Ea Bride Winter 2015 by EA Bride

Advice from the Aisle » what you can learn from real couples that just made their way down the aisle

Kansas City Winter 2015

2016’s HOTTEST

Wedding Trends Find out what Kansas City wedding’s are made of » (statistics on everything from the average guest count to the overall cost)

EA Bride Winter 2015 $4.80 Shelve until 1/31/16

LOCAL FLAVOR

for your favors LEARN THE RIGHT WAY TO BOOK A VENUE

KC’s FOOD TRUCK

FRENZY

Contents »

26 30 32 34

ASK THE EXPERT

KC WEDDING STATISTICS

WORDS OF THE WEDDING WISE

AN OSCAR WORTHY AFFAIR

ADVICE FROM THE AISLE

LOCAL FLAVOR FOR YOUR FAVORS

THE RIGHT WAY TO BOOK A VENUE

SHE SAID "YES" THEY SAID "I DO" HOT TRENDS FOR 2016 CALENDAR UP IN SMOKE

44 8 9 10 12 14 20 22 24

REAL LIFE INSIGHTS DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT FINDING YOUR FOOT FLARE

51 58 60 63 69

WHO'S WHO IN YOUR BRIDAL PARTY AS SWEET AS CAN BE 4 FITNESS MYTHS BUSTED KC'S FOOD TRUCK FRENZY REHEARSAL DINNER HOTSPOTS SOCIETY PAGES

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Meet the Staff Âť Follow eabride.com to

STAY INSPIRED between issues!

CREATE YOUR PROFILE

Visit eabride.com to set up your very own wedding profile. Keep track of your guest list, to-dos, upload photos, and write your love story to share with guests.

Cover Shot Âť

Christie Scott Publisher christie@eabride.com

Britney Beach-Jones Editor-in-Chief & Layout Designer britney@eabride.com

Location: The Bauer Photographer: Kyndall Durkee Gown: Something White Bridal Boutique Makeup & Hair: Erin Hawkins Bride: Slesha-Hoffman International Model Agency

Jana Marie Art Director jana@eabride.com

GET IN EA BRIDE

Submit an engagement photo or wedding photo to britney@eabride.com. Then stay tuned for the next issue to find you and your hubby in our pages.

to our newsletter for the latest trends and special offers!

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EA Bride info@eabride.com www.eabride.com Ph. 816.272.5143 Published in February, May, August, & November. Advertising Inquiries: Email: info@eabride.com Copyright 2015 for EA Bride. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this magazine and through the advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EA Bride Magazine. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited materials. EA Bride is not responsible for the return of any materials or artwork submitted. EA Bride shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in the information herein or the interpretations thereof. We have no liability for the infringement of copyright, and reserve the right to edit any and all submissions before publication. Any reproduction of any form without written consent is strictly prohibited. All requests can be sent to info@eabride.com.

A Note from the Publisher » I love to see things come full circle. Just as your parents raised you, watched you grow and blossom, they are now getting ready to hand you off to your beloved, hoping to see you flourish in the next chapter of your life. Suddenly, I found myself in total understanding of those parents. Although not in the traditional parental sense, five years ago, I gave life to my own pride and joy, EA Bride Magazine. And like most parents do, I spent hours dreaming about its future, staying up late many nights worried about whether I was doing everything I could, and giving it all the opportunity it deserved, questioning why I was granted such an immense responsibility to see to it that the future remained bright for my “baby.”

Photo by Photos Edge

Christie Scott Publisher

Now, five short years later, I’m watching my “baby” join forces with Morris Media Network, and head into the next chapter of growth. It has, of course, been quite the process, planning all the steps, and getting ready for the big hand-off. I’m just so thankful EA found such a wonderful partner. Now, I somehow feel like I’m joining the ranks of parents everywhere who can be rest assured that they’ve done everything they can to help their babies spread their wings. Now, it’s time for them to fly. To put it simply, we couldn’t be more excited right now! Although we don’t get to wear any white dresses or order any monogrammed napkins, we can’t wait to help even more brides in the planning of their own big days! Just as you should be feeling the start of something more incredible than you’ve ever known, we’re right there with you! So, please stay tuned. And thank you to everyone who has helped get us to this point. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that couldn’t ring any more true! If it weren’t for the insights and assistance of our small but mighty team, all of the businesses who believed in us and helped us get going, and all our bEAutiful brides who seek out our pages for ideas and inspiration, we wouldn’t even be half of what we are today. So, for that I am humbled, and appreciative beyond words. So, please join us as we celebrate entering into the next chapter of our own story. In the meantime, Happy Reading! Christie Scott

EABride.com

She said: Yes Trevor & Sara

Sean & Jessica

September 6, 2016 Photo by: Cork Creative

Logan & Alexandra May 7, 2016

September 3, 2016

Photo by: The Gray's Photography

Photo by: A Day to Adore Photography

Scott & McKenzie January 2016

Photo by: Melissa & Beth Photography

Marc & Brittany Gunnar & Kailey April 23, 2016

December 5, 2015

Photo by: Stewart Photography

Photo by: Nicole Bissey Photography

Congratulations

to Kansas City's newly engaged couples! Noah & Allison June 25, 2016

Photo by: Freeland Photography

To announce your engagement in our pages, visit our website at: eabride.com/submitmywedding

Brian & Michelle July 2, 2016

Photo by: Cork Creative

They said: I Do John & Kerri June 20, 2015

Photo by: Corey Cassaw Photography

Jacob & Alex Kyle & Whitney May 23, 2015

June 13, 2015

Photo by: Kelly Jackson Photography

Photo by: George Street Photo & Video

Nathan & Maggie

Ross & Nikki May 22, 2015

Photo by: Studio Chyree Photography

Taylor & Kaitlin July 18, 2015

June 6, 2015

Photo by: Melissa & Beth Photography

Photo by: Laura Larcom Photography

Congratulations to Kansas City's glowing newlyweds! Jeff & Jenny June 20, 2015

Photo by: Chris Walter Photography

To announce your wedding in our pages, visit our website at: eabride.com/submitmywedding

Nic & Lindsay

September 5, 2015 Photo by: Melissa & Beth Photography

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Hot >

Wedding Trends for 2016

We can hardly contain our excitement for with a new year comes refreshing wedding trends. Not that we are bored with the current popular items, but we have been there, done that. Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you? Chances are that by now you have attended a wedding where you participated in the following: jumped into a photo booth with a crazy hat to take silly photos, stuffed a bag full of candy from a candy bar, and danced (or attempted to dance) every choreographed hit on the radio. While these things are still fun, new standards are being set for weddings taking place in 2016. Stay fresh on new ideas that you can incorporate into your wedding for the coming year.

1. Trending Colors

Wedding hues are constantly changing. This year Pantone has deemed the following colors of utmost importance: Top: Rose Quartz, Serenity, Peach Echo, Snorkel Blue Bottom: Lilac Grey, Limpet Shell, Green Flash & Warm Red Fiesta

3. Breaking the

Banquet Hall Mold Weddings are making the most of outdoor venues, micro-breweries, rustic barns, and wineries. Anywhere you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t naturally think a wedding would take place, is now the perfect place.

2. The Semi-Casual Shift

For the wedding party and guests alike we are seeing that most couples want their friends and family to be dressed comfortably to enjoy the wedding day.

4. Non-Saturday Dates

Due to a break in overall cost, couples are opting for Friday and Sunday weddings which allows them to save money to spend elsewhere.

5. Emphasis on the Guest

8. Signature Sips

6. Manly Mention

9. Custom Entertainment

While the bride and groom are the stars of the wedding day, they find it to be important to focus on the overall guest experience. They want each of their guests to have fun while in attendance at their wedding.

Groom and groomsmen are adding some personal flair to their attire including fun ties, crazy socks, unique boutonnieres, bowties, and character cuff links.

Photo by: Cassaw Images

7. Fabulous Favors

Guests are truly excited to be taking home professionally tailored favors that the bride and groom had made instead of the boring old do-it-yourself projects that usually end up in the trash. Check out the newspapers featuring the bride and groom on the cover handed out at hotel check-in and delicious individual pies made for each guest!

Couples are choosing fun (yet not cheesy) beverage options that either have a connection to their personalities or simply match the event colors/theme.

Couples are adding at least one fun element to their reception other than the music, including the possibility of a comedian, performer, cigar bar or a fire thrower (as seen below).

Photo by: Allison Wonderland Photographie

10. Interactive Food Stations Long gone are the boring buffets. Guests are welcomed to eat delicious bites from food trucks, late night snacks, and his/her food stations customized with the newlywedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite foods.

Photo by: Cassaw Images

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MARK

November 27-28, 2015

White Weekend at Belle Vogue Bridal

8135 Lenexa Drive Lenexa KS 66214 Time: 9:00am-5:00pm Admission: Free

Belle Vogue Bridal will be hosting their second annual White Weekend event to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. We will feature a selection of gowns from the current collections from each of our exclusive designersStella York, Essense of Australia, and Martina Liana. These one of a kind gowns will only be on display for this two day event. We encourage all Brides to secure an appointment with our store for this event. Please contact us for current availability at 913-317-8981. If you have any questions regarding this event, please feel free to contact us.

December 5, 2015

Plus Size Gown Trunk Show at Belle Vogue

8135 Lenexa Drive Lenexa KS 66214 Time: 9:00am-5:00pm Admission: Free

Belle Vogue Bridal is excited to announce the addition of several Plus Size Trunk shows to our event calendar. The show will feature a selection of gowns from each of our exclusive designers- Stella York, Essense of Australia, and Martina Liana. These one of a kind gowns will be featured in the store for this one day only event. We encourage Brides to secure an appointment with our store for this event. Please contact us for our current availability at 913-317-8981. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact us. 12

YOUR

January 17, 2016

Spectacular Bridal Show

1201 N. Woodine Rd St. Joseph, MO Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm Admission: $5

The 2nd annual Spectacular Bridal Show will be January 17th at Stoney Creek Inn.

