JAN/FEB 2020 I t7xmagazine.com
d e r o n M
BRIDAL AVENUE How to go down the aisle in style
atrimony * M
MABEL GARCIA
A Filipino focus on love
ICELAND
Why it’s a popular wedding destination
TASTY TREATS to ward off winter
*
What the next-gen set really thinks about marriage
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T7X January/February 2020 1
Contents
T7X MAGAZINE
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 Jan/Feb 2020 PUBLISHER
EDITOR
Rob Lightfoot
Gene Kosowan
ART DIRECTION
Brenda Lakeman, Correna Saunders DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Correna Saunders PHOTOGRAPHY
Brenda Lakeman CONTRIBUTORS
Rudy Howell, Paula Kirman, Gene Kosowan, Markwell Lyon, Shima Zonneveld OFFICE MANAGER
Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Image page 5 © sharshonm/Adobe Stock Image page 7 © EpicStockMedia/Adobe Stock Image page 14 © Mykola /Adobe Stock Image page 28 © Toltemara/Adobe Stock
ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT) ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)
Conversations 5
Marriage Millennial Style What young adults really thinks about the state of matrimony.
Arts & Culture 8
City 21
MEET YOU THERE Wedding Wares
Bridal Avenue is there to address all your nuptial needs.
24
Art & the Altar
Mabel Garcia’s creative perspective on weddings.
THEN & NOW
St. Thomas Aquinas evolves with the changing tides of education.
Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T7X magazine.
Flexible Facility
Spotlight
14
26
Gifting for a New Generation
Registry options are more modern and unusual than ever.
16
FOOD & GATHERINGS Take That Chill Off Nifty treats to keep that nasty cold away.
2 T7Xmagazine.com
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Rob Lightfoot rob@t7xmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t7xmagazine.com T7X magazine is published by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2020 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
Living THE 7s
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T7X magazine at info@t7xmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t7xmagazine.com.
The Intrepid Land of Iceland
PRINTED IN CANADA
T8N PUBLISHING INC PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT
Rob Lightfoot: rob@t7xmagazine.com
A tiny landform is getting gigantic attention.
28
Down Time
Find the words that might pop up next time you're at a wedding.
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/t8nmagazine
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I FROM THE PUBLISHER I HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone, and with that we hope
you are all enjoying a good start to 2020. It’s a time to start anew, and probably an unusual way to draw attention to this issue’s theme surrounding marriage. But when you think about it, a chorus of Auld Lang Syne isn’t much different from vows exchanged at the altar. Both symbolize beginnings for all involved. At a period when change is rampant, even the institution of marriage has morphed with the times. We thought it would be Rob Lightfoot interesting to find out what matrimony means to millennials, Publisher a generation pegged as being determined to uproot the social status quo and replace it with an entirely new and more inclusive set of values. Their perspectives on the topic might surprise you on page 5. Contingent with the theme, we also look at the state of wedding registries (page 14), explore Iceland as a marital destination (page 26), visit Bridal Path wedding boutique (page 21) and even chat with artist Mabel Garcia whose specialty is creating unique pieces of wedding art (page 8). Marriage might be on the minds of young adults, but for those still in secondary school, graduation is their big goal. We look at the history of St. Thomas Aquinas to see how it’s managed to get kids through the system on page 24. We also offer some succulent snacks to take your mind off the cold (page 16). Hopefully, this will help get your new year off right. All the best in 2020!
4 T7Xmagazine.com
On the Cover Even though the temperature is dipping well into the negatives, there’s plenty of warmth to go around via the miracles of food and drink. For a look at what to prep to battle the elements, check out page 16. Credit for this beautiful image goes to our photographer Brenda Lakeman with special thanks to our lovely model Nikki Bosch.
I CONVERSATIONS I
Marriage Millennial Style
While most young adults aren’t big on matrimony, the rest of their peers take it very seriously BY GENE KOSOWAN T7X January/February 2020 5
MADISON ANDERSON RECALLS
being though the spin cycle of the relationship wringer a few times too many before she met Mr. Right. And when she realized she had finally landed a soulmate worth keeping, they both decided to make their u nion official. Her husband-to-be suggested the location. As for the rest of their nuptials, let’s just say that it hardly smacked of theology or tradition. “Absolutely not,” recalled Anderson, who works as a retailer in Spruce Grove. “We got married in our pajamas in his grandfather’s back yard.”
