February 2023

BRIDAL FASHIO N POP-UP KITCHENS

32 A Toast to Events!

Featuring the city's top event planners and their grand and glamourous parties.

40 Eating as an Event

New pop-up restaurants are setting the table for fresher, more exploratory dishes and unique experiences to the 405.

Dining

50 GOOD TASTE

Culprits pulls impressive tricks in Bricktown

52 THE DISH

Pastrami is prime for local sandwiches

54 THE DRINK

A purposeful, expressive cocktail at Kindred Spirits

56 LOCAL FLAVOR

Culture

60 ARTS

A delightful spin on Cinderella

62 SPORTS

Pro football team touches down in OKC

64 TRAVEL

Savannahʼs green and serene with superb cuisine

66 IN CONVO WITH

Farooq Karimʼs paper blossoms are imbued with intent

68 LOOKING BACK

The swing sensation of the Blue Devils

70 ONE MORE THING

Myriad Gardens sows new life in the Crystal Bridge 10 FROM THE EDITOR

Know more of Normanʼs good eats ON

Photo by Amanda Watson.

OWNER | PUBLISHER

Jordan Regas jordan.regas@405magazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR Cadence Ramos cadence.ramos@405magazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Katie Henrichs

MANAGING EDITOR

Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

SENIOR WRITER

Greg Horton greg.horton@405magazine.com

SENIOR WRITER

Evie Klopp Holzer evie.holzer@405magazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jake Durham, Snow Forth, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Helen Jacob, Matt Kirouac, Linda Miller

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jake Durham, Lexi Hoebing, Kimberly Martin, Charlie Neuenschwander, Mel Willis, Shevaun Williams

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Meagan Matthews meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lillian Meador ads@405magazine.com

CLIENT COORDINATOR Leesa Neidel leesa@hilltopmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Lisa Munson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Cynthia Whitaker-Attalla cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kendall Morgan kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Raylee Lewis raylee.lewis@405magazine.com

READER SERVICES

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We Are Gathered Here

THERE ARE A FEW EVENTS THAT HELP define a life: graduation, wedding, baby shower, milestone birthdays.

I recently celebrated my 14th wedding anniversary, and as is a yearly tradition, I looked through the photos of that special day. The photographs now are starting to look dated — trends change, family members pass, babies are born, gray hair and wrinkles emerge. Through that all, I am honored to say that the love has only grown. Even after all this time I remember every detail. The preparation and thought that went into the venue, dress, centerpieces, cake, flowers, etc. In the end, it all came together to form one of the best and most important days of my life.

In the cover story of this issue, we are thrilled to feature some of our city’s most gorgeous and glamorous events. We connected with four of the 405’s top event planners to showcase some of their most creative work, including three stunning weddings and one enchanting baby shower (pg. 32). Moving forward, the “Wedding Register” will become an annual part of our February issue, so please keep it in mind for next year if you or a loved one plan feature-worthy nuptials!

For our second feature this month, we highlight trendy and innovative pop-up kitchens. We include two young and ambitious tastemakers bringing these multisensory event dinners to life and selling out month after month (pg. 40).

Also in this issue you will find a dreamy bridal fashion spread in the newly redesigned Crystal Bridge (pg. 16), meet a brave woman who beat cancer and now helps others currently fighting (pg. 22) and feast your eyes on a bright and modern design spread (pg. 28). Additionally, we cover an upcoming fairytale ballet (pg. 60), romantic getaway (pg. 64) and charming paper flower artist (pg. 66).

Finally, we are delighted to welcome a few new faces to the 405 family. Art Director Cadence Ramos has already wowed us with her talent and vision, and Account Executive Kendall Morgan joins us with a powerhouse media sales resume.

I hope this issue finds you partying like it’s 2023!

Cheers,

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

Speaking of major milestones, our team is currently planning an epic retirement party for an absolute legend of a woman. In 1996 Cynthia Whitaker-Attalla was the second employee of a young print newsletter that would eventually grow up to become 405 Magazine. For nearly three decades she served as the Executive Director of Advertising, working with dozens of sales reps and half a dozen editors. When I first joined the team, I was impressed by her tenacity and inspired by her “why.” She told me gritty tales of getting the publication off the ground. Who knows whether there would be 405 (monthly, Business or Home) Magazines at all without her determination? She spent her career connecting the community with locally owned OKC businesses, and for that we are forever thankful. Enjoy this next season, Cynthia!

TRENDING

One-ofa-Kind Wonders

Brides-to-be come to OKC designers for ideal, custom dresses. p. 16

SHEVAUN WILLIAMS

Ruffle hem minidress with bustier top, dramatic cape, crystal straps and hand-sewn 3D flowers by Tiffany Holliman, Avari Bridal.

A Deserving Date Night

Invite warmth during the freeze with your fashion

BY BENNETT HILL

AFTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND THE LONG COLD of January, you might fi nd yourself in need of a much-deserved romantic night out. Sometimes, picking the perfect look may seem daunting as you navigate dress codes and style standards, so redefi ne what “dressing up” means by incorporating effortless glam and comfort into your date night attire.

A comfortable boot pairs perfectly with a cotton dress, and a plaid print creates a warm and inviting look. For him, corduroy is a perfect pant material that can be paired with a sleek button-up or a classic pullover. And don’t be afraid to add a pop of color as spring approaches. While you enjoy your night out, don’t be alarmed if people stare … they are just wondering where you got your outfit!

1. Paige, Federal in Golden Sunset Corduroy; Edit & Co. 2 . Peter Millar, Autumn Crest Suede Trim Quarter; Cayman’s 3. Jude Frances, Large Lisse Pearl Earrings; Naifeh Fine Jewelry 4. Veronica Beard, Agnor Dress; Gretta Sloane 5. Olivia Riegel, Gold Princess Heart Box; BC Clark

6. Joy Susan, Aria Ring Bag; MetroShoe Warehouse 7. Vaneli, Sonny Midi Boot; Betsy King Shoes

DreamDesigned Dresses

Local

designers create custommade fantasy bridal gowns

BY LINDA MILLER

EVERY BRIDE WANTS TO FEEL AND look beautiful on her wedding day.

Flawless makeup. Every hair in place. The perfect bridal gown that looks like it was made especially for her. Sometimes it is.

Brides-to-be often turn to designers for the gown of their dreams. Stella Thomas is known internationally for her avant-garde and eye-catching clothing and accessories, but more focus will be on her bridal work when Atelier Stella, her new shop, opens this February in Stillwater.

Thomas enjoys meeting with brides-to-be, discussing designs, selecting fabrics and working together on ideas and inspiration so she can give the bride exactly what she wants. The result is a dream dress that fits perfectly with no need for

three or four alterations, said Thomas, who has won design competitions, worked as a designer and bridal consultant for a Philadelphia store and designed for the queen of Thailand. Her husband’s job brought the family to Oklahoma.

Making a wedding dress involves a lot of attention to detail, from the fabric and pattern to beadwork and draping. “For me, I always wanted something different,” Thomas said. “That’s what I’m trying to put in my design. If you’re wearing a Stella Thomas, it’s going to be a standout look — more avant-garde, one-of-a-kind and unique. My fabrics are sourced from around the world. I’m doing one piece for one bride.”

Tiffany Holliman recently quit her job as a medical sales representative so she could concentrate on building her custom bridal business, Avari. Holliman became interested in design and

taught herself to sew while at Classen School of Advanced Studies. She studied business at OU but kept thinking about fashion. She started making dresses for herself, friends and then clients. “One day I realized I have strangers in my house,” Holliman said.

She bought a studio in Midtown but later married, moved to Dallas and opened a second shop. Traveling back and forth isn’t an issue because she works with women who are willing to do something exciting and put themselves into a design. “That’s what has made it so fun for me,” Holliman said. “They’re not looking for something other people had. I get a sense of their style, and I’m designing something specifically for them.”

Holliman said women tend to come to her for “something fun and whimsical with tulle

and 3D embellishments. That’s what people know me for. They’re going for a fun, fashionable kind of dress.”

Custom bridal gowns often require hundreds of hours of work and anywhere from three to six months, depending on the look and sourcing of materials. But a dream gown is worth the wait.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHEVAUN WILLIAMS & ASSOCIATES

MODEL: ELAINE SMITH, BRINK MODEL MANAGEMENT

STYLIST: SAMIA MOSES CREATIVE

HAIR AND MAKEUP: TERESA LUZ

LOCATION: INASMUCH FOUNDATION CRYSTAL BRIDGE

CONSERVATORY AT MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS

ABOVE: High-neck, short-sleeve, fit and flare organza gown with hand-sewn embellishments by Tiffany Holliman, Avari Bridal

LEFT: Avant-garde, hand-draped and molded front bodice gown with bow by Stella Thomas Designs

RIGHT: Long-sleeve, elegant Duchess tulle and silk wedding gown by Stella Thomas Designs

Envision Better Eye Health

The importance of keeping an eye on your eyes

BY HELEN JACOB

WHEN PEOPLE DONʼT HAVE AN issue with their eyesight, they often pass on regular checkups with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, your eyes are part of a complex system that helps take in the world around you; much of what we perceive comes from our sense of sight. Eye examinations are not just for vision, and good vision does not equal perfect eye health. Besides ocular health issues like glaucoma or cataracts, your optometrist can tell if you are at risk for ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes or liver disease. Routine eye checks can also monitor for early detection of eye diseases, some of which are ideally detected at an earlier stage for prevention of irreversible vision loss. So

don’t brush off yearly checkup reminders from your optometrist’s office, and in between those appointments, here are a few tips you can use to maintain your eye health.

Screen time

Between computers, smartphones and TVs, the average American spends about seven hours looking at a screen every day. This can cause eye fatigue, dryness, irritation and less focus flexibility (the ability to adjust your eyes at all distances quickly). It can also cause nearsightedness in children and retinal damage from the blue light.

The simple answer would be to just stop looking at a screen all day. However, our phones are

more or less tethered to our hands, and our jobs or schools might require it.

Edmond-based optometrist Joann Thomas Cherian recommends two hours maximum screen time per day for children. For the adults who simply can’t avoid frequent screen time: “Constantly looking at a screen causes a lot of eye fatigue, double vision and headaches, so I recommend the 20-20-20 rule,” she said. The concept is simple: for every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Concentrating on something else at a distance allows the eye muscles to relax.

Digital eye strain, while it might not damage eyesight permanently, causes extremely uncomfortable symptoms. There are a few other easy ways to prevent it:

• Adjust the lighting so the screen isn’t brighter than the surrounding light. Increase the contrast on the screen to reduce eye strain.

• Keep the screen about an arm’s length away from your eyes and angle the screen so you are looking slightly downward. Position the screen so there’s no glare, which further irritates the eyes, and consider using a matte screen fi lter.

• Use blue light fi lters so your eyes won’t feel as tired at the end of the day.

• We tend to blink less while staring at a screen, so keep artificial tears at your desk to relieve dryness. Humidifiers also help keep eyes lubricated.

