July 9, 2022 Tie The Knot Signature Issue

TIE THE KNOT ISSUE ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY | KCINDEPENDENT.COM | JULY 9, 2022 | $3.00

There are many reasons we host Kansas City’s most prestigious eventsand the unparalleled quality and service from our expert catering staff is one of the most frequently mentioned.

Whether it’s an intimate gathering, a wedding or a large civic event, we are experts in hosting you.

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ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY | KCINDEPENDENT.COM

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r. and Mrs. William John Aliber of Mission Hills, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Julian Carr Aliber, to Peter Griffin Dolle, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lodge Dolle III of Cincinnati, Ohio. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Patton Kline of Mission Hills and Mrs. James Amos Aliber of Birmingham, Michigan, and the late Mr. Aliber. Julie is a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School.

She earned a bachelor of science degree magna cum laude from the John V. Roach Honors College at Texas Christian University and a doctorate of physical therapy degree from Northwestern University. Julie was a Jewel Ball debutante in 2012. A member of Chi Omega sorority, she is employed as a research physical therapist with the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, Illinois.

Her groom-elect is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Paul O’Toole of Chicago and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Lodge Dolle, Jr. Griffin is a graduate of Saint Xavier High School in Cincinnati. He received a bachelor of arts degree from DePauw University. A member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, Griffin is employed as a brand partnership accounts manager with TikTok. Theirs will be an October 15th wedding at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

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 2021 when we publish the second and third 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.

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TIE THE KNOT — 2022 —

Take a journey through the pure happiness of celebrating weddings. Our pages are filled with the joy, the beauty, and the many wonderful details involved in tying the knot.

Read on to feel the love that surrounds Our Town.

Mrs. Charles Hyde Church Reprinted from the April 15, 1922 issue of The Independent.

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Henry Harvey

The wedding party of Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Stewart

Reprinted from the September 9, 1922 issue of The Independent.

Reprinted from the October 14, 1922 issue of The Independent.

Photo Credit: Strauss-Peyton

Beautiful BEGINNINGS

THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO EXQUISITE WEDDINGS & EVENTS FOR 26 YEARS

Follow us on @simpleelegancekc Call us at 913-397-9932 • info@iplanyourwedding.com www.simpleelegance.com

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Kristy Marshall Photography

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.

Engagement

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octors Kelley and Douglas Thompson of Mission Hills, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Nicole Thompson, to Dr. Brandon Ray Bachar, the son of

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bachar of Olathe, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Donna Romans of Kansas City, Missouri, the late Mr. Glen Romans, and Mrs. Don Thompson of Leawood, Kansas, and the late Dr. Thompson. Emily is a graduate of The Barstow School. She earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and a juris doctorate from The University of Kansas.

Emily is a BOTAR, class of 2018. A member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she is employed with UMB Bank in Kansas City, Missouri.

Her groom-elect is the grandson of Shoulian Wu and Mr. Steve Xu of Olathe, Kansas, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bachar. Brandon is a graduate of The Barstow School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and biology from Case Western Reserve University. Brandon received his doctor of dental medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is employed with Legends Dental Group in Kansas City, Kansas. Theirs will be an October 29th wedding at Top of the Rock Chapel at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri.

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Toast To Olde Tymes

By Heather N. Paxton

This lovely scene depicts the bridal party of the Stoddard-Cowgill nuptials at the supper following the ceremony in the formal garden of the Stoddard country home, Sarcoxie, Mo. The marriage of Margaret Lackland Stoddard and Henry Cowgill, Jr., of Carthage was a smart event of the autumn.

Reprinted from the December 31, 1927 issue of The Independent.

I

t’s a near certainty that any wedding planned during the past few years has involved challenges that would have taxed the minds of the finest screenwriters during the glory days of Hollywood.

We like to imagine that true love conquers all. Prior to the pandemic, wedding planning was often chronicled in the media as a source of stress. There was such a focus on getting everything perfect – as though that were possible! Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, received some advice that bears repeating from her mother, Karen Craft, before her wedding in Our Town: “The things that go wrong often make the best memories.” Now, obviously, this works better when the topic is something fairly minor, rather than illness and potential death.

Margaret Lackland Stoddard and Henry Stevens Cowgill, Jr. were married in September 1927. The bride, who was known as Peggy, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Stoddard.

Her father had his own real estate firm in Kansas City. Her groom was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stevens Cowgill of Carthage, Missouri. His father owned a flour mill. Peggy had graduated from Barstow and Ogontz College. In addition, she had spent a year in Florence, Italy, where she studied voice and music. Henry was a Yale graduate. Dr. Robert Nelson Spencer (not yet a bishop) officiated at the ceremony, which was held at “Twin Oaks,” the Stoddards’ “country estate” in Sarcoxie, Missouri, with approximately 150 guests present. As our scribe noted, “A novel aisle for the bridal party was marked from the pillared portico of the house, by dwarf cedar trees, shrubbery, standards of pink gladioli and white ribbons. The altar, which had for its background masses of growing blossoms, baskets of gladioli and smilax, was also marked by cedars, under the spreading branches of oak trees. An orchestra, behind a smilax screen, played the wedding music and a program preceding the

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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

service… The wedding supper was served at quartet tables in the garden. The bridal table in the bride’s formal garden nearby, had a centerpiece of hearts entwined, fashioned of pink roses.

The wedding cake, decorated with pastel-toned flowers, was in a heart design of Sweetheart roses, supported by Dresden pillars and topped by a doll figure of a bride, the costume a replica of that worn by Peggy.”

What went wrong? “Guests Ill With Ptomaine After A Bridal Supper” was a headline in the September 22, 1927 issue of the Mexico [Missouri] Weekly Ledger.

According to the article, “The first symptoms of poisoning appeared soon after the guests left the Stoddard home. Physicians were summoned to attend guests in Joplin, Carthage, Sarcoxie and other Jasper County homes.” On the 19th, the Kansas City Star had run the tagline “Several of Her Wedding Guests Became Ill After a Bridal Supper” above a photo of Peggy as she looked on the day she became Mrs. Cowgill. If the juxtaposition seemed unfortunate, the text below the picture made it clear just how dire the situation had been: “A check today revealed approximately 100 guests had been ill of ptomaine poisoning following the supper. Only three persons were taken to hospitals, and today all were on the way to recovery.” It seemed likely that “pressed chicken” was the culprit.

What went right? Peggy and Henry became the parents of a daughter and son and remained married for the rest of their lives. They spent the early years of their marriage in Carthage, where Henry served two terms as mayor. (Apparently, the voters didn’t blame him for the foul fowl.) In 1942, the Cowgills moved to Michigan, where Henry worked first for a milling company and then for a brokerage firm. Henry died in 1970, and Margaret outlived him by 14 years.

KCINDEPENDENT.COM

Love MATCH

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humbing through our archives from the past 123 years, we can’t help but smile at the glowing faces of fabulous people who have graced our pages. We are thrilled to spotlight some of the 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 them today. Cheers to the happy couples!

70 YEARS

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r. and Mrs. John Hutt Shackelford make the ceremonial cut in the cake after their marriage, February 9, at the residence of the bride’s uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver T. Maxwell in Boonville, Missouri. The former Helen Elizabeth Haigh is a daughter of Mrs. Margaret Weaver Haigh of Jefferson City. Her bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harrison Shackelford, Jr. They are spending their honeymoon at Varadero Beach, Cuba, and will return to Kansas City after March 1.

Reprinted from the February 23, 1952 issue of The Independent.

“I recommend that the bride and groom and their families have their photos taken before the ceremony.

This allows for a much smoother day and then your parents can be the hosts of your cocktail hour - and you will be able to attend, also.” - Craig Sole, Craig Sole Designs

Jefferson May Photography

I Wonder – if you know the newlyweds, still waiting for the furniture to arrive, who are throwing the best parties in town with borrowed props in an echoing apartment?

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epagaFOTO

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ta

lizabeth Phillips Starr and Captain Edward James Gallagher, United States Army, were married on December 30th at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of Alicia Noonan Starr of Kansas City and the late John Starr.