A Skeptical Demographic There was a great deal of family pushback over the event, but at least it fit the unorthodox inclinations of Anderson and her new husband. As millennials, the couple took part in a ceremony that would receive a thumbs-up from their generational peers: a skeptical demographic both praised and criticized for challenging the wisdom of the once-dominant boomer generation. Comprised of people born between 1981 and 1996, it’s an age group with an entirely different set of social values that favour such platitudes as inclusivity over elitism and environmental friendliness over industrial progress. As for the institution of marriage, it’s not exactly a topic that thrills most Canadian millennials. Recent results from pollsters Angus Reid reveal that roughly one in three young adults have no plans to tie the knot. While Statistics Canada found that roughly 40 percent of young adults were living in common-law relationships, almost twice the number assessed in 1981, few of them expressed a willingness to marry. Whether by choice or by fate, the remaining 60 percent of respondents are still single.
Marriage As Status Symbol But for the rest of the pack, that’s where the cynicism ends. It turns out millennials who do marry approach that next step in their relationships earnestly, especially if they’ve already been cohabiting for 6 T7Xmagazine.com
a while, a lifestyle for roughly less than half of Canadians who plan on getting hitched. While doing it out of love remains high on the checklist, so do other concerns, especially income. A 2014 study by Hamilton-based think tank Cardis underscored that distinct link between marriage and economic class. Their findings revealed that 86 percent of affluent couples were married, compared to 49 percent in the middle class and 12 percent in the lower class. Interestingly, the research paper discovered that demographics had no influence in
the findings. Marriage statistics among well-off millennials and boomers were roughly the same. The results indicated that partners who don’t marry mostly stay together more out of necessity than anything else. On the other hand, married couples enjoy a higher social status, are more successful financially and much happier.
Lower Divorce Rates That’s encouraging for matrimonyminded young adults increasingly aware of divorce rates among boomers. While
the divorce rates among Canadian millennials are sketchy at best, Statistics Canada discovered that the mean age for splits was 44 for men and 41 for women. A more concise U.S. survey according to Bloomberg assessed the millennial divorce rate was slightly more than 10 percent, with boomer breakups skyrocketing to nearly 30 percent, more than triple the rates recorded in 1980. Besides cohabiting, marriage-minded millennials tend to wait longer before taking the plunge, usually around the time they hit their 30s. It’s a far cry from 1972 when the average age of Canadian grooms was around 25, with brides being roughly two years younger. A recent survey from Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life revealed that the vast majority of respondents believed that those who married later signified greater maturity and greater determination to make the relationship work. Other advantages to delaying the nuptials included ensuring personal goals were achieved first, buying more time to secure themselves financially and taking the time to assess the qualities of a potential spouse. “I think millennials are waiting because women have more choice than ever before,” said psychologist Jennifer B. Rhoads in a study conducted by U.S. relationship researchers The Gottman Institute. “This shift in the view of marriage as now a luxury rather than a necessity has prompted women to be more selective in choosing a partner.”
True Equality A millennial’s decision to marry might sound more strategic than romantic, but taking the time to decide on a partner’s marital eligibility once a person’s own goals are solidified seems to be working. That both partners are breadwinners is a bonus, implying true equality. That’s often reflected in millennial weddings these days, with the male partner getting equally involved in the process, which used to be almost the bride-to-be’s exclusive domain. And with millennials being more budgetconscious, $30,000 extravaganzas are rare, with the average gathering more likely to cost less than $10,000.
Seanna Collins, a government-appointed marriage commissioner based in Spruce Grove, says the bulk of her clientele still prefer big weddings, but she’s noticed one particular trait that’s common among the millennials who hire her for their nuptials. “They want to do everything by text,” says Collins, who’s been in the knot-tying profession the past three years. “I’m finding I have to text them to check their email. I do everything by email and I don’t do it as a generational thing, it’s
CANADIAN MILLENNIALS AND MARRIAGE BY THE NUMBERS 1.5: number, in millions, of Canadian millennials who are married as of 2018 28: average age of a woman when she marries 31: average age of a man when he marries 37: percentage of millennials who don’t want to get married 47: percentage of millennials who believe marriage is absolutely essential 61: percentage of millennials who would marry if they could afford it 62: percentage of millennials who have never married 85: percentage of millennials who would marry outside their race 8,937: average, in dollars spent on a wedding in 2017 44,093: median income, in dollars, of millennials as of 2016 Sources: Statistics Canada, Angus Reid, Ipsos just that I want to do it all in writing. It’s important from a business end of things. It’s in writing and I have that paper trail.” Then there are the more nuanced stipulations that tend to reinforce the stigma of millennial values. There’s no shortage of anecdotes involving couples insisting that all materials that go into the affair are environmentally friendly. Many opt for gender-neutral references, preferring to be addressed as spouses instead of husband and wife. And others with family and friends from other ethnicities take great pains to ensure that everything to do with the wedding doesn’t offend them on cultural grounds. When it comes to officiating at some of the bigger weddings, Collins has noticed that some younger clients aren’t as likely to use the words bride and groom in any of the verbiage they deliver. Often, she suggests phrases like “You may seal the union with a kiss.”
