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Codie McLachlan hits some of our city’s best bashes to snap photos for our weekly Social Seen column. He is an Edmonton photojournalist. Email your event suggestions to arts@edmontonjournal.com or tweet Codie at @fotocodie. Follow Codie on Instagram and Facebook.

Event: Rogers Place official opening

Where: Rogers Place

When: Sept. 8, 2016

Who: City of Edmonton, Oilers Entertainment Group and ICE District

What: Official opening of the new arena

Featuring: Formal program, ribbon cutting, tours of the arena

Shaun and Julie Mason pose for a photo during the official opening of Rogers Place.

Schoena Strudwick, left, Tony Santa and Michelle Santo pose for a photo during the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Gisele Sowa, left, poses with DJ Harman B during the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016.

Millie Kung, left, poses with Nhaelan McMillan during the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Dave Pavelich, left, and Jag Nijjar, both with the Grand Villa Casino, pose for a photo during the official opening of Rogers Place.

Yolanda Lew, left, and Scott Argent at the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Lorretta Klein, left, with David Gibert during the official opening of Rogers Place.

Luke Ross, left, and Paul Ross pose were at the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Luke Ross, left, and Paul Ross were at the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Dale Manaj, left, poses with Wendy Derzai during the official opening of Rogers Place.

Larry and Ruth Kelly pose for a photo during the official opening of Rogers Place.

Gwen Graftaas and Craig Pratt pose for a photo at the official opening of Rogers Place.

St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse, left, and Chuck Mulholland were on hand for the official opening of Rogers Place.

Morinville Mayor Lisa Holmes, left, poses with MP for Edmonton Mill Woods Amarjeet Sohi and his wife, Sarbjeet Sohi at the official opening of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Offstage at the ATB Arts Barns, the tension mounts, as frayed nerves betray sleepless nights of preparation. A final flurry of whispered instructions, one last mirror check and the sweep of a straying tendril.

And then, the music begins and the models emerge, signalling the beginning of a new season of original design, as Western Canada Fashion Week unfolds in Edmonton, with a promise of the beautiful and the extraordinary.

Beginning her 12th year at the helm of WCFW is creative director Sandra Sing Fernandes, whose passion remains unwavering despite the demise of a major fashion week in Montreal and more recently in Toronto.

“We are sad about Toronto — it was a big blow to the industry — but we are still here, and we feel we have a lot of support from Albertans who believe in shopping locally. We also have designers and hair and makeup artists from across Canada and beyond who want to join us to showcase their talent.”

This is good news for the design community.

“It’s so important to provide our young talent with a place to show and grow,” says Sing Fernandes.

Lynn Mandel agrees. The wife of former mayor Stephen Mandel has been a supporter of WCFW since its inception and is an honorary member of its board.

“This is an art form like any other,” says Mandel. “Fashion Week offers a way for young designers not only to get their work out there but to learn the business of fashion.”

Long-sleeved collared shirt with insets, by Stanley Carroll.

There is incredible design talent here in Edmonton, offers Mandel, citing as one example the work of Derek Jagodzinsky, of Luxx Ready To Wear. “The prime minister’s wife, Sophie Gregoire, bought one of his dresses.”

This year’s lineup includes local, national and international talent in nightly shows that feature emerging designers as well as established favourites like Jagodzinsky and Stanley Carroll. There will be sales of local designer goods and a fun fantasy night, with astonishing visions that will stretch the imagination and even the definition of fashion.

Witch’s cover, a creation by Lewis Mayhem to be showcased on Fantasy Night of WCFW.

Lewis Mayhem is one of the designers showing creations on fantasy night. Mayhem defines her designs as “dark, tribal, pagan, and video-game fashion.” It’s “fantasy-style clothing for eccentric badasses to wear in everyday life.”

For Mayhem, WCFW is an opportunity to stretch her talents. “It provides a venue for artists to showcase not only what we are currently doing but what we have the ability to do. Taking part in WCFW gives me a reason to go big.”

For her show, Mayhem is teaming up with two other local designers, Vexy Heart (whimsical hand-painted designs) and Paragon of Design by Skrocki (metal, leather, wood and paper wearable artwork).

“It creates a sense of community to share the stage with another designer,” says Mayhem.

Creating that sense of community is what WCFW is all about, says Sing Fernandes. And not just for designers.

“It provides jobs for photographers, hair and makeup artists, public relations people and more.” The mission of WCFW is “to create a community that unites everyone involved in the fashion and beauty industries.”

Creating that community involves taking risks, even with the elements, as WCFW has done in the past, twice mounting Fashion Week in Churchill Square, under one of the largest big-tops the city has ever seen.

“It was cold, the models were freezing,” recalls Sing Fernandes. “But we’re Albertans.” She was determined to try the outdoor venue again, with some modifications, the following year.

“That was when the snow hit,” says Sing Fernandes. Photos of plows moving mountains of snow off the square made it into newspapers across the country, proclaiming the audacity of Albertans. After that came the move into the ATB Arts Barns, which the event continues to call home.

WCFW is an effective launch pad for local designers, but also attracts talent from afar.

“Our international reach has been crazy,” says Sing Fernandes. “We have had designers from Barcelona, Istanbul, Paris, and this season, there will also be fashions from Peru and Vietnam. Every night is something different.

“We offer great entertainment and a window into the world of fashion and beauty. Also, it’s cool and you don’t need to be a fashionista to enjoy a great night of entertainment.”

Western Canada Fashion Week

WCFW takes place Sept. 15 to 25 at the ATB Financial Arts Barns. The event is a series of runway shows and design competitions. Tickets are $25 per night or $100 for an all-week pass, available at Tix on the Square (tixonthesquare.ca). For more information, go to westerncanadafashionweek.com.

Don’t feel sorry for Kate Jolie Rice. Though the little girl has alopecia, and as a result is without hair or eyebrows, she’s just as lively and active as your average five-year-old.

“She gets lots of questions,” says her mother Nicole Rice. “A lot of adults stare, actually. People look at her with pity because they think she has cancer. That’s why I am so determined to raise awareness. People associate baldness with (cancer).”

Alopecia is an auto-immune disease that sees the body attacking its own hair follicles. Lopecia areata results in partial hair loss. Alopecia totalis means all the hair on the body disappears. Kate Rice has no hair on her head and no eyebrows, but some eyelashes. She may end up with alopecia totalis eventually, says her mother.

To help the public understand the condition (which has no cure, and limited treatment options) and to raise money for the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation, Nicole is hosting a fashion event called A (Love) Project. It’s on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Urban Timber Reclaimed Wood Co. (10336 111 St.)

Participants will enjoy a fashion show based on garments from Nicole’s online store, called Sweet (Jolie). All the clothes are from the fall 2016 collection, and range in price from $68 to $95 per piece. Items include jeans, tops, scarves, hats and purses.

