lamin Pereira dos Santos may thrive on dancing other eating lunch,” Lilly said. It wasn’t long before Lilly and Lamin knew the hyper-romantic characters of 19th-century ballets, but in real life they were going to be together for the rest of their lives. their romance is as contemporary as it gets. They met, in fact, on At that time, though, neither felt a strong urge for wedding bells. “Of course, Facebook Messenger: After a mutual dancer-friend “introduced” them, they I would have loved to have the ring on my finger,” Lilly said. “But we already spent three months getting acquainted online, knew we were going to be together forever, so we through chat and Skype. And already during their didn’t need to be married at that moment.” “We “electronic courtship,” Lilly (as friends call her) both were content with what we had,” Lamin said. was enchanted by Lamin’s courtly grace, and he “We didn’t have to be married to be happy.” But by her beauty. “He saw a picture of me with our shortly after the five-year mark, when it seemed as mutual friend, and he fell in love right away,” said if everyone around them was getting married, they Lilly, who was born in Italy because her parents, decided to take the plunge. Last August, they were both members of the United States Air Force, were wed at a friend’s home in Kansas City’s Northland, stationed at Aviano. “When we did meet, I felt like with 40 people in attendance. “When it did I’d known him my whole life. … We were friends happen, it felt right,” said Lamin, who had already already.” asked Lilly’s father for permission. “I knew he was That was eight years ago, and Lamin and Lilly, going to say yes. But I wanted him to know first, who both joined Kansas City Ballet in 2014 and he promised not to tell. … He almost started (Lilly as KCB II dancer initially), have been crying, and he expressed how happy he was.” inseparable ever since. “I think it was better this “Being married hasn’t changed us much,” Lilly said, way, because we were talking for so long without “but it has simplified international travel.” any physical contact,” said Lamin, a Rio de Janeiro When the two finally got to dance as a couple native who studied at American Ballet Theatre’s together onstage, as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Onassis School before dancing with Washington Cavalier in KCB’s The Nutcracker, it was a magical Ballet Studio Company and Orlando Ballet. moment. Dance is what brought them together, Electronic courtship worked for them, they said, and it’s what keeps them strong. “It’s really because they got to know each other on a deeper, important that we share the same passion,” Lilly more personal level than a face-to-face couple said. Watching Lamin’s perfectionist work ethic has often does. When they finally met, it was as if deepened her love. “You get to know a lot about music from Swan Lake swelled to a fortissimo. “As someone’s personality by seeing how they work,” soon as we saw each other, we just ran and she said, adding that it doesn’t surprise her that hugged and kissed,” Lamin said. “It felt like we Lamin Pereira dos Santos and Lilliana Hagerman knew each other already … like we had just been apart for a long time, and were reconnecting.”

Lamin is chosen for so many Born to a middle-class Brazilian family, Lamin never imagined himself a Prince-like roles. “He’s very good dancer until at age 10 he accompanied his sister to her dance and movement at looking elegant and manly at classes and was immediately “hooked” by the music and the movement. Lilly the same time.” As for Lamin, seemed destined to dance: Already at watching Lilly dance is always a age two she could not stop moving. “My riveting experience. “She is very parents said they would just put music strong onstage … never afraid to on, and I would put on my Dad’s ‘connect,’ both with the audience combat boots and just start dancing. and with her co-workers. You I was always moving.” At age four, Lilly always notice her, because of her moved with her family to Florida, where presence and her natural beauty.” at six she began to study dance of all kinds, eventually becoming a member of For the full-length version of this Orlando Ballet’s Second Company. article, go to kcindependent.com Fast-forward a few years: Lilly and and click on Arts Corner/BRAVO. Lamin were becoming an item, something that doesn’t remain a secret To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts editor; send an email to for long at a ballet company. “You’ll see paul@kcindependent.com or find him on these two people who normally sit on Facebook (paul.horsley.501) or opposite sides of the studio, and all Twitter (@phorsleycritic). of a sudden they’re sitting next to each

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@KCIndependent

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Forged in the North

Claire O’Laughlin, Jennifer O’Laughlin, the bride and groom, Nancy Lee and Jonathan Kemper, Charlotte Kemper, and David Kemper

Bride’sBook M

olly Elizabeth O’Laughlin and Nicolas Thornton Kemper were married on January 19th at The Church of the Transfiguration in New York, The jubilant couple New York. They chose the church, also known as The Little Church Around the Corner, because it was where Nicolas’ great-great-grandparents, Julia Stone Wood and Arthur Grissom, were married in 1895. Arthur Grissom would, with George Creel, go on to found The Independent. The bride is the daughter of Jennifer O’Laughlin of New York and the late Dr. Martin O’Laughlin. Molly is the granddaughter of Mary Ann Nickell of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and the late Dr. Maurice Nickell, and the late Genevieve and George O’Laughlin. Her groom is the son of Nancy Lee and Jonathan Kemper of Kansas City, Missouri.

Nicolas is the grandson of the late Bettie and Royce Smith and the late Mildred and James Kemper, Jr. On the evening prior to the ceremony, the Kempers hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Lotos Club. The Reverend John David van Dooren and the Reverend Andrew Fiddler officiated the wedding. Claire O’Laughlin was her sister’s maid of honor, and David Kemper served as his brother’s best man. Charlotte Kemper, Nicolas’ sister, was a bridesmaid, as were Lila Grace Brown, Jennifer Chen, and Veronica Shi. The groom’s cousins, Jean-Charles Foyer, Carter Waite, and Morgan Waite, were groomsmen, along with Henry Foote, Arvind Miriyala, and Chengqi John Wan. Evelyn Jackson and Mildred Jackson, cousins of the groom, were the flower girls. The couple’s parents hosted the wedding reception, which was held at The Central Park Boathouse. Following a honeymoon in Stowe, Vermont, the couple is at home in New York. Molly is a writer and translator, and Nicolas is a façade designer with Laufs Engineering Design in Long Island City, New York.

(Front row) Mildred Jackson and Evelyn Jackson (middle row) Claire O’Laughlin, maid of honor; Jennifer O’Laughlin, the bride and groom, Nancy Lee and Jonathan Kemper, David Kemper, best man; and Charlotte Kemper (back row) Henry Foote, Jean-Charles Foyer, Lila Grace Brown, Jennifer Chen, Veronica Shi, Morgan Waite, Carter Waite, Chengqi John Wan, Arvind Miriyala, and Christopher Black

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@theindependentkc

The newlyweds enjoyed a special moment.

Love The Little Black Dress

By Ann Slegman

Lauren Muth AP Visual

I

t’s wedding season, and what’s the wardrobe piece that every woman wants and needs, whether it’s for the rehearsal dinner or for the wedding itself? You’ve got it right—the little black dress or “LBD.” Rightfully Sewn can be the spot where wedding guests or family members can find that unique piece that everyone will notice and compliment you on, whether you’re dabbing your eyes during the wedding vows, toasting the bride and groom, or boogeying on the dance floor.

Rightfully Sewn is a charitable organization that creates jobs McClain Bryant modeled the beautiful Little Black Dress. and opportunity through the business of fashion. It provides seamstress training for at-risk women so they can thrive in a specialized workforce that will reestablish Kansas City as an epicenter of garment manufacturing. At the same time, Rightfully Sewn can propel fashion designers to market so they can supply the burgeoning demand for high-quality, American-produced garments.

One of Rightfully Sewn’s key strategies is to empower women by teaching them a trade and assisting them with job placement, thereby elevating them out of a systemic situation. Another is to cultivate local fashion designers through competitive, two-year long residencies and access to trade shows, professional development workshops, a speaker series, and documentary screenings. It also hosts an industry directory and jobs board and offers small batch garment production services, including pattern making, sample sewing, sourcing assistance, and production management.

Why did Rightfully Sewn create the little black dress? Said Founder and President Jennifer Lapka: “When we went through Kauffman FastTrac NewVenture (now called ELEVATIONLAB NewVenture) to develop the business plan for Rightfully Sewn, we included the launch of one dress per year - the sales of which would support our programs.” The garment’s simple, elegant design was a collaborative effort by Rightfully Sewn Team Members Jennifer Lapka, Godfrey Riddle, Pamela Lucas, Sarah Watts, and Helena Doni, intern.

The garments are being cut and sewn in Rightfully Sewn’s state-of-theart atelier in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District. Right now, Rightfully Sewn offers for sale on its website this chic, versatile garment that is designed to flatter an array of body types and is perfect for every age.

Said Jennifer: “The dress retails for $189, which allows everyone who was involved with it - the pattern maker, sample seamstress, and production seamstresses - to earn a living wage with benefits, and part of the sales supports our Seamstress Training Program and Fashion Designer Professional Development Program.” This is a little black dress that you can feel good in and feel good about.

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

Rightfully Sewn

1800 Wyandotte Street, Suite 204 Kansas City, Missouri 64108 816-491-8136 • rightfullysewn.org Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent |13

Art Insider |

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

B

enjamin West’s double portrait of Mr. and Mrs. John Custance from 1778 offers us a grand moment – the marriage of two dignified and elegantly dressed people.

With the formal setting and the stiff body language, viewers might wonder whether there is any affection between the man and woman. Is the bride, Frances Custance, curtsying to her new husband or stepping up to offer him her hand? Both stare into empty space rather than directly at each other. Perhaps a dreamy gaze into the future? General indifference? Or was the artist intending to convey the gravity and holiness of matrimony? To the left, lightening the mood, we see the Greek deity Hymen, the god of marriage ceremonies, and he smiles wryly at the couple. Above Mrs. Custance, Cupid seems to have lifted a swath of drapery from the bride’s face. The artist Benjamin West was an American who studied art in Italy, then established himself as a portraitist and history painter in England.