March 4, 2016 Overland Park Charity Bridal Event & Vendor Expo

11099 W. 135th St. Overland Park Admission: $20 VIP or $5 Non-VIP

We invite all area brides to browse through hundreds of new and lovingly worn designer and couture wedding gowns, all at an incredible savings. Gowns range from $99 to $1,800, are available in many styles and in sizes 4-18 typically. You will also meet some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top wedding vendors, and enter exciting giveaways, all while supporting a great cause! Attend our VIP Reception and enjoy entertainment, giveaways, and free wedding band sets for all VIP Brides. You will be among the very first in the area to browse through, try on and purchase your selections from our large inventory of gowns, before general admission begins! First 75 brides will receive a bridal swag bag full of goodies. General Admission is $5 for all attendees. We have a gown to match any wedding theme or budget!

Up in Smoke

VENUE The Bauer

PHOTOGRAPHER Kyndall Durkee

HAIR & MAKEUP Erin Hawkins 14

GOWNS Something White Bridal Boutique

MODEL Slesha with Hoffman International Model Agency

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Save the Date for

EAE ARROWHEAD’S BEAUTIFUL BRIDE EVENT Sunday, March 6, 2016

Location: Chief’s Arrowhead Stadium

Visit eabride.com for details

EVENTS

The Kansas City Chiefs Event Team is dedicated to making your event a success. You will work with a professional staff that will coordinate all the details for your event, from building custom menus to event execution. View our event spaces and contact our Event Team today to request a proposal!

Location

Located at Truman Sports Complex, off of Interstate 70 and Interstate 435. Only minutes away from luxury, full-service and limited-service hotels for overnight accommodations.

435

Facilities / Services » Over 20 great spaces — more than

» In-room state-of-the-art audio

» 360–degree views of the playing field

» New contemporary decor » Full-service catering through

72,000 square feet of flexible event and meeting space for up to 1,000 guests

weddings and skyline

» Fireside lounge seating » Custom bars » Unique themed rooms

Special Event Reservations Tel: 816-920-4992 www.goarrowhead.com events@goarrowhead.com

Arrowhead Stadium One Arrowhead Drive Kansas City, Missouri 64129

and visual systems

Levy Restaurants

» Convenient escalator, elevator and street access to space

» Free parking

WEDDING STATISTICS

The beautiful realm of weddings is blooming and flourishing in Kansas City. With a multitude of different types of venues, wedding professionals, and couples getting engaged each year, the culture of nuptials is constantly evolving. So we wanted to give you a little insight to what the makeup of weddings looks like here in the city of fountains. All of the statistics provided are averages for the Kansas City Metro Area and computed by the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading statistic provider, The Wedding Report, Inc.

Number of Weddings per Year:

Average Cost per Wedding:

$24,271

25-29

13,279 Most common age of the Bride and Groom

25%

of couples choose to spend between

$10,000-$20,000

on their wedding day.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Most Popular months for weddings: June: 14% September: 12.3% October: 11.7% May: 11.3%

(% of weddings held annually)

Least Popular months for weddings: February: 3.7% January: 4.0% March: 5.0% November: 5.7%

(% of weddings held annually)

166 The national average is 131 guests.

O N LY

Average Number of Guests in Attendance:

3.3%

of Kansas City weddings have over 300 guests in attendance

SAY WHAT?!

On average, a single guest can add or remove $145 from the overall cost. You may want to reconsider those RSVP follow up calls.

Number of People in a Wedding Party (including the bride and the groom)

W O R D S

O F

T H E

Wedding Wise As a baker, I approach event planning just as I would following a recipe. The right ingredients (flowers, music, food, decorations, clothing, etc.) proportions, timing and presentation. After research, choose your ingredients, make decisions and move forward. Do not continue to search for DIY ideas, there will always be new ways to do things. Don’t get caught up in continually searching. Decide. Plan. And have the time of your life. -Cindy Grunik, It’s Easy As Pie Look for a bar service that strives to fit your individual needs. One that will not only customize a liquor package, but also pay attention to the smallest of details– the coloring of your signature cocktail or the font style on your bar menu. -Mary Rodriguez, Diamond Girls Bartending

What’s the point of wearing a beautiful wedding dress if you don’t look and feel good in it? Invest in yourself by hiring a fitness professional a year in advance of your wedding so they can get you in your best shape ever for your biggest day ever! -Kri Chay, Hiit Fitt P.S. Don’t have your wedding cake and eat it too!!

Put cake cutting in the timeline before toasts and first dances begin. This will allow the caterer plenty of time to cut the cake and have it ready to serve as soon the dances end. If you would like cake to be ready to serve prior to the toasts, you should have the ceremonial cutting before dinner service. -Jennifer Wilson, Plaza Catering

Make sure you understand your partners “spending personality”! Find out whether they are a spender or a saver, and what kinds of things they have a tendency to splurge on, whether it’s electronics, clothing, home furnishings, automobiles, etc. Then, you can better align your financial priorities, ones that you are both comfortable with. Trust me, it will save you from many financial fights down the road! -Rachel Adams, Harrison Capital Management

Planning a wedding can become very stressful. The best way to lessen the opportunities for stress is careful and detailed planning. Creating a time line to help you know the deadlines for making decisions and placing orders will save you from having to change your plans or pay rush charges. Make a list of possible challenges that may arise and address them early on so you don’t have to deal with them during the final days before the wedding. This should be the happiest and most exciting time of your life-enjoy it! -Geri Watts, Wedding Expressions by Geri

Unless it is absolutely necessary, skip putting together an assigned seating arrangement. Some brides like the idea of the place cards and table numbers, but the weeks leading up to the wedding they are pulling out their hair with updates and changes. Chances are, your guests are going to sit by who they wish and don’t need your assignment anyway. Make it easy on yourself, set aside reserved tables for your family and call it good. -Britney Beach-Jones, Plush Productions

When selecting a date for your big day, it would be beneficial to check the community events calendar for what is taking place in the area. Hosting your wedding on the same weekend as a large city-wide convention, a race at the Kansas Speedway, a Kansas City Royals home baseball game, and/or a Kansas City Chiefs home football game can make finding sleeping room accommodations and transportation for your guests very difficult and much more costly. -Kimberly Kruse, Arrowhead Events

Keep in mind that you may not have as much protection overseas as you do at home when problems arise over inaccurate charges. Incidents are sometimes reported of travelers being charged twice for the same item or for items they never purchased, and credit card companies have been unwilling or unable to intercede on your behalf. Always watch merchants imprint your card and keep your receipts. After you get home, check your credit card statement. If you see charges you didn’t make, call your creditor and ask them to dispute the charges. –Robert Reisemeyer, Travel Benefits by Design

Brides, consider bringing along a second pair of shoes to wear during wedding party and bride and groom photos if you are going to an outdoor location. Having a pair of shoes that are more comfortable for walking and moving quickly, and that you don’t mind getting a little dirty or scuffed up, will help save both your feet (you will be on them all day!) and your beloved wedding day shoes that you searched tirelessly for! Most wedding dresses completely cover the bride’s shoes, so no one will ever know. Just be sure your photographer gets a few shots of those gorgeous heels at some point in the day! –Beth Hodge, Melissa & Beth Photography

Many venues package their reception pricing differently. To help you compare apples to apples, ask your potential venues to break pricing down the way you need to make comparisons more clear. Venues are an excellent resource for vendor recommendations, and can help you narrow down your many choices. -Katie Schilare, Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

Don’t overlook the importance of your “flow of events” during the reception. Hiring the right DJ/MC can help create that “epic dance floor” everyone is after, in part by navigating through the important events at the right pace, keeping your guests well informed and involved, and ultimately getting them to dance in great moods! -Kris Nardini, Platinum Productions

Print your images! Getting the USB drive or CD of images from your wedding photographer is great but what good is it if you don’t print your favorite photos! Photography was meant to be seen not kept hidden from the world in your office drawer. Many photographers offer print releases with the images allowing you to have them printed anywhere. There are numerous online resources available such as Artifact Uprising that offer quality printing at a reasonable price. Additionally, there are so many professional products like canvas, metal and wood prints that let your images take center stage. Weddings albums are another incredible way to showcase multiple images from your day and have a family heirloom to last a lifetime. Whether you opt for professional prints from your photographer or do it yourself; get your images off the computer and on your walls! Happy printing! - Andrea Nigh, Andrea Nigh Photography

EABride.com

Advice from the Aisle From the Bride:

From the Groom:

Don’t be afraid to break all the rules. If you don’t love an aspect of a traditional wedding then don’t do it! For example, we had no bouquet/garter toss or wedding cake and not a soul complained. Instead we still hear from people about how beautiful and special the experience was and that it was their favorite wedding! The question we kept asking ourselves was, “What defines a wedding to us?” Your wedding doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s idea of what a wedding should be. When the wedding is full of things that are important to you, it will be perfect. -Asona

Communicate clearly and often with your spouse-to-be during the planning process. Be open with what you want, how you’re feeling, and what you need from your spouse. Then build up your teamwork skills. Blame all of the stress on the nature of the wedding process. Stay on each other’s side. Apologize if you mess up, and do better next time.-Marco

One thing that I would not have spent so much time on is a concrete seating chart. It is one of my favorite wedding decorations though. A calligrapher in Columbia did a beautiful mirror seating chart for us that was breathtaking. Unfortunately, even up until the last moment we had a few people call and say they were unable to make it who had been planning to come all along- so at the moment I wished I had something more flexible. One thing I am happy we invested time and money into was our photographer! Your photos will last a lifetime and will be the one thing you continue to turn to when reminiscing. I would make sure you are happy with who you are working with! -Jessica The best advice I could give anyone that’s engaged and planning their wedding is to enjoy the planning experience and not to lose your mind. All of your hard work will pay off and the results will show. Don’t sweat the little things and remember the big picture: You begin this day as two bodies and by the end you will become one mind and one soul! -Amar 24

We d d i n g W i s d o m f ro m N e w l y w e d s

From the Couple: If we had our wedding to do all over again we would do it all the same! Our best decision was hiring a planner! There is so much that goes into a wedding, not just the planning, also the emotional preparation for this lifetime milestone. Having an event coordinator to see it all through was such a sigh of relief for us. We are glad we stuck to our instincts and insisted on our ideas– it is important to be you for your big day. -Adam & Stacie Hire a wedding coordinator!! We can’t stress it enough. Not only does it alleviate the stress, it is also someone who can act as a mediator between the wedding politics that WILL occur during a wedding. -Ryan & Breanne

memorable and simply unique!

