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Beyond Our Borders

For all of the challenges facing the U.S. and Oklahoma in particular, compared to developing countries, and often rural areas in these countries especially, Oklahoma really is “doin’ fine,” as our famous song proclaims.  

Many people around the world are less fortunate, and perhaps most Americans aren’t aware of the depth of human struggle overseas until it erupts into a massive humanitarian crisis or international conflict, such as an earthquake or tsunami. The struggle of everyday life for residents of many nations remains outside the ken of many.

There are some Oklahomans, however, who have taken their good fortunes abroad and spent time volunteering in areas where a hand up can mean a huge difference. Some have built such service into their lifestyles, while others are busy sharing their experiences in an effort to recruit the next generation of true good will ambassadors. But to a man – and woman – these Oklahomans have helped make the world just a little bit better for those to whom the easy living and comfort enjoyed in the Sooner State would be paradise.

Seed Sower

Jim Johnson, a soils and crops consultant at Ardmore’s Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, lives agriculture.

“God, family, friends and agriculture,” he says if you ask him about it.

His passion recently landed him in Iraq on a critical education mission, and the nickname Azad, the Kurdish word for freedom.

The freedom he offered was a wealth of agricultural knowledge in a nation where the people had been too busy fighting wars to grow crops or raise livestock.

Johnson was first involved in helping train National Guard Agricultural Development Teams going to Afghanistan.

“It was inspiring and motivating,” he says. “I thought to myself if I had the opportunity to go and do something similar, I would definitely do it.”

In February 2011, Johnson received an email from Peter Broyles, advisor with the USDA to the Iraqi Minister of Agriculture, with an invitation to assist on an education mission.

Johnson can’t describe the feeling when he stepped out of the airplane in Iraq charged with teaching 15 Kurdish students everything he knows about small grain production.

“They have a lot of book knowledge, but have no real agricultural experience prior to 2003,” Johnson says.

Johnson spent his days teaching students who then work with actual farmers and ranchers, which Johnson says positions them well to share the information.

“They were really excited for me to share my experiences in the real field. I think that was the most valuable to them; to hear and see what other people were doing rather than just read about it in a book.”

Through cultural and language barriers, Johnson worked to teach concepts that would seem very basic to many.

“There were many things that I told them or showed them that were entirely new concepts that they had never heard of or imagined,” he says.

For starters, Johnson had to coach not relying too heavily on their extensive book knowledge. If they used their book knowledge to calculate and apply pesticides for example, it wouldn’t necessarily be economical. He showed them how to calculate the yield of crops that would need protected to break even so they could create a budget.

“You have to adapt and do what works for you. You have to learn how to use what you have and use what you know and make it work for you,” he says.

 Oklahomans also have 100 years of testing experience to know what varieties of crops work. Iraqis are screening hundreds of wheat varieties to see what works for them, Johnson says.

Johnson’s students’ hunger for knowledge was unending. Even his time outside of the class was spent engaged in conversation – often two or three at one time. The reward was both personal and professional.

“It’s been a really life changing experience for me,” Johnson says. “Just an amazing experience that I’ll keep with me forever and I’d highly recommend to anyone who gets the chance to do the same.”

Beyond the Hippocratic Oath

Americans might consider doctors’ waiting rooms to be a pain, but Dr. Richard Reinking says that the domestic health care demand can’t compare to that in Tanzania.

“When we set up, hundreds of patients line up to see us every day,” Reinking says.

Reinking is a family physician who practices at the Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa – throughout most of the year, at least. Reinking has been involved with three trips to Tanzania and will be leading a trip this June. The medical mission team from Asbury United Methodist Church of Tulsa usually includes several physicians, a dentist, a pharmacist and sometimes others.

“The sites are set up in the bush, and it really is ‘the bush,’” Reinking says. “We have to travel by very isolated dirt roads to get to the villages.”

But despite the long travel, and sometimes the sicknesses that the medical team experience themselves, Reinking says the experience is humbling and worth it.

“It makes me realize how truly blessed we are in America with material things, but that material things aren’t really what makes you happy,” he says. “It has changed me. I’ve found that I don’t want as much and I don’t buy as much. I’m satisfied with what I have.”

Once set up, the volunteer doctors begin doing what they can for all the villagers who come to see them.

“Everyone that we see gets treated for worms and we give them vitamins,” Reinking says. “We also regularly treat malaria, among lots of other things.”