• Keep screens clean. Fingerprints and debris can strain your eyes even more.

Eat a balanced diet: Eating leafy greens and foods rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as zinc and omega-3, can help keep your eyes healthy in the long term and slow age-related vision problems.

Stay hydrated: When your eyes are dry, tears can’t play their part in protecting against infections.

Protect your eyes from UV rays: Prolonged exposure to the sun increases risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Just as you protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, protect your eyes with a pair of quality UV-protective sunglasses. Although it’s not a substitute for sunglasses, some contacts provide UV protection as an extra layer.

SEXUAL WELLNESS OPTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN.

When intimacy is affected by hormone changes, medications, life stresses, aging, or genetics it can be stressful for you and your partner. At Optimal Health, we have options to help you get your wow back and live life to the fullest. ED and anorgasmia happen, but they don’t have to be a way of life.

FOR HIM:

• Hormone Replacement

• PPR

• Shockwave Therapy

• Human Cellular Tissue Products

• Medical Management

FOR HER:

• MonaLisa Touch

• PRP

• Human Cellular Tissue Products

• Hormone Replacement

• Medical Management

HER Awards Celebration

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY D. MARTIN

The annual event recognized the 405 Magazine 2022 HER honorees — champions of Honoring, Empowering and Raising up remarkable women — and welcomed alumnae from previous years. The event was held at Chef Andrew Black’s Grey Sweater, where guests were treated to appetizers, dinner, dessert and drinks.

Dr. Elaine Hamm and Ian Bennett

Dusty Price, Alisa Trang Green and Angie Clemens Byers

Julie Partin and Dr. Mautra Staley Jones

Emma Butler and Margaret Butler

Julie Partin, Jayra Camarena and Evie Klopp Holzer

Rachel Cannon and Noah Engh

Elizabeth Larios and Evie Klopp Holzer

Tenaciously Tarah

Tarah Warren brings encouragement and essential items to people with cancer

BY KRISTEN GRACE

PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

IN FALL 2012, AT AGE 29, TARAH WARREN WAS diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Her doctor told her that even with surgery and aggressive chemotherapy, she might not live. “My life stopped for a moment,” she said.

While undergoing chemotherapy, she noticed the patients around her. “I had so much support — so many friends and family visiting,” she said. “But I saw people who were there alone. I felt that God was asking me what I was going to do about it.”

Warren began making care packs filled with practical items that she found helpful during her treatment. “I put things in the packs that I needed every day: protein bars, tissues, a pen and notebook for meetings with doctors and warm socks. Comforting and useful

things.” She also added a handwritten note encouraging the recipient to keep fighting.

Her idea soon attracted volunteers. Care pack parties took place at churches throughout the community. Volunteers donated items, wrote notes, put the packs together and handed them out in treatment centers across Oklahoma.

Warren created Tenaciously Teal as a nonprofit in summer 2014, about one year after learning her cancer was in remission. Supported by private donations and corporate sponsorships over the last nine years, the organization has continued to grow.

“We’re named ‘Teal’ because that’s the color for ovarian cancer support and awareness, just as pink is the color for breast cancer awareness,” Warren said. “But we don’t only support those who are fighting ovarian cancer; we send care packs to all cancer fighters.” Today, the organization’s care packs are carefully put together with women, men and children in mind. “We also make care packs for the parents of children who have cancer. They need support, too.”

Gas and meal cards are also available to those needing additional assistance. Warren said, “When I was in treatment, I noticed that many people couldn’t work when undergoing chemo. Some had to drive long distances and were under fi nancial hardship. It was difficult for them to get to the hospital. Gas cards became a part of the care packs for people who needed help in this area.”

The organization recently moved to a new location on Wilshire Boulevard, where a large map of the United States hangs in the foyer. Small pins mark the locations where a Tenaciously Teal care pack has been sent. The map is spiked with pins across the country, but Warren remarks that they are quite behind on updating the map’s pins and laughs. “We really need to get an international map,” she said. “We’ve even sent a care pack to Australia.” She explained that they will send a care pack to anyone with cancer anywhere, and she hopes people will visit the website to learn more. “We also provide ‘Brave Shaves’ — helping women to shave their hair when undergoing chemo — as well as Empowerment (photo) Shoots. We’re here to show people that they are not alone.”

Since Tenaciously Teal began, it has given out 40,000 care packs. “I can’t put a number on how many volunteers we have,” Warren said, “but the number is in the thousands. The group that makes bags in Oregon, people who sort supplies, who make port pillows, the school kids who make cards, the elderly volunteers who fold socks and tie together tea sacks … it takes a lot of hands and feet to do what we do.”

“I had so much support � so many friends and family visiting. But I saw people who were there alone. I felt that God was asking me what I was going to do about it.”

PROMOTION

The following is a listing of a few of the metro’s top private schools.

Includes schools with 150 students or more

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

North Oklahoma City

Grades: 9-12

Mount Saint Mary High School

South Oklahoma City

Grades: 9-12

Casady School

North Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-12

Heritage Hall

North Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-12

Life Christian Academy

Choctaw

Grades: PK-12

Destiny Christian School

Del City

Grades: PK-12

Crossings Christian School

North Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-12

The Academy of Classical

Christian Studies

North Oklahoma City Grades: PK-12

Oklahoma Christian School

North Edmond

Grades: K-12

Oklahoma Christian School

North Edmond

Grades: K-12

Westminster School

North Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-8

Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School

North Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-8

Christ the King Catholic School

Nichols Hills

Grades: PK-8

St. Eugene Catholic School

North Oklahoma City

PK-8

St. James Catholic School

South Oklahoma City

PK-8

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School

Warr Acres

Grades: PK-8

Sacred Heart Catholic School

South Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-8

Rosary School

North Oklahoma City

Grades: PK-8

Built to Own

A real estate construction couple make themselves a home. p. 28

A Personal Project

The Nowells bring their real estate development skills home

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY MEL WILLIS

WHEN IT COMES TO THE INS AND OUTS OF CONSTRUCtion, Lyndi and Jason Nowell are no strangers to the hard work and occasional surprises. After all, their company Ashton Gray specializes in commercial real estate development; building new buildings is what they do. Still, when they broke ground on their home — amid the COVID-19 pandemic chaos — they encountered unprecedented challenges.

“We had lumber covered with tarps for months because we had to hurry up and buy it or we weren't going to be able to get it,” Lyndi Nowell recalled. “So we were trying to store all this lumber, and we hadn't even poured concrete. And the budget was just gone because everything had increased. It was rough.”

Fortunately, they had enlisted a dream team to help them overcome obstacles. Talented individuals from Ashton Gray, Durbin Design and Sage Hill Interiors united to build the Nowells’ ideal family home — one with transitional-modern design, lots of natural light and wide open spaces — in the Nichols Hills Suburban neighborhood.

At the outset of the project, Lyndi Nowell asked her close friend Krissi Green to help her outline overall goals. (Green co-owns Ashton Gray, along with her husband Denver Green, and she has navigated the homebuilding process many times before.) Designer Bryan Durbin used those notes to draw up architectural plans, and then Amy Hogg and Taylor Rison of Sage Hill Interiors blended Lyndi and Jason Nowell’s styles throughout the interiors.

“Jason envisioned a Scandinavian, minimalistic look while Lyndi preferred a transitional, modern look with a touch of glam,” Rison said.

LEFT: A stunning Capitol Lighting fixture highlights a gathering table just off the entry.

BELOW: The primary bathroom is a favorite space designed by Sage Hill Interiors.

TOP: The fireplace boasts bookmatched Calacatta Borghini porcelain from Silex Interiors.

LEFT: For a touch of glam, the bar cabinetry incorporates a wire mesh by Armac Martin from Motif Hardware.

RIGHT: Art by Holly Addi stands out against the office walls, painted in Sherwin Williams Green Black.

“The bones of the house are primarily black and white — black-framed windows and mostly white walls,” Hogg added. “We were then able to work in transitional [and] glam touches by using stained white oak for much of the cabinetry, [adding] light fixtures with lots of glass or crystals and incorporating fun details in the tile.”

Jason Nowell envisioned a staircase in the entry with intricate ironwork, but Lyndi Nowell was concerned too much metal would come off as cold. Their design team merged the two ideas into one, achieving a first impression for the home that is at once awe-inspiring and inviting.

“I am a huge fan of signature staircases, and this project gave us a great opportunity to do something unique,” Durbin said. “Considering the grand entry volume, we decided that a ‘floating’ approach would not only provide the grand design we were looking for but also complement the space without overpowering it.”

Durbin collaborated with Greg Stafford to fabricate and install the stairs’ steel skeleton. Hogg and Rison incorporated white oak to warm up the area.

Another notable feature of the home is the 26-foot ceiling above the open-concept kitchen, dining area and living room. Carefully crafted woodwork by Elite Trim’s Luis De Lara draws your eyes up, and the octagonal pattern surprises and delights. Though the woodwork appears to be an intentional design, it was really Nowell and Green’s solution to hide unattractive can lights. And it worked.

COVID-related challenges aside, Lyndi Nowell says her homebuilding experience was a positive one. She and her husband enjoyed working together in a new capacity and comparing notes every night to move this very personal construction project forward. Jason Nowell, who has more jobsite experience, began to step back and let his wife take the lead as she gained more knowledge and confidence.

The home turned out exactly as the Nowell family had hoped. Lyndi Nowell says the process was transformative in many ways.

“There are rooms that I walk through and — oh my gosh — I remember standing here and it was nothing; I was just imagining what this was going to be,” she said. “Building this house has really changed who I am. Every part of it is something that I poured myself into.”

LEFT: Homeowner Lyndi Nowell handpicked all furnishings for the home, including this serene bedroom.

BELOW: Visitors to the Nowell home are greeted by a grand staircase fashioned by Durbin Design.

“Building this house has really changed who I am. Every part of it is something that I poured myself into.”

For 100 years, the Oklahoma Medical Board has promoted the Health, Safety and Well-being of the citizens (patients) of Oklahoma by requiring high levels of qualifications, standards and continuing education for regulated medical licenses.

We take pride in our agency’s ability to ensure that qualified healthcare professionals are available to the citizens of this state.

A Toast tO

Showcasing party vibes in the 405

EVENTS ARE BACK IN A BIG WAY! We are living in the second iteration of the Roaring ’20s, and it is indeed spectacular. To celebrate, we interviewed four of OKC’s top event planners about some of their favorite events from the last few years. The glitz, glam and creativity will wow and inspire you – cheers!

WORDS JULIE PARTIN AND EVAN MUSIL

TAYLOR AND ALEX MANNING

Timeless, Traditional & Maximum Glamour

Q&A with Blair Sims of Blair Sims Events

01

COLOR PALETTE: Olive Green, White, Gold and Black

LIST OF VENDORS:

BLAIR BERRY had a strong eye for a timeless design and knew exactly what she wanted for her dreamy wedding. Throughout the months of prepping and planning, unique touches were constantly utilized to shape our olive, gold, white and black color palette based off the Omni ballroom decor. Three hundred guests enjoyed an outdoor ceremony on the patio facing Scissortail Park followed by an elegant sit-down dinner with the most stunning floral from XO Haleigh Kenney. Guests were taken care of from start to finish with charming details like escort envelopes on a black acrylic wall, custom cocktail napkins with their favorite love quotes, a bar menu and custom cocktail stir sticks featuring their cutest pup Otis and a custom monogrammed acrylic dance floor to dance on all night. Overall, it was a dream of an evening and was an absolute party celebrating the best couple there is!