Schedule your tour today. We would love to meet you! 13500 Nall Avenue Overland Park, KS 913-681-2165 Northbrook, IL

South Barrington, IL

Oak Brook, IL

Edina, MN

PINSTRIPES.COM

Georgetown, D.C.

Chicago, IL

By: Rachel Simmons

Q: How much time am I allowed during my appointment and how many people can I bring with me to try on dresses? A: The typical appointment at Ivory & Lace takes 2 hours. However, we will never rush you. If your appointment takes longer, then so be it. You only have this appointment once and we don't want it to end before you want it to. As for how many people to bring, I always recommend that less is more. Too many people equal too many opinions and I highly doubt that you have the exact same fashion sense and style as all of your bridesmaids. Sometimes it is hard to narrow down through who to invite and who not to, therefore we allow as many people as the bride would like. We are an intimate shop though, so after 10 guests the space gets a little cozy.

Q: How much such I expect for alterations to cost? A: Every gown is different. Therefore, every alteration invoice will be different. The cost completely depends on the amount of work that needs to be done on the dress. Small things such as bra cups, bustles or custom straps all can add up. Even as the owner, I never quote an alteration price. Sewing is not my profession. That is what the seamstress is there to do. So make sure that your budget allows room to tailor the gown exactly to your needs.

Time less R eflect ions

the expert

Photo by:

Ask

Ivory & Lace Bridal Boutique 816-362-0675 www.ivorylacebridal.com info@ivorylacebridal.com

Q: I am in love with a dress but it doesn't match the style of my wedding venue - what do I do? A: Don't not try on a dress just because it isn't "rustic" or "glam" enough. You are going to look gorgeous in your venue no matter what style of gown you choose to wear that day. Choose a dress you feel your best self in, not something that you feel you should get just because it matches the space.

Q: Should I feel like I have to wear a white dress? A: Our main goal at the boutique is to make the bride look her absolute best. And that includes a gown that accents her personal skin tone. As a fashion major I can tell you that white does not look good on every bride. We sell mainly ivory gowns but new colored dresses (pearl, champagne, light gold, and blush) have been growing in popularity. Sometimes the hue in the fabric can really make a bride glow.

Q: How far in advance should I order my gown?

Q: How do I make a final decision on a dress?

A: The ideal timeline for ordering a gown is seven to eight months before your big day. Most brides don't realize how long it takes for a gown to be made just for them. The order process is typically four months and then we advise starting alterations about two months before the wedding. And that doesn't include the Chinese New Year (which is in February), when a lot of the factories are shut down for a good span of time. If you order eight months in advance we have a nice cushion and there is no stressing!

A: As a newlywed myself, I had a difficult time making the final decision to say "yes to my dress". I had two gowns that I loved. However, when it came right down to it, I chose the gown that would make my fiance's jaw drop just a little bit more. After all, the entire day is about the love you have for each other and his opinion is the most important one. About Rachel Simmons: Rachel is the owner of Ivory & Lace Bridal Boutique in Warrensburg, Missouri. The boutique specializes in wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos and bridal accessories. Along with new wedding gowns, Ivory & Lace also features a private collection of over 50 vintage wedding gowns that have been restored and re-purposed into new and one-of-a-kind styles that are available nowhere else.

weddings From traditionally elegant to simply modern our Hy-Vee wedding experts will help you every step of the way. Fresh flowers, luscious cake and delicious food create an ambiance that invites friends and family to enjoy your special day. To get started, call the catering coordinator for an appointment. We cannot wait to help make your day magical.

Blue Springs

Independence

Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit

Raytown

625 W. 40 Hwy 816-224-4288 Catering: Wanda Brizendine

1525 E. 23rd St. 816-836-1177 Catering: Victoria Forbes

4545 S. Noland Rd. 816-478-6557 Catering: Brad Cottington

301 NE Rice Rd. 816-524-5760 Catering: Ryan Bryant

310 SW Ward Rd. 816-554-2200 Catering: Mike Moore

9400 E. 350 Hwy 816-358-9940 Catering: Sam Horkman

Trend Alert:

Real Life INSIGHTS

Small vs. Large Weddings When attending a wedding, you hope not to find that the venue is crammed, the food is tasteless and the sprinkle-adorned cupcakes disappear before you’ve had a chance to get one for yourself. It only takes one of these experiences for someone to understand why inviting too many guests to a wedding can be a huge disadvantage. Not to mention, the extra price tag associated with each additional attendee. It takes guts to remove people from your guest list. It is easier to open the floodgates than it is to draw a line draw a line between your first and second cousins, when all of them are expecting to receive an invitation. However, we are seeing more and more couples doing just that. And here are a few reasons why: Free yourself from venue seating restrictions and seat your guests comfortably. Save money that would have spent on distant relatives that can now be spent to further indulge your close family and friend’s experience (nicer food, better favors, etc.).

Photo by: West Birch Photography

These two ceremonies are a great example of the benefit of a smaller guest count. The top wedding was able to adhere to building restrictions for rooftop seating to gain an incredible view. The wedding below illustrates how you can get creative on the way you seat your guests in lieu of the formal seating.

Personalize each part of your wedding. Now that everything is on a smaller scale, you can focus on personalizing features that really make your wedding about you (and you fiancé). Enjoy your wedding with those closest to you without feeling the need to catch up with half of the guest list. Reallocate saved funds towards the blissful honeymoon. Photo by: Allison Marie Photography

Going Green:

Cruising for a Cause Sometimes making an environmentally friendly decision for your wedding is also the safe decision. Many couples, along with the majority of their guests, elect to stay at a hotel the weekend of the wedding. With everyone in the same place, it practically serves as an extension of the wedding, with welcome cocktail hours and a Sunday brunch. So why not keep all of your loved ones safe (and protect the environment from all of their vehicle emissions) by hiring a transportation service to pick them up to deliver them to the wedding and to return back to the reception to take them back to the hotel. Those guests that are from out of town or those that plan to partake in drinking will sincerely appreciate the gesture and you don't have to allude to the fact that you solved the parking problem at the venue and saved the environment to loads of harmful emissions.

Budget Buster: Beloved Friend vs. Stuffy Officiant

Photo by: Epaga Foto

Skip the standard officiant and ask a friend if he or she would be willing to get ordained to marry you. This will be a big savings to you and also make for a more personalized ceremony. In our eyes, that's a win, win.

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT :

St. Lucia

St. Lucia has had a long-standing reputation as one of the most sought-after islands in the Caribbean. Both as a military strategic point and a tropical paradise for the rich and elite, the island’s lush foliage and crystal blue waters are suited for all travelers. For the adventure lovers: take a drive and end up in the middle of St. Lucia’s premier volcano, La Soufrière. For the relaxing pair: sink your toes in the white sand and later treat yourself to a Sulfur Springs medicinal rub. For the active duo: strap on your boots and ascend into the volcanic Pitons for breathtaking views of the island. Make the most of St. Lucia by experiencing all that the island’s rich history and iconic views have to offer. It will be nothing short of a trip you can brag about when you go home.

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The Venue at Willow C reek

WC The perfect spot for . . . Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners

Special Events/Parties Corporate Functions/ Meetings

Our beautiful site includes . . . 10 Secluded Acres Landscaped Grounds

We offer . . .

On-Site Coordinator On-Site Ceremony Bridal Dressing Room Full Service Bar Large Paved Parking Lot

Rock Rimmed Creek Lighted Tree Lined Hillside

Chiavari Chairs & Tables 5 Wood & Metal Farm Tables Private Event Design & Layout

3150 N. 91st St. â&#x20AC;˘ Kansas City, KS 66109 Give Us A Ring: 913.568.9535

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Finding Your Foot Flare

You will be taking a lot of new steps on your wedding day. After getting all prettied up, you will make your stride down the aisle, after saying your “I Dos”, you will make your first walk as husband and wife, and later you will putting your steps to a beat as you dance the night away. All of these steps aren’t to be made lightly- they will forever change your life. While not nearly the same caliber of a decision as deciding to get married, choosing what shoes to wear and the flair that you will bear is also a big decision. There are a variety of styles, shapes and colors to choose from- so it is best to start with the basics, what style of shoe rings true to you?

High Standing Options

High Heel

Strappy

The classic high heel is a great year-round alternative with open and closed-toe options. Make sure to break them in prior to the wedding day!

A strappy stiletto offers both height and beauty. This popular summer shoe is perfect for showing off the perfect pedicure as your toes peek our from under your dress!

This pair: Badgley Mischka Kiara Embellished Peep-Toe Pump Sold by Badgley Mischka www.badgleymischka.com $245

This pair: Ivanka Trump Strappy High Heel Evening Sandals Sold by Bloomingdales www.bloomingdales.com $140

Wedges Wedges are the perfect solution for gaining height while also feeling secure. Embellished bottoms give the appearance of a high heel while the widened sole provides stability as you walk. This pair: Gigi Wedge Sold by Bhldn www.bhldn.com $235

Flat Standing Options

Flats

Boots

Sandals

Comfortable yet classy, embellished flats are the dressy alternative to heels.