Elizabeth is the granddaughter of Wilmagene and Lewis Noonan of Leawood, Kansas, and Barry and Philip Starr of Sarasota, Florida. Her groom is the son of Karen and Harry Gallagher, Jr. of Prairie Village, Kansas. Ted is the grandson of Donald Bonner of Overland Park, Kansas, and the late Margie Bonner, and the late Margaret and Harry Gallagher, Sr. The Gallaghers toasted their son and future daughter-in-law at a rehearsal dinner in The Muehlebach Suite at Boulevard Brewing Company on the evening prior to the nuptials. Isabel Kramer served as the maid of honor, and Ted’s twin brother, Ben Gallagher, was the best man.

The bridesmaids were Elizabeth Helzberg, Erin Harvey, Daryl Hesse, and Kacy Hobbis, and Alex Hollister was the bridesman. Fitz McDonough and Captain Dixon Pattillo, Captain CJ Sloan, Captain Marqus Burrell, and Captain Clayton Vermeesch, all with the United States Army, were the groomsmen. Jack Starr and Robert Starr, the bride’s brothers, served as ushers. After the ceremony, the Starr family hosted a reception at The Kansas City Country Club.

Elizabeth is a school psychologist for the Stepping Stones Group. Ted is stationed in Dahlonega, Georgia. The couple resides in Dawsonville, Georgia.

Norman Hoyt

REMEMBER WHEN Dr. Galen D. Bird assists his bride, the former Linda Ferris, in cutting the confection at their reception at Blue Hills Country Club following their recent marriage at Second Presbyterian Church. The new Mrs. Bird is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Ferris; the bridegroom, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bird of Salina, Kansas. After a wedding trip to New Orleans and Biloxi, the couple resides at No. 405D West 104th Street.

Reprinted from the June 10, 1967 issue of The Independent.

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Advice To Grooms From Betty Ann Don’t walk away from the altar toward the vestibule as if you meant to spend forever and a day at it. You need not race out of the church, but do omit the tortoise stunt.

Reprinted from the July 3, 1915 issue of The Independent.

Scene ART

By Anne Potter Russ

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edding gifts have varied over the years as much as brides’ hair styles and dresses have changed. Need we remind our dear readers that dowries used to be the only thing that made a wedding happen - or not happen - in many an instance? It was commonplace for a bride to come equipped with a great stash of family cash (see Bridgerton) that was supposed to be bestowed upon the happy couple. Instead, often the family of the groom made off with the goods. At one point in recent history, it was deemed unacceptable and unfortunate if a bride had to entertain in her new home with a mismatched set of dishes. In the 1920s, Marshall Fields department store brought about the idea of a bridal registry, so that brides could request matched sets of everything so as to save their party-throwing reputations. When the stock market crashed in the late 1920s, weddings and gift-giving took a hiatus. During World War II, marriages were hasty affairs usually sans gifts before the groom was sent off to war.

During the second half of the 20th century, registries were back in fashion, as were china, flatware, crystal, linens, and the like. Since the advent of the internet, and dare we say Amazon, wedding shopping has taken on a whole new life in this whole new century. (Upon our own engagement, we were instructed to go straight to Halls on the Plaza - posthaste!) Offerings today go beyond the traditional, and venture into the dynamic. Guests are asked to purchase everything from major appliances to high-flying experiences. Brides and grooms ask for help paying for the wedding, the honeymoon, the kayak adventure, the skydiving, and even request for donations to be made to non-profit organizations.

As we still understand the need for unique gifts to be presented to the happy couple, here are some ideas that have an artistic and local flair. Our style of gift-giving admittedly involves gassing up the car, going shopping, hand-selecting an item, and wrapping said item for the recipient. It’s not that we don’t think a mail-order blender isn’t a splendid idea, it’s just that we’d rather support an artist, find something unusual and unexpected,

Glazed bowl by Nancy Boughan

and carry on the tradition of leaving the house to make an important purchase.

The tiny gem of a co-op store, Eclectics Gallery, is our absolute favorite for finding the most unique, locally, handcrafted, artistic gifts!

This corner store at 71st and Oak is chock-full of items too fabulous to leave behind. First, flying in the face of convention (the aforementioned Wooden vase by Tony Giordano

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Set of five pottery plates

by Nancy Boughan

Wooden inlaid box by Augie Martin

matching plates), there is the most beautiful array of pottery - in all shapes and sizes, and tantalizing colors. From reds to earthy browns, to Caribbean aquas - serving platters to petite bowls - round to oblong to leaf-shaped there is a piece for everyone and every occasion. (We would love to have a non-matching set of one of each!)

How about a handmade journal of recipes collected from the artists of Eclectics, for some tasty ideas of creations to put on and in the plates and bowls? Or, maybe a wine bottle holder made of glass and wood? Speaking of wood, we found some hand-hewn pieces - a glossy wooden vase, and an intricately made maple and red cedar oak inlaid box with a lid.

s ’ y t i C s a Kans ’

ULTIMATE COUTURE WEDDING BOUTIQUE

Ceramic hanging map

Kansas City-themed glassware

RESERVE YOUR LUXE, PRIVATE BRIDAL SUITE AT MIMI’S COUTURE BRIDAL.

Another weapon in our shopping local arsenal is a store named Stuff in Brookside. For gifts with a local flair, Stuff always has a fun collection. We love the ceramic hanging map of Kansas City (a variety of color choices), or the stoneware coasters backed in cork proclaiming Kansas City - also in a variety of color combinations. Don’t forget a set of pint or highball glasses touting 816 and 913, as well as KC, to go on the coasters full of favorite beverages - maybe a Tom’s Town gin and tonic?

The subject of libations brings us to a quick review (just scratching the surface) of local beverage creators. (After all, beverages are art, too!) Check out the following for sips, tours, and local triumphs - Amigoni Winery in the West Bottoms, Tom’s Town Distillery located downtown, Boulevard Brewery located downtown on the west side, Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Paola, Kansas, Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery in Basehor, Kansas, or any of the Roasterie’s multiple locations. Gifting bottles, sets, wares, tours, and tastings from any of these treasures is sure to please the newly betrothed.

Happy gifting!

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

8015 SANTA FE DRIVE OVERLAND PARK, KS 66204 913.291.1002 MIMISCOUTUREBRIDAL.COM

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eather Nicole Parrish and John Patrick Jandl were united in matrimony at Akiin Beach Tulum in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on April 23rd. The bride is the daughter of Heidi and William Parrish of Venice, Florida. Her groom is the son of Ann and George “Rusty” Jandl of Prairie Village, Kansas. The groom’s parents hosted a lovely rehearsal dinner at Wild in Tulum on the evening of the 22nd. Brooke Register was the maid of honor, and Dane Carillo served as the best man. Caroline Connolly was the flower girl, and there were two ring bearers – William Connolly and George Connolly. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents honored the newlyweds with a beautiful reception at Akiin Beach Club. Heather and John honeymooned in Argentina.

They are now at home in New York, New York, where Heather is employed by Stetts Modeling Agency, and John is employed with Goldman Sachs.

Advice To Grooms From Betty Ann Don’t have your stag dinner the night before the parade up the aisle. You will feel ninety percent better, and you know you can’t look good if you don’t feel that way.

Reprinted from the July 3, 1915 issue of The Independent.

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“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 is important to ask for a detailed list of what each venue offers. This will help you determine which process best meets your needs so you can look forward to an unforgettable wedding day.”- Keyli Kamin, Hilton President Kansas City

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

Strauss-Peyton

Love MATCH

60 YEARS

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harles Dallas Horner and his bride, née Mary Katherine Hall, leave St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church August 18th after their beautiful wedding. A social guest list filled the Kansas City Club’s Tudor Room for the reception, given by the parents of the bride, the Joshua Motter Halls. Assisting them were the benedict’s parents, the Bryan Ridgway Horners. After a cruise to Bermuda, the couple will live at No. 1906 Dexter Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Reprinted from the September 1, 1962 issue of The Independent.

Sharyn Blond Linens offers the most comprehensive bridal registry in Kansas City.

An elegant shop for classic and modern goods, Sharyn Blond for the Home features the finest in tabletop, bed and bath,

REMEMBER WHEN

exclusive lines perfect for hostess gifts, and decorative accessories.