Hair and Makeup: Chelsey Ann Artistry

Photographer: Brett Heidebrecht

Videographer: Transformation

Visuals: Jimmy Tran

Venue/Catering/Ceremony/

Reception: Omni Hotel

Flowers: XO Haleigh Kenney

Rentals: Marianne’s

Rentals Lounge: Eventures

Band: Empire 6

Cake: Amy Cakes

Pastor: Jeremy Sanders

Ceremony/Cocktail Music: World On A String Quartet

Photo Booth: The SNL Booth

Paper Goods/Details: Paper + More

Exit Car: Getaway Cars

Planner: Blair Sims Events

CAKE BY AMY CAKES

Q&A

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE EVENT? Blair’s wedding was the first one at the brand-new Omni hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, so we really played off its color palette and designed the wedding to elevate the space. By using similar color palettes, the room looked cohesive and timeless!

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DID YOU START PLANNING? A little under a year! June 2020 to April 2021.

HOW/WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VARIOUS VENDORS? We chose vendors that both the bride and I had past successful relationships with along with similar design aesthetics. Blair and I started with a mood board and selected vendors that we thought could execute the vision the best!

WHAT MADE THIS EVENT SPECIAL? The couple. The couple not only has the best attitudes and friendships, but they really allowed the vendors to spread their creative wings and create new and elegant designs to show off. Their trust and obvious love for each other and their guests brought it all home for their vendor team and their friends! Happiness and fun throughout the whole planning process!

WHAT SURPRISED YOU? The amount of people on the dance floor! This was one heck of a party!

WHAT WAS ONE ROADBLOCK OR SETBACK? We didn’t really have any! With an outdoor ceremony, we always plan for wind, rain and bad weather, and thankfully the Omni has multiple spaces available if needed, but everything went great and we were able to have the wedding outside!

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT FOR YOU? Truly the friendship that I gained with the couple and the designs that we were able to bring to life for their guests to enjoy. From the tablescapes to the paper details, no detail wasn’t custom in some sort of fashion! The couple just lives right down the street and we keep up with each other, see each other on walks and overall call each other friends, which I am so grateful to have with my wonderful couples!

WERE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS OR REQUIREMENTS? Really, that this wedding felt like “them.” Bringing their story and their elegance into the details and decor.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOTO VENDORS IN OKC THAT YOU ALWAYS RECOMMEND? The list above is a great place to start, but there are so many more! We have an amazing community of vendors here in Oklahoma City that aren’t afraid of custom work and big ideas! Start with your aesthetic first, then go from there!

PHOTOS BY BRETT HEIDEBRECHT

BLAIR AND SPENCER BERRY

OMNI OKLAHOMA CITY HOTEL

FLOWERS BY XO HALEIGH KENNEY

Woodland Dream Baby Shower

Q&A with Chelsey Flint of Chelsey Flint Events

Q&A

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE EVENT? While talking to Kylee, she mentioned Baby Theo’s nursery would be woodlands themed, and we just ran with it. With any event, I like to mainly focus 80% on a color palette and 20% on the actual theme. This creates a more upscale modern look and it doesn’t get too cheesy. This was the perfect example; you get the woodlands feel with all of the greenery and textures, and we didn’t overdo the woodlands characters. It was the perfect mix.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DID YOU START PLANNING? About 60 days before the event.

HOW/WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VARIOUS VENDORS? Over the past couple of years, I’ve created what I call the dream team. These are the best vendors in the city, and we all have a similar design style. We love working together, and we truly just mesh so well. As a planner, it’s so important to have a great team, and they are truly the best.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU? The baby shower was absolutely beautiful, but then I got the pictures back and I almost screamed. Lovesick Photography photo-

graphed it so well. She captured every detail so well.

WHAT WAS ONE ROADBLOCK OR SETBACK? We had custom trees built for the event. It was something Poppy Lane and I dreamed up weeks before. We had to make sure they were super full but not too top heavy. They turned out absolutely perfect and were the talk of the baby shower.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT FOR YOU? The mix of balloons and greenery with the marquee letters spelling out Theo turned out so pretty. I also loved the acrylic head table with the greenery chandelier hanging above it. The custom bar was also another one of my favorites.

WERE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS OR REQUIREMENTS?

Not really — most of my clients love to know very little about the event and then are surprised when they walk in. We always do a first-look moment similar to weddings before the guests arrive. It’s the best part of the day seeing their reactions.

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO VENDORS IN OKC THAT YOU ALWAYS RECOMMEND?

Aspen Ranch, Poppy Lane Design, Amy Cakes, Mood Party Rentals and Abbey Road Catering.

Mom to-be: Kylee Hunter Zamudio

Venue: Aspen Ranch

Design/Styling/ Balloons: Chelsey Flint Events

Floral: Poppy Lane Design

Rentals: Mood Party Rentals

Baby Blocks & Letters: OKC Marquee

Photographer: Lovesick Photography

Catering: Abbey Road Catering

Cake: Amy Cakes

Macaroons: OKC Sweets

Cookies: Sweet Designs + Co

Cupcakes: Cake by Dani

Entertainment: OKC

Entertainment & Events

Photobooth: Photoville

PHOTOS BY BROOKLYNN VAUGHN OF LOVESICK PHOTOS

KYLEE AND ZACH ZAMUDIO

FLORAL BY POPPY LANE DESIGNS

Luminous Lights & Love

Q&A with Ariana Simms of Aisle Be With You

REZA AND NICOLE ’ S intimate fall wedding was a wedding very near and dear to our hearts. From the first meeting with the clients, I felt an instant connection to them and the meaning behind the wedding they wanted to create. It was very important to the couple that we designed around the word “intention.” The wedding took place on a Thursday late afternoon at Gaillardia Country Club, and 85 of their closest friends and family were in attendance. Everyone that celebrated their love that night was a part of their special connection and journey to husband and wife. Trust was a large factor in this wedding since we achieved the design and coordination in under three months of planning. Nicole and Reza wanted to create a romantic ambiance which valued lots of lighting and reflective surfaces in details. Bella Flora out of Dallas, Texas, was the florist behind the beautiful blooms and the stunning, modern candelabras. The candles brought drama to the space, but added height to the tall ballroom ceilings. The couple shared a beautiful first dance, and some of the sweetest toasts were made that evening. Overall, an evening of elegance and special memories to last them a lifetime.

Q&A

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE EVENT? The inspiration was an elegant and luminous occasion.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DID YOU START PLANNING? Three months in advance.

HOW/WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VARIOUS VENDORS? We selected the vendor team based off of the connections that Reza and Nicole formed with each vendor. We guided them to who we felt would achieve their vision best with the few months we had left to plan. Reza and Nicole walked away knowing that everyone was a trusted and valued professional.

WHAT MADE THIS EVENT SPECIAL?

The event was special due to the intimate guest count. We love creating weddings for 300-plus guests, but sometimes a wedding under 100 guests really allows us to bring all the client’s dreams to life.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU? Nicole’s reaction when she saw her ballroom for the first time was absolutely heartwarming. Leslee Layton Films captured that moment for us all to have forever.

WHAT WAS ONE ROADBLOCK OR SETBACK? The Oklahoma weather is always unpredictable, and the forecast was set to be in the 40s for the ceremony. We continued with initial plans of having it outdoors and ordered white shawls for guests to have at their seats. We were all so thankful we kept the original plans since the photos Amanda Watson captured during the ceremony and the drone shots were breathtaking.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT FOR YOU? As a designer and planner, we can be hired to create a new vision for the same venue often. Their guest count allowed me to configure the space differently for the reception, and the ceremony was a forever favorite since I had always envisioned a bride walking down the back staircase facing the golf course. It was truly magical to see our bride, Nicole, walk down with her father for her grand entrance.

COLOR PALETTE: Gold, White and Hunter Green

LIST OF VENDORS:

Event name: Reza and Nicole Koranki

Event planner(s): Ariana Simms with Aisle Be With You

Venue: Gaillardia Country Club

Photographer: Amanda Watson

Photography

Entertainment: OKC Entertainment

Rentals: Marianne’s

Rentals and Bella Acento

Catering: Gaillardia Country Club

Cake: Amy Cakes

Stationary: Eros Studios

Videography: Leslee Layton Films

Bridal Gown: JJ Kelly Bridal

Hair and Makeup: Lexi McDonald Artistry

Signage Production: Wooden Hearts Boutique

Florist: Bella Flora of Dallas

WERE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS OR REQUIREMENTS? The client had requested to include several reflective surfaces which were brought in through mirrored king’s tables from Bella Acento out of Dallas, as well as custom mirror tops created by Marianne’s Rentals. Another important request was to have the tall candles that are seen in the images. Bella Floral out of Dallas knocked it out of the park with their vision and execution.

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO VENDORS IN OKC THAT YOU ALWAYS RECOMMEND? We love working with several amazing Oklahoma vendors that were featured at this wedding. It is important to us to always curate a team of vendors that will be the best fit for our clients' vision.

PHOTOS

AMANDA WATSON

CANDLES AND FLORALS BY BELLA FLORA

California Chic Celebration

04

Q&A with Meg Owen of Meg Owen Event

WHEN TAYLOR CAME TO ME, I was elated for multiple reasons. She’s a part of a special sorority (and I mean additional to a Greek one). It’s always the most ideal situation when clients come referred by former clients, but Taylor’s was extra special because we had not one, not two but three former brides in the wedding party and special guests. From the start, it was like getting the family back together to celebrate one of our girls, and that we did! Taylor wanted to do something new and fun in a classic space, so we got to working. In many of our design meetings, I could tell that we were going to look at special lighting and surprise elements to really set the mood. We were getting inspired by West Coast weddings and restaurants that had an intimate, romantic and swanky vibe to them. They were creatively lit and used more natural items like trees and foliage to complement the more modern floral. We had the idea to keep the party moving (like a progressive wedding) with a newer surprise around each corner. A candlelit ceremony led to a spectacular 250-person plated dinner (in a spectacular cleartop tent complete with multiple sputnik chandeliers), and at the end we really went out with a bang with a surprise room flip and after-party for all the guests!