Boots are perfect for a barn or country wedding. Choose from different colors and styles.

Sandals are ideal for a beach or outdoor wedding where the ground may be uneven.

This pair: Ever By Blue By Betsey Johnson Sold by Macy’s www.macys.com $99

This pair: Corral Bone Tall Lane Embroidery Boots Sold by Rivertrail Mercantile www.rivertrailmercantile.com $270

This pair: Ibiza By Lauren Lorraine Sold by Bellissima Bridal Shoes www.bellissimabridalshoes.com $109

Toms

Moccasins

Chucks

Toms are the modern option for comfort. Have all your bridesmaids in a matching color, while you wear white.

Moccasins are not only comfortable, they fit in perfectly with a bohemian themed wedding.

Lace up some chucks that are fully customized with your name and wedding colors. Don’t forget to get a pair for your groom!

This pair: Toms Bridal White Glitter Women’s Classics Sold by Toms www.toms.com $54.00

Moccasins: The Rage Minnetonka Sold by The Rage www.shoptherage.com $42.95

This pair: Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Sold by Converse www.converse.com $50.00

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An Oscar Worthy Affair

PHOTOGRAPHER & ART DIRECTOR Jana Marie Photography VENUE Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

WEDDING GOWN & MENSWARE Miaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal & Tailoring

RENTALS Vintage Rentals KC

DRINKS PAPER & INVITES Diamond Girls Bartenders YellowBrick Graphics GROOM Tanner Chrisman, Manifest-Talent

CAKE Shannon Bond Cake Design

HAIR & MAKEUP Ashley Backs

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES emmy-ray design studio

GROOMSMEN DeAundre Kurney, Voices&

FLORAL & SET STYLIST Wild Hill Flowers

BRIDE Alexis Railsback, Voices&

BRIDESMAID Nina Monzon, Voices& EABride.com

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ADD SOME

Local Flavor TO YOUR

For the love of Kansas City, add some flare to your favors by including some of the area’s top local brands. They are truly unique to the area, tasty beyond belief, and sure to impress any guest!

Favors

Strawberry Hill Povitica Co.: a grandma’s recipe, hand-made, and hand rolled bakery offering perfectly baked goods.

Zim’s Sauces: add some zest to your guests’ experience with bbq sauces, vinegar, and chili powder from Zim’s Sauces. Roasterie Coffee: choose from different blended coffees and seasonal varieties. 44

Topsy’s Popcorn: Kansas City’s tradition for the tastiest popcorn in town, available in a variety of flavors.

Shatto Milk: most often paired with your wedding dessert, give guests a sample of some of Shattoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fines milk varieties.

Christopher Elbow Chocolates: edible works of art- these chocolate gifts almost look too good to eat.

Lost Trail Root Beer: not only a favorite for the kids, adults too will be yearning to try some local-made root beer.

Louisburg Apple Butter: the perfect accompaniment for your guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breakfast for when they return home from your wedding.

Boulevard Beer: arrange an assortment of flavors for guests to try or hand out a few of your favorites. EABride.com

45 39

The RIGHT Way to Book a Venue Choosing where you will host the most important event in your life is not a decision to take lightly. While the butterflies are still fluttering from the engagement, it is easy to get swept off your feet when planning the first details of the wedding. We like to call it the “Blissful Bride”. When the Bride is so excited to get a few items marked off her to-do list that she is more prone to making rash and impromptu purchases. The problem lies that selecting a venue is usually one of the first items that a couple would like to finalize. And making a decision on where you will host the grand day, without first doing your research, can set an unpleasant tone for your budget and the rest of your planning. Before saying, “Yes” to the venue, consider these few details:

1. Decide on a Date You need to first decide whether there is one specific date you want to get married on or if you are flexible with the availability of the location you choose. If your date is a must- then the availability of a venue on that date controls everything. If they are not available, you don’t move forward with touring. If you are flexible with your date, then narrow down your wedding to a month or season so that you can write down a venue’s availability upon contact.

2. Begin Online Search Begin searching and viewing venue information online. There are hundreds available, so it may take some time to filter through all the options. Using your estimated guest count (you need to have a rough guest list compiled before searching for a venue) view the capabilities of each venue on their seating capacity. Avoid over seating and making concessions for locations that are just too small to host your weddingyou don’t want your guests to be miserably stuffed. Narrow down your list to no more than six venues.

3. Tour. Tour. Tour. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but not in this case. A photo of a venue online doesn’t accurately show you the environment; you need to visit the space in person to see it for yourself. It could be more run down than the photos are alluding to, maybe there is a little stench in the air your can’t endure, or the main room looks nice, but the bathrooms, entrance, and overall guest experience is not going to be ideal. If you can fall in love with a bare bones room with no pretty flowing linens, lush floral centerpieces, and an adorned cake that is ready to be cut, then you will later love it even more when it has all of those things in it. Fall in love with your venue for what it is, not what it could be.

4. Consider what Bare Bones Means Where there is an urban loft or what we like to call a “four-wall rental”, there is commonly money set aside to decorate the space and make it feel wedding-like. As mentioned before, pretty pictures of what previous couples have done to the space are nice, but remember that you will have to spend the same money to decorate the venue in your personal style. There are some amazing locations that fall under this category, and you shouldn’t be scared to reserve your date at these places; just take into account that you need to allow for a higher decoration budget.

5. Estimate All Expenses Before signing on the dotted line at your dream-come-true venue, make sure to request a full estimate of expenses related to the wedding. Some places are forthright about this information and others you will need to initiate the conversation. Within the estimate, include the rental fee, taxes, food and beverage costs (or example costs, you can taste test later), liquor/bartending fees, coordinator fees, gratuities, and service charges. If needed, provide an estimate of guests (it is recommended to shoot high) that will be in attendance. You should know the total (nearly to the penny) for what you are signing up for.

6. Be Aware of Venue Requirements After you know what expenses are incurred within the venue, you need to consider any alternative expenses that you will need to pay in order to host your event at this location. For example, the venue will only grant you access four hours prior to the start of your event to decorate the space. Chances are that during this time you are either taking photos with your bridal party orâ&#x20AC;Śoh yeah, getting married! Therefore, you will need to hire a decorator or day-of coordinator to assist in getting the space in order prior to guest arrival. Did the venue mention that you would need to provide proof of event insurance? If so, this is another cost that you will need to account for. Lastly, some cities and venue owners require that you hire security to be present at your event. Yet, another cost. Make sure to review the contract thoroughly with the venue representative so you are aware of the expectations you will need to fulfill in order for your event to take place.

7. Review the Payment Structure Once you are aware of all the expenses that will be incurred by utilizing this venue, then discuss the payment options. It is typical that a deposit is required to hold the date. It is also common that this deposit is non-refundable if the event is cancelled. After you have paid your deposit, what is the breakdown of payments for the remaining balance and when are these installments due? Find out when your proof of insurance is due to the manager and if you are placing a damage deposit prior to the event, when you can expect for it to be returned if no damage is caused.

8. Dont Sit on It If this venue has mesmerized you from the moment you walked in and after discussing the finer details with the coordinator you have found that it fits in your budget and is manageable with the rest of your planning- then donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sit on your decision to book it! While you are taking the time to review all of the details of making this space a part of your big day, others arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t being as cautious, they could call and book the space simply off a picture they saw online (good thing you know better than that now). Make it known to the venue manager that you want the date for your wedding, if they will hold it for you, then great! If you need to put down a deposit in order to secure the date, then do so. The last thing you want to do after finding the perfect location is to lose it and to have to start all over again.

Start your venue search online at www.eabride.com, where you can view the details of hundreds of locations.

Who’s Who: In Your Bridal Party To some, deciding on the members of the wedding party comes easy. However, to others, the task seems to be a bit more challenging. There are many people to consider for roles: new friends, old friends, and those fair-weather friends. And then there are family members and the cautiousness of not hurting anyone’s feelings. Before you go assigning names to roles and writing up job-specific to-do lists, first take a look at all of the wedding party position possibilities that can be filled by those you love.

Matron/Maid of Honor: matron of honor (married woman) or the maid of honor (single woman) are the right hand to the bride throughout the planning process. She assists in planning the shower and bachelorette party, holds the groom’s ring at the ceremony, and offers up a toast at the reception.

Bride & Groom

Best Man/Co-Best Men: a single man can fill the job, but sometimes we see two best men standing up to support the groom. The best man hosts the bachelor party, holds the rings during the ceremony, and offers up a toast at the reception.

Bridesmaids: it is common to see bridesmaids in a wedding party, but it is optional. Bridesmaids assist the bride with preparing for the wedding as well as assisting the maid of honor with her duties. They participate in getting ready with the bride, taking photos, and walking at the ceremony.

Groomsmen: it is common to see groomsmen in a wedding party, but it is optional. Groomsmen assist the groom with preparing for the wedding and the best man with his duties. They participate in getting ready with the groom, taking photos, and walking at the ceremony.

Personal Attendant: the personal attendant is the bride’s saving grace on the wedding day. She is helpful in being a contact for vendors, looking after the bride’s personal belongings, and the go-to for all things, small or big.

Usher: ushers are needed to seat guests at the ceremony. These gents are usually close to the bride and groom, but not close enough to be considered groomsmen. They open doors for guests and escort women to their seats.

Junior Bridesmaid: too young to be a bridesmaid, but too old to be a flower girl, the junior bridesmaid gets ready with the bride, takes photos, and walks down the aisle at the ceremony.