The Earl Calvin Padgett, Jrs. (June Behrendt) exit Country Club Christian Church after the February 16th rite, en route to the reception at Indian Hills Country Club. The daughter of the August Behrendts and son of Mrs. Earl C. Padgett and the late Dr. Padgett motored to Detroit, NY and Washington for a honeymoon, and after May 1 will occupy their colonial house at No. 6522 Summit Street.

Style: Classic, traditional

Reprinted from the March 16, 1957 issue of The Independent.

I Wonder – if he called her in Paris to propose and lost his nerve?

311 East 55th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113, in the Crestwood Shops phone 816-569-4501 website sharynblondlinens.com

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Art Insider |

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

ove is in the air on a festive, flirty afternoon in a lush setting that could just as easily be Loose Park as this verdant forest in 1725.

Elegantly dressed young men, women, and children recline at the base of a large urn, on which rests a sculpture of Venus, the goddess of love. Couples pair off to converse, while others exchange furtive glances, their entangled limbs hinting at their desire.

The bucolic setting of this playful gathering ultimately derives from the garden party, a form of entertainment popular at the French court. Through a skillful blend of sensuality, covert eroticism, and elegant refinement, pastoral paintings such as this brought the world of aristocratic society and amorous games to the countryside and excluded coarse reality.

The subject matter also flirts with the Garden of Love. Such stories often feature a fountain of love, from which lovers drink and fall in love. Here, however, while there is no fountain present, the individuals are about to partake in some type of drink. A child holds the handle of a large golden ewer, next to which sits a basin, used to pour water and wash one’s hands. A servant stands at the right foreground with his back to us, holding a footed stand with two glass flasks, indicating that wine or water is about to be served. Regardless of the drink, the scene is full of possibility, as is spring, for love to bloom and flourish.

Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, Louis L. and Adelaide C. Ward Senior Curator, European Arts

Jean-Baptiste Pater (French, 1695-1736), The Garden Party (Fête Champêtre), 1725-1730, oil on canvas, 22 11/16 x 25 13/16 inches (57.63 x 65.56 cm), Purchase: acquired through the bequest of Helen Foresman Spencer, F82-35/1.

Tails Of Our Town Andrea Nigh Photography

REMEMBER WHEN

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Big Lou and Little Lou (Practically twins!)

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Little Lou

hen Raelynn Rockwell and Mitch Briggs started dating, each already had a dog named Louie. Now the dogs are called Little Lou and Big Lou. Little Lou, Raelynn’s Pomeranian, got his name because he liked riding in her Louis Vuitton bag. Little Lou spins in circles when he wants to be picked up. Mitch’s Dalmatian, Big Lou, also referred to as King Louie Lou, is known for his smile and his loyalty to his family. Big Lou and Little Lou eat together – they actually alternate taking bites out of the same bowl! Little Lou draws the line at sharing bones, and will be quite, um, assertive about it, even though there’s a significant weight disparity between them (five pounds versus 70). What matters to Big Lou is getting attention, and he will try to move Little Lou out of the limelight whenever possible. At night, Big Lou delights in snuggling with his humans, and Little Lou enjoys having the house to himself while everyone else is in bed.

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Joseph John McGee, Jr., assists his bride, the former Anne Cunningham, in cutting the cake at their reception last Saturday at Mission Hills Country Club after the ceremony at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Reprinted from the May 7, 1949 issue of The Independent.

Rachel’s Reads

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“The giving of love is an education in itself.”

- E LEANOR R OOSEVELT

n the English language, love is a word that has many different dimensions. It is uniquely personal, as no experience with it is exactly the same, and yet it is an experience that we all strive to understand better. Love is the foundation for many relationships whether romantic or platonic, but relationships are where many of us falter. We need to continually water the plant, and yet it is difficult to know how best to take care of it, especially as technology has changed the way we interact. The books below are both fiction and non-fiction and cover many different aspects of relationships from the short-term to the lifelong. They can help us begin to understand the crazy world of love.

All About Love by bell hooks This 11-chapter treatise is devoted to answering the complex question of “what is love?” Throughout this must-read, the author shows the interconnectedness of love in our public and private lives, what it means to give and receive love, and rethinking self-love. Exploring both the cultural and the intimate, this book is essential reading.

The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman A book that explores the idea of fear of commitment, Nate Piven is a 20-something writer at the top of his game. He flits from assignment to assignment (and woman to woman) when he meets someone who makes him start to wonder about the life he really wants. Sometimes infuriating, it is a spot-on depiction of modern relationship dynamics.

The Course of Love by Alain de Botton This realistic portrayal of a relationship is startlingly gorgeous. It is the story of one couple’s long-term relationship and captures the hopes, dreams, fears, and insecurities that can make all of us feel alone. It takes Rabih and Kirsten from the first flush of infatuation, the falling into romantic love, and then what it takes to maintain love. It is completely compelling.

How to Fall in Love with Anyone by Mandy Len Catron This is a wonderful and insightful memoir that explores the romantic myths we create and how they limit our ability to achieve and sustain intimacy. Exploring her family history and drawing insights from psychology, biology, history, and literature, Mandy explains why we prefer certain kinds of love stories. She also shares how she decided to test a psychology experiment and ended up with millions of people following her love life. It is a fascinating and witty study of how people find each other and stay together.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron Based on real events in Nora’s life, this book takes a terrible situation and turns it into a comedy. Rachel Samstat is a pregnant cookbook writer who has just discovered that her husband is having an affair. Interspersed with recipes, this book has adultery, revenge, and group therapy. A book about the break up of a perfect marriage has never been quite so comic.

Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello In this emotional and evocative memoir, Michael remembers the 14 years he spent with his husband, Kit, and eventually the rare and aggressive cancer that took Kit’s life. More than just a tragic account of a life nearing its end, this is the story of their relationship from start to finish, with all of the anxieties, complexities, and tenderness of two people who gave each other their whole hearts.

A Lover’s Discourse: Fragments by Roland Barthes Although originally published in 1978, it makes fantastic use of structure to explore the whimsies and passions of love. Roland recreates a lover’s fevered consciousness as he attempts to deconstruct love and creates what is basically an anatomy of desire. Roland covers many types of love within these short essays and then subjects them to a philosophical analysis from sources that include Goethe, Nietzsche, Plato, and Rilke. There is an echo of everyone within these pages.

Plays Well with Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong by Eric Barker In this recent release, Eric explores relationships of many kinds including both love and friendship. He explores the science behind common phrases and teaches us how to build better relationships no matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert. Using stories and the best evidence available, he analyzes each maxim from all sides before rendering a verdict, one that can be used to help us all interact better with the world and those around us.

Happy Reading!

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@theindependentkc

Whitney & Brian

Bailey Pianalto Photography

Flight Paths And Footwear: Chance meeting on airport jetway sparks lifelong romance

By Paul Horsley

Bailey Pianalto Photography

Whitney Huell and Brian Keith Gamble

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ometimes a single sartorial decision can bring about life-altering consequences. Brian Keith Gamble could not possibly have known, when he donned his 2015 Crestwood Red Mid Basketball Shoes for the flight home to South Carolina on Christmas morning 2015, that he’d be meeting a dazzling ballet dancer later that day.

And Kansas City Ballet Company Member Whitney Huell, who happened to be on a long standby list for the same connecting flight through Atlanta, could not have imagined that she would soon be dating the guy in the limited-edition Adidas.

“I noticed Brian because of those shoes,” said Whitney. “They were really bright, and he’s tall and striking.” She had nothing else to do, really, as she sat gloomily at the gate, fully expecting not to make the last flight of the evening to home and family.

Brian was flying home, too, where he planned to spend the holidays with his parents, who had moved to Columbia after he graduated from high school in Sumter. The last thing he expected was for a routine holiday trip to alter his future, his life, his heart.

Heaven smiled that day: Whitney’s name was called, she boarded the flight, and later as she waited on the jetway for her carry-on bag, there was the handsome stranger again.