Reinking tells of experiences that “just break your heart,” such as a mother who could only give her dying baby murky water instead of milk.

“I think that all of us struggle with hearts that harden against people who don’t have anything,” he says. “But these people can’t help where they are born. Maybe I meet the definition of a ‘do-gooder,’ but this is not about me. I try to go to serve and glorify God, and I am part of Asbury as a team.”

Reinking and the Asbury team try to make long-term changes as much as possible.

“As much as possible, we try to promote sustainable healthcare. Those are the solutions,” Reinking says.

Water, Water Not Everywhere

According to the World Health Organization, one in three people on earth is affected by water scarcity. Diarrheal disease caused by water scarcity, like cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery, account for nearly 2 million deaths annually and are the second leading cause of death among children worldwide.

Terri and Dick Greenly are on a mission to right this.

The Greenlys founded Water4 in 2008 to help provide clean water with low-cost materials available locally in areas of the world where people must drink from contaminated sources or travel great distances for potable water. As owners of Edmond-based Pumps of Oklahoma, a wholesale supplier of pumps, the Greenlys were well suited to take up the cause.

The seed was planted after a 2004 trip to China where Dick was invited to install solar water pumps in a remote village.

“We were just a few guys that thought we could do some good in some rural schools in remote south China where little girls could not attend school because there was not water at the schools,” says Dick.

 In 2008 the couple created Water4 after Dick traveled to an orphanage in Sierra Leone where the children had been drinking water drawn by hand from a dubious well. After a tank and pump were installed Dick says the orphans who had been suffering from waterborne stomach distress got well.

“After that trip I came back and decided that I really wanted to be doing this,” says Dick.

The Greenlys were passionate about finding a sustainable way for people in challenged areas to have access to water.

“We’re no good coming in to drill one well and getting a photo op. We want the longevity so that they can drill 10, 20 wells a year,” says Dick.

With the help of friend Steve Stewart, they invented a low-tech drilling system and pump made from materials that could be found virtually anywhere in the world.

Then utilizing the same wholesale model their family business runs on, they started finding the best dealers to distribute and install their product, Terri says. These are generally organizations like World Vision who are already on the ground in many of these areas. The organizations serve as the conduit into these communities, Terri says.

 Since the inception of the organization Water4 has worked in 30 countries and currently have 14 active projects. One of these is a 1,000- well project in Angola, which is the largest well project on the planet right now, Dick says.

“It is so amazing when water first comes out of that spout,” Terri says.

The reaction from the people?

“There is nothing like it you have ever experienced,” she says.

Water4 is able to give people a water well for $1,000 that would have cost $10,000 with a mechanized rig. This also decreases the amount of time women and children, who are often charged with water collection, spend collecting water by more than 15 hours a week.  

Employing the teach-a-man-to-fish philosophy has a tremendous ripple effect. The system in place also provides an economic outlet for the men and women indigenous to these areas who are trained to install the wells.

“There are no jobs so the men have no self-esteem. It’s just like it is anywhere where there are no jobs,” Terri says.

One group of men trained in Uganda named themselves the Young Men’s Drilling Club. A picture of them crouched over a well they have completed showing the finger-etched name of their group in the wet concrete reveals all smiles.

“To see those guys have a job and see those guys happy and excited. It’s more than employment issues,” Terri says. “It is within our power to solve problems in these regions. We have the unique set of drilling tools and this unique hand pump that we’ve come up with. It is well within our ability to do it. And it really motivates.”

Empowering Others

Native Oklahoman Scott Killough says that his volunteer experience began as an adventure, but soon turned into something more.

“When I began what became my ‘career’ in international development work, I didn’t even know it was, or could become, a ‘career’!” Killough says.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in agricultural economics and political science, Killough began his work in developing countries by joining the Peace Corps and serving in Guatemala. Through his service, Killough says that he realized he truly enjoyed the work.

“It was satisfying to me to engage with rural people who on the face of things were considered to be ‘poor,’ but whom I saw over time as being very ‘rich’ – in dignity, in strength, in culture, in values,” he says. “And, I think, that realization is what continues to motivate me to work abroad to help people help themselves.”

And that is exactly what Killough is involved in doing today. After considerable experience overseas, Killough is vice president of learning and innovation at World Neighbors.

A nonprofit headquartered in Oklahoma City, World Neighbors is a development organization that emphasizes just that – development – and not tangible relief.