Junior Groomsmen: too young to be a groomsmen, but too old to be a ring bearer, the junior groomsmen gets ready with the fellas, takes photos, and walks down the aisle at the ceremony.

Flower Girl: the young flower girl attends the rehearsal, walks down the aisle at the ceremony, and looks darling in photos.

Ring Bearer: the young ring bearer attends the rehearsal, walks down the aisle at the ceremony and looks handsome in photos.

Still have some people you want to honor with being in your wedding? Here are some non-gender specific roles: Candle Lighter, Reader, Singer, Guest Book Attendant, Gift Table Attendant, and Host. 48

design your

WEDDING TO REMEMBER

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky in love, come to Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North Kansas City where we specialize in fun, excitement and elegance all wrapped up into one. Our wedding services professionals will tailor your nuptials to you, making this the wedding of your dreams. Contact us at 816-472-7777 or MEET@caesars.com to start planning your romantic walk down the aisle.

As Sweet As Can Be

OMBRE CAKE Dolce Bakery

BEADED CAKE Hy-Vee Lee’s Summit

YAY CAKE Cami’s Cakes

PHOTOGRAPHER & ART DIRECTOR Jana Marie Photography

GOLD & ORANGE CAKE Nellie’s Custom Cakes

NAKED CAKE Cake It

LOCATION & RENTALS Ultrapom Event Rental (studio)

EABride.com

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4 Fitness Myths

Myth: Cardio will help me lose weight faster Cardio exercise is great for your heart and great for your body, but it’s not the best nor most efficient way to burn off fat. If you’re going to do cardio, your aerobic cardio exercises should be intense, brief, and varied to maximize your fat burning efforts. Start with walking and then speed up every week. Walk, jog, run, and then eventually sprint. Lifting weights yields much better results of losing body fat long term. How is that? Lifting weights builds muscle, which boosts metabolism, which then helps burn off fat. My personal favorite is lifting weights faster, or with less rest time, so that my “cardio” is better movement with less rest time while keeping my heart rate up. HIIT training, which stands for High Intensity Interval Training combines both weight training and cardio training and is quicker, faster, and more efficient for fat loss than traditional boring cardio. Myth: Fat-free foods will help me lose fat because they have fewer calories Fat-free foods are not always better. Marketing teams are great at making the consumer think that they’re getting something healthier by eating something free of fat. However, when you take away the yummy tasting fat, you have to replace it with something else in order to make the food taste just as good. Most of the time it is either replaced with sodium or sugar, and sometimes it’s both, which is a double threat. Add in a little processing and preservatives, and you will be well on your way to preserving your waistline, instead of shrinking it. Learn to read nutrition labels before purchasing your next “fat free” item. Stick to all-natural or organic foods. Shop the perimeter of the store and stay away from boxed and processed foods.

Busted

By: Kri Chay

Myth: Doing ab exercises will slim my waistline

Myth: No-carb diets are the best solution

Just like when you work your legs or arms, when you do ab workouts, you are working a muscle that is hiding under a layer of fat. That layer of fat can prevent you from seeing progress. So, the focus should be on how to get rid of the fat so you can expose these muscles. First, nutrition is key. Track your nutrition, either old school style by writing it down in a food journal or go online and join the nutrition application, ProDiets (approved by registered dietitians). With this app, you can customize and get approved meal plans that are geared to help you lose body fat faster. Secondly, burn more calories doing total body exercises to bring your “sexy back”. Keep your body moving by doing exercises such as jumping jacks, jogging, running, burpees, and other exercises that require the use of your entire body.

Have you ever done a “no-carb diet”? How did it make you feel? Perhaps you felt sluggish, couldn’t think straight, and had no energy. Am I right? The body and brain needs carbohydrates to function properly. It’s one of the three main nutrients that the body prefers to use for energy, and you need it to burn unwanted fat. So put down the devil’s food cake and try some healthy deviled eggs. Timing, balancing, and planning your carbohydrate intake will be key to a hotter body. Try having your starchy carbohydrates earlier in the day instead of at dinner. This way, you’re able to conquer your workouts with maximum effort and have all day to burn it off so you can lose body fat and weight.

Kansas City’s Food Truck

FRENZY

For those that live or work in downtown, you know all about the benefits of a food truck setting up shop nearby. As a quick lunch break or a tasty dinner solution, food trucks always seem to be just a block away serving up some one-of-a-kind dishes. With the growing popularity of food trucks in the streets, we have also noticed an increase of food trucks serving guests at weddings. Some trucks serve the dinner portion, others handle dessert; nonetheless, it is a unique experience that a couple can add to their wedding to treat their guests. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite food trucks in the area that you may be interested in for your wedding. Whether their food is considered savory or sweet in our eyes, we don’t expect you to take our word for it- link up with a truck on social media to find out where you can find them next for your own tasting.

Savory sa·vor·y: (of food) belonging to the category that is salty or spicy rather than sweet.

Beauty of the Bistro:

Taco Republic:

This catering and food truck combo is the best of both worlds. You can hire the company to serve your guests like a traditional catering company would, with the added touch with some items being available street-side to add the food truck style. The owner, Sidney Fish, strives to serve all of their foods with the freshest ingredients.

Once you have tried one of Taco Republic’s street tacos, you will immediately see why they are one of the most popular food trucks in Kansas City. There is no Mexican food craving like a Taco Republic craving! Their creative ingredient combinations leave you hankering for more each and every time!

Our Favorite Dishes: Market Salad, Mac n’ Cheese, & Roadhouse Burger Find out more: www.beautyofthebistro.com or 913-406-1571

Our Favorite Dishes: Ortiz Street Taco, Bernardo’s Texaz Dip, & Jarritos Soda Find out more: www.tacorepublictruck.com or 816-214-8607

Prairie Fire oven: The Prairie Fire Oven food truck is the first portable wood-fired oven in Kansas City. They use quality local ingredients with an Italian inspired twist to produce the most delicious pizza in town. Our Favorite Dishes: Spin Room Pizza, Mega Scimeca Meatballs, & Doodle-Do BBQ Find out more: www.prairiefireoven.com or 913-583-0290 60

Sweet sweet: (of food) having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar or honey; not salty, sour, or bitter.

cupcake cruiser:

Funnel cake truck:

Now owned by Simply Frosted, the cupcake cruiser is the entertaining solution to a traditional cake. With a line-up that includes 12 regular flavors, seasonal options and 7 different types of cookies, each guest picks their favorite flavor to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Looking to fulfill your carnival craving more than once a year? The Funnel Cake Truck is your solution. Serving everything from funnel cakes to cotton candy, to deep fried sweets (Snickers, Twinkies, Oreos). You can host your own carnival food truck at your event. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the seasonal popcorn selections!

Our Favorite Dishes: Peanut Butter Dream Cupcake, Pumpkin Spice Cupcake, & Turtle Cookie Find out more: www.sweettoothkc.com or 816-988-8062

Our Favorite Dishes: Traditional Funnel Cake, Kettle Corn, & Deep Fried Birthday Cake Oreo Find out more: www.thefunnelcaketruck.com or 913-636-9647

Coffee Cake KC:

Kona Ice KC:

Coffee Cake KC is a coffeeshop on wheels. Their espresso, latte, and cappuccino selections are made from Mother Earth Coffee and locally roasted in Kansas City. Not in the mood for coffee? How about a glass of hot tea or a real fruit smoothie? Pair your drink with a piece of coffee cake, muffin, or cupcake.

Switch things up a bit by cooling off your summer reception with shaved ice. Kona Ice is the only mobile shaved ice provider in Kansas City with their very own Flavorwave that allows guests to pick and choose their own flavorings to pour over their personal cup of shaved ice.

Our Favorite Dishes: Southern Style Sweet Milk Latte, Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake & Wild Berry Smoothie

Our Favorite Flavorings: Wild Watermelon, Pina Colada, & Wedding Cake

Find out more: www.coffeecakekc.com or 913-568-2380

Find out more: www.kona-ice.com or 913-709-3370

One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well if one has not dined well. -Virginia Woolf EABride.com

High Quality Food & Service

It is our goal to provide affordable, high quality food and service to make your event memorable. From buffet service to plated dinners, we are able to create any menu to suit your taste. Info@PlazaCatering.com 913•383•8800 • www.PlazaCatering.com

Rehearsal Dinner HOTSPOTS ‘37 STEAK

Photo from: Titan Built

’37 Steak was founded out of the desire to create an atmosphere that is refined yet unpretentious, elegant yet approachable and most of all, “different”. You’ll notice in every aspect of your experience that their mission is to provide amazing moments in time for all guests by employing and engaging a service staff with exceptional product knowledge and pride in service. Cuisine: Steakhouse Attire: Semi-Formal In Town Location: North Kansas City Private Rooms Available: Yes, several Capacity: up to 50 guests Special Qualities: Located inside Harrah’s, providing room stay and gaming options

Cinzetti’s

Photo from: Cinzetti’s

Guests step foot into an authentic Tuscan Village centered around a cobblestone piazza with over sixty authentic Italian dishes being prepared at fourteen specialty cooking stations. Stroll through the stations as chefs prepare authentic pasta, pizza, salads, desserts and more – right before your very eyes! Cuisine: Italian Attire: Casual In Town Location: Overland Park Private Rooms Available: Yes, several Capacity: up to 90 guests Special Qualities: The unique Tuscan environment and endless dining options will have you planning more than one trip to visit Cinzetti’s. www.cinzettis.com

www.caesars.com/harrahs-kansas-city/ restaurants/37steak

7201 W. 91st St. Overland Park, KS 66212

1 Riverboat Dr. North KC, MO 64116

913-642-0101

816-889-7037 Dinner Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm Fri & Sat: 5pm-11pm

Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-9pm Sat: 11am-9pm Sun: 10am-8:30pm