“Where are you traveling from?” he asked, noticing she was wearing a winter jacket that was way too hot for muggy South Carolina. Whitney had just finished Kansas City Ballet’s run of The Nutcracker the night before, and flying on the 25th was her only option for making it home

by Christmas.

“And he said, What kind of work do you do?” Whitney said. “And I said, I’m a dancer. And he said, that’s amazing.” As impressed as Brian was at 20 | July 9, 2022 |

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

having met someone from his home state who had “made it” in the performing arts, Whitney was just as taken with the fact that he was impressed.

“There had never been a time when I felt that someone understood me and what I do,” said the dancer, who trained at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities before earning degrees in ballet and psychology from Indiana University. “People don’t get that dance is a profession: that it’s not just a hobby, it’s a job. And since he’s an artist, he understood.”

Brian’s first love was physics, but along the way he discovered a passion for acting, and by the time he met Whitney he was a film and television actor living in Los Angeles. Having begun a career in the bustling film studios of Wilmington, North Carolina, he moved west to land more roles.

But he was also a teacher, and he eventually accepted a full-time job as a professor of physics at Los Angeles Southwest College. Because that’s right: In addition to degrees from The Citadel and North Carolina State, Brian has a Ph.D. in physics from Clemson University and is a tenured professor.

Could it be that Whitney had found the man she was praying for? She hadn’t had much luck so far: Few seemed to know how to deal with a world-class ballet dancer.

“I wrote down a very specific prayer of what I wanted in a partner,” said Whitney, who has been a woman of faith all her life. “Tall, handsome, caring, smart, loving, passionate.”

And there was Brian, standing on a jetway in the Columbia airport. In the coming days, as each spent the holidays among their respective families, they made contact and decided to get together to see how the chemistry worked.

Adrienne Cooper Photography

“It was a six-hour date,” said Whitney with a laugh. After a two-hour sushi dinner, they saw a movie (The Danish Girl), walked around holiday-festooned downtown Columbia, and talked and talked. “It was the most magical date that I’ve ever been on,” she said.

This June 19th, Whitney and Brian tied the knot, in a ceremony at The Citadel Beach Club on the Charleston, South Carolina coast. A gathering of 120 or so attended an outdoor ceremony, which included the “Love Chapter” from First Corinthians, sonnets and a song by Brian, and a joyous reception.

But back to our story: What if the airline had bumped Whitney and she had never boarded the connection? What if Brian hadn’t noticed her arresting smile on the jetway? And how about those shoes: Was this destiny’s hand?

Brian is not too much of a scientist to entertain the possibility that there are forces at work we don’t fully understand.

“They say thoughts are things, and they have energy,” he said. “I’m not sure that it was chance that we met.”

Granted, he and Whitney were each on a journey toward love, and openness counts for a lot. “Maybe it’s possible that when you think about something, contemplate, meditate, ask the universe, it kind of creates situations where those things can occur,” he said. “But you also have to recognize the opportunity once you are presented with it.”

Whitney felt she had finally met someone who completely “got” her.

“Because I’m an artist, and an African American artist, there are not a whole lot of people like me.” Having struggled for her whole life over the anomaly of being a Black ballerina, she immediately connected with Brian: on a spiritual, intellectual, physical, even intuitive level.

And although she had never really thought about tying the knot, “this opened up a possibility that marriage could be for me.”

Brian knew little about ballet initially, but was determined to learn, and to be there. “One of the ways I could be supportive is to make it a priority to come to the shows.” He has been blown away by the precision, the detail, the technical perfection. “I don’t think I realized just how difficult it is to become a professional dancer: It takes a lifetime.”

He also loves how Whitney’s attention to detail carries over into her everyday life. “She’s very precise, very disciplined,” Brian said. “Watching her, the way she talks, the way she presents herself, I can see how … being a dancer her whole life has influenced and crafted aspects of her personality.”

The happy couple was married last month in Charleston, South Carolina.

Whitney also loves watching Brian onscreen, transforming himself into characters she hardly recognizes. “Seeing him being ‘in the element’ is really cool. … A lot of people say they are actors, but watching him I thought: Wow, he’s good.”

Faith will guide them as they work out how and where to live, and how to join their lives and futures.

“We’re both spiritual, we’re believers,” Brian said. “We don’t have all the questions answered. … So we’re going to take a leap.”

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

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ta

A

ja Mackenzie James and James Matthew Radel were united in matrimony on May 7th at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. The bride is the daughter of Licia Clifton-James and Sylvester James, Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri. Aja is the granddaughter of Florene Clifton of Kansas City and Melva James of Las Vegas, Nevada. Her groom is the son of Carol and Jim Radel of Kansas City. The Radels hosted the lovely rehearsal dinner for their son and future daughter-in-law at Boulevard Brewing Company on the evening prior to the ceremony. Angie Kim was Aja’s maid of honor, and Brandon Fear served as Matt’s best man.

Madison Pitts, Mallory Jansen, and Kaylee Okafor were the bridesmaids. The groomsmen were Willie Forrest, Cody White, and Grant Foster. Race James, Aja’s nephew, was the officiant, and her niece, Grey James, was the flower girl. Jaden Jansen-Scarborough served as the ring bearer. The bride’s parents toasted their daughter and new son-in-law at a beautiful reception that was held at the hotel.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Riviera Maya, Mexico. They are now at home in Kansas City, where Aja is the co-owner of Flexy, and Matt is employed with CH Robinson.

Brittyn Elizabeth Photography

“Don’t forget about candles. We mix tall candles with low floral centerpieces and lower candles with taller floral centerpieces. We always work in odd numbers (typically five candles per table).” - Dan Meiners, Studio Dan Meiners

22 | July 9, 2022 |

@KCIndependent

Advice To Grooms From Betty Ann Don’t buy new clothes for the ceremony if those you have are in perfect condition.

They will only make you more uncomfortable.

Reprinted from the July 3, 1915 issue of The Independent.

Becca Alvord

The Ken Taylors

Love MATCH

50 YEARS

M

r. and Mrs. Porter Thomas Hall III open the dancing, that went on and on, at their reception at Mission Hills Country Club on February 26th, following the ceremony at Country Club Christian Church. After a brief wedding trip to Naples, Florida, the young Halls will be at home at No. 9505 West 89th Street in Louisburg Square apartments. The bride, the former Georganne Oliver, is the daughter of the William Wells Olivers; his parents are the Porter T. Hall, Jrs. Reprinted from the March 4, 1972 issue of The Independent.

Reprinted from the January 26, 1957 issue of The Independent.

I Wonder – when a certain young woman will put a certain young lawyer out of his misery by marrying him?

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Strauss Peyton

Love MATCH

40 YEARS

M

r. and Mrs. William Keith Pence (Margaret Elizabeth Hall) after their ceremony at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The couple honeymooned on Eleuthera in The Bahamas and are at home on Romany Road.

Reprinted from the May 15, 1982 issue of The Independent.

“Invest in talent and professionalism and then trust the process. When you have confidence in your vendors to do their job they will surprise you with how talented and capable they are. If you’ve hired vendors that have previously worked together, the collaboration effort is magical.

The icing on the cake is when vendors feed off of one another’s energy.”

- Amanda Medlock, Trinity Events

Reprinted from the April 6, 1946 issue of The Independent.

I Wonder – if a certain blonde lady, aspiring to wed one of our prominent and wealthy bachelors, hasn’t overplayed her hand?

24 | July 9, 2022 |

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ta

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adley Winslow Burnham and Michael Lewis Reintjes were married on October 16, 2021, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The bride is the daughter of Elizabeth Burnham of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and the late William Burnham, Jr. Hadley is the granddaughter of William Wheeler, Jr. of Duxbury, and the late Lydia Wheeler. Her groom is the son of Jeannette and Robert Reintjes, Jr. of Mission Hills, Kansas. Michael is the grandson of Carolyn and Robert Reintjes, Sr. of Mission Hills, and the late Emily and Phillip Alley, Sr. The groom’s parents were the hosts for a festive rehearsal dinner at Mission Hills Country Club on the evening of the 15th.