“We put together a full, head-to-toe look,” says Nicole, noting her customers range in age from 25 to 60. “At the event, (guests) get first dibs before the clothes hit the online store.”

When Kate was born, she had a full head of black hair. But by the time she was 2 1/2, she had patchy, bald spots on her head. There is a possibility the condition will reverse itself, but Kate could also go her whole life without hair.

“If I can look at the blessing, it’s that she was so young when it started. She doesn’t even remember having hair,” says Nicole. “We are adamant in explaining that’s how God made her, and that is what makes her special. Other people have other things that make them special.”

Tickets are $50 each and 100 per cent of that goes to the foundation. There is also a silent auction, and premium swag bags for guests. The Sweet (Jolie) fundraiser also includes other Edmonton companies as partners, such as Anchored Collective, which is making custom necklaces hand-stamped with the word “brave.” Love Pizza is another partner, and is donating a dollar from every pizza sold at the shop until Sept. 18.

lfaulder@postmedia.com

Follow me on Twitter @eatmywordsblog.

The Book of Mormon

Where: Jubilee Auditorium

When: Sept. 14

Who: Written by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone

What: A hilarious Broadway Across Canada religious satire musical. Runs through Sunday, Sept. 18.

Vignettes 4 VIP Gala

Where: Former Sobeys space on 104 Street and Jasper Avenue

When: Sept. 15

Who: Presented by Avenue Magazine

What: Cocktail party to kick off the Vignettes Design Series, featuring an exclusive first look at designs, cocktails and music.

(From left) Barb White, Marvin Bramer and Devon White pose before The Book of Mormon at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Colton Marshall, left, with Mary-Anne Kelly before The Book of Mormon.

Talia Gorn poses with her dad, David Gorn, before The Book of Mormon.

Akeela Raman, left, and Rouhan Raman pose before the production of The Book of Mormon.

Mark Edwards, left, poses with Marie Nicholls before The Book of Mormon.

Patricia Preda, left, with Vincent Perez before The Book of Mormon.

Raven Germain, left, with Richard Hyndman before The Book of Mormon.

Dana, left, and Brittney Hubley before The Book of Mormon.

(From left) Kristin Solverson, Matt Bergin and Holly Boyd during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Casey Yam, left, with David Nguyen during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Kyle Kuzyk, left, poses with Jenna McLean during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Matthew and Megan Iverson pose during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Erin Vanderveen, left, poses with Brad Vanderveen during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Mitch Crow, left, poses with Scheherazade Showleh during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Daniel Schraml, left, poses with Julie Tremblay during the Vignettes 4 VIP Gala.

Western Canada Fashion Week continues through Saturday at the ATB Financial Arts Barns in Old Strathcona.

Here’s a selection of Larry Wong’s photos from Sunday night’s Global Collections runway show.

A model on the runway wears a design by Africastyle Fashion at the Western Canada Fashion Week show.

A model wears a design by Africastyle Fashion at a Western Canada Fashion Week show.

Models on the runway wear designs by Aman Couture at a Western Canada Fashion Week show.

Models on the runway wear designs by Aman Couture at a Western Canada Fashion Week fashion show.

A model on the runway wears a design by Africastyle Fashion at a Western Canada Fashion Week show.

A model on the runway wears a design by Designerz Den at a Western Canada Fashion Week show.

Models on the runway wear designs by Designerz Den at a Western Canada Fashion Week show.

A model on the runway wears a design by Kilele Creations at a Western Canada Fashion Week show.

Models on the runway wear designs by Kilele Creations at a Western show.

Maria Valencia Alvarez dances at the Western Canada Fashion Week fashion show held at the ATB Financial Arts Barns in Edmonton on Sunday Sept. 18, 2016.

Dozens of local vendors rolled out their wares over the weekend during Bridal Fantasy’s Fall Fashion edition to inspire couples in the midst of planning their nuptials.

From gowns to cakes to tuxes to wedding decor, there was no shortage of ideas at Northlands Expo Centre for a wide range of tastes and budgets. Bridal Fantasy — which will run another show on Jan. 29 — also gave visitors a chance to interact with vendors face-to-face and establish relationships with them, something Brittany Yerichuk of Forever Enchanting Wedding & Events says has become more important to couples.

“They’re really starting to research vendors a lot more,” Yerichuk says. “One thing I’ve noticed with the economy … you can tell they’re a little bit more money-cautious, so what is their money getting?”

That cost-conscious mindset has helped drive the do-it-yourself trend that’s become a large part of the wedding-planning process. Websites like Pinterest and Instagram have opened the opportunity to browse through countless ideas and see how they can be applied to a couple’s big day. Getting crafty lends itself well to some of the current wedding themes. Mason jars are here to stay, jokes Yerichuk, noting that rustic and vintage themes continue to be popular among brides, often with modern elements tied in.

“I’ve also noticed a lot of romantic, softer tones,” she says. Her favourite trend is the bohemian theme. “It’s a little bit of the greenery, the naked cakes. I definitely like the romance and the smaller, intimate weddings. I love the romantic colours: the blushes, the nudes, the creams, definitely some of the mulberries and the purples that are also coming into the season.”

But Yerichuk cautions that some of the DIY ideas found online can be costly to make.

Wedding decor is important, but the focal point of the day is usually the bride’s gown. Just as vintage-meets-modern elements have remained prevalent in decor, similar trends permeate bridal fashion. Marcia Bourassa of Bridal Bliss Consignment says lace gowns are still among the most popular choices, as well as dresses made of lighter fabrics.

“More and more people are going for a lighter dress, maybe because they’re eloping more because of the economy,” says Bourassa, who specializes in new, once-worn, and designer sample gowns. “The lighter dresses are a little bit cheaper.”

She notes that bohemian gowns or Great Gatsby-era styles are also favoured over the mermaid, A-line, and fit-and-flare silhouettes. Gown shapes may not be changing drastically, but Bourassa says there are more colour options available to brides.

“Blush has been a real change in colour this year,” she says. “More and more people are going for gold, gold beading or the champagne colour, too.”

For grooms, a classic black tux will always be a wedding staple, but Gay Derk, co-founder of Derks Formals, says men are looking to personalize their look.

“Blue has been a big thing, grey has been a huge trend, and with the brown shoes,” says Derk, who is also executive producer of the Bridal Fantasy event and editor-in-chief of Bridal Fantasy magazine. “It’s obviously a big fashion trend with guys, and they like to perk it up with a pocket square or tie that are a bit brighter. Maybe they’re tying in some kind of other colour on the girls’ dresses or the bride’s flowers.”