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Nara

Fogo De Chao

Photo from: Nara KC

Nara restaurant and its urban event space, 1617 Event Space, is a unique Japanese sushi grill located in the Arts District. The name Nara was inspired by an ancient Japanese city famous for urban tranquility. Enjoy private dining with Kansas Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest Japanese rolls and hand crafted cocktails. The private event space is on the second floor, overlooking the Kansas City skyline. Cuisine: Japanese Attire: Casual In Town Location: Downtown Private Rooms Available: Yes Capacity: up to 160 guests Special Qualities: Enjoy some amazing sushi with an immaculate view of the downtown skyline. www.narakc.com

Photo from: Larson Binkley

An elegant Brazilian dining experience presented by helpful and knowledgeable staff will make Fogo de ChĂŁo the perfect location for your group. Their chefs are born into the centuries-old grilling tradition of churrasco, respecting the ingredients by cooking meats slow to expose their natural flavors. Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse Attire: Semi-Formal In Town Location: Plaza Private Rooms Available: Yes, several Capacity: up to 120 guests Special Qualities: You dictate how fast/slow the specialty meats arrive to your table by switching over a red and green card. www.fogodechao.com 222 W. 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112

1617 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64108

816-931-7700

816-221-6272

Dinner Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5pm-10pm Fri: 5pm-10:30pm Sat: 4pm-10:30pm Sun: 4pm-9pm

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-11pm Fri: 11am-12am Sat: 3pm-12am

Q: Who all is invited to the rehearsal dinner?

A: The guest list should include parents, grandparents, siblings, the members of the bridal party with their significant others, and the officiant and his/her spouse.

Pinstripes

Photo from: iModules

Jack Stack BBQ

Photo from: KC Crossroads

This distinctive dining and entertainment venue features a bistro with exceptional cuisine and wine; bowling and bocce; a year-round outdoor patio and fire pit; and private event space. Enjoy a delicious dinner in a private room and then retire to the bowling and bocce lanes for the rest of the evening.

The historic converted Freight House will wow you and your guests with its 25-foot ceilings, a fireplace lounge with a full-service bar, and an indoor and outdoor private dining area. Enjoy some remarkable Kansas City barbecue in the heart of Kansas City with your closest friends and family.

Cuisine: American/Italian

Cuisine: BBQ

Attire: Casual

In Town Location: Overland Park

In Town Location: Midtown- by Union Station Private Rooms Available: Yes, several Capacity: up to 80 guests

Private Rooms Available: Yes, several Capacity: up to 600 guests Special Qualities: Enjoy elegant rooms for dinner and then a fun environment with bowling and bocce ball lanes. www.pinstripes.com/overland-park 13500 Nall Ave. Overland Park, KS 66223 913-681-2255 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-11pm Fri: 11:30am-1am Sat: 10am-1am Sun: 10am-10pm

Special Qualities: Treat your guests to Kansas Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legendary barbeque. Add a small bottle of specialty sauce as your favor. www.jackstackbbq.com 101 W. 22nd Kansas City, MO 64108 816-472-7427 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-10:30pm Sun: 11am-9pm

Q: do rehearsal dinners have invitations? A : Yo u d o n o t h a v e t o m a i l o u t f o r m a l i n v i t a t i o n s . S l i p p i n g a n announcement in the appropriate wedding invites, creating an e-invite, or simply word of mouth will get the job done.

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Brio Tuscan Grille

Photo from: America’s Cuisine

Gather with friends and family at Brio to experience the flavors of Tuscany without leaving the country. Bringing the pleasures of the country villa to Kansas City, the chef-inspired Tuscan recipes are sure to tempt your palate. As they say at Brio, “to eat well is to live well.” Buon Appetito! Cuisine: Italian Attire: Semi-Formal In Town Location: Plaza Private Rooms Available: Yes Capacity: up to 200 guests Special Qualities: The central location is easy walking distance to hotels and shopping. www.brioitalian.com 502 Nichols Drive Kansas City, Mo 64112 816-561-5888 Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

801 Chophouse

Photo from: 801 Restaurant Group

Signature leather booths, dramatic finishes and romantic lighting set the scene for a great evening of food, friends and family. 801 Chophouse upholds the highest level of service possible to provide their guests with top-quality, unique and fresh dishes and a fantastic ambiance that everyone can enjoy. Cuisine: American Attire: Semi-Formal In Town Location: Downtown or Leawood Private Rooms Available: Yes, several Capacity: up to 70 guests Special Qualities: Nestled in downtown, this location is ideal for staying at a hotel or planning late night fun in the Power & Light District www.801restaurantgroup.com/801-chophouse/ 71 E. 14th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 816-994-8800 Dinner Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-10pm Fri & Sat: 4pm-11pm Sun: 4pm-9pm

Q: Who traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner? A: The parents of the Groom are usually the planners and payers for t h e r e h e a r s a l d i n n e r.

Society Pages

THE

K A N S A S

C I T Y

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Jesse & Janae Trotter

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE The Bauer PIES Kenna Brooks

PHOTOGRAPHER epagaFOTO

BRIDESMAID DRESSES Modcloth, Target, Von Maur FLOWERS The Blithin Blair Shop

WEDDING GOWN The Lace Loft HAIR & MAKEUP The Style Room

COFFEE SERVICE PT’s at the Crossroads

MENSWEAR Men’s Wearhouse INVITATIONS Cyclone Press

A FEW

special pieces The ceremony took place under a Chuppah that Jesse and his dad built, which made it feel like we had our own private ceremony. We were married by my godfather, whom I have known since birth and Jesse has looked up to since middle school. We finished the ceremony with the breaking of the glass, a tradition to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;may the worst part of your marriage be a broken dishâ&#x20AC;?.

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W E D D I N G D AT E

february 19, 2015

Jesse & Janae’s LOVE

STORY

L O C AT I O N

kansas city, mo

Jesse and I have known each other since kindergarten. He lived in the same neighborhood as my best guy friends, and they would walk to his house to play with him, but I was never allowed to go with them because it was “boys only”. We ran in the same groups growing up, but didn’t become friends until he started coming to my church when we were tweleve. If you ask him, this is when he knew we were going to get married. If you asked me, I would say this is when I became friends with the coolest guy around. We stayed best friends all through high school and my first year of community college. Our relationship stayed the same: him crushing on me and me cluelessly “friend zoning” him. One random Monday, we went on a run together and something was different. I decided I might have a crush on Jesse, so I went into action. We planned a Lord of the Rings marathon for that Wednesday, and I decided it was time to kill the friend zone. I didn’t even know if Jesse liked me, but there was a huge elephant in the room and I was pretty sure something was going on. We started movie one of three per usual, as best friends hanging out in my parents’ living room and we ended movie three as boyfriend and girlfriend. Jesse and I are big picnic’ers. It is an inexpensive way to go out on a date while still getting to have meaningful time together. It is also a great way to fuel my unhealthy obsession with collecting vintage picnic baskets. Jesse took me on a picnic to Loose Park one Thursday afternoon under a tree where we had picnicked before. He had prepped this picnic, and used my favorite picnic basket and vintage plates. He also surprised me by bringing along these mugs that he bought us when we were 12 years old, which we had dubbed our “friendship mugs.” My mug had broken years ago, but he somehow found a replacement and surprised me by bringing it on our picnic. As we were getting up to leave, he covered my eyes. When I opened my eyes, there were all these little twinkle lights in the tree and he was down on one knee, holding the most beautiful vintage ring I had ever seen. I cried….a lot… and after about five minutes actually put the ring on. I was never that girl that sat around planning the “perfect wedding.” To me, the perfect wedding would be perfect because I was with the perfect guy. I landed on having dried lavender as the main floral piece, and from there grew this whole event that I don’t think could have worked for anyone else. We had lots of random vintage and found pieces, different tablecloths on each table, and we threw fresh eucalyptus in there randomly. We also had a coffee theme. We had an espresso bar for the cocktail hour and gave out hand painted mugs as favors. My family observes a lot of Jewish traditions and Jesse’s parents are Christian missionaries, so we had a fusion of every beautiful tradition we wanted in our ceremony. We had the best wedding ever. It was only possible because we had so many people who were taking care of us the whole day. 72

the groom’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

I think every groom could agree with me in saying that the first time they saw their bride was the most amazing and special part of the day. But, having everyone there that helped out and supported us throughout our relationship was a close second. Without those people around us, the place wouldn’t have looked as perfect as it did. Certainly nothing would have went as smoothly as it did. My favorite investment was definitely the Chuppah. Walking down the aisle, seeing how beautiful a few pieces of wood could be just made me so proud and happy.

the bride’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

My favorite part of the wedding was definitely the ceremony. I loved hearing the cello and seeing and seeing the best smile in the world on Jesse’s face. The whole thing just felt so personal and...right. I loved it.