The couple included all 13 of their nieces and nephews in the wedding. Peregrine Barley, Clementine Barley, Sage Reintjes, Teagan Reintjes, Reese Reintjes, Carolyn Ashley, and Emily Ashley were the flower girls. The junior groomsmen were Shepherd Barley, Moses Barley, Elijah Barley, and John Roosevelt. William Roosevelt and David Ashley served as ring bearers. Members of the Burnham family hosted the delightful wedding reception at The Kansas City Country Club following the ceremony. Riviera Maya, Mexico, was Hadley and Michael’s honeymoon destination. They are now at home in Prairie Village, Kansas. Hadley is self-employed, and Michael is employed with Clario, which is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Heather Brulez Photography

26 | July 9, 2022 |

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

Love MATCH

30 YEARS

B

ethany Ann Beilharz and William Warren Humphrey III will be married on November 28th at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior.

The bride-to-be graduated from The University of Kansas with a B.S. in liberal arts. Bethany, the daughter of Mrs. Francis Frederick Spreen and the late Richard Eugene Beilharz, is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The groom-elect, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Warren Humphrey, Jr., graduated from Pembroke Country Day School, The University of Kansas and the University of Missouri at Kansas City Law School with a B.S. in business and a J.D., respectively. Trey, a member of Phi Delta Theta, is an attorney with Rose, Brouillette & Shapiro.

Maddie & Alex’s Hilton President Wedding Reception Photo Credit: Bailey Pianalto Photography

Because your big day should be

Reprinted from the August 22, 1992 issue of The Independent.

“Weddings are about your love story and its authenticity. It is imperative to trust your wedding team to bring it to light for you. The best part of our planning process is getting to know you so that we can imagine and bring the story to light. Starting with a wedding planner to share your vision can put you on the path of curating the details and having an incredible wedding day that celebrates your love.” - Kindra Browne, Simple Elegance

Advice To Grooms From Betty Ann Not to have your head shampooed the same day of the wedding. Have that and the hair trim done two days before, so you won’t have that “special scrub” look and feeling.

our first look at the gorgeous ballroom will leave you breathless. This is the beginning of a memorable evening for you and your guests. Our beautiful hotel is the perfect setting for your special day.

Our experienced team is dedicated to working with you on every planning detail so you can simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable celebration.

Contact Keyli Kamin | Catering Sales Manager 816.303.1628 | Keyli.kamin@hilton.com

Reprinted from the July 3, 1915 issue of The Independent.

presidentkansascity.hilton.com 1329 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64105

I Wonder – if there will be a matrimonial outcome for the young couple who are “seen about” together so much – the boy who never beaus another girl?

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Brittyn Elizabeth Photography

The e v o L Happily

Ever After Brittyn Elizabe

th Photograph y

Ring Bearer Jaden Jansen-Scarborough and Mallory Jansen were all smiles at the wedding of Aja James and James Radel.

Brittyn Elizabeth Photograp hy

Flower Girl Grey James, niece of the bride, dressed for Aja James and James Radel’s wedding.

Aja James and James Radel flanked Race James, nephew of the bride, who officiated at the wedding.

Jefferson May Photography

Ring Bearer William Connolly, Flower Girl Caroline Connolly, and Ring Bearer George Connolly posed for a picture at Heather and John Jandl’s wedding.

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

Mitchell and Raelynn Briggs with Dawson Dulin, ring bearer

28 | July 9, 2022 |

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Ring Bearer William Connolly with John Jandl, the groom

Melissa and Beth Photography

Heather Brulez Photography

Junior Groomsmen Shepherd Barley, John Roosevelt, Elijah Barley, and Moses Barley at the wedding of Hadley and Michael Reintjes

Flower Girl Greenly Gabrielson with Dr. Amy Patel and Joseph Rathermel epagaFOTO

Heather Brulez Photogr aphy

Celebrating the wedding of Hadley and Michael Reintjes were (Front row) Flower Girls Teagan Reintjes, Emily Ashley, and Sage Reintjes, and Ring Bearer David Ashley and (back row) Flower Girls Carolyn Ashley and Reese Reintjes.

Candlelighters Claire Kroh and Caroline Kroh shared a special moment with Bride Elizabeth Starr Gallagher.

Marquee Light rentals for your special event including birthday parties, weddings, graduations, and more.

Light up any occasion!

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Stephen Locke

Love MATCH

20 YEARS

M

r. and Mrs. John Muir Kilroy, Jr. of Mission Hills, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Bridget Lynn Kilroy, to Bradley Kyle Hoffman, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Colburn Hoffman of Salina, Kansas. The bride-to-be is a graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy and Southern Methodist University where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. She also received a bachelor of arts degree from Rockhurst University in elementary education. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma women’s fraternity. Bridget was presented at the 1992 Community Ball and Cotillion and is a BOTAR, class of 1997. She is a kindergarten teacher at The Barstow School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Her groom-elect is a graduate of Salina Central High School and The University of Kansas where he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Brad is a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and is currently a manager with Arthur Andersen in Kansas City. Theirs will be a July 5th wedding at St. Agnes Church in Fairway, Kansas.

Reprinted from the March 23, 2002 issue of The Independent.

Painting Petunias Art on a Towel embraces the fun side of life.

All towels are 100 percent cotton and machine washable.

Each towel is hand painted to order with a touch of love.

Painting Petunias is a creative company customizing orders for bridal shower gifts, weddings, or any special occasion in addition to standard designs.

The ever-popular, Kansas City-inspired towels are a great sentiment to give out-of-town guests.

”Bland and boring wedding menus are so last year! Craft a menu and a format that reflects you as a couple. One of our favorite formats? Interactive stations. Guests can see their food cooked right in front of them or try a variety of foods from different stations. Stations also promote guests mingling throughout your venue.” - Alesia Lawson, City Foods & Events

Advice To Grooms From Betty Ann Don’t get flustrated and forget to include the new party on the hotel register.

The clerk might ask if she happened to be your wife.

Reprinted from the July 3, 1915 issue of The Independent.

Artist Michelle Spigarelli

PaintingPetunias@gmail.com

Designs can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram.

30 | July 9, 2022 |

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I Wonder – if you know the harried bride-to-be who received 15 silver trays and not one piece of her china?

AND BEYOND

BY PAUL HORSLEY

KISS THE BRIDE, THEN EXIT LEFT: Top 10 stage weddings (that actually have happy endings) In art, as in life, love triumphs. As a send-off for all of this summer’s Kansas City newlyweds, we found 10 famous onstage nuptials (from the world of opera, theater, and ballet) that end in wedded bliss. Enjoy!

Cory Weaver

Rossini: The Barber of Seville The lovely Rosina is not just the “ward” of cantankerous old Dr. Bartolo (who hopes to marry her), she is also the love-interest of the amorous Count Almaviva, who wins her heart through a series of deceptions that include disguising himself as an impoverished student. Based on the first of Pierre Beaumarchais’ trilogy of comic plays, Barber builds its satire partly on the nature of human foibles. When Rosina discovers that the poor student is actually the wealthy and handsome young Count, she says, Oh well! and marries him anyway. Bartolo shows up too late for the wedding, but gets to keep the dowry: all are content and sing to the power of love. (Figaro, the boisterous barber who watches on the sidelines throughout, returns in the second play, on which Mozart based his most celebrated opera.)

Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro Years have passed, and the now-middle-aged Count Almaviva and his wife, “Countess” Rosina, are secondary characters in an opera focusing more on the wedding of “the help.” Figaro, the barber of Pierre Beaumarchais’ first play, is determined to marry his fellow servant Susanna, but both must endure an absurdly complex plot that involves deceptions and disguises galore. Most egregiously, the Count wants Susanna for himself, at least for a night. Long story short: the servants marry, barely in time, before the noblemen can interfere. This path-forging opera set the stage for a range of class-war romances: Among its progeny are half of the rom-coms you’ve ever seen.