Still, she has noticed that with big weddings, younger folks are bent on having the entire nuptial package presented as one big bash. “Some couples just want it short and to the point,” she said. “They don’t see the ceremony as the big deal, they see the party as the big deal. A lot of them are still interested in it being the party of the year.” Anderson’s own wedding, however unusual, was still rather low key, but no less a precious way to share something special with the right guy. “After some terrible relationships, I found someone who was similar to me, had the same world view, and the same ideals and we just clicked,” she said. “I think that if I hadn’t found that person, I wouldn’t have married.” t7x
T7X January/February 2020 7
I ARTS & CULTURE I
ART Altar
and the
Mabel Garcia gravitates from Post-It notes to professional artist BY PAULA E. KIRMAN; PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN
8 T7Xmagazine.com
IN JUST OVER a decade, Mabel Garcia
has gone from doodling on Post-It notes to having her own art business creating custom portraits, particularly specializing in weddings. Weddings have been an inspiration to Garcia since the beginning. “The first doodle I made on a Post-It was a scene from my sister’s wedding,” says Garcia, who moved with her family to Edmonton from the Philippines in 2008. “That was the last big family event we had right before we moved to Canada.” That doodle turned out to be an extra-special memento. When the Garcia family applied to migrate to Canada, that sister was over the age limit to apply to come with the rest of the family. However, deciding that coming to Canada would be a positive change in their lives, they were willing to take the risk of separating the family by geography. “We remained hopeful that even though we are facing quite a lot of unknowns, we will all be together again,” she says.
T7X January/February 2020 9
Garcia now runs I Love the Moon, her custom illustration business, and credits her art for helping with integrating into life in Canada. “I wasn’t really sure how to connect and make new friends when we moved here. I just turned 25 and really didn’t know anyone outside of my family and work,” she explains. “I started using social media to share my work and was able to connect with a lot of women, creatives, and entrepreneurs in the city. The support I’ve received from the community has been overwhelming.”
10 T7Xmagazine.com
Her art has also helped Garcia stay connected with her friends and family who are far away, including her sister back in the Philippines, now a mother of two daughters. Again using the medium of Post-It notes, Garcia would doodle mini-portraits of her loved ones during her breaks at work, and send the illustrations to them digitally. Those illustrations started showing up on social media as profile pictures, and friends of friends started asking about getting their portraits made. “I guess it was a way of me trying to cope with a big change in my life; making portraits made me feel like they were close by,” says Garcia.
In addition to weddings, Garcia also creates other kinds of custom portraits like families, pets, couples, and individuals. The majority of Garcia's clients are women. “If they are not getting a portrait for themselves, they are getting it for someone else because they are their best friend, sister, mother, grandmother. They are always someone’s special person in their lives.”
T7X January/February 2020 11
Garcia describes as artistic process as “intimate.” She uses reference photos to create the portraits, but asks clients for a lot of details to help her make the end result deeply personal. “I also ask what the mom’s favourite necklace is, or the kids’ favourite toy. If they want their furry friends included, would they like to include their dog tag/collar in the portrait? I get to know the couples and families that I illustrate, which makes it even more special to me.”
12 T7Xmagazine.com
Art is still a part-time endeavour for Garcia, who works full-time as an administrative supervisor at a university and creates her custom portraits on weeknights and weekends. Her goal is to be able to go full-time as an artist. In the meantime, Garcia will continue to celebrate love with her work. “Each custom portrait that I make is a celebration of love. This is what weddings are all about!” t7x
T7X January/February 2020 13
I THE SEVENS I
Gifting for a
new generation Wedding registries today are not like endowment lists from yesteryear BY MARKWELL LYON
WE’VE COME A long way since the first wedding registry services
appeared in US department stores in the 1920s. Although tradition is still central to many weddings, technology and changing tastes and demographics are rapidly altering the gift-giving protocol that follows. Increasingly, couples are getting creative and redefining what makes the perfect wedding gift.
14 T7Xmagazine.com
Money Talks Not long ago, giving money as a wedding gift would have been a faux-pas. Times sure have changed. It’s become much more acceptable for couples to ask guests for cash instead of a potentially hit-or-miss gift. There’s certainly some logic to it—couples know best what they need and don’t need, after all. Cold hard cash can also be used to pay for desired services, such as fertilization treatments or home renovation projects.
Practically Speaking
Going Digital One obvious trend is that engaged couples are increasingly logging on to manage their gift lists. Many store-based services have moved online, including Canadian stores like the Bay or William Ashley. Universal registry websites, like Blueprint Registry, offer customizable services covering weddings and other major life occasions. Either way, the purpose of these sites hasn’t changed: providing couples with a convenient and efficient way to make their preferences known, while hopefully avoiding the bad luck of receiving more than one toaster.