Many grooms now opt to buy a well-made suit they can use after the wedding rather than renting. Derk says a slim-cut reminiscent of the 1960s is popular, often paired with a bow-tie or cummerbund.

“We’re seeing a burgundy dinner jacket with black pants and then a white shirt, and the tie and a cummerbund,” she adds. It’s a deep, rich burgundy this fall.

With so many details to consider, wedding planning can become overwhelming. But Yerichuk, Bourassa and Derk all echo a similar sentiment: don’t stress.

“When something goes wrong with your wedding, most everybody, 98 per cent of people, never know there’s anything wrong,” Derk says. “They think it’s perfect anyway.”

Edmonton Bridal Expo

Engaged couples have another chance to check out bridal trends at Edmonton Bridal Expo 2016, at the Shaw Conference Centre, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fashion presentations take place at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Speakers include designer Cory Christopher, style consultant Lazina McKenzie and personal trainer Sophie Gray.

Western Canada Fashion Week

Where: ATB Financial Arts Barns

When: Sept. 15-24

What: Nationally recognized fashion and design event

Featuring: A celebration of local, national and international fashion designers

University of Alberta Alumni Awards

Where: Jubilee Auditorium

When: Sept. 22

Who: Alumni and friends

What: A gala recognizing the professional achievements, community service and innovation of graduates around the globe

(From left) Jennifer Kinal, Christie Moore and Kim Tregoning pose for a picture during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Nikki Fast-Keeler, left, poses with Jasmine Dalupang and her son, Samuel, during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Vanessa Julio, left, poses with Joe-Lynn Biever during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Anna McMillan, left, poses with Hannah Savard during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Kendra Henderson, left, poses for a picture with Simran Dhillon during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Caitlyn Finlay, left, poses with Joseph Merenda during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Hannah Kaup, left, poses with Robin Jones during Western Canada Fashion Week.

Perry Cardinal, left, poses with Shauna Bruno during the 2016 University of Alberta Alumni Awards ceremony.

(From left) Madison Moshansky, Frederick von Veh, June Moshansky, Brad Hartwick and Jacquie Perrin during the University of Alberta Alumni Awards ceremony.

(From left) Betty-Jean Buchanan, David Buchanan and Jami Drake during the University of Alberta Alumni Awards ceremony.

(From left) Brooke Johnson, Deanna Hartling, Chelsey Kemp and Tracy Reid at the University of Alberta Alumni Awards ceremony.

Don Mazankowski, left, with Larry Ruptash at the University of Alberta Alumni Awards ceremony.

Dr. Wes Penner, left, poses with his wife, Luise Penner, during the 2016 University of Alberta Alumni Awards ceremony.

“In pure we trust” reads the custom neon sign situated in the Pura Botanicals headquarters on 124 Street, just north of Jasper Avenue.

The welcoming, gold-accented space houses the vision of Lane Edwards, a local mother and businesswoman who founded Pura Botanicals one year ago with the ethos of providing women with an all-natural beauty ritual free of synthetic ingredients and toxins.

“I really think that nature and the earth provides us with all these incredible, nourishing ingredients that help to accentuate a woman’s natural beauty,” Edwards says. “You don’t have to have any of those chemicals.”

Edwards’s proclivity towards natural therapies and products began as a child, and she recalls concocting potions on the step outside her family’s house. She credits her mother for sparking this early interest.

“My mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 30, so she was always on this mission to heal her body through nutrition and natural therapies because the medical world couldn’t offer anything to help her, really,” Edwards recalls. “I really learned from her that part of medicine and how powerful it can be.”

At 18, Edwards, originally from Sherwood Park, visited the Fragonard perfume factory in France, her first introduction to perfumery and the secrecy behind the craft. After further travelling, she returned to Edmonton to obtain her Bachelor of Communications degree at MacEwan University before relocating to Australia to work for Lululemon. It was there that she began studying aromatherapy and bush flower essences.

The impetus for Pura Botanicals surfaced while she was pregnant with her first child. She became extra sensitive to commercial beauty products and decided to create a solution.

“When we’re pregnant our senses get so elevated, so all of the things I was using, all I could smell were the synthetic and chemical ingredients. I thought to myself: As a woman, as a new mother, as someone who’s carrying a child, it doesn’t make any sense to me to be using these beauty products to elevate our sense of confidence. Really what we’re doing is compromising our health.”

After spending three years mixing concoctions like a “mad scientist” in her basement, Pura became a reality. The company now offers a customperfume service in addition to 25 skin-care products, including an Overnight Watermelon Mask, Lolita Face Drops, Countess Cleansing Nectar, and Neroli Eye Drops. Prices range from $24 for a Honey & Ginger Deoderant to $120 for Mother-Floral Water Eau de Parfum.

Each one is made in-house with natural ingredients sourced from around the world, though Edwards notes they also stick close to home with Canadian-grown cocoa absolute, neroli, aloe vera, and rosewood.

Edwards operates her business with an emphasis on transparency. The production space is clearly visible when you enter the front door, and all of the ingredients are on display, in addition to being listed on the packaging. And rather than operate with a one-size-fits-all approach, Edwards focuses on tailoring skincare rituals to the needs of individual customers.

“I think in order to see results from the products you’re using you have to be consistent with them. When you’re using a product that is handcrafted, that is made with very high-quality organic or wild-harvested or natural ingredients, you enjoy it so much more.

“It smells beautiful, it feels amazing on your skin, so even being able to take that time to take those steps in order to look after yourself is so important.”

She opens the doors of the production studio (#204-10132 124 St.) to the public on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. but the shop isn’t currently open other days of the week. She sells mainly through her website purabotanicals.com, although her products are in other retail locations in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Edwards, who has five employees, has expanded the business further with the newly launched Pura Baby + Mama line, which consists of 12 items ranging from bubble bath to hair and body wash to an alcohol-free mother/daughter perfume duo and Aromatic Playdough Nectar. Inspired by her own three children, Edwards created the line using natural, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients that go beyond the standard offerings for babies.

“We wanted to create a collection that we knew were made with the most exquisite ingredients that weren’t just aloe vera and lavender. We went a bit beyond that and did so much research and found out that dillweed is very safe and effective for babies and only a certain type of eucalyptus … ginger lily, jasmie, white lotus,” she explains.

“It’s a tricky line to create because different ingredients are safe for different ages of children, so whether a baby’s zero to three months or eight to 12 months, they’re able to use different ingredients. We had to make sure they were safe across the line.”

It was getting a little chilly outside for Stephanie Crawford, Brian Croutze and their wedding party while they were taking photos in the Devonian Botanic Garden. So they decided to dip into the Butterfly House, where it was nice and toasty.