COLOR PALETTE: Black, White, Olive

LIST OF VENDORS:

Event planner(s):

Meagan Owen, Meg Owen Events

Venue(s): Oklahoma City

Golf and Country Club

Photographer: Mark Boatright

Entertainment: The Wavetones (Box Talent) and OKC

Entertainment (Keegan Kirkhart)

Rentals: Mood Party Rentals and Marianne’s Rentals

Catering: Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club

Cake: Amy Cakes

Floral: Meg Owen Events (Designers Meagan Owen, Caitlin Grassmyer, Jodi Ferrell and Heather Hayes)

Stationery: No Regrets

Photo Booth: SNL

Hair: Beth Kelly

Makeup Artists: Nick St. Clair and Tiffany Pham

Dress: Monique Lhuillier from JJ Kelly

CATERING BY OKLAHOMA CITY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Alex and Taylor Manning

Q&A

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE EVENT? California chic. In our early inspiration hunts, I was noticing that many of the pictures we were loving were happening at Los Angeles-esque restaurants. They all had really chic and simple color palettes and weren’t too fussy on the floral. They all seemed to include lots of live greenery elements (like trees and large plants) and had a moody lighting component.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DID YOU START PLANNING? Taylor and I started working together eight months prior. She already had a date and the venue (which in this case also included a caterer and bar service) as well as her photographer picked out.

HOW/WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VARIOUS VENDORS? Rather than go by an arbitrary percentage listed online, I have my clients prioritize their wants for the day. Based on those priorities, we can focus on those really important vendors first and

work our way through. I always ask “What’s your 10?” at the beginning of every consultation. For some it’s photography, for some it’s entertainment. Taylor wanted the guest experience to be unique, so we kept the party moving (literally) from space to space. There was always something new to see.

WHAT MADE THIS EVENT SPECIAL? While the guests were enjoying the reception, we flipped what was their ceremony space to a surprise after-party. A DJ, late night bites, espresso martinis, disco balls and Fobbles were such a hit!

WHAT WAS ONE ROADBLOCK OR SETBACK? Having a tented wedding is never easy. There are so many elements you have to contend with, but a tent’s main nemesis is weather. We had very mild weather leading into wedding week, but a cold front moved in and the temperatures were forecasted for the wedding night for the 20s and 30s, yikes! However, what you might not know about clear-top tents is they also act as a greenhouse during the day. So when the sun was up, it got so hot in the tent that the heat started to melt the taper candles in their vases! We joked that those flowers really

took a journey that day, loading in at 23 degrees, being in an 80-degree tent in the middle of the day back to the low 30s at night! Ultimately we got a tent heater added, replaced a few candles, fluffed some hydrangeas and all was well.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT FOR YOU? Seeing Taylor’s joy after we pulled off the surprise was so fun. It’s so hard to sit on a secret from your friends and fiancé that long, and when the doors opened and everything happened on cue, we were both so happy. I ran up and hugged her afterwards and we both said, “We did it!”

WERE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS OR REQUIREMENTS? Taylor wanted to use her longtime family friends, the Nevilles, owners of No Regrets, for our stationery, and our letterpress invites are truly some of my favorite stationery pieces this year. We also wanted to make sure we gave a nod to Al’s family and heritage and make sure they had their go-to Lebanese wedding songs on rotation at the reception! Lastly, Taylor wanted something fun and fresh that no one had ever done before, so we asked Steve (OKC Entertainment) for a Fobble machine to blow fog bubbles at the entry of the after-party!

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO VENDORS IN OKC THAT YOU ALWAYS RECOMMEND? OKC has so many talented and wonderful event industry partners. There are just too many photographers, makeup artists, bands and florists to choose from. But if you’re truly making me, I will always recommend Mood Party Rentals and Amy Cakes. Whenever we book a new client, Amy is usually my next email to get on her schedule. Her craftsmanship, her flavors, her talent – it’s just out of this world. The email after Amy is usually the girls at Mood. Their customer service truly can’t be beat, and we have become such close collaborative partners on so many projects and events throughout the years – they feel like family!

PHOTOS BY MARK BOATRIGHT

RENTAL FURNITURE BY MOOD PARTY RENTALS AND MARIANNE ’ S RENTALS

Eating as an Event

The tasty, temporary pop-up dining experience in OKC

BY GREG HORTON

NEVER START AN ASSIGNMENT with a definition; your eighth grade teacher was wrong to tell you it was a great intro. It’s not. But when we’re talking about food pop-ups, and there are very different kinds, maybe a pseudo-definition is OK. For example, it’s worth knowing that Underground Ghost Kitchen, the brainchild of Chef Jessie Gomez and creative director Roger Herrera, isn’t a pop-up restaurant as much as it’s an event with food, but Gomez’s delicious food is central to the event.

Typically, we think of a pop-up as a temporary meal service or even a temporary restaurant. The latter definition dominated search strings starting about 2014, but before that, it was mostly unheard of, at least in an online context. The history of pop-ups can be traced back to the 1960s, but those were mostly full-blown temporary restaurants, and the cons so thor-

oughly outweighed the pros that the form has mostly disappeared.

Underground Ghost Kitchen is using the pop-up approach in much the same way Rachel Cope and Chef Jeff Chanchaleune used the Slurp events in Plaza District to test the viability of converting Chanchaleune’s Kaiteki Ramen truck into a full-service restaurant. It worked, and OKC has benefited from that experiment in the form of Goro Ramen ever since. UGK has a permanent location in mind, too, but the event aspect is not going away.

“I come from an events background,” Herrera said. “We want Underground Ghost Kitchen to be multisensory, not just a dinner. We want to emphasize art, creativity and the whole experience that surrounds a shared meal.”

A UGK event typically brings chefs together in a non-restaurant space to — forgive the word — curate an experience that involves creative, delicious

food paired with adult beverages (including zero-proof cocktails), art, music and conversation. The events benefit from Herrera’s aesthetic sense, with stunning table settings and detailed touches that enhance the dining experience. At its heart, though, is Gomez’s drive to showcase his impressive culinary talents in a context that allows him to make the food he wants to make, and not, to paraphrase his words, check the boxes like a kitchen manager.

“The inspiration for UGK, for me, came from a California sous chef at a Michelin-star restaurant who started doing pop-ups to get his food in front of people,” Gomez said. “It was a challenge to put myself out there. I don’t need people telling me what to do in my kitchen.”

There is definitely an edge to Gomez, but it’s the kind of edge that leads to greatness, and it’s balanced with a commitment to education — he’s an autodidact who reads and studies constantly — and a respect for his mentors, most especially Chef Joel Wingate of Cafe 501. He also staged at Roister, a Grant Achatz concept in Chicago, from 2021 to 2022. He puts in the work, learns, acknowledges his mentors and is passionately committed to excellence. Whatever UGK becomes, we will miss the pop-up days that helped sketch its substance.

Chanchaleune successfully turned his pop-up into Goro, and now that he’s appeared on two national top 50 lists (The New York Times and Bon Appetit) and gar-

nered a James Beard Award nomination for Ma Der Lao Kitchen, he’s still a believer in the pop-up approach. One Monday a month, Chanchaleune skips his normal day off and stages a pop-up at Ma Der. He said roughly 80% of the food he offers on those Mondays is not on the regular menu, and it was at one of those pop-ups that Oklahoma City’s greatest hot dog — a Lao sausage and pickled papaya masterpiece – was born. It’s now available at happy hour.

“The Monday events give me a chance to have a playground to ‘chef’ it up,” Chanchaleune said. “I’ve also invited other chefs to help them get exposure and build relationships. Most young cooks and chefs aren’t able to make their own food, and the pop-ups give them a chance to meet the community and establish their own brand.”

It’s the exact same approach that Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood (one of our Best New Restaurants for 2022) took with its pop-ups with Palo Santo in the Farmers Market District, before owners Zack and Silvana Walters opened the family’s spot on NW 10th Street just east of May Avenue. Zack Walters was still working with Social Order Dining Collective when the couple started introducing their concept at different locations. They knew that their offbeat menu — fresh seafood, smoked and raw oysters and traditional Bolivian dishes — would need some introduction to a community for which these dishes were a new experience.

“Had those other concepts not allowed us into their kitchens for a night, no one would know who we are,” Silvana Walters said.

Chef Zack Walters calls pop-ups “the new food trucks” with an important advantage: much lower startup costs. “They also generate additional revenue for existing concepts and startups in ways that require far less overhead,” he said.

And like Chanchaleune and Gomez, the couple emphasize the importance of young and new chefs getting their food in front of the public. “The pop-ups aren’t just good for new chefs and cooks, though,” Zack Walters said. “They can infuse energy into an established concept. With the appeal of ‘new and different’ and the power of social media, these events blow up. You don’t see a lot of established restaurants with lines around the block, but we see it with pop-ups all the time.”

Call the under-40 crowd a FOMO generation if you must, but that desire for new, unique, different and fun is helping to drive a promising way for concepts to introduce themselves, for existing concepts to generate additional revenue and for young chefs to test their skills with a public that is eager to taste the next big thing. If that includes you, check out ugkok.com for UGK’s upcoming events.

FAR RIGHT: CREATIVE DIRECTOR ROGER HERRERA BOTTOM RIGHT: CHEF JESSIE GOMEZ PHOTOS PROVIDED

A space as unique as your story.

Express your unique style in our contemporary galleries that feature touches of historic charm. From rehearsal dinners and intimate ceremonies, to receptions and farewell brunches, make it memorable with 21c.

2023 PARTY PLANNING resource guide

With so many details for your big day it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. We have you covered. The following is a list of Oklahoma City event vendors to help you get the party started!

Venues/Ceremony

Aspen Ranch

615-406-5396

Aspenranchok.com

Barn At The Woods

405-609-7715

Barnatthewoods.com

Broken Horn Ranch

405-757-9454

Brokenhornevents.com

Black Canyon Inn

970-586-8113

Blackcanyoninn.com

Bluebird Crossings

405-293-8342

Bluebirdcrossings.com

Castle Falls

405-210-0577

Castlefalls.com

Cobblestone Creek Event Center

970-396-6433

Cobblestonecreekgolfclub.com

Darlington Chapel at Redlands

405-422-1275

Redlandscc.edu

Eleven Oaks Ranch Events

405-308-1991

Elevenoaksranch.com

Esperanza Ranch

405-380-8868

Esperanzaranch.com

First National Center

Firstnationalokc.com

Glass Chapel

918-455-0888

Glasschapeltulsa.com

Harn Homestead Museum

405-235-4058

Harnhomestead.com

Lancer Catering at the OKC Zoo

405-425-0289 | Okczoo.org

Lost Street Brewing

580-634-2936

Loststreetbrewing.com

Majestic Pines Wedding Venue 405-204-5823

Majesticpinesweddingvenue.com

Meditations Catering 405-377-7771

Meditationscatering.com

Rustic Rose Barn

405-301-4337 Rusticrosebarn.net

Sorelle - The Meadow On Deer Creek

580-302-1408 Weddingsinthemeadow.com

Still Meadows Wedding & Event Venue

405-641-2694 Stillmeadowsevents.com

Melrose on May 405-531-2214

melroseonmayevents.com

Melrose on May is a new event center in Oklahoma City created to celebrate those special moments in life. Contact us today for a tour!