The Millennial Experience Millennials are waiting longer than other generations to tie the knot. By the time they do, there’s a good chance they’re already living together and have all the dinnerware and bedsheets that they need (or want). Enter the experience gift. While saucepans have long been a popular registry go-to, today’s couples might prefer cooking lessons or a wine tour. Research shows that experience gifts can spark joy long after products lose their shine—obviating the need for the newlyweds to Marie Kondo their homes later on.
Asking straight up for money might still feel awkward to some, but a related trend is to ask for help with practical matters. Just as young couples are putting off getting married, they’re often also waiting longer to buy a house. That’s why some couples are asking for help covering down payments, bills and other everyday expenses. Rising house costs, combined with student loans and other debt, might make these gifts the most sensible for many cash-strapped newlyweds.
Gearing up As people lead more active lives, specialized gear for indoor and outdoor activities is increasingly showing up on registry lists. Whether those include an inflatable two-person kayak for the Perfect Couple to indulge in some leisurely paddling or a set of mountain bikes to hit the rugged terrain out of town, there’s no shortage of registries—From Cabela’s to Mountain Equipment Co-op— offering impromptu gift lists for that active twosome. t7x
The Gift of Travel As experience gifts become more common, specialized honeymoon or travel registries have found a niche. These date back to the 1990s, when travel agents began offering the service as an extra. Nowadays, honeymoon registries are likely to be web-based, giving couples a handy way to publicize and finance travel plans through crowdfunded donations. Popular websites like Honeyfund and Zola are customizable and help couples plan, book and pay for their dream vacations and other experiences.
Charitable Donations For the couple that already has everything, charity is a feel-good alternative to the wedding gift. Borrowing from the popularity of crowdfunding, charity registries ask guests to donate to a preferred charity in lieu of presents. There’s even a customizable element to this, as charity registries cover a dizzying range of causes, from the environment to community development to social justice. Plan Canada’s Gifts of Hope is one example of a homegrown charity registry that helps people in developing countries.
T7X January/February 2020 15
I FOOD & GATHERINGS I
TAKE THAT
Chill Off Craving something warm and comforting? Look no further than these unique winter party snacks! RECIPES & STYLING BY SHIMA ZONNEVELD; PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN
IT’S COLD AND dark this
time of year, but with that comes an opportunity for cozy gatherings. Have a few friends in, host a cocktail pa rty a nd light the fi re! These recipes are great for a party, an afternoon bridal shower or an impromptu get together.
16 T7Xmagazine.com
Just Peachy Greet your guests with a house cocktail once they step through the front door. They will appreciate sipping on this not too sweet beverage while they make themselves at home and start to peruse all the yummy appetizers that await! 2 oz. gin, preferably a more aromatic, floral gin 1 oz. peach schnapps 5 oz. peach nectar
Roasted Shallot Dip A beautiful crudités platter or a bowl of tortilla chips can be elevated by adding a homemade dip such as this one which involves roasting whole shallots slowly in the oven. 4 large, unpeeled shallots, roasted and minced
a splash of cherry syrup
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Give it a shake and pour into your favourite cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel for a fancy finish!
½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. pepper ½ c. sour cream (Greek yogurt is a great substitution) ½ c. mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
Preheat oven to 425º. Wash and dry the shallots, leaving the skin on. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Let the shallots cool and then peel them. Mince the shallots and set aside. Mix together the salt, pepper, sour cream and mayonnaise. Add in the shallots, stir and serve alongside raw veggies, tortilla chips or use as a sandwich spread.
T7X January/February 2020 17
Crunchy Chick Peas This salty, crunchy snack is not only delicious, but healthy too! This recipe can be used as a party snack but use up any leftovers as a yummy salad topper to add a bit of extra protein to any salad. 1 19-oz. can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 tbsp. good olive oil big pinch of kosher salt*
Preheat the oven to 375ºF, line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Take the rinsed and drained chickpeas and place them in between two clean and dry dish towels. Pat dry the chickpeas and roll them underneath the palms of your hand to remove as many chickpea skins as possible (less skin equals crispier chickpeas). Pick out any remaining skins and transfer the chickpeas to the prepared baking pan. Bake the chickpeas for 20 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the salt over the chickpeas and toss to coat. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until the chickpeas are darker in colour and crunchy. *Feel free to add another pinch of salt when the chickpeas come out of the oven and are still hot or a dash of a favourite spice!