“All of a sudden a little butterfly came along and it actually went onto my bouquet,” says Stephanie. The striped creature stuck around, and was easily coaxed onto Stephanie’s hand for a photo shoot with her rings. Later, another butterfly landed in her bouquet. Stephanie recalls thinking it was like being in a Disney movie.

But the butterflies didn’t just present a neat photo op. “My sister was saying how butterflies are a symbol of transformation and transition. Obviously our relationship was transitioning, so it was a really cool thing that happened.”

Even more meaningful was what their photographer, Megan Kemshead, told them: butterflies symbolize rebirth after death, and many believe they are lost loved ones coming to visit you. Stephanie’s father, Ray, died when she was 14.

“I’ve made peace with it,” says the bride. “But it’s still comforting when someone tells you something like that. It makes you feel warm inside, and like ‘Dad’s looking out for me today’.”

Stephanie, a dental assistant, and Brian, a dentist, are both from St. Albert, and met nearly 10 years ago through mutual friends at a party, hitting it off when they realized they shared the same birthday.

Their engagement in 2014 wasn’t a surprise. The two had been ring-shopping and Brian was waiting for the right moment to propose. After trying (and failing) to get Stephanie to go for a walk for a couple of days in cold, early November of 2014, a gift ultimately did the trick.

“I came home and there was a brand new pair of snowshoes in the living room with a bow on them, and we love snowshoeing,” says Stephanie.

“We went to this river lot area in St. Albert and then in the middle of the forest, when we were all alone, he popped the question. It was romantic.”

Their wedding wouldn’t be for almost another two years, but they did book some things straight away: the Yellowhead Brewery (their reception venue), their photographer and their DJ, Joseph Martin.

The couple didn’t have a theme in mind — Stephanie just wanted it to be classy and simple. The Floral Studio was shocked when the bride didn’t present a Pinterest board; and they chose one of their main colours, navy, just because Brian had had a custom navy suit made in Thailand the year before.

The couple, outdoor enthusiasts, knew their ceremony had to be outside. They settled on the Devonian Botanic Garden, whose Alpine Garden was private and perfect for their wedding size, 70 people.

Living in St. Albert and getting married near Devon at 11 a.m. meant an early start for Stephanie and her bridesmaids. But Stephanie’s stepdad Dave drove them from hair and makeup, and they arrived on time.

Stephanie’s mother, Maureen, walked her down the aisle to Elton John’s Your Song (played on acoustic guitar by Stephanie’s brother-in-law and one of his bandmates). But not before the waterworks started.

“Immediately before I started walking, my mom said, ‘I’m going to cry!’ and then I felt the emotions rising, and of course, my dad not being there was a little bit sad, too. So all of the emotions were running high. As soon as I started walking and saw Brian, I just started crying.”

Brian wasn’t immune to the moment, either. “That’s when I started crying too,” he says.

At the reception, Stephanie and Brian put black-and-white photos of their guests at their place settings instead of name cards. They also displayed wedding photos of their family and friends.

The couple honoured Stephanie’s dad — a huge Elvis fan — with their first dance to Can’t Help Falling In Love by the King. It was one of Stephanie’s favourite moments.

“It felt really heartfelt with the memories of my dad. Everyone was standing around us and it felt like such a warm and supportive atmosphere, and it felt really natural.”

MAKING CHOICES

Wedding date: Sept. 3, 2016

Ceremony location: The Alpine Garden at Devonian Botanic Garden

Reception: Yellowhead Brewery, Edmonton

Photographer: Megan Kemshead Photography

Guests: 70

Dress: Maggie Sottero, Bridal Debut, Sherwood Park

Flowers: The Floral Studio at the Enjoy Centre, St. Albert

Cake and cupcakes: Over the Top Cakes, St. Albert

A very co-operative butterfly landed on Stephanie and allowed several different photographs.

The sun made a welcome appearance while the wedding photos were being taken.

Stephanie and Brian in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden.

The wedding party.

With a few hours between their ceremony and reception, Stephanie and Brian were able to take their time with photos throughout the Devonian Botanic Gardens.

There was a light sprinkling during Stephanie and Brian’s ceremony, but otherwise, the rain held off for their wedding day.

Stephanie’s mom, Maureen, walked her down the aisle.

Table setting at the Yellowhead Brewery.

Stephanie and Brian had cake toppers made based on their nicknames for each other.

Cutting the cake.

Stephanie and Brian’s first dance.

Reception games.

Glass Buffalo Prize Reception and Fall 2016 Launch Party

Where: Yellowhead Brewery

When: Sept. 28

Who: Glass Buffalo magazine

Featuring: Literary awards, poetry and libations

Edmonton International Film Festival

Where: Landmark Cinemas City Centre 9

When: Sept. 29 – Oct. 8

What: Opening night

Featuring: Heavyweightpaint, a documentary about four Brooklyn painters, plus an after-party at Characters

Lynsie Rosskopf, left, poses with Scott Gray during the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

Kathryn Bruinsma, left, with Jon Kolskog during the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

(From left) Kelly, Paresha, Shayna and Dylan Thompson at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

Glen and Diane Hanson pose at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

Sarah Thomsen, left, and James Mallet at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

(From left) Camille, Peter and Sean Robertson of the Peter Robertson Gallery at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

Robert and Shawna Lemay at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s opening night.

Whitney Fox, left, poses with Karen Howell during the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception and Fall 2016 Launch Party.

Sadaf Mirzahi, left, with Mursal Khedri at the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception.

Sydney Budgeon, left, with Jordan Volker at the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception and Fall 2016 Launch Party.

Matthew Stepanic, left, with Christina Seal during the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception and Fall 2016 Launch Party.

(From left) Pierrette Requier, Rayanne Doucet and Josee Thibeault at the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception and Fall 2016 Launch Party.

(From left) Gian Marco Visconti, Shawn Ohler and Claire Kelly at the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception.

Isabelle Levesque, left, with Sarah-Jeanne Belec at the Glass Buffalo Prize Reception and Fall 2016 Launch Party.

The traditional candy-cane pole of the barber shop may be disappearing, but the status of the barber is on the rise again.

True barbers were approaching extinction in recent decades, as men opted to shed their manes on the floors of unisex boutiques. Generations of boys came of age without ever experiencing the slick scrape of the straight razor, the manly scents of aftershave or the bonhomie over talk of sports and politics, so familiar to their fathers and grandfathers.

Into this cultural vacuum, the barber shop experience is re-emerging across the globe, repackaged by salon owners offering barber-quality services in dedicated male spaces. There are a number of barber shops in Edmonton, including Barber Ha and Barber on Whyte, both on Whyte Avenue, and Sweeney Todd’s Barber on 109 Street and 105 Avenue.