This work was shown at the Royal Academy in 1779 with the description, A gentleman and lady, painted in commemoration of their marriage. As one critic said at the time, Mr. Custance appeared to be in glowing health, but Mrs. Custance “looks as if taken out of a tomb where she had been deposited by mistake, and where she had Benjamin West, American. (1738-1820) Mr. and Mrs. John Custance, 1778. stiffened and grown cold.” This celebrated Oil on canvas. 60 ¼ x 84 5/8 inches. Purchase: Nelson Trust, 34-77. masterpiece in the American Galleries of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art takes us back to a time when marriage was serious business. Today, we are fortunate that weddings are occasions of great joy, when two people celebrate their love in the presence of family and friends.

Julián Zugazagoitia

“Worried about what to wear for your engagement photos? Lean on your photographer! Your photographer can provide expert styling advice from pairing color palettes, to accessorizing, to styling your hair, so you'll look and feel your most confident in your photos!” – Bailey Pianalto, Bailey Pianalto Photography

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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

1933

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Nuptial

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amie Ruth Sloman and Scott Jared Frank were married on Coronado Island in Coronado, California, on May 9th.

The bride is the daughter of Susan and Neil Sloman of Coronado, formerly of Our Town. Jamie is the granddaughter of the late Rosine and Dr. James Helzberg and the late Bernice and Norman Sloman. Her groom is the son of Cindy and Larry Frank of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Scott’s grandparents are Blanche Edelman of Delray Beach, Florida, and the late Isadore Edelman, and the late Janet and Stanley Frank. The evening prior, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Coronado Shores.

Katherine Herrick, sister of the bride, was the matron of honor, and Kelsey Smith was the bridesmaid. Matthew Frank served as best man for his brother. The bride’s nephews, Tommy Herrick and Nicky Herrick, were ring bearers, as was Derek Frank, the groom’s nephew. The bride’s parents hosted a wedding reception at Peohe’s. The couple took a trip to Ensenada, Mexico, and will honeymoon in Thailand this fall. Jamie and Scott are at home in White Fish, Montana. Jamie is employed with Vacasca Properties, and Scott is careering with Deaton & Company.

Half Full Photography

David Riffel

T

Love Is In The Air

humbing through our archives from the past 120 years, you can’t help but smile at the happy faces of wonderful people who have graced our pages. In our Tie The Knot issue, we’re spotlighting special couples who are celebrating big anniversaries this year. Read on to see their engagement and wedding announcements from yesteryear, accompanied by a photo of the couples today. Cheers to love in Our Town!

Edward Lars Benson and his bride, formerly Judith Ellen Smith, daughter of the Robert Monroe Smiths and granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert William Smith, radiate happiness over a traditional bridal cup at their Carriage Club reception. Vows were read December 29th amid white blooms and holly at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The newlyweds left for Philadelphia, where the son of the Emil Lars Bensons will graduate in June from the Wharton School of Finance.

60

Years

Reprinted from the January 16, 1960 issue of The Independent.

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@KCIndependent

1937

1938

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet

Love Planning For The Big Day

S

arah Quinlivan of Quintessential Events and Kindra Browne of Simple Elegance are two of Our Town’s premier wedding planners. These days, weddings have many moving parts, and a bride and groom and their families may need assistance with vendors, venues, hotels, contracts, transportation, and the multitude of ‘day of’ arrangements. These two capable, professional women will make sure your wedding is seamless and worry free–a joyful event, full of love and many happy memories.

Jefferson May Photography

Wirken Photography

Kindra Browne Simple Elegance 913-397-9932 iplanyourwedding.com

Sarah Quinlivan Quintessential Events 785-331-6676 kcweddingplanner.com

What is the best advice you could give to brides and grooms?

What are the services you offer to an engaged couple leading up to the wedding and for the day of the wedding?

Sarah: We have three packages, whether it’s full coordination, which is eight months out or longer; partial planning, which is three months out; or month of coordination. We are flexible and customize. We do the planning and are right by your side. We are in it with you. We are focused on hard work and fun times.

Kindra: We offer three types of services. Full service is designed for couples who want direction, creativity, and a trusted partner throughout the entire process. Final steps is our partial planning service where we come in three months prior to the wedding and help in the final decision-making process, plus execute the wedding weekend. Wedding day management and directing service begins six weeks prior to the wedding day. With this service, the couple has done the planning, and we come in and help them wrap it up logistically.

How many people work for you?

What are their various roles?

Kindra: I have four full-time planners in the office and three part-time planners on the team. I am the owner/CEO. I mainly do full-service weddings and run the company. Holly Davidson is one of the full-time lead planners and is also president of the company. Lisa Forbes, Lauren Ferran, and Nichole La Piana are full-time lead planners. Alyssa Walz and Paulina Boydston are my part-time planners. We also have an incredible assisting team that helps on the weekends.

Sarah: I have two assistants. We are small but mighty. We work well with people who are like us. We give a couple everything we have and are attracted to people who have the same philosophy. It’s lots of hard work, but we love what we do.

18 | July 6, 2019 |

@theindependentkc

Sarah: Before you even start, plan a budget that will work within your means.

Think about what is important to you, whether it’s an amazing band, gorgeous flowers, or the food and alcohol. Think about your guests and where they are staying. Make sure they are at an accessible location, close to the rehearsal dinner, wedding venue, and the amenities our city has to offer.

Enjoy the planning process. Celebrate every decision. Don’t get stressed out.

Keep your relationship front and center. We want you to tell your story, and we work hard to develop the flow during the night of the wedding so that people don’t want to leave.

Kindra: Take some time to talk about what you really want for the wedding planning process and the wedding day. Discuss your expectations about who will be involved in the wedding meetings and who will help make major decisions. Having a road map for what you want, including the wedding investment and who will be making decisions up front, makes everything so much easier from day one.

What makes your company unique compared to other wedding planners?

Kindra: First, we have 23 years of experience. I started in 1996 because I had a deep passion for weddings and also because I was excited to help couples start their marriage with a beautiful celebration. Since then, I have been able to build a team that shares the same core values, and my company was the first of its kind in Kansas City. Each planner is gifted and unique, but we all follow the same system and creative process. We also don’t believe in receiving incentives from vendors or charging overall percentages of the wedding budget for our fees. We have a flat rate and are very transparent with our process. We understand the urgency, excitement, and anxiousness of each couple and have a time-tested relational process that works.

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hing blue * The Independent

TIE THE KNOT 2019

Sarah: Quintessential Events was started in 2015 after years spent in the advertising/public relations world. My mission is to provide couples with a stress-free, one-of-a-kind wedding planning experience as a way to make a difference in people’s lives. The planners at Quintessential Events take the time to truly understand our couples—who they are, what they want, and what really matters to them. We live for a challenge and love when couples come to us with distinct and different ideas for their wedding. We use this insight to create weddings that are truly unique. We believe this approach, along with superior organizational skills, an extremely dedicated work ethic, and straight to the point communication style, is what sets our planners apart.

What are some of the most memorable wedding ideas and outside-the-box tips you have come up with?

Sarah: I love people who have an idea and take it to the next level. One couple I know wanted a disco circus-themed wedding. After their kiss at the Uptown Theater, the performers rushed the stage—aerialists, fire breathers, and hand balancers. One bride I worked with fantasized about an Enchanted Forest, one wanted a Disney Princess ceremony and reception. I believe in doing whatever you want to do. Have a dance party at the beginning of the reception. This is what I love—the creative part.

Venue Collection

Kindra: Anything is possible! Start with the end goal in mind. In other words, how do you want to start your marriage? One of my couples “Kung Fu Fighted” their way out of their reception with the band leading them and their guests to the shuttles to head to an after party on the Plaza. My ideas also come from each couple and their stories. We have done things like having the chicken wraps from KU’s cafeteria as a late night snack and guests singing the “Rock Chalk” chant on the dance floor. I also love to plan a surprise with the music somewhere in the day. One of my couples was serenaded by the bride and groom’s siblings for their first dance. It was awesome, and happy tears were shed. I love couples who aren’t afraid to celebrate SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM. their love in unique ways.

One-of-a-Kind Space for Events of All Sizes The spacious, 30,000-square-foot Kansas City Club boasts 10-plus unique venues making it the perfect space for any event, from weddings of 200+ to lunch meetings of 30 or less.

Each venue has been meticulously restored and features the timeless neoclassical architecture that the Kansas City Club was known for. Upon entering you will enjoy:

“Saying ‘yes’ to your dress should be more than just an item to check off your list, so it’s important to not lose sight of the cherished memory you’ll make when you finally find ‘the one’ – that moment you truly feel like a bride, and more beautiful than you ever imagined!”

– Shannon M., Belle Vogue Bridal

• • • •

Downtown Historic 9th District Suites with day-of access Upscale chairs and tables Sound / AV equipment

• Golf simulator • Club Lounge featuring sports activities • Ceremony options

I Wonder – if it was the bride or the bride’s mother who added her wish list to the gift registry?

¬

KANSAS CITY CLUB

¬

918 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105 816.352.5697 | kansascityclub.com

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Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 19

Heather Brulez

The Wedding Party: (Front row) Lauren Williams, Kitty McCulley, Amanda Thomson, Tyler Richard, best man; the bride and groom, Claire Harris, matron of honor; Cristi Jacobs, Josh Williams, Marina Salinas, and Tim Uryasz (back row) James Harris, Jon Schebler, Jon Pestinger, Ben Hake, and Scott Koenigsdorf

J

ustine Ann Uryasz and Ryan Patrick Richard were married on May 4th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of Ann and Frank Uryasz of Kansas City. She is the granddaughter of Ann and Frank Uryasz of Omaha, Nebraska, and the late Justine and Bob Jeffrey. Her groom is the son of Denise and Dr. Michael Richard of Garden City, Kansas. Ryan is the grandson of Dea and Dr. Patrick Richard of Overland Park, Kansas, and the late Martha Esparza. On the evening prior to the ceremony, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Webster House. Following the wedding, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at The Brass on Baltimore. Claire Harris, sister of the bride; was the matron of honor. Lauren Williams, sister of the groom; Cristi Jacobs, Kitty McCulley, Amanda Chavez Thomson, and Marina Salinas were bridesmaids.