Gouda and Walnut Cheese Straws Cheese, walnuts and a hint of heat from cayenne make a tasty, easy to snack on appetizer. This dough recipe is very versatile, experiment with your favourite cheese and spice to create a unique taste each time. This recipe makes 27 straws. 3 tbsp. room temperature butter ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper ¼ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. kosher salt ¾ c. flour ¼ c. chopped walnuts 3 ½ oz. grated medium Gouda 4 tbsp. cold water 18 T7Xmagazine.com
Into the bowl of a food processor, add in the first seven ingredients and pulse to combine. Slowly add the water until the dough comes together into a ball. Form the dough into a rectangle and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for no less than one hour and up to four days. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Generously flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a (14 x10-inch) rectangle, keeping it about an eighth of an inch thick. Using either a knife or a pastry cutter, trim the ragged edges off. Cut the dough into strips that are 10 inches long by a half-inch wide.
Place the strips on the prepared baking pan, twist the ends in the opposite direction for a spiral cheese straw. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or flaky sea salt and bake for 8-10 minutes until the straws are brown and crispy. Cool completely and serve. These straws will keep in an airtight container for a week.
Chorizo Mini Pies These tangy little hand pies are a great appetizer served alongside a quick dip made with ketchup, sriracha and chopped fresh cilantro! 1 package of store bought pie dough (Feel free to use homemade) 2 tbsp. butter 1 medium russet potato, peeled and cut into ¼” cubes 1 tbsp. olive oil ¼ c. diced yellow onion 1 lb. fresh chorizo sausage, casings removed ½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. ground cumin a pinch of red pepper flakes 1 large egg, beaten 4 tbsp. grated manchego or Monterey Jack cheese 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped and divided
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Preheat the oven to 425ºF while cooking the chorizo. In a medium sauce pan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add in the cubed potatoes in a single layer in the pan. Cook, without stirring for about 6 minutes until golden brown on one side. Carefully turn the potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes on the other side. Transfer potatoes to a paper towel lined plate, cool and set aside. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add in the olive oil and onion. Cook until translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add in the chorizo, salt, cumin and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat throughout, until the chorizo is brown, approximately 6-10 minutes. On a paper towel-lined plate, spoon out the chorizo and drain and cool. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a ⅛-inch thickness. Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out tops and bottoms for mini pies and lay them out on the parchment lined sheets. Assembly line steps: Brush the edges of the pie bottoms with beaten egg. In the centre, dollop ½ tablespoon of the chorizo mixture, 3-4 potato cubes and a sprinkle of cheese. Pop the top on and using a fork, crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut an “X” on the top of each pie to allow for steam to escape. Repeat for the remainder of pies. Finish by brushing the top with egg wash (beaten egg) and bake until golden brown, about 12-17 minutes.
T7X January/February 2020 19
Halva Studded Brownie Pops Halva is a sweet confection originating in the Middle East. The base flavour can vary between a sunflower seed paste or a tahini (sesame seed). It can be bought with different types of nuts, dried fruit or chocolate. For this recipe, plain tahini halva was used. 1 c. all purpose flour ½ tsp. kosher salt 6 oz. dark chocolate, chopped 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped ¼ c. cocoa ¾ c. unsalted, cubed butter 1 c. dark brown sugar ½ c. white sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract 4 room temperature eggs ½ c. chopped halva (half-inch cubes)
You will also need 24 lollipop sticks and a small circular cookie cutter. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line and spray a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper and cooking spray. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, and the salt, set aside. In a heat-proof glass bowl, add in the dark chocolate and the unsweetened chocolate. Place the glass bowl over a gently simmering pot of water, ensuring the water is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Stirring occasionally, melt the two chocolate types together and remove from heat and place on a dry dish towel. Whisk the two types of sugar and vanilla into the melted chocolate. Let this mixture cool so when the eggs are added they aren’t cooked! Whisk in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into this mixture. Add in the flour mixture and switch to a wooden spoon and fold the flour mixture in. Finally, fold in the chopped halva. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, this will yield a fudgy brownie. Cool the brownies in the pan for 20 minutes and then remove them from the pan using the parchment sleeve. Place on a cooling rack and cool completely, overnight is fine. Using the circular cookie cutter, cut out the brownie pops, at this stage they can be popped into the freezer. Otherwise, put the lollipop stick into the centre of the brownie and repeat with the rest of the brownie pops. This is a delicious, rich treat to cap off any party! t7x 20 T7Xmagazine.com
I MEET YOU THERE I
WEDDING
WARES
Say yes to the dress at Bridal Avenue BY RUDY HOWELL
A WEDDING DAY is often one of the most important, cherished, and memorable
events to occur during an individual’s lifetime. But with all of the excitement and extravagance that weddings typically entail, all that really matters is underneath all of the food, flowers, and gifts remain two people who uniting in marriage. Kris Matthezing is someone who is well aware of this, which is why her business, Bridal Avenue, specifically dedicates its time to brides and brides only. T7X January/February 2020  21