“Our programs aim to build and strengthen local skills and capacities so that, over time, local people gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes to sustain development efforts within their community and beyond,” Killough says. “What struck me most about World Neighbors was the central role that community leaders play in the design, implementation and assessment of rural development projects and activities that meet needs that community people themselves identify as being important to them.”  

Through his volunteer and work experiences abroad, Killough says he learned that an opportunity is a powerful incentive for people to make dramatic change in their life.

“Seeing what happens when a person from an isolated area steps up and begins to play a leadership role within one of our programs, and begins to make things happen with their community… it’s very satisfying to see that happen, and to see what results from that process."

Next Generation

As a result of his Peace Corps service, Kye LeBoeuf believes that there is no greater gift than education. And now as a study abroad adviser at the University of Oklahoma, LeBoeuf can spread this lesson. He can also be involved in preparing the next generation of potential Oklahoma volunteers.

It began in 2000 with LeBoeuf’s three-year service in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa.

“The first two years were spent in the rural village of Dogomet located in the forested foothills of Guinea’s Fouta Djallon mountain region,” LeBoeuf says. “There was no running water and no electricity.”

But LeBoeuf describes the region in very positive terms.

“West Africa is a beautiful, friendly and fun place with ancient wisdom, smiling faces and peoples who are open to help from other nations,” he says.

LeBoeuf says that he applied for the Peace Corps in order to fulfill his dream of doing humanitarian work in a Francophone country.  He promoted sustainable projects such as composting, live-fencing, mud-stove construction and tree farms.

During his third year, LeBoeuf was a Peace Corps Volunteer Leader in the city of Kankan in the savannah region of Guinea.

“I managed a regional supply and sleep-over house and facilitated communication between volunteers in the field, village and town officials and Peace Corps administrators,” LeBoeuf says.

Throughout his service, LeBoeuf was able to assess the community’s needs and take action. In Dogomet, LeBoeuf focused on reproductive health for at-risk youth, and continued this project during his third year by working with a local doctor to educate youth and midwives.

LeBoeuf believes that his work in reproductive health was his greatest achievement during his time in the Peace Corps, but also emphasizes how much he was affected.

“It can be an amazing, humanizing experience that will allow for years of positive outcomes for the local people served, as well as much personal and professional growth for the volunteer,” LeBoeuf says.

Today, LeBoeuf assists students interested in the regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and says that his Peace Corps experience allows him to better prepare students for both in- and out-of-the-classroom experiences.

It is those out of the classroom experiences that have helped shape LeBoeuf – a sentiment reflected in the perspectives of others who have spent time overseas, who have given of themselves, and who have helped alleviate the struggles of needy strangers far from Oklahoma.

Simply Healthy

New Year health resolutions often amount to a hill of beans as we abandon best-intentioned efforts shortly after the year begins. Make your efforts count by adding that hill of beans to your diet.

Beans are known for their cholesterol lowering properties because they contain soluble fiber that forms a jelly-like substance in the intestine. The soluble fiber binds bile (which contains cholesterol) and carries it out of the body. Beans are also low on the glycemic index and are a good source of protein, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals.

Beans are also economical at nine to 22 cents per serving and can be added to a wide variety of dishes either as a side dish or an entree. You can also eat black-eyed peas for a low-cost variation, which also offers the same high fiber and low fat benefits. – Suzanne Forsberg, RD/LD, CDE, St. John Healthy Lifestyles

Barbara's Special

1 can no-salt kidney beans, drained
3 hard cooked eggs, sliced
1/2 c. sliced celery
Red onion (optional)
1/4 c. non-fat Greek yogurt, plain
1-2 tsp. dill weed
Pepper to taste

Mix together, chill and serve.

Hot Black-“tied” Pea Dip

1 can no salt black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 c. non-fat Greek yogurt, plain
1 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (optional)

Puree together and bake in a crock for 20 minutes at 375 degrees, then serve with chips or raw veggies.

The Pour: Winter Warmers

Just as warm months beg for a mojito or frozen cocktail, so too does the cooler season prompt desire for its own weather-driven libation. While warm cocktails aren’t as commonplace or as popular as their chilled brethren, they can make for an interesting holiday dinner party aperitif or a warm conclusion to a long day of shopping.

The hot toddy is the quintessential warm cocktail, though often reserved as a treatment for the cold or chills. Kick the classic up a notch and make a Galliano Toddy. Into a warm cup, add two ounces boiling water, one ounce Scotch, 3/4 ounce Galliano liqueur and a quarter-ounce grenadine syrup. Top with a lemon slice and grated nutmeg.