Tyler Richard, brother of the groom; served as best man. Tim Uryasz, brother of the bride; Scott Koenigsdorf, Jon Schebler, Jon Pestinger, and Ben Hake were groomsmen. Josh Williams, brother-in-law of the groom; and James Harris, brother-in-law of the bride; were ushers. Justine and Ryan enjoyed a honeymoon in Italy and France. They are now at home in Overland Park. Justine is careering with Mid America Heart and Lung Surgeons in Kansas City, and Ryan is employed with Allied Global Services in Lenexa, Kansas.

EXP ERI ENCE

THE

E LE G A N C E

Laura’s Couture Collection Serving Kansas City Brides since 1993.

913.631.3010

13010 SHAWNEE MISSION PARKWAY • SHAWNEE MISSION, KS 66216 LAURASCOUTURE.COM

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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

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Love Is In The Air

55

Years

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r. and Mrs. Droste DeForest Milledge pause on the stairway at The Carriage Club before greeting reception guests with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Eugene Buesking and Mr. and Mrs. Zura DeForest Milledge. Gowned in ivory silk organza with Alencon lace, the former Barbara Ann Buesking wore a mantilla of heirloom Brussels lace for the wedding rite August 8th at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The newlyweds flew to Bermuda and returned this week to take up residence at No. 9325 Nieman Road.

Reprinted from the August 22, 1964 issue of The Independent.

“I want to thank you all so very much for all of your hard work, time, and effort in making my wedding dress absolutely perfect! Arrow Fabricare did an amazing job and it looked and fit great. I really am so grateful to you for your help and dedication. Thank you!”

- Jenna

“There are a variety of wedding venue options. Some offer everything you need all in one place, while others require hiring a team of vendors to piece everything together.

Only you know how much time and energy you have to plan and manage the various details of your wedding day, so it’s important to ask for a detailed list of what each venue includes. This will help you determine which best meets your needs so you can look forward to an unforgettable wedding day.” – Marissa Pope, Hilton President Kansas City

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Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 21

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet

Toast To Olde Tymes

By Heather N. Paxton So lovely! The proposal, the ring, the wedding…

Oh, dear! The 10,000 details that go into planning the wedding…

Of course, you could always elope…

I

n the early days of World War II, many young people were dealing with new and unpleasant realities. “’Til death do us part,” always a solemn statement, took on ominous overtones. The parties, showers, and fittings bordered on the minimal. As for honeymoons – well, maybe another time. What mattered was making vows – and hoping to have time together in years to come, though perhaps not during the immediate future.

Following the ceremony, the groom might carry the bride over the threshold not of a place they had chosen together, but one that Uncle Sam had selected for them. (Questions for our younger readers: Do grooms still carry brides over thresholds? If so, why not send us photos?) Consider this item from 1942: “An apartment in Alameda, [east of San Francisco, California,] near the naval air base where the bridegroom-to-be is stationed, awaits the newlyweds.” Another wedding announcement from that spring featured the bride’s father arriving by plane an hour prior to the ceremony which “was solemnized… in the apartment where the newlyweds will start housekeeping.”

From our publication in February 1942: “Regrettable, that Lolly Swift’s countless friends will not witness the ceremony when she becomes the bride of Lieutenant Walter Whelen Burbank. With only a short weekend leave granted to her army fiancé, the wedding will be solemnized at Christ Episcopal Church, Glenridge, New Jersey, Saturday evening of St. Valentine’s Day.” The bride-to-be and her mother, Mrs. James Carroll Swift, were scheduled to stay with friends in Glenridge for about five days prior to the event, with the bride’s sister, Mary Laing Swift, joining them for part of that time.

In late March 1942, when Willis Potts, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Joseph Potts, prepared to join Thomas Corbin in an altar-ed state, our scribe asked, “Have you cast your peepers upon Willis Potts’ engagement ring? The traditional replica of her fiancé’s West Point ring, set with the stone of romance, the diamond, encircles her tiny third finger.

The petite bride-to-be is now letting it twinkle under the very eyes of the bestower, Lieutenant Thomas Corbin, who is stationed with the air corps at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, Louisiana.” At the beginning of April, there was this update: “All thoughts of topics and term papers are completely tossed overboard by the pretty little Smith senior, Willis Potts, who has decided to become Mrs. Thomas Corbin next Saturday.” The venue was the Post Chapel at Barksdale Field, with a reception at the home of family friends in Shreveport.

Diana Nutter who was careering with TWA in New York, and Captain Jerry M. Wimberley, who was stationed with the First Observation Squadron in the Canal Zone, were camera-snapped at the Officers Club at Fort Riley (near Junction City, Kansas) in April 1942. A month later, they were united in matrimony: “On a day’s notice, a speedy plane trip from New York deposited Diana Nutter in Memphis on Monday night when she became the bride of Captain Jerry M. Wimberley. The ceremony

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@KCIndependent

Cynthia Willis Potts and Lieutenant Thomas Goldsborough Corbin Reprinted from the April 4, 1942 issue of The Independent.

Just married: Lieutenant and Mrs. George W. Tourtellot III – she, née Sally Lee Kaney Reprinted from the June 13, 1942 issue of The Independent.

was performed at the Methodist Rectory in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Present at the marriage rites were the bridegroom’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Lane of Jonesboro.” Next on their itinerary was “a double-quick visit” to the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Clark Nutter. The groom had 10 days leave: on June 1st, he and his missus began their day in New Orleans and then returned, separately, to their residences in New York and the Canal Zone.

Sally Lee Kaney and Lieutenant George W. Tourtellot III exchanged vows at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton John Kaney, in June 1942. (Sally’s neighbor was David Douglas Duncan, the soon-to-be famous photographer. The two had been great pals for years, and Sally often posed for David. George was David’s best friend. Did David introduce Sally and George? Did he snap the photo of the duo cutting the cake? We don’t know, but we like to imagine that he did.) Just prior to the ceremony, our scribe reported that the groom “received his commission in the signal corps this week from Officers’ Training School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, with a few days respite before reporting to Harvard for a three months’ course in electronics.”

It was a time for fast, decisive action on the part of our military forces and also for Cupid and his arrows. The newlyweds of the spring of 1942 had to be wild with wondering: When will this war end? Will we both live that long?

This much we can tell you about the four couples whose names are mentioned: all would survive the war, remain married, and add children to their unions. Imagine the stories their parents could tell them!

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hing blue * The Independent

Love Is In The Air

TIE THE KNOT 2019

50 Years

T

he Malcolm Page Crowther, Jrs. (Mary Frances Doolittle), were wed August 23rd at Village United Presbyterian Church and fêted at Leawood Country Club by her parents, the Lloyd Doolittles. The bridegroom’s parents are former Kansas Citians, Mr. and Mrs. Crowther, Sr., of Toledo. The couple honeymooned in the Ozarks, and reside in Lawrence while attending K.U. Reprinted from the September 27, 1969 issue of The Independent.

“Book your wedding and your rooms at Crossroads Hotel. From shuffleboard and a pool table in the lobby bar, to unparalleled views of Kansas City from the rooftop bar Percheron, there are plenty of activities on site with the best city views for insta-worthy photos of your special day!” – Mimi K., Crossroads Hotel

“I always advise my clients to have their invitation list as ready as possible prior to ordering invitations. You don’t necessarily need the addresses, but you need the number of invitations you plan to send, so you order the correct number. It is much less expensive to order extras the first time as opposed to placing a reorder for a small number of invitations later.

A little preparation can save you from an unnecessary expense later.” – Susie Azorsky, First Impression

1961

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1963

Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 23

Nuptial

M

allory Anna McCurry and Jack Lambert Wellner were married on May 4th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Lucy and Geoffrey McCurry of Mount Hope, Kansas. She is the granddaughter of Sandra McCurry of Mount Hope, and the late Walter Cecil McCurry, and the late Mae and Manuel Montoya. Her groom is the son of Julie and Dennis Wellner of Leawood, Kansas. Jack is the grandson of James Black of Naples, Florida, the late Jean Ann Scott, and the late Vera and Lambert Wellner. The evening prior, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at 6s Restaurant. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Wichita, Kansas. Jill Lies and Cori Krol, sisters of the bride, served as the matrons of honor. Connor Gill was the best man. The happy couple enjoyed a honeymoon to Hawaii, and are now at home in Overland Park, Kansas.

Wrenn Bird Photography

“It’s become very popular to have the majority of your wedding photos taken before the ceremony. Please be sure your bouquets are not out of water for too long, especially in the summer, or you will be walking down the aisle with wilted bouquets.” – Craig Sole, Craig Sole Designs

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@theindependentkc

1964

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Love Is In The Air

45 Years

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ill Watson Deramus and Marshall Harkless Dean, whose engagement is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Neal Deramus III. The 1968 Jewel Ball debutante, a Sunset Hill graduate, attended Arizona U. and K.U., where she earned a degree in Physical Education. Her sorority is Pi Beta Phi, and she is a member of the Kansas City, Missouri, Junior League. She is also the granddaughter of Mrs. William Neal Deramus and the late Mr. Deramus. The son of Dr. and Mrs. Martin P. Hunter and the late Marshall Harkless Dean attended Arizona U. and served in the U.S. Army for two years, assigned part of that time to Heilbronn, Germany. He currently resides in St. Louis. His grandparents are the Frank James Deans, and Mrs. Charles Putnam Woodbury and the late Mr. Woodbury.

Reprinted from the July 6, 1974 issue of The Independent.

“You are the best! Everyone loved Bubble Tap. Thanks again, loved, loved working with you.” – Steve Kemble, celebrity wedding planner

I Wonder – which groom couldn’t stand up after his leg fell asleep while kneeling during the ceremony?