Tuning into this cultural shift, EvelineCharles Academy has invited two of the industry’s most respected barbers from the U.K. to share their secrets with local practitioners. Erik Lander and Chris Foster, education and style directors, respectively, for the British Barbers Association, are the main attractions at an industry event Tuesday, Oct. 4 called An Evening with Extraordinary Gentlemen, happening at EvelineCharles Academy in Edmonton.

Melissa Hache, admissions director for the academy, is excited to welcome Lander and Foster, considered rock stars in the field of men’s grooming. “The British Barbers Association strives to elevate standards and set the future direction of the barbering industry,” says Hache. “We share this vision and want to offer opportunities and education to our own local industry.”

Erik Lander

We caught up with Lander as he and Foster began their Canadian tour.

Q: What are the men’s styles/techniques most in demand?

A: Skin fades (cutting the hair shorter and shorter as it moves toward the neck) will always be in fashion, but men’s hair is getting longer. The pompadour or quaff are really big at the moment. Styles are moving more toward much more texture and movement in the hair. Shaving is definitely on the rise. The beard trend is starting to slow down as we get back to more of clean-cut look.

Q: What is the state of the male grooming industry today?

A: The global market is booming. In 2015 it was worth over $20 billion, growing at over $1 billion per year and it is expected to be worth over $26 billion by 2020. Men have changed their attitudes toward grooming and care products. It is now more socially acceptable for men to use skin-care products, have facials and style their hair. This is where the boom has come from.

Q: What happened that drove the traditional barber shop to extinction?

A: If you always do what you have always done, then you will get what you have always got. Barbers were getting older and more stuck in their ways. It’s now uber cool to be a barber. There is a much more structured training offered, so it’s more acceptable to go into the trade. This is helping to revive the industry and has helped with the upsurge in professionalism. Younger barbers are taking it to new heights, and the sky’s the limit.

Q: What has made the barber cool again?

A: The cool factor has come out of the hipster and lifestyle movements. Tattoo (wearers) and skateboarders have gone from shaving their heads to getting cool fades and comb-overs and growing out their beards. The barber life is more about lifestyle and being hip. A lot of this has come from the urban barber genre, which has been going strong in cities in the U.S., especially within the hip-hop culture, for years.

Q: What does the return of barber shop culture mean, socially?

A: The new movement is bringing male communities together again and giving men a common interest. Men can now have a place to call their own, which was lost when unisex salons started to take over. Barber shops provide a very positive outlet for male bonding, especially now during the Internet age, where we spend less time around each other. Having a place to call our own can only be a good thing, with so many negatives affecting us in the world right now.

Q: What will you be demonstrating in Edmonton?

A: We will be presenting the Kings Row Collection made up of three sub-genres that reinforce the power of tradition taken from the legendary Savile Row, London’s iconic street for tailoring and fashion.

Street Squadron is more about length and texture and what’s coming in men’s grooming for next season and beyond. Huntsman works with slightly shorter hair but still with lots of texture and movement. This bridges the gap from traditional barbering to contemporary male grooming. Ripley encapsulates the traditional side of barbering, short fades and strong partings with a modern twist.

Q: What’s the importance of good training?

A: There is so much more to barbering than just being able to do a skin fade. In the U.K. we have a very thorough training structure. We go into things in great detail so you get a full understanding of how something works, what other techniques you can use to get the same result, how to change or tweak it to suit the individual client. It’s all about continuing your knowledge and understanding. That’s why we’re here in Canada, to spread the word.

Kingsway 40 Anniversary

Where: Kingsway Mall

When: Oct. 1

What: 40^th anniversary gala in the former Target space

Featuring: A fashion show, cocktails and live music

Rec Room grand opening

Where: Cineplex’s Rec Room. South Edmonton Common

When: Oct. 5

Featuring: An evening of music, food, cocktails and games

Allen Machuca with Jennifer Dajao during the grand opening of Cineplex’s Rec Room.

David Terry, left, with Patrick Carnegie during the grand opening of Cineplex’s Rec Room.

(From left) Matthew Stepanic, Greg Davis and Chris Baiton during the grand opening of Cineplex’s Rec Room.

Rusty Laforest, left, with Eddy Dreni during the grand opening of Cineplex’s Rec Room.

David Terry, left, with Patrick Carnegie during the grand opening of Cineplex’s Rec Room.

Peter Amrhein with Caralyn Goode during the grand opening of Cineplex’s Rec Room.

Kristin Loi, left, with Trevor Tsoi during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary at Kingsway Mall.

(From left) Ethan Daravi, Arash Daravi and Dhiraj Mutrega during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary.

Anna Dowding, left, with Esha Malhotra during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary.

(From left) Wendy Mueller, Kerri Leland and Chris Reeve together during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary party.

Kody Henderson, left, with Dawn Arnold during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary party.

Terri-Lynn Hyland, left, and Sara Hyland attend Kingsway’s 40th anniversary party.

Marc Lussier, left, with Ashley Dasilva during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary party.

Marianna, left, and her sister Natalie El-Halabi during Kingsway’s 40th anniversary party.

Edmonton Oilers home opener

Where: Rogers Place

When: Oct. 12

Who: Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames

What: Not only the home opener, but the Oilers first regular season game at Rogers Place

Featuring: A 7-4 win over the Calgary Flames, including two goals by Oilers captain Connor McDavid

LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party

Where: Lux Beauty Boutique, 12531 102 Ave.

When: Oct. 13

Who: Open house attendees

What: New location celebration

Featuring: A first look at the new space, delicious treats and mingling with Edmonton’s beauty junkies

Oilers fans Dax Nelson, left, poses with Brad Ecklund before the Oilers home opener against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

Brayden Martin, left, and Bryan Martin were at the Edmonton Oilers home opener against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

Jeret and Amanda Young pose in front of the Gretzky statue before the Edmonton Oilers home opener against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

Karen and Bob Werner post outside Rogers Place in Edmonton before the Oilers home opener against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

Miriah and Mason Fedun stop for a photo before the Oilers home opener against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

Emily Holloway, left, poses with Anton Atienza during the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party in Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

Katryna Yasinski, left, poses with Dallas Curow at LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

Lydia Stewart, left, and Angela Espejo at the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

Monica Diogo and Jeffrey Hill pose for a photo at the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party in Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

Kristen Mackie, left, poses with Sabrina Humphrey during the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party in Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

Kassandra Camponi, left, with Vickie Laliotis at the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party.

Cassidy Cooper, left, and Amanda Wagner were at the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party in Edmonton on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

Jennifer Grimm, left, poses with Danielle Decuycer during the LUX Beauty VIP Launch Party in Edmonton.

The thought of braving frenzied malls and sifting through endless of racks of clothing can be a daunting prospect, particularly if shopping isn’t your favourite task. What if you could skip all of that and have personalized clothing options delivered to your door?