Merrick Hollow 405-426-9113

Merrickhollow.com

Oak Tree Country Club

405-531-9562

Invitedclubs.com/clubs/oaktree-country-club

Oklahoma City Convention Center 405-768-4029 | Okc-cc.com

Oklahoma City Zoo 405-425-0684

Okczoo.org/private-events-cut#

The Barn at Country ClubLLC

405-777-3769 | Thebarncc.com

The Grand Canadian Theater 405-697-0449

Thegrandcanadiantheater.com

The Manor at Coffee Creek 405-340-1701 |

TheManorAtCoffeeCreek.com

The Range

405-317-8164

Therangeok.com

The Venue at Freedom Farms

405-657-7823

Thevenueatfreedomfarms.com

The Victor Events

405-850-8331

Thevictorevents.com

Thunderbird Chapel

405-329-4848

Thunderbirdchapel.com

Skirvin Hilton Hotel

405-702-8508

Skirvinhilton.com

Accommodations / Hotel

Omni Oklahoma City Hotel

405-438-6437 | Omnihotels. com/hotels/oklahoma-city

Redbud Ranch

580-890-9345

Redbudranchok.com

Renaissance Waterford OKC

405-858-2417

Marriott.com/okcbw

Skirvin Hilton Hotel

405-702-8508

Skirvinhilton.com

The Ellison Hotel

405-881-6428

Ellisonhotel.com

The Venue at Freedom Farms

405-657-7823

Thevenueatfreedomfarms.com

Vincent Vacations and Destination Weddings, Inc.

405-418-4180

VincentVacations.com

Bands / Ceremony Music

Allison and Chris Music 636-236-9174

Allisonandchrismusic.com

From A to Z

580-340-2176

Fromatozmusic.com

Hannah-Sapphire Helbig: Harpist 918-629-5653

Hannahsapphirehelbig.com

Lorne Leen 912-571-2156

Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum

405-523-3206

Oklahomahof.com/event-spaces

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum is an iconic historical venue for the perfect wedding, business gathering, or private event. Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate up to 250 people.

Magnolia Moon

405-209-4279

GuthrieRetreat.com

The Magnolia Moon & Guthrie Retreat is one of the premier event venues In historic downtown Guthrie for garden weddings, micro weddings, house concerts & weekend getaways.

Redbud Ranch

580-890-9345 |

Redbudranchok.com

Renaissance Waterford OKC 405-858-2417 | Marriott.com/ okcbw

Rooftop 42 405-343-2878

21c Museum Hotel

405-982-6900 | 21cmuseumhotels.com

Express your unique style in our contemporary galleries that feature unrivaled historic charm. From rehearsal dinners to receptions and more, make it memorable with 21c.

Embassy Suites NormanHotel and Conference Center

405-253-3530

Norman.embassysuites.com

NOUN Hotel

405-921-6635 | Nounhotel.com

Bella Rose Bridal 405-340-8105 Bellarosebridal.biz

David’s Bridal 610-943-6125 Davidsbridal.com

Everyman 405-332-5563 Everymanshop.com

GQ Fashions Fine Menswear and More 405-948-0665 Gqfmenswear.com

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. 800-776-7848 | Josbank.com

Linh’s Bridal & Tuxedos 405-563-9011 Linhsbridal.com

Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. 405-751-0186 Menswearhouse.com

The Asher Lane 903-265-4450 Theasherlane.com Wedding Boutique 580-786-5170 Weddingboutiqueinc.net

Disc Jockey / Lighting Decor / Rentals

405 Productions 405-300-1188 | 405pro.com

All Out DJ 405-513-0764 | All-outdj.com

RevP Productions - DJ Service 405-215-3196

acebook.com/RevPProductions

Spunk Adams 405-423-1846

SpunkAdams.com

Talk of the Town Orchestra 405-550-9231

Talkofthetownorchestra.us

Wheelhouse Productions 405-293-2582

Wheelhouse.pro

Bridal Attire / Formal Wear

Bella Bridesmaids 405-463-5559

Bellabridesmaids.com

Allison and Chris Music 636-236-9174

Allisonandchrismusic.com

Artistic Impressions 405-833-1669

Artisticimpressionsokc.com

Our personalized acrylic waterfalls, luxurious floral walls and premium draping will create a memorable and unique experience for you and your guests.

DJ Connection 918-481-2010 Djconnection.com

Full Circle Melody

405-919-6927

Fullcirclemelody.com

Laced Vintage Blooms- Wedding Floral Design Winnardtree.com/laced-vintageblooms

Morrison Floral Co. & Greenhouses

405-789-1622

MorrisonFlowers.com

Gary Good Entertainment

405-840-2020

GaryGood.com

Gary Good is your personal “Entertainment Concierge” for weddings, gala’s or corporate events. You just make one call, he will do the rest!

M&M DJ Company

405-528-3548 | Okcdj.com

Memorable Moments

405-924-9689

Memorablemomentsokc.com

Oops Entertainment

405-209-8135

facebook.com/pages/OOPSEntertainment/382180631867714

Prohibition Truck Mobile Bar

405-204-5846

Prohibitiontruck.com

RevP Productions - DJ Service

405-215-3196

facebook.com/RevPProductions/

Spunk Adams

405-423-1846 | SpunkAdams.com

Wheelhouse Productions

405-293-2582 | Wheelhouse.pro

Florist

ADM Designs

405-229-6004

Instagram.com/adm_designs_florals

Balls to the Walls

405-905-1147

Ballstothewallsokc.com

Betty Lou’s Flowers and Gifts

405-364-2400

Bettylousflowers.com

Dahlia Floral Design

580-447-4127

Dahliafloraldesign.com

Flower Truck

405-766-0020

Theflowertruckokc.com

La Fete Design

405-314-6285 | Lafete-design.com

Sorelle - The Meadow On Deer Creek 580-302-1408

Weddingsinthemeadow.com

Stella Rose Floral & Home 405-719-7690

Studiostellarose.com

Stellar Events and Rentals 405-413-5177

Stellareventrentals.com

Photography

405 Brides Photography 405-514-0004 | 405brides.com

Amanda Stratford 321-507-3671

Stratfordphotos.com

Amanda Watson Photography https://www. amandawatsonphoto.com

B + Co. Studios 208-440-2886

Bandcostudios.mypixieset.com

Bailey Blake Photography 405-531-0002 | Baileyblake.com

Bill Aycock Photography 405-633-1946 | BillAycock.com

Bree Smith Photography

918-691-7189

Breesmithphotography@gmail.com

Brett Heidebrecht 405.808.2037

Brettheidebrecht.com

Cherie Amour

888-907-0327

Cherieamourboudoir.com

Cherished Occasions Photo

Booths

405-821-2610

Myphotoboothokc.com

Dark Embers Boudoir 707-975-2690

Darkembersboudoir.com

Evergreen Photography 817-996-2866

Holland Lane Photography 405-317-0199

JT Photography 405-921-2274

Jtphotographyokc.com

Jerry Hymer 405-410-6910 hymerphotography.com

Kimberly D Photography kimberlydphotography.net

Leah Gunn Photography 405-204-6674 Leahgunnphoto.com

Lovesick Photos lovesickphotographs.com

Mark Boatright markboatrightphotography.com

Michelle Valantine Photography 405-364-4757

Michellevalantinephotography.com

Red Stiletto 405-401-6936 | Redstil.com

Sacred Knot Weddings & Elopements 405-618-4481 SacredKnotWeddings.com

Simply Taylor Photography 405-317-0199

SouthWind Photography 580-331-7172 Southwindphotography.com

The Photo Poet LLC 405-696-3191

Thephotopoetllc.com

Wild Thistle Photography

972-824-7594

Wildthistlephoto@gmail.com

Williams JO Photography LLC 620-262-5412 | wjophoto.com

Culprits’ Captivating Approach

This Bricktown restaurant’s success is not suspect

BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY BRIANNA WOLFE

THE CHALLENGES FOR A HOTEL restaurant are manifold: three standard services a day, plus brunch on weekends, in addition to room service, banquets, business meetings and full bar service, among others. To provide excellent food to diners given all these complexities is an impressive accomplishment, and Culprits — one of our Best New Restaurants in 2022 — has thus far managed to impress hotel guests and local diners alike.

Located in the Renaissance Hotel at 100 E. Sheridan Ave. in Bricktown, Culprits is a collaboration between Jeff Dixon’s Provision Concepts (Broadway 10, Sidecar, Hatch, etc.) and Phoenix-based chef and James Beard Award nominee James Fox. Fox acted as a consultant on the menu, and the style he made famous at his Arizona restaurant Vecina is visible throughout the menu in Latin- and Asian-inspired dishes and ingredients. At the core of Culprits, though, is the steakhouse-meets-sushi-bar vibe that has made Broadway 10 such a popular destination in OKC.

The evolution of the steakhouse theme is something Dixon has thought about and discussed at length with his culinary director Edd West. Dixon and West went to Phoenix after Dixon established a relationship with Fox over several visits to Vecina. The three went to the markets together and then cooked, drank, cooked more and talked about what Culprits would look like.

“I wanted to continue on the theme of Asian highlights and a mild steakhouse feel, while letting James (Fox) finish out the rest,” Dixon said. “His pastas, sauces and demi-glaces are all extremely good. We have a fairly small prep kitchen in the space, so we had to tighten up the menu from what was originally crafted. We’re planning to freshen it up next time Chef comes to OKC.”

The result is Culprits’ eclectic menu that ranges from traditional breakfast — biscuits and gravy, French toast, omelets, etc. — to tartare, sushi rolls, steak and spicy seafood. Fox’s influence is especially noticeable in the strategic use of chiles like

aji amarillo, thai chile, Fresnos and even chile jam on the delicious steak tartare. Sometimes they’re present for spice, sometimes for sweetness, occasionally for a pop of heat that lifts the dish into a pleasant warmth on the palate.

The stars of the menu are the Phoenix Fire Shrimp, Vodka Mezzi, Ahi + Aji, Flaming Scallops, Crunchy Salmon Roll and the aforementioned tartare. For less adventurous diners, there is a ridiculously good chicken-fried rib-eye, as well as more traditional options like filet, strip, porterhouse and rack of lamb, the latter of which is served in a beautiful presentation. You can top the steaks with a choice of five sauces; the chimichurri and black garlic demi are highly recommended, although chimichurri is always appropriate for almost any dish — except dessert. Speaking of which, another of the must-have items on the menu is Chef Fox’s whiskey cake served with orange sherbet. We’ve watched several I’m-notthe-dessert-type guests change their minds after one bite.

The variety of ingredients combined with the different menus makes an already difficult logistical issue even more complicated. Dixon said, “Banquet business has begun on the second floor in the private ballrooms and meeting spaces, so that’s been a nice boost on top of our three regular services. Three squares is a lot to coordinate and staff. The beauty is that if we execute well on one service for the guest, we’ve usually got them hooked for the other services, as they are captive to the hotel usually for one or two nights.”

That captivate-the-guest strategy isn’t limited to hotel guests. Like many hotel restaurants in recent years, Culprits is public-facing, too. Dixon designed it as a local restaurant, not just an amenity for hotel guests. (Side note: You should definitely play with the interactive screen near Culprits’ bar; it makes people look like sprites or pixies spinning and frolicking through a meadow.) There is no “hotel bar” feel here; rather, the vibe is very much that of a modern American bar, with craft and classic cocktails and a solid wine list.