EABride.com 73

Kim & Jessica English

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Town Pavilion CAKE Raspberry Rose CATERING Shining Star Catering

WEDDING GOWN PHOTOGRAPHER Berta Bridal Christian Gideon Photography

BRIDESMAID DRESSES Alfred Angelo FLOWERS Gregory’s Fine Florals

INVITATIONS HAIR & MAKEUP Lance Wright Wedding Paper Divas RENTALS Celebrations Party Rentals

MENSWEAR Vera Wang DJ Pro DJ KC

BAR SERVICE 3 Blondes and a Martini EABride.com

W E D D I N G D AT E

august 15, 2014

Kim & Jessica’s LOVE

STORY

L O C AT I O N

kansas city, mo

Kim and I met at the University of Missouri, where we both attended college. The story of how we met actually takes place over several months. I saw him once with a group of friends and wanted to introduce myself, but couldn’t. He saw me downtown two months later and wanted to introduce himself, but we were in a very loud bar and he thought that wouldn’t be a good first impression. The third time we saw each other, we met. We we were downtown and I was leaving a bar with some of my friends. It was still very early in the night and we were ready to go home and relax, but we were hungry! I went to the nearest hot dog stand and stood in line. To my surprise, they were very expensive and I didn’t have enough cash. I turned around to ask my girlfriends for a couple more dollars when I heard someone behind me say that he wanted to buy it for me. It was Kim! He was in line right behind me. After he bought my hot dog we talked for a little while and exchanged numbers. Unfortunately, he left the next morning to go home to his hometown of Baltimore and we didn’t see each other for three weeks. That didn’t slow us down. We talked everyday and fell in love without ever even being around each other. Three years later, Kim proposed on a chilly night at the Piazza Del Campo in Siena, Italy. It was so beautiful and totally unexpected. At the time we were living abroad because he was playing professional basketball for a team in Siena. We were eating dinner at a restaurant and all of a sudden he started acting very weird. When he got down on one knee, I was totally shocked. I started crying almost instantly. Unfortunately, I barely remember the beautiful words Kim said to me before I blurted out, “Yes!” I always knew I wanted to plan my own wedding. I am a bit of a control freak and I can easily make decisions about things I like and don’t like. I am an aspiring interior decorator so I like for everything to be perfect and have my opinions on how things should be. I could never have done it without the help of all the wonderful vendors we used. They were so wonderful and easy to work with. Lori Glazer from Town Pavilion was also a huge help. She had the perfect, efficient personality I was hoping for in a coordinator and took care of all of the “day-of” issues. I wanted my theme to be based off of a very neutral palette because that is our personal style. I like to call it “neutrally perfect” but that is just me. Neutrals are absolutely beautiful and timeless. I wanted to be able to look back at my wedding in thirty years and say, “Wow! That was so beautiful. I would still have that exact same wedding today!” I used cream, taupe and gold accents throughout all of the decorations. The day flew by but I memorized every detail. Everything flowed perfectly with no hiccups. Even though I was so proud to see everything come together and everything looked so beautiful, I was more impressed by the overwhelming feeling Kim and I got seeing all of the love and support from our friends and family. That is truly what we will remember for a lifetime. 76

A FEW

special pieces One of the special pieces of our wedding was the wedding flowers. My florist is the same person who did all of my prom flowers growing up in my hometown. He moved his business to Kansas City and when I found that out, I knew had to use him for my wedding to bring it full circle. We chose to incorporate the same type of white hydrangeas that we planted in the backyard of the first home we owned together. Now every time I look at our wedding photos and see our flowers, I can remember the small blooms my mother and I planted in our backyard. For me, that is very special.

EABride.com

the groom’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

The most exciting, emotional and exhilarating part of the evening was the anticipation of my bride walking down the aisle. When that song began and the anticipation of seeing Jessica emerge from the back became a reality… that was my most memorable moment. The song was perfect and my bride was beautiful. I will hold that moment in my heart for the rest of my life. 78

the bride’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

My favorite part of the day was seeing the members of our wedding party immediately after the ceremony. After Kim and I said “I do,” we started the exiting recessional and the bridal party followed us to a private area. The love and joy that was being spread at that time was incredible. We were officially husband and wife and our parents and best friends were right there with us to celebrate.

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food creations by Mary Berg 913.829.0133 www.delishcatering.net

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11/19/14

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Adam & Stacie Aldritt

WEDDING COORDINATOR PHOTOGRAPHER CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Personal Residence Schaumburg Photography Plush Productions-Britney Jones WEDDING GOWN BRIDESMAID DRESSES Janay A Eco Bridal Adrianna Pappel

MAKEUP Kathleen Watson

CATERING Diana’s Kitchen/Joe’s BBQ

MENSWEAR Macy’s

INVITATIONS Erica Birkman

DJ/BAND DJ Candlepants

RENTALS All Seasons

HAIR Julie Richardson

FLORIST Good Earth Floral COOKIES Katie Alldritt

VIDEOGRAPHER Teresa Grieb & Deena Schaumburg

A FEW

special pieces The Alldritt wedding was filled with sentimental touches. The bride’s dress was adorned with lace from her mother’s dress, her ring belonged to her great-grandmother– a piece she had been eyeing in her mother’s jewelry box her whole life. Her earrings belonged to her other great-grandmother and her bracelet was the same gold bracelet she wore for her Bat-Mitzvah. Adam crafted the Chuppah from trees of his childhood woods. The wine glasses for the ceremony were passed down to the couple from the groom’s parents. The same canoe that Adam & Stacy met in was filled with ice and drinks at the reception.

EABride.com

W E D D I N G D AT E

april 25, 2015

Adam & Stacie’s LOVE

STORY

L O C AT I O N

lawrence, ks

On the 4th of July, 2011, Adam and Stacie were each invited to join their friends for a canoe float trip down the Kaw River. Early that morning Stacie arrived at Adam’s house making it the first time they set eyes on each other. As they unloaded at the river, Adam decided to have Stacie in his canoe. For six hours Adam and Stacie floated down the Kaw introducing themselves to each other. Needless to say they enjoyed each other’s company. Over the next year Stacie and Adam continued to socialize, particularly every Monday at the Free State Brewery. In the Spring of 2012 Adam asked Stacie to go to dinner. They went to 715 Restaurant where Adam picked up the bill. Stacie was pretty sure she could call this a date. Like a perfect gentlemen Adam took Stacie straight home after dinner. By January 19, 2013 Stacie and Adam decided to make it official and become boyfriend and girlfriend. On April 3, 2014 Adam made Green Chile Enchiladas for dinner and asked Stacie to pick up a bottle of tequila on her way home from work. Stacie and Adam enjoyed a relaxing dinner at home together. She had no idea they were drinking tequila to calm Adam’s nerves. After dinner Adam presented Stacie with a ring. He never asked her to marry him and she never had to say yes. The two of them knew they had found their partner for life. Giving Stacie the family diamond was all that needed to be done to seal the deal. The couple began planning the wedding almost immediately. All the details naturally fell into place as they thought about what defined them. The beer and food were easy choices, Joe’s BBQ and Freestate Beer! The venue took awhile to locate but eventually Adam remembered where he enjoyed the best parties growing up–at his friend Rachel’s house. The house was now an Air BNB rental so it was available to be the venue. On the big day they got an early start, scheduled to marry at 11am. Stacie and Anna spent the morning “turning into princesses,” as her stepdaughter would say. Stacie was too blissful to notice it had started to rain. She insisted on getting married under the Chuppah that her future husband had built from the trees they had cut from their woods. There was no other option! By the time Stacie found her starting place, the sky had opened up, the rain stopped and the perfect day continued. Adam was standing under the Chuppah looking calm and collected, Stacie was crying. The ceremony was short and sweet, a blend of both Jewish and Christian cultures to bring the two families together. The highlight was when their Black Labrador, Dixie, brought the rings in her favorite toy, the Kong. After the ceremony the guests gathered under the tent to enjoy champagne and appetizers, followed by BBQ, dancing, and outdoor games. There is only one way to sum up April 25, 2015…. It was a perfect day. 82

the groom’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

This wedding was not only the joining of husband and wife, but the creation of an instant family. Stacie would officially become a stepmother to my daughter. As apart of the ceremony, Stacie read vows to her new stepdaughter. I found this notion very touching and sweet. It was so special that Stacie honored the importance of being a new part of my little girl’s life.

the bride’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

Being given away by my father was a defining moment in my life. As soon as my father cracked the door, the tears began to flow for both of us. I gave my Dad his gift–a handkerchief crafted from the fabric of my dress, trimmed in the heirloom lace from my mother’s dress. I asked for his handkerchief in return and it just so happened to be blue–my “something blue”. EABride.com

Brinder & Amar

CEREMONY VENUE Midwest Sikh Association MENSWEAR Men’s Warehouse

RECEPTION VENUE Overland Park Marriot HAIR Be Chic Bride

CATERING India Palace

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Monjica Photography

MAKEUP Work of Art- Makeup Artistry

PHOTO BOOTH Complete Wedding & Events

LINENS BBJ Linens

CAKE Baked Expressions

GOWN Laadlee

FLORIST KP Event Design

DJ DJ Hans EABride.com

A FEW

special pieces I incorporated the Chunni/dupatta (long scarf) that my mom wore when she got married into our wedding day. Growing up, I have always looked up to all that my mom has done for me and our family. By having that chunni with me the day before my wedding, I wanted my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morals and values to go with me as I began my new chapter and became a wife.

W E D D I N G D AT E

july 24, 2015

Brinder & Amar’s LOVE

STORY

L O C AT I O N

overland park, ks

Amar and I have known of each other for many years but didn’t start talking until the time he started medical school. Our families have known each other for over twenty years and we were lucky enough to grow up in the same Sikh community and attend the same Gurdwara (temple). A year and a half into medical schoo, his family began coming over to my parents house to ask for my hand. We actually had two engagements- one being our Indian/traditional engagement which was in October of 2013 and another in July of 2014 when he got down on one knee. The proposal took place at Loose Park. It was a cloudy, yet beautiful day. It all started when we parked the car in the parking lot. I needed to get something out of the glove department but Amar had locked it and wouldn’t unlock it. Then I didn’t want to carry my purse with me in the park so I had asked Amar if I could put it in the trunk to which he responded with a “No! Just leave it in the car on your seat. It’ll be fine”. I thought that was a little strange but left it alone. We began walking through the rose garden which is where Amar begins telling me how much he loves me and all of the memories we have had. We moved under the walkway to get out of rain, and that’s where he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I couldn’t get my,”Yes” out so I just kept nodding until he hugged me and I could finally get the words out! We both wanted our wedding to be filled with a lot of fun, laughter, and of course our family and friends. I chose to plan the wedding on my own with the help of our amazing bridal party, family, and friends. They really went above and beyond to make our day truly magical and a dream come true. After getting ready, I stayed at a family friends house until it was time for me to arrive at the Gurdwara (the bride is the last one to arrive). Everyone else was at the Shawnee Civic center waiting for the Barat (arrival of the groom’s side). Once the special traditions were done, everyone headed to the Midwest Sikh association for our wedding vows. After exchanging vows, we took photos in the sweltering heat. After photos, we were welcomed us as a couple and received blessings from our family and friends at a lunch. That evening we headed to my parents place for my doli. The doli is when the daughter leaves from her home and begins her new life. During this ceremony, I shower rice all over the room by throwing it up over my head and behind me, praying that my home would be happy, healthy and prosperous forever. I was escorted out by my parents and said my farewell to my close loved ones. I was the only girl among three families, so this ceremony was very special for all of us. From my parents house we went to my in-laws where my mother-in-law and my in-laws welcomed me with open arms and begin more traditional customs.