Last August, Shanlyn Cunningham, who has a public relations background, and her would-be business partners, Jenna Hill (a photographer and graphic designer) and Jeanie Borremans (retail buying and fashion styling), were discussing the challenges of shopping with young children in tow — when they even had time to make it to the mall. They decided to create a service to help busy women find unique new pieces for their wardrobes.

This was the impetus for Frock Box, a subscription service that allows customers to create a style profile stating their size and clothing preferences before being matched with a stylist who will select items for them each month.

Customers can choose from three different boxes: Gold ($49.95 a month plus $9.95 for shipping for a complete outfit), or Jewel ($29.95 plus $3 shipping for exclusively jewelry and accessories), or the most popular option, Favourites ($24.95 a month with free shipping and four to five items to choose from). The Favourites Box allows customers to decide which items to purchase and which ones to return. The subscription fee is deducted from a customer’s total price if they buy one or more items in their box; if they decide to keep all of the items, 25 per cent is deducted from their bill.

“We’re giving our subscribers the chance to try something a little bit out of the box, but at the same time we send them some basic pieces that we know they’re going to love for sure, so it’s a bit of both,” says Cunningham. “The things we bring to our subscribers, you can’t get around here. They’re unique, they’re trendy, and they’re tailored to the season.”

The company has amassed thousands of subscribers ranging from close to home in Alberta right across Canada.

“We order in crates of clothing, and every month the clothing changes because we want it to be fresh and to be new, and to be seasonal,” she explains, noting they do their best to accommodate a variety of body types.

The company will be hosting a Frock Box Christmas Shop on Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lexus Southpointe (830 100 St. SW), which will allow customers to see some of the clothing first-hand.

Krista McEwan opened her St. Albert-based business Dear Skarlett Boutique in 2015, and she launched a subscription service in September. Lady Box, which comes with the tag line “Once A Month Has A Whole New Meaning,” offers two options: the Mini Lady Box for $75 a month or the Maxi Lady Box for $135 a month, plus options to send it as a gift. Customers pay a flat fee and get two to four items valued at different price points, depending on which box is selected, as well as a free pair of underwear with each. Much like Frock Box, customers fill out a style profile and McEwan — along with her five-year-old daughter Skarlett, the namesake of the boutique — choose clothing to suit each person.

Krista McEwan, owner of Lady Box and Dear Skarlett Boutique, models some of the clothes she sells.

McEwan got the idea after receiving positive feedback on surprise bags she put together for some of her regular customers. She’s currently at 50 subscribers and hopes to reach 100 by Christmas, a number she says she’ll likely use as a temporary cap to retain the personalized nature of the service and work out any kinks before growing it further.

“We don’t want to compromise the values behind it, and it really is about creating that intimate experience,” McEwan explains. “Every box is completely customized, so not everyone’s getting a red shirt with a scarf and a pair of socks.”

For those new to subscription services, or anyone who may be nervous about letting someone else choose their clothes, McEwan and Cunningham advise providing as much information as possible when filling out the style profile.

“If they have a Pinterest board, for example, they can include that too,” Cunningham says. “Be as specific as possible, but be open to try new things. We do get subscribers who say, ‘Don’t send me any dresses or skirts’ because maybe in the past they’ve had a bad experience finding those items, but we do try to find things that work for everybody.”

“There’s a drop-down menu as far as sizes go, but we do have an extra spot for a description where you can tell us as much information as you can,” says McEwan. “And a space where you can upload a photo as well and hopefully a current photo, because that helps me profile you on your body type.”

McEwan and Cunningham also hope the services can act as affordable ways for women to treat themselves, something they concede doesn’t always happen in the midst of busy lives.

“We’re providing something that’s sort of a surprise,” Cunningham says. “We’ve heard from a lot of our subscribers that it’s like Christmas morning when they get a package of clothing, because how often do you shop for yourself? So often you’re shopping for your kids or your family, so it’s nice to get something that’s just for you.”

Grey Collection Launch Party

Where: Poppy Barley

When: Oct. 20

What: Launch of Poppy Barley’s Steel Grey and Marble Grey leathers

Featuring: Wine, nibblies and the first chance to check out Poppy Barley’s new collection–

Velveteen Audio Launch Party

Where: Velveteen Audio/Powersound Recording Studios

When: Oct. 20

What: Velveteen Audio’s new recording space

Featuring: Drinks, snacks, musician networking and sample tracks in Velveteen Audio’s new space

(From left) Jane Sevick, Caroline Gault and Monica Gault at Poppy Barley’s Grey Launch.

Kim Burden, left, with Sue McIntyre during Poppy Barley’s Grey Launch.

Erin Greenhough, left, with Lori Cull at Poppy Barley’s Grey Launch.

Marina Eckert, left, with Wendy Sheehan during Poppy Barley’s Grey Launch.

Megan Moore, left, with Caitlin Laughlin during Poppy Barley’s Grey Launch.

(From left) Jordanne Simons, Brad Simons and Laurie Frazer pose together during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Nuela Charles, left, poses with Brenna Macquarrie pose together during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Garry Wanchuk, left, with Rob Smith during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

(From left) Brad Smith, Andrew Morren and Lori Hladun at Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Carrie Day, left, poses with Mathew Cardinal during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Russ Dawson, left, with Travis Nesbitt during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Chris Tarvudd, left, poses with Michelle Langevin during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Sheena Neilson, left, with Alena Tse-Chang during Poppy Barley’s Grey Launch.

Chuma Nwobosi, left, with his wife, Andrea Nwobosi, during Velveteen Audio’s launch party.

Fashion With Compassion is about to celebrate 20 years of support for Sorrentino’s Compassion House and the safe, affordable space it has provided to more than 1,500 women during their battles with cancer.

This iteration of Fashion With Compassion, presented by Syncrude, will feature two separate events on Thursday, Oct. 27 — a luncheon and fashion show earlier in the day, followed by an evening gala and fashion show hosted by honorary chair and country star Brett Kissell.

Featuring some of the top Canadian talent in fashion and modelling, the event has become one of the key fundraisers for Compassion House.

Model Models agency director Kelly Streit has been involved since the start. “We wanted to do a show that emulated the ones in Paris and New York but in Alberta, so we created the first breast cancer fundraiser,” Streit recalls of the event’s beginning.

“It was on the steps of City Hall, and the girls came up and down the steps. The building had just been done and that was it. That was the beginning of it, and it just went year after year after year … and here we are.”

Streit notes that his initial involvement in the fundraiser came from a fashion-industry standpoint. The goal was to bring more high-calibre events to the local scene, but the cause eventually became a personal cause. His sister was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago after a routine check-up.