Located along Hawthorne Gate, Bridal Avenue is an intimate bridal boutique which personally assists customers in becoming the bride they want to be. Unlike other bridal shops where there are often multiple appointments taking place at the same time, Bridal Avenue offers customers its full attention by granting each bride-to-be private access to the entire studio for herself and whoever she may choose to bring along with her. “They get the full treatment just like you would in a high-end New York City shopping place,” says Matthezing. Along with its private and personalized consultations, the bridal boutique also prides itself on its selection of only Canadian designed dresses and locally sourced accessories. It wasn’t that long ago that Matthezing was working a nine-to-five job which didn’t suit her energetic, creative, and tenacious personality. She wanted something more. She knew she had always been intrigued by the bridal industry, and ever since going through the process of finding the right dress when getting married herself, the idea of starting her own bridal boutique began to brew. Without a stich of experience in the industry, she made some calls, designed a business plan, and put it to work as quickly as she could. “It was something I sat on for about five years and just couldn’t let go of,” says Matthezing. “I’d seen the opportunity in my community where we didn’t have this, and I just felt the fire burning and had to do it.” While it was a combination of many different factors that motivated Matthezing to officially open Bridal Avenue in March 2018, she says her two children were her biggest driving force. “I really wanted to show them that you can do anything you want in this life.” Since opening, Bridal Avenue’s niche in the industry has really been its limited but unique dress selection. The boutique currently only carries the top selling dresses from Canadian designers 22 T7Xmagazine.com
Mikaella, Lea-Ann Belter, Astrid and Mercedes, and Jacquelin Bridals–all of whom are based in Ontario. “I don’t think we showcase our own backyard enough,” says Matthezing, who prefers designers with whom she can connect with on multiple levels. She adds simply picking up the phone and talking to different designers about what their goals are, why they started, and if they are keeping and creating everything in Canada is the best way to find out if they are a brand she will want to develop a professional relationship with. When a customer is interested in visiting the boutique, they must first book an appointment–which is free–either via phone, email, or through the website. Once a date and time have been confirmed, customers are welcomed into the studio where they are offered water or wine and are then guided through the dress selection. Staff members will ask each bride about their wedding details, what their vision is, and what styles they have been looking at in order to help them find their dream dress. While one might think that having a limited number of dresses is not necessarily a good thing, Matthezing says it is actually quite the contrary. Fewer dresses create less headaches for both Matthezing and her customers because there will always be a higher turnover rate, allowing for new, fresh, and on-trend dresses. As well, it is simply easier for brides to look at dresses evenly spaced out around the studio instead of clustered together on clothing racks. “The brides really do like the space when they come in, it’s not overwhelming and packed full of dresses, you can see everything we have,” explains Matthezing. In under its first two years of operation as Spruce Grove’s only bridal shop, Bridal Avenue has certainly made quite an impact on the community. The boutique regularly receives visits from local brides, as well as others from Stony Plain and other surrounding areas for whom it is more convenient to drive to Spruce Grove than all the way into Edmonton.
“I’ve had tons of people from the community and all over just come in and they’re very excited that this is here,” says Matthezing. Matthezing says she’s already rolling out some of her plans for the future of Bridal Avenue. The main one being to partner with a Vancouver based, eco-friendly designer who creates sustainable dresses out of recycled material. “My one plan is gearing towards more of a green bride.” She is also optimistic about the possibility of one day opening a second location, but as it is still early days, she wants to keep her focus on what she currently has. “This was a huge achievement for me, it took a lot of work to get here, especially not knowing anything or anyone in the industry,” says Matthezing. “I’ve seen a lot of repeat people in here bringing multiple brides in, so that makes me feel very solidified in my decision of what I am doing.” t7x
Bridal Avenue at a glance: Location: 1-114, Hawthorne Gate, Spruce Grove Specialty: Canadian designed dresses, private studio access Fun Fact: Matthezing is one of the first members of her family to start a brick and mortar business T7X January/February 2020 23
I THEN & NOW I
FUN FACT St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School is named after Thomas Aquinas, a 13th century Dominican priest, teacher, and patron saint of students, whose writing on the Catholic tradition of reason as a gift from God to be highly cherished made him a Doctor of the Church.
Flexible
FACILITY
How St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School has adapted to student populations over time BY RUDY HOWELL 24 T7Xmagazine.com
IN THE EARLY 1990s, Spruce Grove was praying
for a new Catholic high school. At that time, St. Marguerite Catholic High School, built in 1983, was housing both high school students and junior high students, and from 1987-1988, was forced to attach eight separate portables to the school in order to have enough classroom space. In 1991, construction began on what would become the community’s saving grace, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School (STA), with its projected 250 student capacity.
