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!