Jack Swanson and Cassandra Zoe Velasco in the Lyric Opera’s The Barber of Seville Dana Sohm

Verdi: Falstaff The 19th-century master’s comedy is a spin on two Shakespeare plays, but the librettist Boito has turned the bard’s not-all-that-funny title character into a subject of ridicule. Fortunately, in the midst of the epistolary buffoonery between the rotund Falstaff and two prominent Windsor wives, it is the youthful love-couple that Dana Sohm

Adam Lau and Maureen McKay in the Lyric Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro

steals every scene they’re in: with some of the most beautiful music Verdi ever wrote. Nanetta’s father, the wealthy Ford, opposes her marriage to the humble Fenton, but thanks to a series of disguises and deceptions (again), Ford accidentally blesses their marriage. When he discovers his mistake, he shrugs it off and everyone sings: “All the world is a joke, anyway!”

Deanna Breiwick and Jack Swanson in Des Moines Metro Opera’s Falstaff

32 | July 9, 2022 |

@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

Rodgers & Hammerstein: Oklahoma! Musical theater has its share of happy pairings, but few are as ingrained in the American consciousness as that between Laurey Williams and the likeable cowboy Curly McClain. It is a mildly hokey story populated with oddball characters (a Persian peddler, an imbalanced ranch hand, Jud, who also has designs on Laurey). But it is the music that drives this classic (“Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” “Oklahoma!,” “People Will Say We’re in Love”): songs that you can’t get out of your head, and which bring an almost wry commentary to the ostensible wholesomeness of the whole affair. Laurey and Curly marry and live happily ever after, though exactly why Jud has to die has always remained a mystery to me.

Rodgers & Hammerstein: The Sound of Music Broadway’s dream team had come a long way since the 1943 musical where “the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.” Some of the silliness prevails in this 1959 masterpiece, but the subject is more serious: Based loosely on the life of Baron Georg von Trapp and his nun-turned-baroness wife, the musical places some of Broadway’s best songs ever against the backdrop of the pending Austrian Anschluss. The wedding scene mixes the serious and the bizarrely playful, featuring a grand instrumental march interspersed with bits of “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” (The message, I suppose, is that you deal with Maria by marrying her to a fabulously wealthy baron.)

Bob Compton

Starlight Theatre’s The Sound of Music starred Analisa Leaming, Tom Glantich, and seven Kansas City youngsters as the von Trapp children.

Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

Brian Collins

(Front row) Darren Kennedy and Cinnamon Schultz (back row) Jerry Mañan, Zach Sudbury, Amy Billroth-MacLurg, and Ellen Kirk in Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Much Ado About Nothing

Tempe Ostergren and Lamin Pereira dos Santos in Kansas City Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty

Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing Few of the bard’s plays have found such resonance as this comedy of parallel love affairs that are confounded, and ultimately resolved, through manipulation and intrigue. Benedick eschews the very idea of marriage, and he even tries to discourage his friend Claudio from pursuing his beloved, Hero (unsuccessfully, we’ll later learn). We delight in hearing Beatrice, dancing with a masked Benedick and allegedly not knowing who he is, describe him as “a very dull fool.” We’ve seen enough rom-coms to know that she is secretly attracted to him, and he to her. After a series of ruses and a high-drama wedding debacle, the couples unite.

Tchaikovsky/Petipa: The Sleeping Beauty By the end of Act I, it’s hard to believe this story is going to turn out happily: The 16-year-old Aurora has pricked her finger on a spindle, thus poisoning herself, and it’s only thanks to the Lilac Fairy that instead of dying, the heroine “merely” falls into a 100-year slumber. Sure enough, a century later Prince Désiré is taken to Aurora and awakens her with a kiss. The peerless 1890 ballet

by Tchaikovsky and Choreographer Marius Petipa is hands-down the most winning adaptation of this classic fairy tale. The whole of Act III is a magnificent wedding, stuffed with some of the most famous dance variations in all of ballet.

Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream This most beloved of Elizabethan comedies builds humor through contrivances and love-potions. Oberon and his queen, Titania, are quarreling, so he has Puck place a love-potion in her eyes so that she falls in love with the first creature she sees upon awakening: a donkey. Puck then uses the same potion to create confusion among the two Athenian love-couples: unwittingly causing Lysander to fall for Helena, who is in love with Demetrius: and then charming Demetrius into loving Helena as well, even though he actually loves Hermia (despite her love of Lysander). It all works out, and the “group wedding” of Act IV later inspired Felix Mendelssohn, in his incidental music for the play, to pen his celebrated Wedding March, still used to this day.

Steve Wilson

Prokofiev/Zakharov: Cinderella Despite the dizzying number of versions of this fairy tale (operas

by Rossini and Massenet, a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, dozens of films and cartoons), the 1945 ballet is arguably the most substantial version for grown-ups. (Frederick Ashton also created a memorable version in 1948, using the same music.

Numerous other choreographers have followed suit.) Not only does it contain some of the greatest music of the 20th century, it is a rare work that highlights the art form’s unique possibilities for Molly Wagner and Anthony Krutzkamp in Dauberval: La Fille mal gardée Sometimes translated as comedy. (It has become common Kansas City Ballet’s Cinderella The Wayward Daughter, this 18th-century classic is one to cast the Stepsisters as drag roles, of the earliest ballets that remains in the dance repertoire. for example, which takes some of the edge off their evil designs.) It is Jean Dauberval’s choreography was first performed in Bordeaux, France, in also a favorite for scenic designers, who love to mine the transformation 1789, to a musical pastiche: Later versions, most notably Frederick Ashton’s, scenes for the most lavish special effects possible. have used music by other composers. It’s a familiar enough story: Young Lise is in love with the humble Colas, but her mean guardian, the Widow Simone, To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts editor, send an email to wants her to marry rich, bumbling Alain. Lise is kept locked in her room, but paul@kcindependent.com or find him on Facebook (paul.horsley.501) Colas manages to sneak in, so that when the Widow shows up with Alain or Twitter/Instagram (@phorsleycritic). and a notary, Lise emerges in her wedding gown and with Colas on her arm, determined to marry him instead. The Widow relents, and love triumphs.

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e v o L

A Great Escape

Abby and James Gibson were all smiles in St. Barths.

A

bby Michele Shapiro and James Farley Gibson were joined in matrimony in July of 2021, and then followed the beautiful affair with a honeymoon to St. Barths. The happy couple is at home in New York, New York.

Dr. Adam Gray and Dr. Laura Gibbons in Kauai, Hawaii

D

r. Laura Elizabeth Gibbons and Dr. Adam Michael Gray were married in October of 2021, and then embarked on a honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii. The newlyweds visited the site of the original Jurassic Park. They are at home in Phoenix, Arizona.

D

r. Amy Patel and Joseph Rathermel were wed in June of 2021, and followed the nuptials with a honeymoon to Lake Tahoe. The newlyweds stayed at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Amy and Joseph are at home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Amy Patel and Joseph Rathermel explored Lake Tahoe on their honeymoon.

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.

Joseph Rathermel and Dr. Amy Patel

REMEMBER WHEN

Wedding Memories 80 Years Ago Ken Newman

Mrs. Allan Follett Blackman, the former Jean Mary Love

The newly-wedded Blackmans sign the church register in the presence of the Right Reverend Robert Nelson Spencer.

Cross-section of the bridal party talking it over: Left to right - Parker B. Francis III, Annette Cross, Griffith Coombs, Glenn Stackhouse of Louisville, Ruth Taylor, John B. Francis, top-step couple Richard Prezebel and Jean Besson, David Price Reprinted from the June 13, 1942 issue of The Independent.

34 | July 9, 2022 |

@KCIndependent

Maggie Affolter Photography

Anna Petrow

Love MATCH

10 YEARS

M

r. and Mrs. Paul Uhlmann III of Mission Hills are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Bloch Uhlmann, to Wesley Joseph Fehsenfeld, the son of Debra Bates Davis of Charleston, South Carolina, and Mr. Joseph Craig Fehsenfeld of Barrington Hills, Illinois. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wollman Bloch of Mission Hills and Mr. Paul Uhlmann, Jr., of Our Town and the late Mrs. Uhlmann. Emily is a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in studio art from College of Charleston and was presented at The Jewel Ball in 2005. Emily is careering as an artist and is employed with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art as an assistant art teacher.

Her groom-elect is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Robert Fehsenfeld of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas John Bates. Wes is a graduate of Barrington High School in Barrington, Illinois. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from College of Charleston. Wes is graduating in May, with honors in the Beta Gamma Sigma National Honors Society and will earn a master’s degree in business administration from the UMKC Bloch School of Management. He is careering with The Uhlmann Company.