1968

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1970

Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 25

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet

Love Beautiful Linens

citrusandsageco.com Citrus & Sage Co. is one of Rightfully Sewn’s small batch production clients.

difference. “With so many table sizes and shapes, it’s tough for a bride to know what linen fits each table.”

Ashley works with planners, venues, and brides on their layout to make sure they are utilizing the right sizes for each table. Ashley also notes that “a little can go a long way.” She says that brides and planners have utilized her linens for head tables, cake tables, or cocktail tables, instead of all of their guest tables.

“Its a fun and affordable way to add Lauren Pusateri Photography something different and really put a unique stamp on a wedding.” Ashley makes it clear that, “It’s okay to mix it up.”

Ashley’s designs are unique. She works directly with independent artists to create the designs for Citrus & Sage’s linens. As an event planner for the last 12 years, Ashley always had a drive to create something of her own. “Throughout my time planning events, I was working with rental companies across the country and began seeing a void in the products being offered.” In 2017, she made the decision to leave event planning and become a resource for other event planners.

Ashley wanted “to offer a product and service that wasn’t currently available in Kansas City.” Her initial inventory designs are from a small handful of artists. “I started out selecting patterns I was drawn to, and putting them out there in the marketplace. I started to hear from planners on what

26 | July 6, 2019 |

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

their brides were looking for, and I would go out and find those styles.” She continues to monitor trends and feedback from brides, planners, and current customers to make sure she provides different styles and vibes, as well as the best possible service.

Citrus & Sage Co. also takes advantage of the wonderfully philanthropic Kansas City community. Ashley has partnered with Rightfully Sewn, a non profit that provides seamstress training for at-risk women. When she started her business, Ashley knew that she wanted to produce a custom, unique, and quality product in a sustainable manner. She hired a manufacturing expert to help her navigate the new seas she was sailing, but eventually knew she wanted something local in order to be able to see the samples and control the quality of her products. “I’d met Jennifer Lapka through one of my event planning clients and had been following the launch of Rightfully Sewn.

I was unsure if they would take on my project because I was producing small quantities at first. It turns out their small batch production offering is a perfect fit for us. I visit their atelier in the Crossroads almost weekly, either delivering fabric or supplies, or picking up finished products.”

Jennifer Lapka said, “Part of Rightfully Sewn’s mission is to advance fashion designers to market with business acumen development and small batch

Angie Scott Photography

Felicia The Photographer

production services. When we launched the latter, entrepreneurs of all types reached out to us to sew their pet projects, patented inventions for other industries, and more.

While we typically refer those clients to other sewing resources so we can focus on fashion, we were quite taken by Ashley’s idea, personality, organizational skills, and gorgeous fabrics. In short, we knew we were signing up for a great partnership and we are excited to help her keep growing her business!” Ashley said, “It’s a blessing to have Rightfully Sewn in this community. Not only are they educating women by providing seamstress training, they are an invaluable resource to their clients with the content offered through their events, YouTube channel, and their presence throughout our community.”

Ashley and Citrus & Sage Co. are a great resource for choosing wedding day linens. Her final tip: “If you’re having trouble finding what you’re looking for, an inspiration photo is always helpful. Ask your SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE linen supplier for a few samples and go to their studio to see and feel AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM. the linen in person. Share the samples with your florist, photographer, and other key wedding vendors so they have inspiration, too.”

W

eddings are full of big decisions, including the food, the venue, the dress, the music, and the photographer. A great florist is incredibly important, but there seem to be a few design elements that are sometimes overlooked until later in the planning process. One element is the table linens. Table linens can tie everything together and take a design to the next level. To learn more, we turned to Ashley Broockerd, founder of local specialty linen company, Citrus & Sage. Her first tip: linen size makes a

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hing blue * The Independent

Love Is In The Air

TIE THE KNOT 2019

40 Years

S

usan Lynn Schoenfeld and Michael Goodwin Fate whose engagement is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Schoenfeld. She received a B.S. in early childhood education from the University of Arizona and a Master’s in reading from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She teaches in the Blue Valley School District. Her fiancé is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Stanley Fate and the late Mrs. Maxine Goodwin Fate. He is a graduate of Pembroke-Country Day School and received a B.S. in business from the University of Arizona. He is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and a partner of the Scarritt and Fate Insurance Agency. An April 7 wedding is planned at Oakwood Country Club.

Reprinted from the January 6, 1979 issue of The Independent.

“Choosing the perfect venue is the first step to all other wedding-day an

decisions.

authentic

experience

is

Kansas what

If City

you’re

seeking, no other venue can offer a better location and energy! We specialize in the entire wedding weekend – from rehearsal dinner, to elegant reception, to farewell brunch, including LGBTQ and ethnic wedding celebrations.”

– Gretchen Gilmore-Rizo, Kansas City Marriott Downtown

“Nothing Bundt Cakes is sure to be a guest favorite for all occasions, and especially for weddings! All of our delicious cakes are topped with our signature cream cheese frosting.

We promise you will be fighting over who gets the first bite. Come by any of our Kansas City locations to taste our product and see how we can make your special day even sweeter!

– Alex E., Nothing Bundt Cakes

I Wonder – which bride’s something blue turned out to be a bruise from falling off the altar?

Beautiful BEGINNINGS THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO EXQUISITE WEDDINGS & EVENTS FOR 23 YEARS Weddings can be overwhelming. With proper planning and execution, we alleviate stress and deliver the wedding of your dreams. We are proud of our awards and recognition, but we became wedding planners because we love creating an unforgettable wedding for you, your family and guests.

Follow us on @simpleelegancekc Call us at 913-397-9932 • info@iplanyourwedding.com Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 27

Nuptial

Eva Sica

A

lysa Martyn Spicer and Philip Grant Wilkerson were united in matrimony on March 29th at Don Pedro’s Palapa in Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico. The bride is the daughter of Jennifer and Peter Spicer of Martin, Georgia. Her groom is the son of Patti and Dwight Tawney of Leawood, Kansas, and the late William Ralph “Bill” Wilkerson. The evening prior, Patti and Dwight Tawney hosted a lovely rehearsal dinner for their son and future daughter-in-law at La Rustica. Immediately following the ceremony, the bride’s parents toasted their daughter and new son-in-law at a festive reception.

The newlyweds reside in Boulder, Colorado. Alysa is a special education resource teacher with the Boulder Valley School District, and Grant is in project management with Surna.

“In addition to accessories and proper undergarments, two of the most important things I remind brides to bring to their appointment are inspiration and an open mind. Bring along a few photos from Pinterest, then trust your stylist to work their magic! They are experts in their field, so you can rest assured that they’ll help you pick something that fits your body type, personal style, and your wedding theme—no matter your budget.

They can even make alteration suggestions to help you create a beautiful custom masterpiece that is truly one of a kind, and surpasses your wildest expectations!” – Shannon M., Belle Vogue Bridal

Taylor Evans

taystycakeco@gmail.com 620.704.4432 @TaystyCakeCo

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1975

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Love Is In The Air

35 Years

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arianne Michelle Maurin and William Terrence Kilroy whose engagement is being told by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dan E. Maurin. Her schools were Notre Dame de Sion and the University of Kansas where her degree was in journalism and her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. She was presented at The Cotillion in 1973, a BOTAR in 1977, and is a member of the Junior League of Kansas City. The son of the Jack M. Kilroys attended the same University for an undergraduate degree in history, an M.A. Ed. and received a J.D. (honors) from Washburn U. His fraternity was Sigma Phi Epsilon. Theirs will be a September 8th wedding at St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Reprinted from the April 28, 1984 issue of The Independent.

Mullinix Weddings

“We LOVED working with Kindra Browne as the wedding planner for our daughter’s wedding! Kindra was not only fun to work with, but she has such attention to detail, a calm and reassuring personality, and the respect of all of the vendors. We loved working with her and would highly recommend Simple Elegance! They are the best!” – Shelley

I Wonder – who finished his wedding toast and realized he called the bride by the wrong name?

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Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 29

The Dish

With Ann

By Ann Slegman

E

xecutive Chef Linda Duerr with The Restaurant at 1900 and Lon Lane with Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions give many couples options for memorable, festive dinners. Within the restaurant, Linda can create a spectacular dinner for a newly engaged couple or can provide delectable menu choices for a celebratory event. Lon can cater engagement parties, wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and weddings of all sizes, whether they are in people’s homes, well-known establishments, or hip, new event spaces in Our Town. Both Linda and Lon are at the top of their games when it comes to creating extraordinary cuisine.

How would you describe the food you prepare and what is your style of cooking?

Linda: I have experienced lots of trends. I would say at this point that my food is modern American, and our menu is liberally laced with all those layers. From the local food movement (we just started our own garden as well as sourcing from many local farmers and producers) and expanding cross-cultural influences, to the early influences in my career Dan Videtich of nouvelle cuisine (my first Linda Duerr chef was French in a Boston restaurant), and ultimately my own personal roots in New England where I grew up. I have only come to understand how meaningful the food of my childhood has become on the dishes I like to create today.

What are some tips for couples who are planning a wedding?

Lon: We want everyone to have all their dreams come true when it comes to a wedding, but couples need to be flexible. Their dreams may not work in the venue, they may not work during a certain time of year. If they are not willing to be open to ideas and opinions, they may be setting themselves up for disappointment. We try to make it all about the bride and groom, so that when they are dancing at their 50th wedding anniversary, they would say to each other that they wouldn’t change a thing about their wedding. We also ask a lot of questions. What do the bride and groom want to accomplish? Where is their focus? Is it the flowers, the cake, the band?

What has been a terrific dinner you have put together for a gathering?

Linda: I recently cooked a dinner for Shuttlecork, which raises money for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. It was a tasting dinner for about 30 people, and I think the guests enjoyed partaking. The menu featured lobster and peeky toe crab salad, cappelletti and pink peppercorn poached king salmon, juniper and bay cured duck prosciutto, black angus striploin, lamb osso bucco, sheep’s milk ricotta cheesecake, and spiced pistachios.