Getting familiar with Fox’s range of flavors and dishes is a good idea right now. He’s a partner with Dixon in Riserva at Chisholm Creek, and initial tastes of the menu indicate the 405 is in for a special dining experience. Dixon is also teasing a possible third collaboration, but no details are available yet as of press time.

Bricktown in particular can always use a boost in good options. Several have come and gone over the years, and Dixon’s presence near the west entrance to the district is a positive step forward and should help bring locals — many of whom are often reluctant to venture into a “tourist” area — into Bricktown just to try Culprits.

“We are excited to brighten up Bricktown with our offerings,” Dixon said. “I have been very pleased with the reception and amount of business we’ve been fortunate to have thus far.”

FAR LEFT: Signature dish Phoenix Fire Shrimp from Chef James Fox

LEFT: Thai fried chicken

BELOW: A variety of sushi rolls, including nigiri

Pick Your Pastrami

The savory protein stars in standout sandwiches

BY GREG HORTON

PHOTO BY LEXI HOEBING

PASTRAMI IS ONE OF THOSE terms, like barbecue, that describes a process and a product. If you go back to its roots, you’ll find a specific cut of meat from a specific place: belly meat from Eastern Europe. What remains in the modern forms are two specifications from the original recipes: the meat has to be brined and smoked.

The most common cut of meat for pastrami these days is brisket, which is located adjacent to the belly plate, so still wonderfully fatty — and as we know, the flavor is in the fat. (Sorry, chicken breast fans.) The principal differences from pastrami to pastrami are in the brine, the wood used for smoking, the length of the smoking and brining processes and the ingredients in the brine and rub. In other words, you’ll find a wide variety in flavor profile with some noticeable similarities across the spectrum: garlic, black pepper, juniper, pink peppercorns, coriander, caraway, mustard seed, cloves, etc.

If it’s not smoked, you have corned beef, and both preparations make brilliant sandwiches. The smoking gives the meat the telltale smoke ring and the powerful dark notes in the tasting profile that make every bite intensely flavorful. The richness of the meat, combined with the high fat percentage and smokiness, are what make the use of acidic components like mustard and coleslaw so important to the sandwich’s composition.

At Edge Craft Barbecue (1920 Linwood Blvd.), Zach Edge’s pastrami — Fridays only — is so good it’s tempting to skip the whole sandwich part to

save room for more meat. Edge said the kitchen changes up the other ingredients regularly, so there is no telling what you’ll find Friday to Friday, but the post oak-smoked star is about as perfect as pastrami gets.

Chef-owner Zach Hutton at Scratch – Paseo (605 NW 28th St.) uses Benjamin Lee Bison from Sayre, Oklahoma, to make his bison pastrami sandwich. Bison is a much leaner meat than beef as a rule, so Hutton uses Seikel’s Oklahoma Gold Mustard and red cabbage slaw in his sandwich. The cabbages come from Prairie Earth Gardens, and his team cracks the Oklahoma rye in house to make the fresh bread.

Andrea Koester’s 30th Street Market (407 NW 30th St.) has been one of the best new additions to our food scene, and her pastrami sandwich relies on a brisket smoked for three hours on a mix of

pecan and cherry wood. (Pecan, cherry and oak are the most common woods used in the 405.) The sandwich is finished with mustard aioli, house pickles, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.

Jimmy B’s (1225 N. Broadway Ave.) offers a pastrami sandwich on Wednesdays and Thursdays as part of its featured sandwich board. It’s a bit spicy in the best way, and it includes what might be the best coleslaw in the 405, on a sandwich finished with whole grain mustard and Swiss.

The closing of Back Door BBQ meant that we might forever be denied Chef Kathryn Mathis’ mind-numbingly delicious pastrami. Fortunately, she’s promised that we’ll see it on a taco feature at Big Truck Tacos (530 NW 23rd St.) at some point in 2023. Here’s hoping the restaurant broadcasts the date far and wide

The Friday pastrami sandwich at Edge Craft

A Flavor Connection

Delicious inspiration in NEOKC

BY GREG HORTON

PHOTO BY LEXI HOEBING

KINDRED SPIRITS CO-OWNER CHAYA

Pennington vacillated between calling her February cocktail Kindred or Taste of Freedom. The name of the bar at 1726 NE 23rd St. was inspired by Octavia E. Butler’s novel Kindred

Pennington pointed us to Kindred Spirits’ vision statement to explain the connection between the book and the bar. She references the novel and its “Afrofuturistic lens used to bind the past, present and future. The vision for Kindred Spirits was born out of a desire to pay homage and amplify the story of the African American experience in Oklahoma, and also to uniquely serve the NEOKC community in a way that enlightens not only the palate, but passionate hearts and creative minds.”

Pennington said the novel’s protagonist uses her ability to travel back and forth in time to understand the experience and ongoing impact of slavery on the African American community. “We saw some resonance between that project and what we’re doing with Kindred Spirits,” she said. “We want to use Kindred Spirits to tell positive stories about Black-owned businesses in Oklahoma City.”

That passion is also present in the vision of Kindred Spirits, where the aesthetic includes references to the Black experience “throughout time and space” with imagery and components that are meant to be both thought-provoking and aspirational.

The Kindred cocktail — Pennington went with the eponymous option — begins with Greenwood Whiskey, a Black-owned spirits company that launched the brand in Oklahoma at Kindred Spirits in 2022. The build includes Greenwood, Amaretto, Giffard Pineapple liqueur, lemon juice and lime juice served up in a coupe glass. It’s a delicious and timely reason to visit Kindred and share the experience.

Kindred cocktail at Kindred Spirits

James Bond, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY SPORTS M E DICINE

Dr. James Bond at Ortho Central specializes in rotator cuff repair, total joint replacement of the shoulder, sports-related injuries, arthroscopic surgery, cartilage restoration and surgical fracture care.

He aims not to be an international man of mystery, but to be a trusted, respected resource for his patients in the Norman Regional Health System.

After receiving his medical degree from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine, he completed his residency at the OU Health Sciences Center and his sports medicine fellowship at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with a subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

He published the first paper on the graft jacket augment for irreparable rotator cuff tears and brought arthroscopic shoulder surgery to the Oklahoma City area.

Bond, known as the singing surgeon, said his bedside manner is the most important part of his job. The importance of listening to patients cannot be underestimated.

“Listening to the patient allows me to see if I can help the patient and provides valuable information just as important as that of any MRI or X-ray,” he said. “I want to provide my patient with a positive experience and believe you have to encourage, motivate and approach every patient with optimism.”

“I want all my patients to feel like they were provided the best care possible and to be confident they had the best orthopedic surgeon,” Bond said.

Dr. Bond received the Dr. R. McKinley Williams Award for Special Distinction, awarded to the top graduating medical student at the OU School of Medicine. He also received the Marmor Award for Outstanding Orthopedic Resident and Fellow at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute.

Norman Nourishment

10 Norman restaurants you need to try now

BY GREG HORTON

NORMAN, LIKE MANY UNIVERSITY cities, has some iconic eating and drinking spots, but it also has lesser-known options that are absolutely worth your time. Here are 10 Norman Restaurants to Try Now.

Blu, 201 S. Crawford Ave.

This is the kind of restaurant that just belongs in a university town: quirky, fun, a sly sense of humor, good food, a diverse menu, an affordable and approachable wine list, a great bar program, patio dining and brunch. Blu is everything from special events with friends to a neighborhood watering hole to a date-night dinner.

El Huevo Mexi-Diner, 3522 24th Ave. NW

This brunch concept on Norman’s northern edge opened in 2019 and was immediately popular for good reason: the food is excellent. Someone needed to combine traditional brunch food with Tex-Mex favorites, and El Huevo nails the fusion. It also has one of the 405’s best chicken sandwiches.

Gourmet Donut, 518 N. Porter Ave.

This was one of the most common answers we got when we reached out for recommendations in Norman last year. A doughnut shop? Yes, and like any doughnut shop, it should be judged on the quality of its glazed doughnut. This one is magnifi cent.

Juan del Fuego, 223 34th Ave. SW

Norman seems to be the epicenter of awesome Mexi-

diners — Juan del Fuego was one of the fi rst and remains one of the best. Its regular breakfast items like eggs, bacon and pancakes are better than standard diners, but the tamales and eggs are wonderful.

Magic Noodle, 1915 Classen Blvd.

The pandemic ended our hopes of having fresh, handpulled noodles at Magic Noodle on Classen in OKC, but you can still get the original in Norman. The menu has grown a bit over the years and now includes Singapore noodles, while the OG beef noodle soup is still a must.

Mamaveca, 2551 Hemphill Dr.

You’re really here for the Peruvian food, even though its Mexican options are well done, too. The litmus test for all Pervuian restaurants is the huancaína sauce, which Mamaveca delivers with the papa a la huancaína — a staple Peruvian dish featuring potatoes in the rich sauce. It also features lunch specials and an excellent lomito saltado.

The Meating Place, 121 E. Main St.

A barbecue joint with an excellent bar program? It’s a unicorn, really. The food is very good — defi nitely try the Cuban — and the big plus is a well-crafted, creative

cocktail menu that just makes the experience better.

Midway Deli, 601 W. Eufaula St.

Locally owned sandwich shops are too rare, and so is a sandwich that features turkey with pepperoni. Go to Midway, get The Vulcan, experience bliss. The sandwiches are built around creativity, interesting combinations and fresh ingredients.

Pepe Delgados, 786 Asp Ave.

This is that place that all the locals love but people outside the area don’t know well. It has Tex-Mex as well as a variety of traditional, regional Mexican cuisine, and you have to have the enchiladas with mole.

Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails, 132 W. Main St.

Technically, Brady Sexton’s Main Street hot spot is one we wouldn’t need to mention, but the addition of Chef Luke Frye to the kitchen has made this local favorite even better. Check out his weekly specials, and defi nitely get the burger at some point.

El Huevo has a menu of Bennies

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CULTURE

Magic on Pointe

Cinderella is the OKC Ballet’s latest inventive performance.

p. 60

Refitting the Slipper

How the Oklahoma City Ballet puts its own pirouette on Cinderella

BY MATT KIROUAC

PHOTOS BY SHEVAUN WILLIAMS

FROM THE NUTCRACKER TO Alice in Wonderland , the Oklahoma City Ballet has a knack for bringing storied classics to the dance stage. For the company’s next performance, audiences will behold a whole new take on one of the most beloved happily-ever-afters of all time, as Cinderella hits the Civic Center Music Hall Feb. 10-12.

Undertaking such a hallowed story is no small feat, but artistic director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye was confident the company could put a spin that would resonate with audiences young and old — threading a needle that hews close to the legend while presenting something new. “It’s a classic magical fairy tale that everyone knows, and no matter the age, you have a memory from your childhood,” Jolicoeur-Nye said.