“I wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, I want to be this big philanthropist.’ But then after a few years you start to look and see the lives and the impact it’s had on people and the changes it’s mad. You realize, ‘Wow, I’m making a difference,’ and so then I became very passionate about the cause.”

Fashion With Compassion used to travel to Calgary as well, but that has not continued. Streit concedes there is often a tendency to replace long-running fundraisers with something new, but a fashion event has the ability to evolve through the years.

“I say bravo, Edmonton. In all other markets these kind of legacy fashion shows, they always give up because they feel like ‘oh, you need to retire an event after a certain amount of time.’ But with a fashion fundraiser, you don’t ever have to retire it because fashion in itself changes every season. That in and of itself keeps the event fresh and new.”

Fashion With Compassion has expanded since those early days at City Hall, teaming up with top models like Tricia Helfer and Julia Dunstall. Streit says there will be some big names on this year’s runway, but he can’t divulge who just yet. He’s also presenting an esthetic that’s favoured by the international fashion community.

“Fashion has become more interested in very unique, artistic-looking girls,” he says of the evolution of casting the show. “So you’re kind of balancing: Do I want to use a bunch of pretty girls that (the audience sees) every day walking down the malls, or do you want to show them exactly what’s on the Prada runway?”

“It’s called arresting beauty, and you’re either going to love it or you’re going to hate it. It’s like art, but the bottom line is you’re going to remember it.”

This year’s cast of models will be showcasing looks by local favourite Malorie Urbanovitch as well as Toronto designers Narces and Matthew Gallagher. Gallagher, who promises a collection “full of fun, fantasy, and glamour,” notes that the cause hits close to home as cancer has affected many members of his family.

“It’s important to have my brand showing support and bringing awareness to a cause such as this,” he says. “With opening my audience up to this cause, I hope it will be able to help someone who is struggling.”

Narces designer and creative director Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi feels it’s important for the line — which focuses on creating formalwear and custom designs — to be able to empower women and inspire confidence, particularly during difficult times.

“We had heard about Fashion With Compassion through social media,” she says. “Having had close family members go through treatment for breast cancer, support that improves this incredibly difficult path is priceless.”

Luncheon & Fashion Show

When: Thursday, Oct., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tickets: $125 each, $1,250 for a table of 10

Gala & Fashion Show

When: Thursday, Sept., 6 p.m.

Tickets: $275 each, $2,750 for a table of 10

Where: Shaw Conference Centre

Info and tickets: fashioncompassion.ca

Compassion House facts

• Original house opened in 2002 and the expanded in 2013, going from six guest suites to 14. It’s located at 10909 76 Ave. and is a haven for women fighting breast cancer.

• There have been about 1,000 first-time guests and more than 500 returning guests, with more than 1,600 stays.

• Guests have come from 226 communities from Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories

A model wears pieces from Matthew Gallagher’s line. Gallagher will be showcasing clothing at this year’s Fashion With Compassion fundraiser.

Malorie Urbanovitch fall winter 2016 collection. She will be showing at the Fashion with Compassion fundraiser.

Malorie Urbanovitch FW2016 Collection

Sometimes you just know.

They’d only been together seven months, but after asking both her father and stepfather’s permission, Robin Pawlowich asked Leah to marry him under the stars at Pigeon Lake in the summer of 2014. It wasn’t a difficult decision for either of them: “She’s just my person,” Robin says.

The couple, who live in Edmonton, met on a blind date in late December the year before — at an Oilers game whose outcome neither Robin nor Leah remembers.

Their favourite number is 23 — a nod to that first date two days before Christmas. And Leah wanted to be married in July because it’s the month Robin proposed. She was pleased to discover that the 23rd of July fell on a Saturday in 2016, and they set their date accordingly.

While they were engaged, Robin’s parents purchased an acreage in Parkland County, which they offered Robin and Leah for their wedding. It was perfect: the esthetic they wanted, and a 10-minute drive from River Cree Resort and Casino, where their guests could stay overnight.

It did, however, require a lot of elbow grease from the couple and their families. They laid sod, put gravel down and cut out old trees, while an arborist came in to spruce up the trees that remained. There were four buildings on the property that Robin’s family knocked down, but they saved older parts of them to incorporate into the wedding decor.

Leah and Robin describe their wedding as “country rustic.”

“I’m a little bit addicted to Pinterest,” says the bride. “So I definitely got on Pinterest the whole next day after he proposed. The planning of what kind of wedding we wanted happened quite quickly because we both wanted it to be really personal, and we wanted to have our own little touches here and there.”

Those touches included lots of fresh flowers from Fabloomosity — including a flower crown for the bride (the idea was “as many flowers on one person as possible,” says Leah) — and little nods to hunting, one of Robin’s favourite pastimes.

The groom and groomsmen had boutonnieres made out of shotgun shells (Robin’s was the shell from the first time Leah ever used a shotgun). There were antlers incorporated into several parts of the decor — on top of the ceremony’s backdrop that Robin’s brother-in-law had made out of salvaged windows and doors from those original buildings; mounted behind their head table; and — the bride’s favourite detail — the handle of Leah’s bouquet.

The wedding’s palette consisted of subtle, soft colours. The flowers’ dusty hues matched the bridesmaids’ mix of pastel-coloured dresses, purchased at Novelle Bridal Shop where Leah also bought her gown.

In stark contrast to those understated tones and the wedding’s overall rustic feel were the bold, bright smoke bombs they employed for their post-ceremony photo shoot. While their guests played lawn games like ladder ball and beanbag toss, grenades in a rainbow of colours went off behind the bride and groom.

The smoke bomb idea came from their photographer, Elizabeth van der Bij of ENV Photography. Neither Leah nor Robin had seen them before.

“We were just talking on the phone about wedding timelines,” says Leah of her conversation with van der Bij. “At the end of our call, she said ‘What do you think of smoke bombs?’ And I said, ‘Sounds fantastic to me!’ At this point we’d done our engagement photos. So I said, ‘Whatever you think — we are your guinea pigs. Just tell us what to do’!”

The results were amazing, says Leah. “When we were standing there, I would have never thought that those photos would come out of it.”

But the best part for the groom was a quieter time, away from the festivities, just the newly married couple.

“My favourite moment was actually when everything was over and we could just relax and we had time to take five minutes alone together. That was one of the best moments,” says Robin.

“That, and Leah walking down the aisle.”

MAKING CHOICES

Wedding date: July 23, 2016

Ceremony and reception location: Groom’s parents’ acreage, Parkland County

First-look and bridal-party photo location: Clifford E. Lee Natural Area, Spruce Grove

Photographer: ENV Photography (envphotography.com)

Guests: 120

Budget: $30,000

Catering: Elizabethan Catering Services (elizabethan.com; 55 Alberta Ave, Spruce Grove)

First Dance: Chris Young’s cover of When You Say Nothing At All Sometimes

Leah and Robin Pawlowich did their first look and bridal party photos at Clifford E. Lee Natural Area in Spruce Grove.