What dishes tend to work at a rehearsal dinner or a wedding?

Lon: We try to get into the heads of the bride and groom and figure out what’s feasible for the venue. Are they beef or fish eaters? What is their flavor profile? The rest is just cooking, and we have strict processes. We don’t serve salmon hot. We do serve sea bass warm. We have also done theme-type food at weddings. We had a Harry Potter family style dinner with lots of tagines and braised meat and chicken.

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@theindependentkc

Cameron Gee

Onion Puffs | From Lon Lane’s Inspired Occassions • One cup Hellmann’s Mayonnaise • One cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • Two tablespoons grated onion • Two tablespoons chopped green onion tops • Cracked black pepper • Pepperidge Farm Bread - Original Cut out bite size bread rounds with an hors d’oeuvre cutter, place on a baking sheet and dry in a 200 degree oven until toasts are completely dry. Top with onion mixture, put in top of 450 degree oven until golden and bubbly. Let cool for a minute or two and serve.

Makes about 60 puffs. This is an Inspired Occasions original recipe.

Lon and Marcia Lane with Stewart Lane

How do you account for your achievement as a chef?

Linda: The Restaurant at 1900 is an extraordinary group of talent that has all come together in one place. I feel very fortunate to be working with Beverage Director Doug Frost and General Manager Keith Goldman, not to mention the Karbank family, two wonderful sous chefs, and all of our terrific staff.

Success as a chef requires caring—maybe excessively in some people’s opinion, vigilance, and a willingness to work hard and make sacrifices.

What is the secret of your success as a wedding caterer?

Lon: I have a passion for hospitality and for making people happy, even at my own expense. I only have one shot at this. My motto is: promise them the moon and over deliver. It’s an awesome responsibility when people trust us and select us. We want to make sure the people who are paying the bills are happy. Often, we will act as consultants when it comes to the wedding cakes, florists, and linens. We tend to recommend vendors who are in sync with us, like coaches, trying to build a team of players. Because if the team is not together, there will be issues.

What are some of your favorite signature cocktails you would serve at a special occasion?

Linda: My personal favorite is my own creation. I call it the Southern lemonade. It’s vodka (preferably French) and lemonade with a splash of bourbon and fresh thyme flowers.

Lon: For a summer wedding, we have done some interesting mojitos with dragon fruit and watermelon.

We are always trying to tell the story of the bride and groom. At a rehearsal dinner, we had an Irish couple and made Irish Shandy. Or if the colors of the wedding were blush, we made blush-colored drinks.

One time, we created black martinis and floated a white orchid.

Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions 6306 Morningside Drive • Kansas City, MO 64113 816-444-8372 • inspiredoccasionskc.com

Sweet Corn and Peach Drop Fritters From Chef Linda Duerr

• Five cups of flour • One tablespoon baking powder • Pinch of salt and sugar • Cracked black pepper

• • • • • •

Milk Two eggs Four cups of corn kernels Four cups of diced peaches Chopped basil Extra virgin olive oil

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Separate the two eggs, whipping the whites to stiff peaks and mixing the yolks in another bowl with a little milk. Add wet ingredients to the dry: the looser the batter, the less dense the fritters. Fold in four cups of lightly roasted fresh corn kernels, four cups of small diced peaches, and some chopped basil. Fold egg whites in gently. Drop by small spoonfuls into hot oil (about 350 degrees). Cook and turn until done.

The recipe makes lots of fritters!

The Restaurant at 1900 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway • Mission Woods, KS 66205 913-730-1900 • therestaurantat1900.com

Read more of this interview at kcindependent.com.

Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 31

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet

Love

By Ann Slegman

S

teve McDowell, director of design for architectural firm BNIM and renowned leader in sustainable and integrative design, has worked on iconic buildings in Our Town such as the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Bloch Building at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. He also has designed embassies in Africa and South America and is presently working on the expansion of the John F. Kennedy Center in Boston, along with Bloch Building architect Steven Holl.

From the time he was a young man, Steve has had a passion for bow ties ever since he had a sales job at the store, Tie Rack. Halls and the now-shuttered Woolf Brothers usually only had solid colored bow ties, so when he wanted something with patterns, he sought out designs from Cy Rudnick Fabrics. “My wife, Mary Anne, used to ask me if I was going to surf in a bow tie,” Steve joked.

When Steve and Mary Anne’s daughter, Madeline, unexpectedly passed away in 2016 due to complications from a minor surgery, he vowed he would incorporate the color pink into any new bow ties he bought or had made. “Maddy was a lover of all things pink,” said Steve. “She also was a fantastic chef and would take pictures of her gorgeous food and post it on social media. She had a lot of followers.

Maddy also wanted to be a police officer after she did a ride-along in a police car while she was in high school at Notre Dame de Sion.

She was in the process of studying criminal justice at Metropolitan Community College.”

On the first anniversary of Madeline’s death, Steve ran into weaver Sarah Watts, Rightfully Sewn; and textile artist Debra Smith and had a conversation about doing cut the material for one of Maddy’s Bows. something in remembrance of Madeline. “I had met Debra years ago due to open soon in North Kansas City. Focused on children’s books, it when she worked at Asiatica after she graduated from the Kansas City Art encourages reading and learning. It was founded by Deb Pettid and Pete Institute. Mary Anne was a big fan of Debra’s because she used to make these Cowdin, longtime artists and operators of Reading Reptile, one of America’s gorgeous scarves from scraps of old kimonos.” Said Debra: “Anytime I saw beloved children’s bookstores for nearly 30 years. “We had a connection to Mary Anne and Steve at a fancy art event, they always made me feel welcome Reading Reptile when it was in Brookside since it was close to our house, and at home.” That evening Debra went to the studio and got to work on and we could walk there. And since Madeline loved books and children, we fabrics that would reflect Madeline’s spirit and love of pink. feel we are doing something in her honor,” said Steve. Added Debra: “Hands A year after that, Mary Anne and Steve launched Maddy’s Bows, which down, The Rabbit hOle is going to be one of the biggest gifts to Kansas City. designs, fabricates, and markets unique handcrafted bow ties. Pink is It will be an absolutely magical space for children. The creative energy sometimes the dominant color or a subtler accent, and the bow ties are from conception to execution is going to put Kansas City on the map for reversible. Debra is the creative director who helps make the designs that children’s museums.” incorporate new and recycled fabrics. “My friendship with the McDowells has By supporting two wonderful non profits, Rightfully Sewn and The Rabbit grown over the years and even deeper with this project,” said Debra. hOle, Mary Anne and Steve McDowell are making our community a far better Maddy’s Bows also has partnered with Rightfully Sewn, which hand place to live, one bow tie at a time. crafts the bow ties and is an organization that teaches design, sewing and fabrication, marketing and business, and entrepreneurial skills to at-risk women. Said Rightfully Sewn Founder and President Jennifer Lapka: “Being Looking for a thoughtful, philanthropic gift from the non-profit sector, I have always personally admired Steve and Mary Anne for their philanthropic efforts. Therefore, it is my honor that Rightfully for groomsmen to wear during a wedding ceremony?

Sewn has played a part in the launch of their bespoke bow tie line. The Choose your bow ties at sewing contract provides critical revenue for our organization.”

Added Steve: “Debra and Rightfully Sewn are creating two types of bow ties. One is the White Label, which is from recycled and new fabric. The other is the Black Label, which are limited edition bow ties—about eight or nine SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE per design–that tend to be more expensive.” maddysbows.com AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM. The majority of the proceeds from the bow ties will support The Rabbit hOle, a non-profit museum and the world’s first Explor-a-Storium, which is

Maddy’s Bows

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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

1982

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1985

hing blue * The Independent

Love Is In The Air

TIE THE KNOT 2019

Mary S. Watkins

25 Years

M

r. and Mrs. John West Valentine are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Christina Stafford Valentine, to Sean Kevin Hogan. The bride-to-be graduated from The Sunset Hill School and the University of Colorado where she earned a B.A. in art history. Christina is a Chi Omega and a member of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri. She is careering with valentine-mccormickligibel, inc. The groom-elect is the son of Patricia L. Roberts. Sean graduated from Rockhurst High School and the University of Kansas where he earned a B.A. in economics. He also graduated from University of Missouri - Kansas City with a J.D. Sean, a member of Phi Delta Theta, is with Blackwell Sanders Matheny Weary & Lombardi. Theirs will be a May 14th wedding at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Reprinted from the January 29, 1994 issue of The Independent.

20 Years

K

ristin Spicer Knight and Evan David Patterson were married on April 24th at Country Club Christian Church. An elegant reception at The Carriage Club followed the ceremony hosted by the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Elvin Knight. A rehearsal dinner at Harry Starker’s Private Reserve on April 23rd was given by Mr. and Mrs. William R. Patterson III, parents of the groom. The new Mr. and Mrs. Evan David Patterson honeymooned on Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. The couple now resides in Fairway, Kansas.

Reprinted from the June 26, 1999 issue of The Independent.

Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 33

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet

BR VO

BY PAUL HORSLEY

A

ANYTHING GOES: MUSICAL CONVENTIONS FOR WEDDINGS ARE ALL OVER THE MAP

34 | July 6, 2019 |

@KCIndependent

Forester Michael

Elayne Woods

t the end of Wagner’s opera Lohengrin, the source of the most famous bridal march of all, poor Elsa collapses and dies as her heroic groom (who is a Knight of the Holy Grail) sails off to a higher destiny. Misogynistic much? Perhaps it’s a relief that this tune, “Here Comes the Bride,” along with much of the other wedding music Americans adopted from Europe, has begun to fall by the wayside.

As with nearly every other aspect of American nuptials today, musical traditions have undergone fundamental changes during the last generation: And there’s no reason to think this trend is going to reverse itself. “When I first started playing weddings in the late ’80s, it was pretty common for people to just come in and ask for the Lohengrin March for the bridal procession, and the Mendelssohn March for the recessional, and that would be it,” said Kurt Knecht, organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, who has played more weddings than he can count. “Any more, I can’t even tell you the last time I’ve played either one of those pieces for a wedding.”