1990s The $4.2-million-dollar St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, completed in July 1992, became Spruce Grove’s third Catholic school. Its completion kicked into motion a relocation project between the two prior existing Catholic schools that would be carried out over that summer. STA would now house students Grades 10 to 12, while St. Marguerite would become a junior high school, taking in pupils Grades Five to Nine. The oldest
and music rooms in order to better accommodate the students.
2000s During the Alberta economic boom of the 2000s, Spruce Grove witnessed a large increase in young families moving to the city. By 2010, a census showed that there were over 2,000 children under the age of four living in the community. Two years earlier, it was already apparent that student populations were on the rise. Therefore, in December 2008, it was announced that a new Catholic high school – later named St. Peter the Apostle – would replace STA in September 2013 in order to help alleviate the overcrowding at other Catholic schools in the area. Due to a rising population of Grades Five to Eight students, the plan was to once again go through a relocation process, in which STA would be turned into a facility to facilitate that age group. Meanwhile, St. Marguerite would become a kindergarten to Grade Four school, helping to split the massive K-4 population that existed at St. Joseph.
of the three community-based Catholic schools, St. Joseph Catholic School, was in turn converted from both a junior high and elementary school into just an elementary school which taught kindergarten as well as youngsters Grades One to Four. St. Marguerite principal at the time, Mel Malowany, who would become principal of STA when classes began in September, told The Spruce Grove Examiner, “The move won’t mean a change in school programming, all we’re doing is changing facilities.” The new high school, which was built directly to the west of St. Marguerite, featured a larger gymnasium, two business labs, two science labs, as well as a two-sided cafeteria and a lounge area for students. The close proximity of STA and St. Marguerite was designed to allow the two schools to share facilities such as gymnasiums, drama rooms,
Even though STA’s student capacity grew through the addition of portables from a measly 250 in 1992 to a whopping 750 in 2008 in order to continue functioning as the city’s only Catholic high school, the Evergreen Catholic Schools board decided that it would instead better serve the future of Spruce Grove as a junior high school. In January of 2008, the school board hosted a meeting at STA where parents from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Devon could all be informed of what exactly was going to happen over the next five years, as well as submit name suggestions from themselves and their children for the new high school.
2010-Today As STA soon realized, the only problem with it becoming a Grade Five to Eight school was that because it was built for senior high students, there was no playground on the property. So, in November of 2012, STA hosted its first Christmas market for holiday shoppers where the school’s Catholic fundraising committee raised over $5,000 in an
effort to aid the construction of a new playground by the summer of 2014. The event featured 30 vendors and a 12 table-long display of baked goods provided by STA families. By April of 2013, the school had raised $50,000 and was well on its way to its goal of $120,000, at which point it would be eligible for a matching grant from the government. In May of 2013, the school held another fundraising event called “The Spring Fling,” where a variety of items were put up for auction including hockey jerseys and memorabilia, a box and mattress donated by The Brick Warehouse, a stainless-steel gas barbeque, and a number of gift certificates and gift baskets. In 2010, Evergreen Catholic Schools took it upon itself to create a better support system in its district so that each of its schools would have the ability to properly intervene when students were dealing with any variety of issues. This included hiring instructional coaches who would focus on supporting and stretching instructional practices with the main goal of impacting student learning. Also added were counselors who would implement important supports for students including behavior plans, mentorship programs, student retreats, one-on-one visits and grief support groups. Other hires included education coordinators who would ensure that all students have the supports and accommodations they require in order to successfully achieve their potential. This enhanced support system would come in handy in May 2016 when STA and other Evergreen Catholic schools found themselves welcoming into their classrooms a number of student evacuees of the Fort McMurray wildfire. STA currently remains a junior high school with the mission of educating in an atmosphere of faith, hope, and love, and preparing students to live as compassionate, confident, and contributing citizens. Students today can join the school’s art and ski clubs, compete on athletics teams, play in the school band, run for student council, perform at the talent show, and of course, enjoy their playground. t7x
T7X January/February 2020 25
I SPOTLIGHT I
The intrepid island of
ICELAND A brief guide to the land of fire and ice WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARKWELL LYON
FULL OF STARK, otherworldly landscapes and blessed with a rich cultural
heritage, Iceland has long gripped the imaginations of intrepid travellers. But it’s only been in recent years that this island country has transformed itself from a sleepy backwater, where sheep outnumber humans, into a tourist hotspot. Even more recently, couples hoping to tie the know have started choosing Iceland as a choice destination for exchanging vows. With direct flights and layovers making it easier than ever to visit, here are a few highlights that make a trip to Iceland a unique experience.