Theirs will be an October 27th wedding in Charleston, South Carolina.

Reprinted from the April 2, 2012 issue of The Independent.

“Two main pieces of advice - book early and expect to pay more. The pandemic’s effect is still lingering on the event industry. Weddings that were postponed or delayed are now happening in addition to the regular flow of weddings. This means competition is fierce for dates and vendors. If you love a vendor and must have them, book them right away. The more you can plan ahead, the better!” - Sarah Quinlivan, Quintessential Events

Advice To Grooms From Betty Ann On no account wear white socks with pumps, unless you want to look like some cheap actor who doesn’t know how to dress.

Reprinted from the July 3, 1915 issue of The Independent.

I Wonder – if you know the newlyweds who are still confused about the sender of a lavish wedding gift, since the name on the card is unknown to them or their families?

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• Calendar OF Events • JULY AUGUST Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; Party Arty; An extravagant Hope House; believe-illuminating hope 2022; Join us for an night of fashion, art, specialty cocktails, delicious bites, entertainment, elegant evening of unbelievable entertainment and ambiance, special 9musicThe 6 with a DJ, and dancing; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; 8 p.m.; guests, silent and live auctions featuring unique and one-of-a-kind items, $155. Contact Emily Sanger: 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-751-1360 or esanger@nelson-atkins.org or nelson-atkins.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; Summer Bowl for Kids’ Sake; The largest annual fundraiser for BBBSKC with 9-22 nearly 500 teams 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. Contact Paige Engle: 1709 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-777-5550 or paige@bbbskc.org or bbbskc.org.

a cocktail reception, dinner, and entertainment; cocktail attire; Loews Kansas City Hotel; 5:30 p.m. Contact Stacey Smith: P.O. Box 577, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063 or 816-665-4099 or ssmith@hopehouse.net or hopehouse.net.

Ability KC; Groundhog Run 2022; Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event featuring a consistent temperature of 65 to 68 degrees.

7Guests can participate in the 5K, 10K, and tunnel experiences; Hunt Midwest Subtropolis; 8 a.m.; $50. Contact Gemma Zook: 3011 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-751-7932 or gemma.zook@abilitykc.org or abilitykc.org/groundhogrun.

The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City; Spark Imagination Event Series: Eat Drink Play; Come 16 Royals Charities; Diamond of Dreams; Join us at Kauffman Stadium enjoy a live band, food, drinks, and more in Wonderscope’s Naturescape for an evening under the lights and on the field with your favorite 8 Exhibit; The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas Royals players, alumni, and broadcasters. The night will feature local food City; 6:30 p.m.; $75. Contact Kali McGee: 433 East Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-643-6700 or kmcgee@wonderscope.org or wonderscope.org.

and beverages, a concert, and fireworks; Kauffman Stadium; 5 p.m.

Contact Chris Major: 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64129 or 816-504-4232 or chris.major@royals.com or royals.com/royalscharities.

Love Fund for Children; 33rd Annual Love Fund for Children MOCSA-Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault; Golf Classic; Join us for one of Kansas City’s longest-running, Kansas City Chiefs Charity Game to benefit MOCSA; 18 20 18-hole, scramble golf tournaments. The day begins with breakfast and Recognized as the top philanthropic game of its type in the NFL, the ends with a cocktail celebration. Golfers will also try their chances at winning signature raffle and auction packages, all to benefit local children; Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate; 8 a.m. Contact Amanda Jackson: 3030 Summit Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-932-9170 or amanda.jackson@fox4lovefund.org or fox4lovefund.org.

Chiefs Charity Game continues a long-standing commitment of supporting the local community started by Team Founder Lamar Hunt more than three decades ago; Arrowhead Stadium. Contact Sandra Williams: 3100 Broadway, Suite 400, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-285-1325 or swilliams@mocsa.org or mocsa.org.

Heart of America Council, BSA; Scout Classic Golf Tournament; Opes Charitable Foundation; Green Tie Gala; This event will A fun and engaging way to support Scouting in our community! bring together hundreds of area donors and volunteers from all 25 20 Join us for an engaging tournament that supports more than 17,000 areas of the metro, and features an inspirational program during a Scouts; Creekmoor Golf Club; noon. Contact Haley Bowman: 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-769-8266 or haley.bowman@scouting.org or hoac-bsa.org/golf-classic.

Infant Loss Resources; Tee It Up for Infant Loss Resources; A celebration of the 15th golf tournament with a day on the course, 29 a raffle, and prizes; Swope Memorial Golf Course; 8 a.m.; $120. Contact Cindy Sims: 12319 Farley Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66213 or 913-269-5717 or cindy@infantlossresources.org or infantlossresources.org.

I Wonder – if you’ve heard the hint of a marriage in the offing that will unite two sizable fortunes in Our Town?

three-course dinner and drinks, several unique live and silent auction packages, dessert, and dancing to celebrate making a difference; Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Contact Deanna DiSalvo: 6051 North Chestnut Avenue, Suite B, Kansas City, Missouri 64119 or 816-382-8176 or greentiegalakc@opescre.com or greentiegalakc.com.

HopeKids Kansas City; Charity Golf Classic; Join us at the fifth annual event while raising money to provide an ongoing calendar 22 of events for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition; Oakwood Country Club; 9 a.m.; $250. Contact Kristin Castle: P.O. Box 11947, Kansas City, Missouri 64138 or 816-372-0311 or kristin@hopekids.org or hopekids.org/kcgolf.

T

he best love stories involve sharing interests and blending families.

(Spoiler alert: Yes, the humans said, “I do.”) When Dr. Laura Elizabeth Gibbons and Dr. Adam Michael Gray became a couple, each already had a canine companion. Laura’s dog, Ember, likes constant attention and enjoys being petted. She is athletic, loves hiking and kayaking, but doesn’t swim. (No, not even dog paddling.) Adam’s dog, Mazie, is fond of gardening. (Well, digging up plants and retrieving them, all the way into the house and her bed while visiting her grandmother.)

She never stops playing – and is the leader when she is with other dogs at daycare. What bonds Mazie and Ember? (Besides Laura and Adam, that is.) Socks! They both are completely enthralled by socks!

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@theindependentkc

Andrea Nigh Photography

Tails Of Our Town

Kansas City Zoo; Jazzoo; With more than 4,000 partygoers in The Symphony League of Kansas City; Royal Gala - “Let’s Have attendance, guests have access to more than 65 restaurants, 10 bars, a Ball!”; Honorary Chairmen Marny and John Sherman invite you 26 10 and four stages of continuous entertainment; Kansas City Zoo. to have a “ball” with friends as you enjoy food and entertainment Contact Susan McFee: 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64132 or 816-595-1209 or jazzoo@fotzkc.org or kansascityzoo.org/jazzoo.

Head for the Cure Foundation; 20th Annual Head for the Cure 5K - Metro KC; Join us for our monumental 20th annual event 28 as we raise funds, awareness, and hope for the Kansas City brain tumor community! Funds raised through this event will benefit The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Solace House, and The Children’s Brain Tumor Project; Corporate Woods; 8 a.m. Contact Courtney Benisch: 1607 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-518-8695 or courtney@headforthecure.org or headforthecure.org/metro-kc.

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Jewish Community Center; KC SuperStar 2022; A high school student singing competition that provides financial assistance to our members; 7 p.m. Contact Felice Azorsky: 5801 West 115th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66211 or 913-981-8895 or felicea@thejkc.org or kcsuperstar.org.

featuring our world class orchestra. Come celebrate Michael Stern’s unprecedented 18 years as maestro!; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts; 6 p.m. Contact Sue Ann Fagerberg or Ursula Terrasi: royalgala2022@gmail.com.

Saint Luke’s Foundation; Plaza 10K; Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice is honored to partner with KC Running Company for 11 the Kansas City Plaza 10K; Country Club Plaza; 7:30 a.m. Contact Jennifer McBratney: 901 East 104th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-932-5612 or jmcbratney@saint-lukes.org or saintlukesgiving.org.