EABride.com

the groom’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

I can’t really say that there was just one thing that I enjoyed more than another. Seeing Brinder for the first time during the ceremony was one of my favorite memories. She looked absolutely gorgeous! I also enjoyed seeing all of my family and friends having a ball and the smiles on everyone’s faces as they danced the day away.

the bride’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

My favorite moment was when we finally finished our Anand Karaj ceremony and became husband and wife. Looking into Amar’s eyes that afternoon was so magical and amazing. My second favorite part was our first dance on our reception night to an Indian song that he had always dedicated to me. All eyes were on us and I truly felt like we were in our own fairy tale.

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ITS EASY AS PIE

Ryan & Breanne Ewing

CEREMONY VENUE The Little Theatre

RECEPTION VENUE The Midland Theatre

DRESSES & MENSWEAR Bridal Extraordinaire 90

RENTALS All Seasons

FLORIST Sidelines

CATERING Feasts of Fancy

PHOTOGRAPHER Epaga Foto

VIDEOGRAPHER WEDDING PLANNER Hawleywood Films Simple Elegance-Kindra HAIR INVITATIONS MAKEUP Salutations by Mairead Design Glam KC Michele Strom & Glam KC

CIGAR ROLLER Western Tobacco

CEREMONY BAND/RECEPTION BAND Patrick Lentz Band/Micheal Beers Band

CAKE Nancy Stark

EABride.com

W E D D I N G D AT E

august 31, 2014

Ryan & Breanne’s LOVE

STORY

L O C AT I O N

kansas city, mo

We met when we were 10 years old. We had been cast in the Christmas Production of, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. We were each other’s first real crushes; yet neither of us knew that there were feelings further than friendship. Finally, during college, the truth came out that we had been crushing on each other all these years and wanted to go out on a date when we returned home for Christmas Break. Christmas Break came. The date came. The date ended. Ryan never called Breanne again. As he tells it, “Breanne scared me to death.” As she tells it, “It was the best date ever and I knew that was the person I was going to marry.” Flash forward to a few years later, timing worked out and we both ended up in Los Angeles at the same time. Together, for the past nine years, we have built our version of “A Wonderful Life!” After eight years together, we decided to get serious about getting married. On the last weekend of the summer, Ryan suggested we go to the Lake of the Ozarks and take the boat out. On the last morning before we headed home, Ryan suggested to take the boat out for a little morning fishing. I reluctantly agreed and sat on the front of the boat with my arms crossed the whole ride. Ryan knew exactly what I was pouting about and had planned to get me to my weakest point in an effort to completely throw me off. Finally, he stopped the boat, cast a line in to the water and asked me to go to the tackle box and get him a weight. I went to the tackle box, rolling my eyes the whole way. I opened the box…and there among the fish guts and hooks, was my pink, dream engagement ring. After reflecting on the moment, we laughed together, cried together, and finally Ryan got down on one knee and asked me if we could spend their lives together. We own BlackFox Productions, Inc. and put on around 200 events a year around the country. We knew we wanted our wedding to be the biggest and baddest event. We met in a theatre, so we wanted to get married in a theatre. We met on a stage, so we stood on a stage to say our vows. My engagement ring is in a 1920’s vintage setting and the first placed we lived together was Hollywood, so we went with an Old Hollywood Glam theme. We kept the same consistency throughout…everything was symbolic, yet tied together beautifully. Guests arrived and were greeted with a red carpet, passed champagne, canapés, and a live band. They were escorted into the ceremony, where they set around us and watched us say our hand written vows on a rotating stage. Afterwards, guests hit up The Midland for another cocktail hour, which included live music, a magician, a caricaturist, and a cigar roller. Eventually the main doors opened and as guests took their seats, the screen on the stage played a personalized video, where we not only thanked everyone for coming, but listed off the do’s and don’ts of the evening, calling out a number of their guests poking fun of their antics. Afterwards, the bridal party was introduced, toasts took place, and a first dance went down on the dance floor. After the formalities, the dance floor and food stations were opened and the party was started! Around 11pm, cigar girls hit the floor passing around milk cartons and cookies shaped like cigars. Basically, we had everything except a cirque show…

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Marco & Asona Lui Chacon

CEREMONY VENUE Liberty Memorial MENSWEAR Men’s Wearhouse CATERING Pierpont’s

RECEPTION VENUE Union Station

PHOTOGRAPHER Photos Edge

COORDINATOR Eco Posh Events

WEDDING GOWN Ramona Keveza

HAIR BRIDESMAID DRESSES INVITATIONS MAKEUP CAKE Natually Unique Salon His & Her Salon Alfred Sung Indie Olive Small Cakes

DJ Platinum Productions

RENTALS All Seasons

FLOWERS Eco Posh Events

VIDEOGRAPHY Winding Willow

TRANSPORTATION Horizon Limo EABride.com

A FEW

special pieces The wedding was circular, with the ceremony taking place in the center, following the Quaker tradition of the Mother of the Groom. She and her siblings sang Dona Nobis Pacem at the start of the ceremony, which they have done at all of the weddings in her family for many years. Renowned civil rights attorney, Pedro Iregonegaray officiated the wedding, translating most parts into Spanish in acknowledgement of the Father of the Groom’s Guatemalan heritage. We made use of the time honored African-American tradition of “jumping the broom” at the end of the ceremony, after which the female members of my father’s tribe the Kakwa’s of South Sudan, yelled the ulalation and at that moment we were pronounced husband and wife. 96

W E D D I N G D AT E

july 5, 2015

Marco & Asona’s LOVE

STORY

L O C AT I O N

kansas city, mo

Marco & Asona met in college, at Washington University in St. Louis. One night Asona and her friends decided to attend a party thrown by Marco’s friends. As it turned out, they had known a lot of the same people throughout most of their time at WashU. Marco saw Asona from the across room, sitting on the couch with an open seat next to her, and went over to introduce himself. The conversation flowed easily right from the start as they started finding out more about each other, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. By the end of the night they had discussed religion and politics, views on family and money- all of the things that you’re not supposed to talk about on a first date. Marco cooked dinner for Asona a few days later, and from then on out they were inseperable. Marco completely surprised Asona on one of their many trips to Chicago to visit family. He knew that her entire family was going to be in town from Topeka, Kansas and chose this weekend to ask the question for which she had been waiting for! They flew into Chicago and immediate went to Marco’s mother’s house for dinner. After some family time, they were expected to meet some friends for drinks. When they left, Marco suggested that they take a quick detour through the park. As they took the usual route past his favorite childhood climbing tree, Asona noticed a candle lit area and said, “Oh, how sweet! Someone is having romantic picnic.” As they got closer, she heard the cello begin to play. Seeing that it was a dear friend playing, she realized that there was no one attending the picnic but her. She finally put it all together and started to cry. Marco guided her over to the blanket and made a wonderful speech about how in all his years of playing make-believe, right there in that spot, he had never imagined a life as amazing as the one that he shared with Asona. As soon as he put the ring on her finger, their friends came out of hiding to offer their congratulations. Marco and Asona knew they wanted to hold a unique wedding that blended the four cultures represented by their parents. With people coming to Kansas City from across the country and around the world, they knew they would need help pulling it off. Asona knew that she wanted an outdoor ceremony, an unconventional dress and lots of purple, the rest they had to figure out. Marco and Asona are both drawn to classic and ornate architecture, so they looked for a venue with a special historical feel. The beautiful green lawn of the Liberty Memorial is an oasis in the middle of the city and can be seen from the doors of Union Station, making it an easy choice for the site of the ceremony. In an effort to keep the guests cool in the July heat, they decided to hold the outdoor ceremony in the late evening. With the later start, they had time to host cocktail hour before the ceremony, making the wedding a part of the celebration. After the ceremony they led the guests back to Union Station for dinner and dancing until midnight. EABride.com

the groom’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

My favorite part of the wedding was all of the personalization we added to our day. We didn’t follow any script from any one culture, we designed each part of our wedding exactly the way we wanted it, incorporating only what is most special to us and our families: Quaker, South Sudanese, Guatemalan, and African American traditions that are most closely aligned with our beliefs and values. From jumping the broom, to a community signing of the marriage certificate, and a round sung in Latin. Our day was a true representation of us. 98 98

the bride’s

FAV O R I T E PA R T O F T H E D AY

I loved our vows. Rather than follow traditional vows or say things that we were promising each other, we instead declared all of our reasons for loving each other and told some of our favorite stories to our guests. We sealed the vows by displaying our secret handshake in public for the first time.

TOWN PAVILION ROTUNDA 1111 Main Street Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 701-5038 facebook.com/rotundaattownpavilion Photo by: Sharaya Mauck Photography

photo: JasonDomingues.com

a lifetime of memories

photo: JasonDomingues.com

a day of celebration