Leah and Robin did their first look and bridal party photos at Clifford E. Lee Natural Area in Spruce Grove.

Leah and Robin were married on his parents’ acreage in Parkland County.

Leah and Robin did their first look and bridal party photos at Clifford E. Lee Natural Area.

Leah and Robin were married on his parents’ acreage in Parkland County.

Fabloomosity created beautiful bouquets for the bridal party as well as Leah’s flower crown.

Leah and Robin

Leah and Robin did their first look and bridal party photos at Clifford E. Lee Natural Area.

Fabloomosity created beautiful bouquets for the bridal party.

Robin and Leah

Just married.

Robin’s cousin Tara Lake took care of the sweet table.

Leah and Robin’s photographer suggested they try using colourful smoke bombs for part of their photo shoot.

Robin and his groomsmen had boutonnieres made from shot-gun shells. Rob’s was made with the shell from the very first time Leah shot a shotgun.

Cat Café

Where: Galerie CAVA

When: Oct. 22

Who: Aaron Getz and Sarah Hoyles along with Zoe’s Animal Rescue and SAFE Team

What: A pop-up café featuring cats and kittens

Featuring: 15 adoptable cats and kittens along with locally roasted coffee from Transcend

Fashion With Compassion Gala

Where: Shaw Conference Centre

When: Oct. 27

What: Fashion show fundraiser for Sorrentino’s Compassion House

Featuring: Special performance by Brett Kissel and a fashion show with top models

Brittany Nugent, left, poses with Janis Galloway during the Fashion With Compassion gala.

(From left) Karen Webb, Angie Gilroy and Dena Carlson at the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Sterling Derk, left, with Matthew Laird during the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Douglas and Brittany Reinbold at the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Lindsay and Pete MacPhie at the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Elizabeth Segura, left, with Kassidy Dingle at the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Amanda Piche, left, with Kim Manick at the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Barbara and Michael Sheehan at the Fashion With Compassion gala.

Alexandra Sorckoff pets a kitten named Romeo during the pop-up Cat Café at Galerie CAVA.

Jennifer Tsui meets a kitten named Ashton during the pop-up Cat Café.

Nick Mandeville, left, and Mia Melnyk pose with a kitten named Binoo.

Kristen Letwinetz poses with a kitten named Gretchen during the pop-up Cat Café.

Armeya Leach, left, and Cassie Cayenne pose with a kitten named Gretchen.

Sara McKay poses with a kitten named Austin during the pop-up Cat Café.

Jennifer Dietz poses with a kitten named Dracula.

Refinery

Where: Art Gallery of Alberta

When: Oct. 29

What: Day of the Dead-themed Halloween party

Featuring: Costumes, drinks and dancing

Green Drinks: Good Business

Where: Yellowhead Brewery

When: Nov. 2

Who: The Local Good

What: Entrepreneurial mixer

Featuring: Drinks, speakers and a chance to mingle with some of Edmonton’s business community

(From left) Laura Ritchie, Meaghan Froh and Maggie Barton Baird at the Day of the Dead-themed Refinery party at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

(From left) Melanie McKale, Brandon Mario Bilhete and Claire Shane at the Day of the Dead-themed Refinery party.

Gennaro Costa, left, and Natasha Tames at the Day of the Dead-themed Refinery party.

Duncan Gommerud with Tyra Cross at the Day of the Dead-themed Refinery party.

Paula Webb with Dondy Guzman at the Day of the Dead-themed Refinery party.

Sara Thomas with Shawn McCready at the Day of the Dead themed Refinery party.

Jocelyn Mellroy, left, with Ashley Salzl at the Day of the Dead themed Refinery party.

Jaime Gartner, left, with Romeo Ripoli during the Day of the Dead themed Refinery party.

Ethan Ferro, left, with Julia Franco during the Day of the Dead themed Refinery party.

Chris Iddiols, left, with Katrina Hillyer during Green Drinks: Good Business at Yellowhead Brewery.

Leila Fanaeian, left, with Mina Barsoum during Green Drinks: Good Business.

Lauren Bolanac, left, with Alexis Troup during Green Drinks: Good Business at Yellowhead Brewery.

Kamyar Pooyeh, left, with Curtis Vieville during Green Drinks: Good Business at Yellowhead Brewery.

Morgan Butler, left, with Hannah Cochran during Green Drinks: Good Business at Yellowhead Brewery.

(From left) Darryl Rada, Erikk Opinio and Swapnil Kayastha pose together during Green Drinks: Good Business at Yellowhead Brewery.

For this special event, Donna Christensen was at Christmas in November at the Jasper Park Lodge and took photos for this week’s column.

Christmas in November gala evening

Where: Jasper Park Lodge

When: Nov. 6

What: Gala reception and dinner

Featuring: A Christmas-themed event capping off a weekend packed full of talented presenters, great food, a cocktail or two, and entertainment.

Tammy Salvalaggio, left, and Diane Keddy at Christmas in November at Jasper Park Lodge.

Carrie Selin, left, of Taste Alberta, and Erin Taylor at Christmas in November.

Alida Smith and Robert Milroy at Christmas in November.

Shige “CJ” Tanaka and John Webster at Christmas in November.

Patricia Lau and Karol Yeung at Christmas in November.

Meagan Seeley, left, Carol Seeley, Susan Seeley and Jenna-Marie Lamb at Christmas in November.

Colleen Jackson, left Terry Horinek and Jackie DaCunha at Christmas in November.

Erica Voicu, left, Glen Pullishy and Gail Gruendel at Christmas in November.

Lisa Hauser and Tracy Palmer at Christmas in November.

Shawna Murray, Gwen Murray and Sheila Hierlmeier at Christmas in November.

Sheila Bilyk, Wanda Metz, Sierra Bilyk and Monica Kay at Christmas in November.

Vikram Vij, Sandra Marocco, Sheena Hotchkiss, Lori Valerio and John Johnson at Christmas in November.

Suzanne Hill and Katherine Eirich at Christmas in November.

Jackie Gogowich and Lenna McConnell at Christmas in November.

Stefanie McBurney, Barbara Railey and Genelle Geht at Christmas in November.

Myriam Hall and Ken Hall, general manager of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, at Christmas in the November gala evening on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016.

Tamara Cross, Bonnie Weber, Lecia Conway and Marlowe Mayes at Christmas in November.

Sarah Casey, Madisen Labrecque and Kelay Ohlhauser at Christmas in November.

Linda Duffield and Sue Lemermeyer at Christmas in November.

Linda Hutchings, left, and Shirley Kapitaniuk at Christmas in November.