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Explore the Big City
GETTING MARRIED IN ICELAND
The capital and largest city, metro Reykjavík is home to almost 230,000 people, or two-thirds of the nation’s population. It’s traditionally held to be the site of Iceland’s first Viking settlement over 1,100 years ago. The city’s compact and walkable centre, Old Reykjavik, contains museums, galleries and hip cafés, along with many of the city’s tourist sights. These include Tjörnin, a popular lake and birdwatching spot; Hallgrimskirkja, a Lutheran church with an iconic tower; and the trendy shopping-and-nightlife street, Laugavegur.
• A wedding in Iceland can make for a picturesque occasion, with a plethora of classic wooden churches available. Those yearning for an outdoor ceremony have a veritable landscape from black sand and glaciers to mountains and volcanoes as memorable backdrops. • While Icelandic weddings embrace diversity involving ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation, there is a bunch of paperwork that needs to be submitted. Those include birth certificates, passports and a wedding certificate that can easily be downloaded from the Registers Iceland website. All documentation must be sent at least three weeks before the wedding date. • Depending on when a wedding take place, make sure to dress for the elements. Ice and snow are predominant, even as late as May and as early as September. Summers are hot and dry, much similar to Alberta.
Go Full Circle For layover travellers and daytrippers alike, the Golden Circle is a popular way to see Iceland in a short time. This 300 km tourist circuit is just east of the capital, and hits some of Iceland’s best known natural and historical attractions. These include Geysir, the spouting hot spring that gave its name to all other spouting hot springs. Although it erupts infrequently now, nearby geyser Strokkur is much more reliable. It goes off every few minutes and can reach as high as 40 metres. An alternative to the heavily visited Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle in the remote northeast. This route explores canyons, waterfalls and volcanic landscape around Lake Mývatn and the fishing village of Husavík.
Hit the Ring Road The best way to visit the sparsely populated regions outside of Reykjavik is by renting a car and taking Iceland’s Route 1. This 1,300 km highway rings the island and hits many of its regions, major towns and tourist attractions. Though not long, you will find yourself stopping a lot: a week or more is recommended to do the full drive justice. For those just wanting a day trip, the southern coastal town of Vík í Mýrdal (Vík for short) is an easy drive from the capital. Lying at the foot of the Mýrdal glacier and the active volcano Katla, rainy Vík is surrounded by lush, green mountains and famed for its beautiful black sand beach, Reynisfjara.
Take a Warm Dip
ICELAND TRAVEL INFO
Born of volcanic activity, modern Iceland is a geothermal superpower. In fact, geothermal energy supplies most of the nation’s heat and hot water and a quarter of its electricity. It also makes for some great bathing and swimming. Hot springs dot the countryside, the most famous being the Blue Lagoon, halfway between Reykjavík and the international airport. Swimming, meanwhile, is something of a national pastime. Almost every town and village has a public pool, and most of them are heated by hot springs.
Arrival: Iceland’s main port of entry is Keflavík International Airport. Canadians do not a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Driving: A valid Canadian license is all you need. To rent a car, you have to be 21 or over and have held your license for over a year. Be warned that traffic circles are common, on roads outside the capital. Electricity: Plugs resemble those in Europe, and the current is 220 volts. Language: Icelandic is the official language, though many Icelanders are fluent in English, especially young people and those working in the travel industry. Money: Iceland’s currency is the Icelandic króna. A rule of thumb is that 1000 ISK is roughly 10 CAD. Bring your Canadian bank card for backup: ATMs are plentiful and offer decent exchange rates.
Mind the Wildlife Iceland’s skies and waters are full of diverse and unique animals, making wildlife viewing very rewarding. Harbours around the country offer boat tours that regularly encounter seals, dolphins and even whales. Whale watching tours with high success rates can be found in Reykjavik, the Snæfells peninsula in West Iceland, and Husavík and Akureyri in the north. Iceland is also a birdwatchers’ paradise, with puffins perhaps the top draw. Famous for their striking colours and hangdog faces, these birds can often be found in enormous colonies on steep ocean cliffs. Top spots for puffin viewing include the Westman Islands and Vík in South Iceland and Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, in the extreme northwest. t7x
T7X January/February 2020 27
I DOWN TIME I
Nuptial
NOUNS
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SOMETIMES, WORDS JUST can't describe the experience of a
wedding, which is why we're here to help you out with that. Check out the list of words associated with those blessed unions at the bottom of this page and find them in the array just above them. So good luck as you head down this lexicon aisle! Upload a photo of your completed word serarch to our Facebook page for a chance to win great prizes!
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