Kent State Fashion Week  Kent State University’s 2024 Fashion Week begins April 21, offering a week of fashion-related events. With guest designers in town, shows featuring student designers and lectures at the Kent State School of Fashion through April 27, you’ll get a better sense of where the fashion world is headed. kent.edu/fashion ‘Korean Couture’ exhibition Dress, Couture 2013, September 2012. Lie Sang Bong (Korean, b. 1954). Polyvinyl chloride; LIE SANGBONG Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. © Lie Sang Bong (Korean, b. 1954). Photo courtesy LIE SANGBONG. The Cleveland Museum of A ..read more

Mahall’s is a Lakewood staple turning 100 years old this year, known for its bowling alley, concerts and music scene, cocktails and retro vibe. For Jstyle’s spring photo shoot, we headed to the recently renovated spot for a day of fun in the bowling alley and the many other cool spaces Mahall’s has to offer. Dressed in spring fashion (with a retro hint) from local boutiques Jstyle partners with, our models – all volunteers from the Cleveland Jewish community – perfected their rolls and their looks.  Photography: Jeani Brechbill Photography Fashion: Jessica Simon Hair & Makeup: Ramona ..read more

Photo / Jeani Brechbill Photography Celebrating its 100th anniversary later this year, Mahall’s continues to be timelessly popular whether for concertgoers, casual or serious bowlers, or those simply wanting to go out for cocktails and company.  Co-owner Sue Shestina says it’s “unbelievable” to be with Mahall’s during the centennial year, for which a birthday party will be in the works. She is a 20-year employee of the Lakewood venue and became co-owner with Cory Hajde and Joseph Pavlick about three years ago, noting other employees have worked there far longer. Shestina promised the late ..read more

Kimpton Schofield provides unique offerings for ancillary events, accommodations for major celebrations With plenty of event space, the Kimpton Schofield Hotel in downtown Cleveland will plan a major life event’s ancillary events, accommodating both small and large parties. Photo courtesy of Kimpton Schofield. By Abigail Preiszig Planning large life events requires careful preparation. And with so much time and energy going into the big day, the smaller celebrations associated with it – like rehearsal dinners and morning-after party brunches – can be challenging for families to prioritize.&nbs ..read more

DISTINCT Desserts An assortment of baked goods from Luna Bakery & Cafe. Photo / Michelle McGlinn By Lydia Kacala Family parties and lifecycle celebrations are meant to be spent having a good time with your loved ones. They often involve dressing up and decorating your venue with fun and striking decorations – and the desserts and pastries should be given the same treatment. Local bakeries can create custom designs to match your celebration. No matter what colors, themes or flavors you wish to incorporate during your party, consulting with a local bakery can be the way to find the perf ..read more

ETIQUETTE EXPLAINED By Alexandra Golden Singerman Whether you are planning or attending a wedding or b’nai mitzvah, usually at least one question comes to mind regarding etiquette. It could involve confusion over what to wear, invitations or a particularly difficult situation. With each major celebration you attend, there’s likely an aspect you’ve never experienced before.  For that reason, Celebrations sought questions from our readers and friends about what they’d most like advice on as another busy party season approaches. We then asked local planning industry professionals for th ..read more

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Glidden House set up for a wedding. Photo / Yogi Smith Photography By Amy Richards Weddings and b’nai mitzvahs involve a wide scope of planning. When and where will the celebration take place? Is there a theme? Who will be invited? And once the preliminary decisions are made, it is time to think about what the actual day will look like – hour by hour, minute by minute.  When you find yourself at that stage of planning, it helps to understand how some area venues and vendors coordinate managing the timeline for your celebration. Jennifer Franz, director of special even ..read more

Daalarna IDL 484 dress with a sheer overlay of dotted tulle from Luxe Redux Bridal in Orange. Lindsey Beckwith Photography By Amanda Koehn Brides today are often opting for an after-party look that’s slightly more comfortable for dancing and partying the night away at their reception. To create a cool and glamorous after-party look, select a second (or even third) dress that might be shorter in length or more casual in style. Make it fun and fancy with satin or sequins, interesting embellishments, a ballerina-like skirt, and maybe even a pop of color or sheer detailing. To pull the look togeth ..read more

Local caterers look to incorporate seasonal foods in party dishes Cleveland Museum of Art By Noell Wolfgram Evans As the sun breaks through the winter haze and the weather starts to turn, certain rituals begin. The shorts emerge from the back of the drawer, gardening gear makes an appearance, and our spring and summer taste buds start to tingle.  There’s something about a sunny day that has us anxious to load our dinner plates with seasonal delights. No one knows that better than caterers.  With spring and summer events filling calendars across the region, chefs at catering companies ..read more

Kortni & Chris Photography How did you meet? We matched on a dating app, Hinge.  We shared a pizza on our first date and I (Janie) got pizza sauce on my face. Jason kindly let me know, and I said something along the lines of “I’m glad you told me, because we wouldn’t go out again if you didn’t!”  Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another? I knew I liked Jason from the start and didn’t want to “jinx” it, so I didn’t tell family members much about him early on (even his name). Long story short, my grandmothers commented on a Facebook picture (no ..read more