HappyBottoms; The Diaper Bowl II; The second annual event features an outdoor tailgate-style fundraiser with live music, food 12 and drink, interactive games, live and silent auctions, raffle, and a rock, paper, scissors tournament; HappyBottoms; 6 p.m.; $75. Contact Susan Belger Angulo: 303 West 79th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 913-940-4450 or susan@happybottoms.org or happybottoms.org.

Northeast Community Center; Night in Napa; The evening will feature fine wine, gourmet food pairings, and great music 28 from the students of Harmony Project KC; 5:30 p.m.; $150. Contact Casi Riegle: 544 Wabash Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64124 or 816-231-7738 or casi@necc-kc.org or necc-kc.org/night-in-napa.

OurTown

by Charlie Podrebarac

The Children’s Place; The Gratitude Bruncheon; Enjoy a delicious brunch 31 while celebrating the work of The Children’s Place and the passionate community of people who work tirelessly for local children; Hotel Kansas City. Contact Denton Williams: 6401 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-363-1898 or williamsd@childrensplacekc.org or childrensplacekc.org/events.

SEPTEMBER Royals Charities; Queens of the Diamond; Enjoy a fun morning at this unique 1women’s event featuring a softball tournament, networking, food and drinks, amazing prizes, and an opportunity to learn more about Royals Charities and the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy. Proceeds fund girls’ softball, academic enrichment, and mental health programming at the KCUYA; Kansas City Urban Youth Academy; 9 a.m. Contact Chris Major: 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64129 or 816-504-4232 or chris.major@royals.com or royals.com/royalscharities.

Mental Health America of the Heartland; 17th Annual Bike for the Brain; A 5community bicycle ride, featuring urban/ rural cycling courses of 10, 34, 55, and 65 miles and a post-ride pancake lunch by Chris Cakes. The event is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Bike MS recommended ride; Johnson County Mental Health; 8 a.m.; $35. Contact Gina McCord: 739 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 or 913-222-5935 or bikeforthebrain@mhah.org or bikeforthebrain.org.

Camp Quality USA; Gold & Glitter Gala; The second annual event will 10 raise funds to provide week-long summer camps for children with cancer, as well as different camps and retreats for families and siblings of children with cancer; Grand Street Cafe-Plaza. Contact Trish Arnold: 5413 McCoy Street, Shawnee, Kansas 66226 or 913-302-5521 or trish.arnold@campqualityusa.org or campqualityusa.org.

Tie The Knot Sponsored by

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Alzheimer’s Association; A September to Remember; Wine, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a short program about the 15 AWARE women’s group and its work for the Alzheimer’s Association;

ON THE COVER

cocktail attire; Bourgmont Winery; 5:30 p.m.; $50. Contact Joan Cabell: 3846 West 75th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66208 or 913-327-9848 or jocabell@alz.org or alz.org/kansascity.

Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City; 120th Anniversary 15 Celebration; This festive event will highlight inspiring stories of individuals and families who continue to prove we are stronger together.

JFS is excited to celebrate this milestone anniversary with the community and supporters. Share a toast and help blow out the candles during this night to remember! Contact Karen VanAsdale: 5801 West 115th Street, Suite 103, Overland Park, Kansas 66211 or 913-327-8250 or kvanasdale@jfskc.org or jfskc.org.

Reach Out and Read Kansas City; Books On Tap Happy Hour; Join us at ROR-KC’s last 25th anniversary event for 2022. This happy 15 hour features delicious local food and drink, a unique silent auction, great music, and quality time with like-minded literacy supporters, all while making a difference in our community. Cheers to 25 years!; 5 p.m.; $35.

Contact Jenny Horsley: 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 1051, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 or 913-588-2793 or reachoutandread@kumc.edu or reachoutandread.org.

The Farmer’s House; Fall Feast; This annual event celebrates the accomplishments of The Farmer’s House and the amazing 17 individuals – our farmers – we serve by bringing together friends of our organization for cocktails, appetizers, and a delicious harvest meal. Guests will enjoy live music and fantastic silent and live auctions; Rumely Tractor Building. Contact Dana Chatlin: 415 Main Street, Weston, Missouri 64098 or 913-706-5803 or dana@thefarmershouse.org or thefarmershouse.org.

Johnson County Library Foundation; Library Lets Loose; A festive fundraising event featuring music, food, drinks, 17 and more! Contact Steph Neu: 9875 West 87th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212 or 913-826-4740 or neus@jocolibrary.org or jocolibraryfoundation.org/events-opportunities/library-lets-loose.

KC Shepherd’s Center; 50th Anniversary and 5th Annual 70 over 70 Awards Celebration; Recognizing the contributions of 17 older adults who are 70 or more, still doing extraordinary things. This

WARD & WARD

Serving Kansas City with fine kitchenware for over 50 years!

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING, INC. • HIGHEST QUALITY SINCE 1954 • COMPLETE CREATIVE TREATMENT OF ALL FINE ART. painting/prints, needlework, shadowboxes, picture lights, accessories & restorations

333-6459

521 E. 63rd Street

FAX

333-0725

black-tie event will feature silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing, and great entertainment; Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland; 6 p.m.

Contact Terri Goddard: 1111 West 39th Street, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-293-9614 or terri@kcshepherdscenter.org or kcshepherdscenter.org.

Literacy KC; Literacy KC Classic; Join us for the second annual event, where teams of five will test their skills on a mini-golf course 17 set throughout KC Live! in Kansas City’s Power & Light District. Guests will enjoy lunch and drinks during their round, live music, a silent auction, signature cocktails, and awards; KC Live! in the Power & Light District; 11 a.m.; $100. Contact Kate Brown: 3036 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64109 or 816-333-9332 or kbrown@literacykc.org or literacykc.org.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial; Night at the Tower; Join us for an evening of celebrations to honor the work of the 17 National WWI Museum and Memorial. You’ll learn untold stories of the

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

Publisher • Rachel Lewis Falcon Associate Publisher • Jenny Owens Hughes Art Director • Lisa M. Shea Editor • Nancy Sachse Web Editor • Annie England Account Executives • Christin Painter, Allie Robson Contributing Writers • Heather N. Paxton, Anne Potter Russ, Nicole Jacobs Silvey Performing Arts Editor • Paul Horsley Cartoonist • Charlie Podrebarac Office Manager • Laura Gabriel Our office is located at: 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120 Prairie Village, KS 66208 • 816.471.2800 The Independent can be purchased at Vinca Jewelry, The General Store + Co., and at all local Barnes & Noble locations.

Subscription Rate: $50.00 • Vol. CXXIII July 9, 2022 No. 14 All editorial photos were submitted by the event’s sponsoring organization, unless otherwise stated.

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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society

Museum and Memorial’s history, gain insights about its robust collection, and explore how you can play a vital role in its future growth; 7 p.m.

Contact Debbie Bass: 2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-888-8122 or dbass@theworldwar.org or nightatthetower.org.

Rightfully Sewn; GOLDEN GALA; Cultivating critical support for our Seamstress Training and Fashion Designer Professional 17 Development Program, the event is named for Kansas City’s “golden era” of garment design and manufacturing in the last century, this is an opulent, meaningful evening to celebrate our heritage and our future; The Little Theatre. Contact Jennifer Lapka: 1800 Wyandotte Street, Suite 204, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-442-8074 or jennifer.lapka@rightfullysewn.org or rightfullysewn.org.

The University of Kansas Health System; Treads & Threads; The unforgettable black-tie gala benefits cancer patient care and includes 17 a gourmet feast from area restaurants, a concert by a headline entertainer, spectacular fireworks, and a dance floor that’s packed ’til midnight; 6 p.m.; $350. Contact Abby Parker: 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 305, Mailstop 5004, Westwood, Kansas 66205 or 913-449-8406 or aparker8@kumc.edu or treadsandthreads.org.

The on Society

e v Lo Just Can’t Wait!

It was finally here –

The Big Day. Who could resist

peeking to see what the future held? Not the flower girls and ring bearer for the wedding of Hadley Burnham and Michael Reintjes!

Sage Reintjes, David Ashley, Teagan Reintjes, and Emily Ashley

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Heather Brulez Photography

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