The most common tune for a bridal procession today? Yup: It’s Pachelbel’s famously repetitive Canon in D, which suits musicians just fine because it can be played Kurt Knecht ad infinitum and stopped at any point as needed. “If they ask me for a recommendation, I say, ‘Do the Canon!’ I’ve had it memorized for 30 years,” said Cellist Sascha Groschang, whose Juniper String Ensemble is a favorite at local weddings. There are other favorites, of course: Purcell’s “Trumpet Tune” or Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Of course the Wagner March still pops up now and then, but Sascha corroborated Kurt’s remarks that traditional melodies have seen a sharp decline in recent decades.

“Any love song that you hear on the radio, whether it’s from 1965 or today, that’s what people want,” Sascha said, adding that her string ensemble plays far more popular tunes at today’s weddings than it does traditional tunes. Unlike Kurt, whose position at a church implies a more conventional approach, Sascha and her colleagues find themselves playing everything from “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” to “Who Let the Dogs Out?” And that’s just for the ceremony!

Moreover, nearly half of the weddings Sascha plays are outdoors, which suggests an even less conventional approach. (Today, only about 20 percent of weddings are held in places of worship, as opposed to 41 percent in 2009, according to studies by The Knot Real Weddings.)

Thus, while many organists are limited by the traditions of their host

churches (popular music being frowned upon), Sascha and her colleagues make increasing use of something called Vitamin String Quartet, a Los Angeles-based team of producers and string players that sells sheet-music arrangements of hundreds of popular songs. The range is wide: “We get people who want Radiohead or Sigur Rós or that kind of vibe,” Sascha said. “And then we get people who want really ‘poppy’ stuff, like Taylor Swift.”

Kurt said that throughout his career, he and other church musicians often find themselves talking people out of bad ideas. “Once in Dallas, someone asked for the Texas A&M fight song as a recessional,” he said.

“The music director said, I know you think this is a good idea now, but 10 years from now, when you’re watching the video of your wedding, this will not seem as classy as it does now.” Sascha pretty much does what people ask. “If you want ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ … I just smile and say, ‘If we can do it, we will. I’m here to serve.”’

Both Sascha and Kurt have seen their share of bizarre musical moments.

“Often it’s hard to sit up there in front and be on display,” Sascha said.

“I get the giggles pretty easily.” Kurt remembers a wedding (in another city, he emphasized) in which the groom pulled out a sax during his vows and played a five-minute Kenny G-like solo right into his bride’s face. Many couples today take the next step, opting for a computer playlist of actual recorded songs, which they then just pipe into speakers.

Nevertheless, many still yearn for the classiness of professional musicians.

Of course, musicians used for ceremonies are just Laurel Morgan Parks with one piece of the nuptial Sascha Groschang puzzle. A whole separate mechanism kicks in for receptions: Most couples, in fact, spend far more on “music to dance to” than they do on their ceremonies. Wedding planners keep lists of trusted professional ensembles and DJs for such occasions, and websites such as theknot.com or weddingwire.com will direct your search to lists of local resources for finding the type of music you want.

For the full-length version of this article, go to kcindependent.com and click on Arts Corner/BRAVO. To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts editor; send an email to paul@kcindependent.com or find him on Facebook (paul.horsley.501) or Twitter (@phorsleycritic).

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TIE THE KNOT 2019

Love The Savvy Host

M

ary Ortiz, Diamond Girls Bartenders, has two delicious, signature cocktails that can be served at an upcoming bridal party, rehearsal dinner, or wedding reception. Cheers to wedded bliss!

Spike Cherry Punch

• ¾ Cup lemonade concentrate • One can (six ounces) frozen limeade • One can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, undrained • Two cups water • Two liters cherry soda, chilled • Two liters of ginger ale, chilled • One shot of vodka per drink Blend the first four ingredients and store in a gallon container.

When ready to serve, transfer to a five-gallon container and add the cherry soda and ginger ale. Transfer to a decorative decanter. At time of service, add a shot of vodka over ice, top with punch mixture, and garnish with a cherry sprig.

Apple Pie Cocktail • One gallon of apple juice • One gallon of apple cider • ½ pound of cinnamon sticks • Two pounds of sugar • Fifth of bourbon • Ginger ale

Simmer first three ingredients until somewhat reduced and cinnamon sticks begin to “bloom.” Immediately add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Once cooled, add bourbon and refrigerate until ready to serve. At time of service, pour over ice, and top with a splash of ginger ale and a garnish of your choice (Either a cinnamon stick or an apple slice will be appealing to the eye).

816.308.1070

mary.ortiz@diamondgirlsbartenders.com Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 35

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet

Love Is In The Air

Kansas City?s Largest Selection of Bridesmaids Dresses

Chad Bridge

#bellaKC | 913-338-1901 | kansascity@bellabrides maids.com

10 Years

M Pen & Ink Illustrations available for Commission Linda Blaha-Kemnitzer • lbkkcmo@gmail.com

r. and Mrs. John Scott Harrison of Leawood announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca, to Mr. Scott Martin, son of Dorian Martin of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Mr. Alson Martin of Lenexa. The bride-to-be is a graduate of Shawnee Mission East and received a bachelor of applied human sciences in design merchandising from Colorado State University. Her master’s degree in education is from Rockhurst University. She was presented at The Jewel Ball in 2002 and was a BOTAR, class of 2006. Rebecca’s grandparents are Mrs. James K. Priddy of Georgetown, Texas, Mr. Robert W. Levesque of Leawood, and the late Mr. and Mrs. C. Ridgely Harrison.

Her future groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Martin of Overland Park, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Doherty. He graduated from Rockhurst High School and received bachelor of science degrees in both mathematics and mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri. He was a BOTAR Escort in 2006. Scott is employed with Burns and McDonnell.

A late June wedding is planned for Plum Lake in Sayner, Wisconsin.

Reprinted from the March 21, 2009 issue of The Independent.

“Your selection of a venue will have an impact on the results of your photos. You’ll want to choose a space that will stand the test of time. Loose Mansion provides not only a gorgeous backdrop, but one that’s unforgettable!” – Abbey Chingren, Loose Mansion

Surveyor Creative

I Wonder – which bridesmaid’s sobs overpowered the couple’s I dos?

36 | July 6, 2019 |

@theindependentkc

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TIE THE KNOT 2019

Carter Photography

5

Let us make your special day even sweeter!

Years

M

r. and Mrs. Jeffrey Robert Armstrong of Fairway are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Bailey Elizabeth Armstrong, to Vincent Michael Pianalto, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Edward Pianalto of Leawood. Bailey is a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School. She earned bachelor of arts degrees in Spanish and anthropology from the University of Nebraska. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and is a BOTAR, class of 2011. Bailey is careering with United Way of Greater Kansas City.

Her groom-elect is a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School. Vince earned a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering from Kansas State University. He is employed with Henderson Engineers. Theirs will be a June 28th wedding at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Reprinted from the April 19, 2014 issue of The Independent.

Tracy Routh

1 Year

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r. and Mrs. Larry Chambers of Parkville, Missouri, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Marie Chambers, to Zack Warner Royle, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Royle of Parkville. The bride-to-be is a graduate of Park Hill South High School. Caroline earned a degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Caroline is employed with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Kansas City, Missouri. Her groom-elect is the grandson of Mrs. Gerald Gorman of Kansas City, Missouri, and the late Mr. Gorman, Mr. and Mrs. John Royle of Independence, Missouri, and the late Joanne Royle. Zack is a graduate of Park Hill South High School. He was a Gentleman of The Jewel Ball and an escort in 2014. Zack received a bachelor of arts degree in classics from Harvard University. He is a student at The University of Kansas School of Law. Theirs will be a June 23rd wedding at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.

Reprinted from the October 28, 2017 issue of The Independent.

Overland Park • 913.239.0252

13420 Metcalf Ave • Overland Park, KS 66213

Mission • 913.384.2707

6850 Johnson Drive • Mission, KS 66202

Tiffany Springs • 816.382.3800

8930 NW Skyview Avenue • Kansas City, MO 64154

Lee's Summit • 816.525.9000

910 NW Blue Parkway (suite Y) • Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 37

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet Forged in the North

Anecdotally You

e v o L

The Scene Stealers rs

Mildred and Evelyn Jackson were the flower girls at the January 19th wedding of Molly and Nicolas Kemper.

Wirken Photography

Waldron Photography

Michael Levine with Flower Girl Elizabeth Levine

Eva Sica

Laura Levine and Elizabeth Levine

The joyful Ring Bearer Liam Dietrich at the March 29th wedding of Alysa and Grant Wilkerson Addis O’Neill was the beautiful flower girl at the December 31st wedding of Taylor and Austen Schmidt.

I Wonder – which ring bearer danced “The Floss” down the aisle?

Ring Bearer Henry Hosty and Flower Girl Lillian Hosty were all smiles at the wedding of Hilary and Bennet Goeckner.

38 | July 6, 2019 |

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

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Ring Bearer Calvin Quandt helped to celebrate the wedding of Abby and Reilly Pollard.

(Front row) Katie Cox, Isabelle Gentry, Sydney Gentry, Madeleine Sifers, and Anna Sifers (back row) Logan Simms, Jonathan Cox, Lauren and Taylor Anthony, and Trevor Sifers

I Wonder – if the flower girl will win the battle to wear her princess costume down the aisle?

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

Cohen Quandt was an adorable ring bearer at the October 13th wedding of Abby and Reilly Pollard.

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Flower Girls Harper Krol and Mabel Lies at the May 4th wedding of Mallory and Jack Wellner

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Wrenn Bird Photography

Nicky Herrick, Derek Frank, and Tommy Herrick were the darling ring bearers at the wedding of Jamie and Scott Frank on May 9th.