While elements of the performance will feel familiar and nostalgic, from the stepsisters to the fairy godmother, the ballet’s showcase will have its own distinct voice. “This version of Cinderella is going to be a world premiere, and it will be my choreography,” said Jolicoeur-Nye, who worked with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic to adjust the classic score composed by Sergei Prokofiev to better set the tone. The classic Cinderella sound has been performed hundreds of times since its debut performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1945, but the Oklahoma City version slightly veers from tradition by trimming some tracks from the performance.

The collaboration with the Philharmonic — which plays live during each of the three performances — was also diligently rehearsed to integrate musicians with dancers by slowing the tempo, as most orchestral compositions are typically played faster than

performers can dance to.

A full-length classical ballet like Cinderella, Jolicoeur-Nye said, has a lot of facets that need to work together. This includes working with children, as well as a kaleidoscopic crew of different art backgrounds. “The beautiful thing is that it incorporates visual artists, musical artists, dancing artists and sound engineers,” Jolicoeur-Nye said. “It encompasses all of the arts into one large program.”

As to why he chose Cinderella , Jolicoeur-Nye cites its mass appeal to both young and old patrons. “I want to put something in the story, in the choreography, that (everyone) could find something to bite onto,” he said.

In addition to the slower-tempo score and original choreography, this means incorporating humor, magic and the fairy tale aspect of the story. “I’m steering away from the idea of the Disney version of Cinderella in the sense that the visual aspect won’t look much like that at all,” Jolicoeur-Nye noted. He opted instead to put his own stylistic stamp on familiar elements like the comically mean-spirited stepsisters, the true loving Prince and the classic tale of happily ever after.

“When I choreograph a contemporary piece, I sit back and see how the artists interpret my movement, and that’s how I’m approaching Cinderella,” Jolicoeur-Nye said. “How we arrive at that narrative is so much of a collaboration, and the end result is 100-fold more creative and exciting than I had originally planned.”

The timing is right, too. “It’s a great time when the entire family is in town, it’s cold out and not much can be done outside, so going to the theater and seeing some wholesome

art as a family seems like a valuable time.”

After Cinderella , the ballet closes out its 2022-2023 season with even more innovation. “We’ll have our Future Voices program, which is a dancer-choreographed in-studio showcase, and an inside look into the future of choreography,” Jolicoeur-Nye explained of the March performances.

Then, closing the season in May is the Shorts program, which Jolicoeur-Nye bills as three iconic performances in one, featuring snippets of Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Twyla Tharp’s The Golden Section . Ranging from classical to cowboys to contemporary, the season-finale shorts are an apt bow for a ballet with an aptitude for ingenuity.

To learn more about or purchase tickets to any of these upcoming performances, visit okcballet.org.

Lana Nelson,

New Pigskin Pros

The Oklahoma City Wranglers are feverish for spring football

BY JAKE DURHAM

OKLAHOMA HAS ADDED SEVERAL new sports in the past year, from hockey to bull riding, but its latest arrival is a familiar state pastime: football. The revived Oklahoma City Wranglers is a professional American football team that will play its fi rst season in spring 2023 in the United Football League, which runs from April to August.

The UFL will feature 14 franchises in the Southeast and Midwest. Like traditional American football, the UFL’s games will be held in openair stadiums, but the league has incorporated elements of arena football, an indoor variation of the sport.

This is the third time in its history the league will launch. The fi rst iteration of the UFL kicked

off in 1961 and lasted until 1964. The league had eight clubs, most of which were centered in the Midwest. League operations decided to halt activity after the 1964 season was over. The UFL relaunched in October 2009 and played four additional seasons before suspending play after 2012.

The Wranglers were originally founded in 1995 as an expansion team in the now-defunct Arena Football League. The team previously played under the names Portland Forest Dragons and the Memphis Pharaohs before fi nding a home in the 405. Games were played indoors in the heart of Oklahoma City at the Myriad Convention Center, which is now home to Prairie Surf Studios. Now, 20 years since its last game, the Wranglers return as Oklahoma’s minor league team — this time, outdoors.

The team will play its 2023 season in an 8,400seat open-air temporary stadium, which will be built in the south parking lot of the former Crossroads Mall. Construction and removal of the temporary facility will cost $1.1 million, according to the UFL, which owns the Wran-

glers. The Wranglers have also signed a 20-year contract to build a 10,000-seat permanent stadium near the mall.

In a state that has recurring football frenzy with the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys, fans might be looking to feed their hunger for high-quality play in the spring. The UFL states that its mission is to “passionately deliver purposeful, captivating and exceptional professional football to fans, supporters and the football community.” For Oklahoma sports fans, there’s no such thing as too much football.

The spring season runs from April 1 through Aug. 5, 2023. For more information about the Wranglers and to purchase tickets, visit okcwranglers.com.

For more information about the Wranglers and to purchase tickets, visit okcwranglers.com.

Southern Hospitality Shines in Savannah

This Georgia city is a haven of cuisine, culture and natural beauty

BY MATT KIROUAC

DRAPED IN SPANISH MOSS, ABLOOM WITH vibrant azaleas and redolent of soulful comfort food, the innate charm of Savannah is a multisensory experience felt all over. It’s on its historic thoroughfares, lined with so many live oaks that streets feel like floral tunnels. It’s in its stone-clad architecture, a timeworn motif that looks distinctly its own. It’s in its waterways, from the ornate fairy tale fountains to the riverboats chugging up the Savannah River. It’s in the food, at restaurants showcasing the local bounty through seasonal tasting menus and dining rooms. Savannah is the kind of quintessential Southern city that sometimes gets compared to a miniature version of New Orleans or Charleston, but it’s got a laid-back charm — and an almost hauntingly beautiful identity — all its own.

Where to Stay

Old and new, large and small, Savannah boasts a wide array of lodging options, each one sporting a singular style and vibe. For quality and quantity, the JW Marriott Plant Riverside is a stunning, massive property perched on the Savannah River at the lavish Plant Riverside District. Housed in a former power plant, the huge hotel dazzles with its myriad restaurants and bars (including multiple rooftop lounges), spacious guest rooms with exposed brick, cabana-clad pool deck — and most strikingly, its soaring lobby decorated with bejeweled fossils and a giant chrome-dipped dinosaur.

Just down the river, it doesn’t get any more chic than the Thompson Savannah, a masterpiece of midcentury-meets-modern architecture, with some of the best hotel dining in town. The art-fi lled resort is handily sandwiched between the Historic District and the Eastern Wharf, providing the perfect amount of solace while still close to downtown’s cultural epicenter. Views, too, are striking — whether from one of the 193 rooms, 21 suites or pristine pool deck, vistas of the river and the cobblestoned city provide ample eye candy.

Forsyth Park underscores Savannah’s abundance of greenery with hanging Spanish moss.

Thompson Savannah’s Bar Julian is a rooftop escape.

The Grey showcases a dynamic menu inside a repurposed bus terminal.

Where to Play

From its ornate squares and pastoral parks to its lustrous inns and twee abodes, one could simply stroll around town and be awestruck by Savannah. But for a little more immersion, the city has plenty to see and do.

Start at City Market, an open-air market in and around an array of restored warehouses. Brimming with galleries, shops, live music and restaurants, it personifies everything there is to love about this singular city. There’s an art center, where visitors can watch artists work their magic, along with stores selling everything from jewelry to shoes and bath salts. There’s also the American Prohibition Museum — complete with a speakeasy-themed cocktail bar, aptly — and a slew of restaurants, like The Little Crown by Pie Society, a British-style pub and “pie house” slinging pies both savory, such as steak and kidney pie, and sweet, such as chocolate silk.

For some history, see a show in one of the oldest continually operating theaters in the nation: the Savannah Theatre. Located on Chippewa Square, right across the street from the famous park where Tom Hanks sits in Forrest Gump, it’s operated since 1818. The local icon has hosted performances from the likes of Oscar Wilde and Otis Skinner, and today it’s used for musical revues.

Another park that merits a visit is Forsyth Park, a 30-acre oasis of billowing Spanish moss in the heart of the historic district. An idyllic place for a picnic or a stroll, or just to sit on a bench and wax poetic a la Mr. Gump, the green space contains one of the most famed fountains in the city. Installed in 1858 and modeled after lavish fountains in Paris, the selfie magnet has appeared in fi lms like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Cape Fear and, of course, Forrest Gump

Where to Eat and Drink

Savannah’s proximity to rivers and the ocean positions it as one of the mightiest food cities in the nation, with dining styles that run the gamut from destination-worthy fi ne dining to homey institutions for platters of tried-and-true fried chicken.

Among the city’s foremost restaurants is The Grey, an award-winning concept from executive chef and partner Mashama Bailey. Elegant and warmly welcoming, the contemporary Southern sensation serves an ever-changing menu of fiercely seasonal low country cuisine and seasonal cocktails inside an Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal. The restaurant is fronted by a more casual oyster and cocktail bar with a lofty dining room in back, serving tasting menus and a la carte dishes divvied into categories like “Dirt” (e.g., sweet potatoes with coconut milk and collards), “Water” (e.g., snapper with squash and mushrooms) and “Pasture” (e.g., lamb heart with carrots, pomegranate and molasses).

In terms of Savannah classics, it doesn’t get much more iconic than The Olde Pink House, a comfort food institution serving lunch and dinner in a pink-hued Colonial-style mansion. Folks have been flocking here since 1971 (though the building dates back to the 1700s) for time-tested recipes like Cheerwine barbecue pork, blackened oysters, fried chicken and something called “Southern Sushi,” made by rolling smoked shrimp and grits in coconut-crusted nori.

For old-school sweets with new-school techniques, rise and shine at Back in the Day Bakery, a weekend bakeshop with some of the best confections and baked goods in town, such as buttery biscuits, laven-

der cookies, blondies, salted honey bars and focaccia.

A standout cafe is Stevedore Bakery, a newcomer inside the Thompson Savannah that spotlights local ingredients and innovations from pastry chef Noah Whritenour. In addition to a medley of excellent breads and sandwiches, options include country ham and cheese croissants, sweet potato pound cake and benne seed profiteroles.

While you’re at the Thompson, make it an all-day aff air and linger for dinner at Fleeting. Chef Rob Newton puts his stamp on regionally influenced low country cuisine with the likes of shaved collard green salad, pan-roasted fi sh with field pea chowder and Carolina Gold Rice pudding. Cap it off at Bar Julian, the hotel’s rooftop bar (and the tallest in the city), where the cocktails — including zero-proof ones — are just as pretty as the views, including the peach whiskey Georgia Julep and a mezcal medley with red pepper and cocoa.

The entertainment destination Plant Riverside centers on an old power plant.

Rooms in the Thompson Savannah hotel provide pristine views of the city and river.

Blossoming With Nuance

The many layers of Farooq Karim and his art

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT FAROOQ KARIM’S intricate paper artwork, and layers of meanings unfold. Karim is an architect and uses a collection of architectural tools to place and cut his unique flower blooms out of paper. He sources materials thoughtfully and purposefully according to each project, and he often donates his pieces to people, organizations or causes about which he cares deeply.