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Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 39

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To Travel e Lov

Reilly and Abby Pollard were picture perfect in Costa Rica for their honeymoon. The happy couple was married on October 13th at The Abbott Event Space.

I Wonder – which groomsman’s flask fell out of his pocket during the ceremony?

Laura and Michael Levine traveled to Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, Greece, after their August 25th wedding at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

I Wonder – which honeymoon quickly turned into a babymoon?

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

Following a September 22nd wedding, Stewart and Hannah Jensen honeymooned in Bora Bora at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

After their May 4th wedding, Justine and Ryan Richard had the honor of meeting Pope Francis in Rome, Italy.

Kyle and Lee Sitomer visited Turks and Caicos after their November 24th wedding at Visitation Church.

40 | July 6, 2019 |

@KCIndependent

Rachel’s Reads T

he stress before the big day is done and finally the relaxing can begin!

Your vacation packing checklist should include clothes, sunscreen, chargers, power adapters, and, of course, a great book. Here are a few of my recommendations for fun honeymoon reads:

Lucy and John Fryer were married on September 29th before flying off to honeymoon in South Africa and Mauritius.

• Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis • Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin • My Twenty-Five Years in Provence: Reflections on Then and Now by Peter Mayle • My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding by Wendy Wax • A Palm Beach Wife by Susannah Marren • The Phantom of Fifth Avenue: The Mysterious Life and Scandalous Death of Heiress Huguette Clark by Meryl Gordon • The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World’s Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs • The Plaza: The Secret Life of America’s Most Famous Hotel

by Julie Satow

Lauren and Taylor Anthony traveled to Kauai and Maui, Hawaii, for their honeymoon after their July 21st wedding.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy Down the Shore by Stan Parish The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert The Friends We Keep by Jane Green Hammer Head: The Making of a Carpenter by Nina MacLaughlin Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Fierce Fairytales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul by Nikita Gill Captive Audience: On Love and Reality TV by Lucas Mann The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman Almost Famous Women: Stories by Megan Mayhew Bergman Happy Reading!

Kristen and Shane Williams celebrated a fabulous honeymoon at Lake Como, Italy. They were married on July 28th.

Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 41

Something old, something new, something borrowed, somet Business Name

Address

Phone

Email

Contact

Website

1900 Building/ The Restaurant at 1900

1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, KS 66205

913-730-1905

info@1900bldg.com

Jennifer Davidner Cattano

1900bldg.com

Arrow Fabricare Services

3838 Troost Avenue Kansas City, MO 64109

816-931-2452

bruce@arrowcare.com

Bruce Gershon

arrowcare.com

Bailey Pianalto Photography

6616 West 65th Terrace Overland Park, KS 66202

913-645-5465

bailey@baileypianalto.com

Bailey Pianalto

baileypianalto.com

Bella Bridesmaids

5285 West 116th Place Leawood, KS 66211

913-338-1901

kansascity@bellabridesmaids.com

Danielle Suarez

bellabridesmaids.com

Belle Vogue Bridal

15500 West 133rd Street Lenexa, KS 66219

913-317-8981

info@bellevoguebridal.com

Brooke Ehlers

bellevoguebridal.com

Bubble Tap KC

—

816-645-3591

tami@taptrailerco.com

Tami Jennings

taptrailerco.com

Craig Sole Designs

7928 Conser Overland Park, KS 66204

913-649-9299

flowers@craigsoledesigns.com

Craig Sole

craigsoledesigns.com

Crossroads Hotel Kansas City

2101 Central Street Kansas City, MO 64108

816-897-8100

sales@crossroadshotelkc.com

Catherine Iliya

crossroadshotelkc.com

Diamond Girls Bartenders

1000 South Noland Road Independence, MO 64050

816-308-1070

mary.ortiz@ diamondgirlsbartenders.com

Mary Ortiz

diamondgirlsbartenders.com

First Impression Invitations/Calligraphy

—

913-345-8231

susie.azorsky@gmail.com

Susie Azorsky

firstimpression-kc.com

Harvest Productions/HMXLive

1340 Burlington Street North Kansas City, MO 64116

573-808-1668

lkoske@harvestkc.com

Lauren Koske

hmxlive.com

Hilton President Kansas City

1329 Baltimore Kansas City, MO 64105

816-303-1628

marissa.pope@hilton.com

Marissa Pope

presidentkansascity.hilton.com

Kansas City Club

918 Baltimore Avenue Kansas City, MO 64105

816-352-5697

renee@kansascityclub.com

Renee Gfeller

kansascityclub.com

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

200 W. 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64105

816-855-4490

weddings@kcmarriott.com

Gretchen Gilmore-Rizo

marriott.com/mcidt

Laura’s Couture Collection

13010 Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, KS 66216

913-631-3010

lccbridal@gmail.com

Laura Mease

laurascouture.com

42 | July 6, 2019 |

@theindependentkc

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TIE THE KNOT 2019

hing blue * The Independent Business Name

Address

Phone

Email

Contact

Website

Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions

6306 Morningside Drive Kansas City, MO 64113

816-444-8372

lon@inspiredoccasionskc.com

Lon Lane

inspiredoccasionskc.com

Loose Mansion

101 East Armour Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64111

816-960-6501

abbey@loosemansion.com

Abbey Chingren

loosemansion.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes

6850 Johnson Drive Mission, KS 66202

913-490-6966

marie.pillman@nothingbundtcakes.com

Marie Pillman

nothingbundtcakes.com

Q39

1000 West 39th Street Kansas City, MO 64111

816-255-3753

shannon@q39kc.com

Shannon Burchett

q39kc.com

Quintessential Events

7603 North Cypress Avenue Kansas City, MO 64119

785-331-6676

sarah@kcweddingplanner.com

Sarah Quinlivan

kcweddingplanner.com

Simple Elegance

12710 South Pflumm, Suite 209B Olathe, KS 66062

913-397-9932

kindra@iplanyourwedding.com

Kindra Browne

iplanyourwedding.com

Taysty Cake Co.

—

620-704-4432

taystycakeco@gmail.com

Taylor Evans

—

TIVOL

220 Nichols Road Kansas City, MO 64112

816-531-5800

annie.steinert@tivol.com

Annie Steinert

tivol.com

Ultrapom Event Rental

3175 Terrace Street Kansas City, MO 64111

816-525-8568

info@ultrapom.com

Carolyn Schwartz

ultrapom.com

VanBrock

10527 Mission Road Leawood, KS 66206

913-341-7273

kim@vanbrockjewels.com

Kim Stevens

vanbrockjewels.com

Woo Booth

815 South Clairborne Road, Suite 175 Olathe, KS 66062

913-709-3592

info@thewoobooth.com

Kat Wooten

thewoobooth.com

“Please know the Q39 team was truly appreciated for what it provided for our wedding. Thank you for your artistic catering setup – a look of excellence! Thank you for your desire to go above and beyond in your service, setup, and delicious food! Everyone really enjoyed dinner. I look forward to working with you on future events!” – Diane

Wirken Photography

“Sarah Quinlivan with Quintessential Events is a wedding planning fairy godmother. She makes the impossible possible.

She turns dreams into reality. Sarah exceeded every expectation we had and opened our eyes to options we didn’t even know were possible; all while staying on budget. Her hustle is unmatched, her professionalism is on point, her kindness is everything, her heart is pure gold, and her love of love is infectious. When people asked me how wedding planning was going, I would always answer, ‘Amazing! I have Sarah and not a care in the world.’” - Katye

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Tie The Knot | kcindependent.com | July 6, 2019 | The Independent | 43

2017

• Calendar

Of

Events •

JULY CCVI (Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired); Illuminate; Join CCVI Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; Summer Bowl for Kids’ 8 for a fun evening of generous giving that includes a silent auction, blind wine 11-26 Sake; The largest annual fundraiser for BBBSKC with nearly 500 teams pull, delicious cocktails, and more. Contact Susan Belger Angulo: 3101 Main Street, and 3,000 participants throughout the month of July. Teams of six work together through the summer to fundraise online. To celebrate, they enjoy a giant party with free bowling, beer, pizza, and prizes; Park Lanes; free to participate, fundraising goals are provided. Contact Kristi Hutchison: 1709 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 816-777-2871 or kristi@bbbskc.org or bbbskc.org.

12

Band of Angels; Art That Blows; A butterfly made from a flute? Yes! This and many other creative works of art come together to create this fun event featuring drinks by Bacardi, a DJ, and casual summer dress. Proceeds support summer music camp scholarships; The Abbott; 5:30 p.m.; $25. Contact Mike Meyer: 11890 West 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66221 or 913-491-6636 or angels@meyermusic.com or artthatblows.org.

AdventHealth Foundation Shawnee Mission; Golf Classic; Join us 15 for a fun and exciting day of golf with breakfast, lunch, awards ceremony, on-course games, and hors d’oeuvres. Two shotgun starts: 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Shadow Glen Golf Club. Contact Alisha Blackwelder: 7315 Frontage Road, Suite 221, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 or 913-676-2058 or alisha.blackwelder@adventhealth.com or foundationforsmmc.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs Kansas City; 5th Annual SportsFest; It’s time to 16 tailgate with a legend! Join the home team for the fifth annual event benefiting the Sports LAB (Lifestyle, Attitude, Behavior) Program. The event includes a meal, auction, a program featuring Mia Hamm, and fun surprises; Arrowhead Stadium; $250. Contact Julie O’Rourke Kaul: 4001 Blue Parkway, Suite 102, Kansas City, MO 64130 or 816-361-3600 or events@helpkckids.org or helpkckids.org.

Quality Hill Playhouse; Encore! Gala; A fun evening of cocktails, auction, 25 dinner, and fabulous entertainment. The event is truly an encore, celebrating the 2018-2019 season by featuring singers and instrumentalists who graced the Playhouse stage in the past year; Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 6 p.m.; $175. Contact Rick Truman: 303 West 10th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 or 816-421-1700 or rtruman@qualityhillplayhouse.com or qualityhillplayhouse.com.

Kansas City, MO 64111 or 816-841-2284 or sbelger@ccvi.org or ccvi.org.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Shoot for the Cure; An annual fundraising 9-10 event which includes the Nick and Jake’s Western Dinner and Auction on Friday, August 9th, and a 100-clay Sporting Clay Competition on Saturday, August 10th; 6 p.m.; $100. Contact Amy Nyberg: 2405 Grand Boulevard, Suite 520, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 816-708-2923 or anyberg@cff.org or cff.org/kansascity.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Green Tie Gala; An inspirational 10 program, three-course dinner and drinks, live, silent, and super-silent auction packages, dessert, and dancing; The View at Briarcliff; 6 p.m.; $350. Contact Chuck Cuda: 6051 North Chestnut Avenue, Suite B, Gladstone, MO 64119 or 816-268-4493 or cuda@opescre.com.

Royals Charities; Royals Charities 5K Run/Walk; Participants will have 10 the opportunity to run on the warning track as part of the 5K course.

Each registrant will receive a Royals ticket voucher, a Royals t-shirt, and food and drinks following the race; Kauffman Stadium; 8 a.m.; $35. Contact Amanda Grosdidier: One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 or 816-504-4311 or amanda.grosdidier@royals.com or royals.com/run.

KVC Health Systems; KVC Kids Classic Golf Tournament; Experience 12 Tom Watson’s signature course, the exclusive, members-only National Golf Club. Golfers will receive VIP treatment as they enjoy all 18 holes including a golf cart, gifts and prizes, complimentary beverages, meals before and after flights, and deluxe golf swag; The National Golf Club; 8 a.m. Contact Kim Madden: 9800 West 163rd Place, Overland Park, KS 66085 or 913-322-4942 or kmadden@kvc.org or kvc.org.

The Children’s Place; Brews & BBQ; The Young Advisory Board will host 22 the annual event where guests will enjoy local BBQ and brews from some of Kansas City’s best restaurants; 28 Event Space; 5 p.m. Contact Shelli Jaye: 2 East 59th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113 or 816-363-1898 or jayes@tcpkc.org or childrensplacekc.org.

The Whole Person; Main Street Music Festival; A celebration of the The Victory Project; The Victory Gala; Held at the historic Muehlebach, 27 anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Held annually, the 23 the Gala features silent and live auction items, a unique dining experience, Festival is a fun and festive community event featuring live bands, vendors, food and live music; Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. trucks, and activities for all ages; Washington Square Park; 11 a.m.; free admission.

Contact Terri Goddard: 3710 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 or 816-627-2220 or tgoddard@thewholeperson.org or thewholeperson.org.

AUGUST House; believe; The 30th annual believe gala will inspire those affected 3withHope by domestic violence to believe in a brighter future. Revel in an elegant evening unbelievable entertainment, ambiance, and special guests; The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center; 5:30 p.m. Contact Sara Boatwright: P.O. Box 577, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 or 816-257-9333 or sboatwright@hopehouse.net or hopehouse.net/events.

Unicorn Theatre; Club Unicorn – A Summer Fling; Celebrating Unicorn 3Unicorn Theatre with music, dancing, food from local restaurants, and a live auction; Theatre. Contact Ian Crawford: 3828 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Contact Ashley Green: 2020 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 217-276-6933 or agreen@sportingkc.com or victorykc.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; Rise Rooftop Crawl; A unique 24 rooftop event where guests crawl to themed rooftop parties in the Crossroads. Each year, a new theme and surprise grand finale is announced. Guests enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment, a block party, and incredible views of the cityscape; Crossroads; 6 p.m. Contact Kristi Hutchison: 1709 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 816-777-2871 or kristi@bbbskc.org or bbbskc.org.

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault; Night Out with 24 MOCSA Cocktail Party and Auction; Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and the chance to bid on silent and live auction items.

The event helps support MOCSA’s art and play therapy programs; The Gallery Event Space; $100. Contact Kellie Johnson: 3100 Broadway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64111 or 816-285-1353 or kjohnson@mocsa.org or mocsa.org.

or 816-783-5516 or icrawford@unicorntheatre.org or unicorntheatre.org.

Wirken Photography

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

44 | July 6, 2019 |

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

Tails Of Our Town

T

aylor Bacon (now Schmidt) thought the reason she was at the animal shelter was to volunteer. Instead, once she looked deep into Benji’s golden eyes, they were a bonded pair. In those days, the two lived in South Carolina, where Taylor was careering with Teach for America. During their time together, Benji has furthered his education. He is now a fully certified service dog. Benji’s favorite toy is his parrot, but he prefers to play with it when he thinks he is alone. He is always game for treats or a bone. Benji loves basking in the sun – Taylor jokes that he is trying to even out his brown spots. Cuddled on the couch or lounging in bed, Benji wants to be with Taylor. On New Year’s Eve, Taylor married Austen Schmidt, with Benji as the ring bearer. Now this angelic dog has another person to love!

Head for the Cure Foundation; 17th Annual Head for the Cure 5K Kansas City Symphony League; The Firebird Ball; An evening to remember, 25 Metro KC; Join us for a 5K that raises funds, awareness, and hope for the 7 where guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, bid on unique items at a brain tumor community. Funds will benefit The University of Kansas Cancer silent auction, hear a performance by the Symphony led by Music Director Michael Center, Solace House, Children’s Brain Tumor Project, and the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative; Corporate Woods; 8 a.m. Contact Jenna Heilman: 1607 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 816-218-6871 or info@headforthecure.org or headforthecure.org.

Stern, dine on gourmet entrees, and dance to the music of one of Kansas City’s best bands; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts; 6 p.m.; $275. Contact Mary Leonida: P.O. Box 1185, Shawnee Mission, KS 66222 or 816-589-4136 or mleonida@usapolaris.com or kcsymphonyball.org.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City; 10th Annual KC The Victory Project; Sporting Invitational; Participants will golf alongside 25 SuperStar; An American Idol-style competition, awarding the best high 9 Sporting Kansas City players and coaches, compete for prizes in creative games school singer in the Kansas City metro area with the $10,000 Edward & Ellen Rose throughout the course, and enjoy a post-event clubhouse celebration; Loch Lloyd Family Scholarship; $250. Contact Felice Azorsky: 5801 West 115th Street, Suite 101, Overland Park, KS 66211 or 913-981-8895 or felicea@thejkc.org or thejkc.org.

Country Club; Contact Ashley Green: 2020 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 271-276-6933 or agreen@sportingkc.com or victorykc.org.

Northeast Community Center: Home of Harmony Project KC; Night in Welcome House; Swing Fore Recovery Golf Classic; Unique course contests, 25 Napa; Mingle with friends and enjoy quartet performances by the students 9 a live celebrity player auction, fabulous prizes, and Milburn’s amazing of Harmony Project KC and fine wine and food pairings; 1900 Building; barbecue. It all makes for a memorable and first-class player experience; Milburn 5:30 p.m.; $125. Contact Kyla Pitts-Zevin: 544 Wabash Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64124 or 816-231-7738 or kyla@necc-kc.org or harmonyprojectkc.org.

Country Club; 8:30 a.m. Contact Mitchell Chalk: 1414 East 27th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 816-472-0760 or mitchellchalk@welcomehousekc.org or welcomehousekc.org.

SEPTEMBER Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault; TriCom Golf 12 Tournament; Enjoy supporting MOCSA with a fun-filled day of golf and Ability KC; Ability Luncheon; The 2019 Luncheon continues the tradition of lunch. Teams of four will participate in the annual golf tournament, followed by a 5services honoring the life-changing work for individuals with disabilities receiving luncheon, and awards ceremony; Falcon Ridge Golf Course; $800. Contact Kellie at our therapeutic preschool and medical rehabilitation and employment services programs; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 11:30 a.m.; $100. Contact Gemma Zook: 3011 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108 or 816-751-7932 or gemma.zook@abilitykc.org or abilitykc.org.

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Olathe Health Charitable Foundation; 19th Annual Olathe Health Charitable Foundation Golf Classic; Tee off for a great cause to raise funds to support the Hospice House. Morning and afternoon sessions are available; Sycamore Ridge Golf Course; 7 a.m. Contact Natalie Ward: 20375 West 151st Street, Suite 363, Olathe, KS 66061 or 913-791-4213 or natalie.ward@olathehealth.org or olathehealth.org/donate.

The University of Kansas Health System; Treads & Threads; Under the 6 stars and inside the oval at Kansas Speedway, Treads & Threads is an unforgettable black-tie gala to benefit cancer patient care and includes a gourmet feast from area restaurants, a concert by a headline entertainer, spectacular fireworks, and a dance floor that’s packed ‘til midnight; Kansas Speedway; 6 p.m.; $350. Contact: 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 305, Westwood, KS 66205 or 913-588-2800 or treadsandthreads@kumc.edu or kansashealthsystem.com.

Johnson: 3100 Broadway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64111 or 816-285-1353 or kjohnson@mocsa.org or mocsa.org.

Harriman-Jewell Series; Prelude 2019; Cocktails, an elegant dinner, 14 presentation of the Richard Harriman Arts Award, and a performance by inspiring classical music talent. Proceeds support the Series’ Discovery Concerts and education events, bringing free arts opportunities to all in our community; $150. Contact Eryn Bates Kemp: 500 College Hill, Campus Box 1015, Liberty, MO 64068 or 816-415-7814 or batese@hjseries.org or hjseries.org.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Mid-America Chapter; Light the 14 Night Kansas City; It is our aim to bring light to the darkness of cancer through research and cures. Light The Night features a family zone area, survivor tent, entertainment, food, and a one-mile walk illuminated by lanterns; 6 p.m.; free admission. Contact Denise Wiese: 6811 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 202, Overland Park, KS 66202 or 913-262-1515 or denise.wiese@lls.org or lightthenight.org.

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