Hero Blossom, created during COVID, is one example. Karim crafted multicolored flowers from magazine pages he and his wife tore out while cleaning out art supplies during the fi rst quarantine, while toilet paper rolls saved by friends during the shortage added more structure. On the outer edges, Karim transcribed a six-page letter from a friend, an ER doctor, about being on the front lines. Hero Blossom was raffled off on Facebook and netted $5,500 in donations to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

In an effort to reveal a few more layers, we recently spoke with Karim about his meaningful artwork.

You created your first assembled piece of art in 2017 for the Omelette Party benefiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. How was that initial piece received?

It’s a raffle, so every piece has a box in which bids are placed. I wasn’t there to see this, but apparently my box got so full that it broke — like exploded — and they had to get another box. I remember just being overwhelmed emotionally when friends told me. I cried … It was a lot more emotional than I expected.

Why did you continue creating after that?

It was a calming, soothing experience, and it was also partly because a friend had asked if I would donate some pieces.

Most of your works are created for fundraising purposes. What motivates you to be so charitable with your artwork? Maybe it was because of the Omelette Party, but I just thought, you know, this would be a great philanthropic exercise … There’s always the debate in the art community about donating versus not — and I support whatever an artist wants to do with their work. For me, it’s no different than writing somebody a check for $1,000. I mean, it’s something I made with my hands, right? I donate to organizations that I love or that people that I love are involved in.

How has your artistic style evolved?

For the fi rst three years, everything was white; everything was watercolor paper. The flowers were mostly small and, you know, people give you advice: “Make some bigger ones,” or “Why don’t you do things in color?”

How do your materials and designs come together?

It’s just something that sort of happens, just sort of organically … I’ll think, you know, it’s all figured out and then something else happens where I’ll do something different.

I think it’s fascinating, too, what different papers will do. If I’m using images out of a book or a magazine or whatever, you see these colors. But then, when you cut it out, you’re not seeing those colors or that part of it in the full context of everything else. The colors look different or the pattern looks different … I just keep getting surprised. Over time, there’s just always something new.

Why do you incorporate your wife’s name, Blossom, into your artwork titles?

Well, she’s the most important person, and I just love her name. I love her and who she is. She is supportive of everything I do. Sometimes I’ll get stuck on something, like a color or paper — when you need to talk through something, I trust her, and I get inspired by her and from her in different ways.

Upcoming Exhibit: “Flowers of Hope”

Farooq Karim is collaborating with Irmgard Geul to present the “Flowers of Hope” at Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St. in Norman, this July through September. Karim said the exhibit will “focus on events, places, people and things that went from bad to better, or good.”

Artist Farooq Karim

The Dynamite Devils of OKC

The high-octane band that ruled the ’20s jazz scene

BY LINDA MILLER

IN THE 1920S, THE OKLAHOMA CITY

Blue Devils jazz band was the band to see and hear, and the one other bands wanted to be. The popular territory band played to crowds in hotel ballrooms, clubs and dance halls in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Muskogee, and across several surrounding states. Territory bands typically crisscrossed specific geographic areas, usually with one-night performances in towns along the way.

Often described as the premier American Southwest territory jazz band of the ’20s, the Blue Devils’ reputation was legendary, and its musicians were some of the most talented in the country. Significant members at one time or another included multi-instrumentalist and bandleader

Walter Page, saxophonist Lester Young, trumpeter

Oran “Hot Lips” Page, trombonist and guitarist

Eddie Durham, pianist Count Basie and Oklahoman singer Jimmy Rushing. A teenage Ralph Ellison even joined in occasionally on trumpet.

The band formed in 1923 as part of the Billy King Road Show, featuring music and vaudeville acts. When that show disbanded in Oklahoma City in 1925, Page reorganized the jazz group, renaming it Walter Page’s Blue Devils, though some contend it was named the Oklahoma City Blue Devils. The name, so one story goes, came from outlaw cattlemen who used to snip barbed-wire fences.

Recognizing the Blue Devils’ potential and talent, a determined Page secured sponsors,

financial backing and a donation of a large hotel room at the Littlepage Hotel in Deep Deuce, a thriving commercial and entertainment district that would become an important part of Oklahoma City’s Black history. For the next eight years, the band played in the Ritz Ballroom and other state venues during winter months and traveled around the region, and sometimes beyond, in the fall and spring.

Though many recognize Page as the mastermind of the group, the Blue Devils were a band with no true leader. Members voted on every issue. It was about the music and the group, not the musicians’ egos. And it worked. A lead singer and rhythmic notes from guitars, trumpets, trombones and piano excited the crowd. Sounds filled a room without the help of amplifiers or a PA system.

Success followed for years, but as more jazz and blues bands formed, musicians came and went, often joining other successful groups. By the early 1930s, many of the Blue Devils’ principal players headed north for opportunities with pianist Bennie Moten’s larger Kansas City-based orchestra. Basie, for example, played with the Blue Devils from 1928 until 1929, when he joined Moten’s ensemble.

The Blue Devils dissolved in 1933 after traveling in Virginia and West Virginia, more than 1,000 miles away from their home crowds. When Moten died unexpectedly in 1935, Basie welcomed former

Blue Devils players to join his new orchestra.

Basie had been impressed with the Blue Devils long before he joined the band. After hearing an early performance, he once said, “It was the greatest thing I ever heard in my life.”

The Blue Devils’ importance is often overlooked, but not by everyone. The book One O’ Clock Jump: The Unforgettable History of the Oklahoma City Blue Devils by Douglas Henry Daniels tells the story of the band, its members’ legacy and its connection to Black American history. The Last of the Blue Devils: The Kansas City Jazz Story, a 1979 film, also highlighted the band.

The Oklahoma City Blue Devils band was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in 2013, well-deserved honors for a group that had only one recording session with two songs, but could fill a large ballroom and bring an audience to its feet all night long.

The Oklahoma City Blue Devils jazz big band included Walter Page, Count Basie and Lester Young.

Dean McGee Sur geons Help You Put Your Best Face Forward

When the signs of aging, stress, or sun damage appear, the oculofacial plastic surgeons at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) – Dr. Jeremy Tan and Dr. Thai Do – can help reverse the effects. According to Dr. Do, “oculoplastic surgeons have specialized training in eyelid and facial anatomy to develop the surgical finesse necessary to treat complex conditions around the eyes.”

Common cosmetic procedures performed by the team at DMEI include blepharoplasty (removal of excess eyelid skin), ptosis repair (droopy eyelid lifting), endoscopic forehead and brow lift, mid-face lift, lower eyelid fat removal, and injectables (Botox, fillers, etc).

“We strive for natural-looking results,” states Dr. Tan. “The best compliment we receive from patients after they heal from surgery is that their friends and family tell them they look well rested.”

To discover what the oculoplastics team at DMEI can do for you, call 405.271.1096 to schedule your evaluation today. Align

DR. E. MORGAN POLLARD

Bridging Past to Future

Myriad Botanical Gardens reopens its iconic Crystal Bridge

BY JAKE DURHAM

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY, THE ORIGINAL

construction of the Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City spanned two decades. Planning for the gardens began in 1964, an official groundbreaking ceremony commenced in 1971, and the Crystal Bridge opened to the public in 1988. The resulting project yielded 15 acres of green space, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

“Providing green space in urban areas is a fundamental necessity to quality of life that offers peace and serenity, and a way to celebrate seasons,” said Maureen Heffernan, president and CEO of Park Management Company, which manages the Myriad Botanical Gardens Foundation.

While the exterior portions of the Gardens underwent a substantial renovation and upgrade in 2011, since its opening in 1988, there had been no significant changes to the Crystal Bridge. “The Crystal Bridge needed to be upgraded and strengthened, [and] had deteriorated due to its hot and humid environment,” Heffernan said. “Loose bricks and rusty pipes required replacement.”

In 2015, the planning and fundraising phase began for renovations, which had an estimated cost of $11 million. A significant portion of the nonprofit

foundation’s funding comes from donations, grants and the Devon Energy tax increment financing fund.

Once the project was underway, a team assembled to meet the challenges of renovating and modernizing the Crystal Bridge. Murase Associates of Pennsylvania tackled the redesign challenges. Local architects ADG provided interior design, engineering, planning and program management services. Charles Sparks + Company redesigned the interior gift shop to be more contemporary and reflective of the conservatory’s aesthetics. Gecko Group of Pennsylvania, known for its award-winning designs in tourism, aquariums and museums, worked on the interpretive design.

Inspections and structural analysis were necessary before beginning the redesign phase. “Much of the interior structures were demolished and new ones created or strengthened,” Heffernan said. “Working with a top-notch team is key. Local architect team ADG and Lingo Construction Services helped address infrastructure issues.”

Structural components were not the only element in need of modernization, either; the Crystal Bridge needed an entirely new look and feel. “The structure is unique and iconic, and the inside needs to meet expectations,” Heffernan said. “Any attraction needs continual improvement.”

New additions include The Cloud Portal sculpture, which mimics upward growth and the misty atmosphere of the rainforest. “The waterfall was demolished, and the new one is larger, grander and quieter,” Heffernan said. “A second reflecting pool was also added at the bottom to showcase more water plants.”

Significant changes were made to the exhibit layouts to make them more educational and engaging. “New signage has been added, which provides information about the plants,” Heffernan said. “We want people to slow down and take their time to walk through the exhibit, learn about the plants and observe the variations and colors. Exhibits have also been reor-

ganized and planted by classification. For example, there is a fruit section, spices and commodities such as coffee, rubber and cacao. New terraces have also been constructed.”

Visitor accessibility features were upgraded as part of the redesign process. “Accessibility changes included a new elevator at the north end of the conservatory, making it easier to access the new second-level north terrace and Oculus Room,” Heffernan said. “We added more seating and constructed smoother and wider pathways for wheelchairs and strollers.”

On Sept. 30, 2022, the newly redesigned Crystal Bridge was opened to the public. “Mayor Holt officiated by helping cut the ribbon of foliage to welcome the public back into the Crystal Bridge, which has been renamed the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory,” Heffernan said. “Over 2,000 people visited in the fi rst weekend, and many have become new members. Visitors remarked on the quality of the merchandise and how beautifully this new retail space complements the visitor experience.”

Quotes from renowned conservationists and notable figures are all over the newly redesigned conservatory, including one from Albert Einstein, which is inscribed around the round north-facing oculus window: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

To learn more about the conservatory and additional changes, visit myriadgardens.org.

“A signi cant portion of the nonpro t foundation’s funding comes from donations, grants and the Devon Energy tax increment nancing fund.”

BALLOON THERAPY OKC, @BALLOONTHERAPYOKC BEST SHOT

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The First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City is really welldone and I’m glad it has a lot of focus on the “not huge” (i.e. not five) tribes in Oklahoma. Definitely worth a visit!”

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For the first time in City of OKC history, ALL of our city government full-time positions now pay at least $15 per hour.”

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