Hot buttered rum is another winter classic, and none other than Emeril Lagasse provides a delicious recipe for a festive cocktail night. Cream together one stick unsalted butter, two cups light brown sugar, one teaspoon cinnamon, half a teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch each of salt and cloves. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about two tablespoons of the butter mixture into 12 small mugs, add around three ounces of dark rum, and then top with hot water to the top, stir well and serve.

For a more dessert-oriented warm beverage consider a variation on a Canadian Cocoa. Heat five ounces of milk in a saucepan. When simmering, add 3/4 ounce Canadian whiskey, 3/4 ounce dark rum, 1/2 ounce crème de cacao and 2/3 ounce maple syrup. Allow the syrup to dissolve and then poor into a heat proof cup.
 

Capitol Tweeter

Peter Rudy had a colorful career leading up to his current gig as editor of the popular website, Oklahoma Watchdog. Rudy, a native New Yorker, got his start in journalism at an Arizona radio station. In 2006, he landed at Oklahoma City’s KTOK radio as state Capitol reporter. That made him a good fit to become communications director for the nonprofit Oklahomans for Responsible Government. When OFRG folded in December 2010, Rudy became editor of Oklahoma Watchdog. Rudy and his wife Debbie live in Norman.

Oklahoma Magazine: Your organization’s name says a lot. Would you describe Oklahoma Watchdog as primarily a news service or a provider of analysis and commentary?
Peter Rudy: I think of it as an investigative reporting website that focuses on the waste, fraud and corruption in the state. I’ve also kind of moved it. I go to legislative hearings. I tweet live. A lot of people are at work and can’t be at the Capitol at all these meetings, so I provide live coverage for them.

OM: Watchdog has a website and blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Which medium do you consider most important to what you are trying to accomplish?
PR: That’s a good question. You have to treat it as totally different audiences. Generally, people following me on Twitter want to know what is going on right now at the state Capitol. Facebook is a totally different segment. If I had to pick one, I suppose it would be the website, because that is the repository of all of the information. But it is kind of a three-legged stool. Not having any one of those would really make it hard for things to hold up.

OM: How important has social media become to news reporting?
PR: Social media is the place to go. You’re seeing not just Oklahoma Watchdog but also many news organizations going that way. It’s the most immediate way to get information. Like in January, at the first State Board of Education meeting, which was quite contentious between (newly elected state Superintendent Janet) Barresi and school board members. I was there and was the first journalist to let people know that there was something contentious going on.

OM: What is a recent example of something you have uncovered in your news reporting that you consider important?
PR: The one that has gotten the most attention, back in June, was when I attended a meeting of the Human Services Commission, which oversees DHS, and they went into a closed session. When they came out of closed session, they didn’t vote to come out of closed session, and they didn’t vote to adjourn, they just left. I was the only person to witness that, so it was an exclusive story.

OM: What was the significance of that?
PR: If any votes were taken, say on a legal situation, they do need to publicly state that when they come out of closed session. If there were decisions ever made in closed session, it would seem to me, based on that one meeting, that they never made those publicly known.

OM: With an associate’s degree in forestry you ended up with a career in journalism. How did you get your first break into journalism back in the 1990s?
PR: I was living in Flagstaff, Ariz., and working at a hotel and just basically made friends with some folks who were working at a radio station. They had a need for a weekend overnight disc jockey. I started board operating at the news/talk station, and gradually moved up through the process to become program director and have my own talk show. From there it was just moving up to greater markets. It has been a long, strange trip, that’s for sure.

Delving Into Disease

Judith A. James, MD, PhD, is a clinical investigator at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. She is member and program chair of the Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program. James is also a Lou C. Kerr Endowed Chair in Biomedical Research and a professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. It’s a career track that this Pond Creek, Okla., native has wanted since she was a young child.

I’m a fifth-generation Oklahoman from a small, rural town. I told my parents I wanted to be a physician when I was 4 years old. I was always really interested in why certain people got sick and would frequently talk to my pediatrician about this. In fact, in my chart he once wrote, “Look up this precocious child in 20 years.” While I was in high school, a physician came to Pond Creek that let me shadow and would take me on house calls. I was always asking him questions, like “Why do these people have diabetes? Why do certain people have certain diseases?” He told me, “You will never be happy as just a physician. You have to do research.”

While an undergraduate (at Oklahoma Baptist University) I was named a Fleming Scholar at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. This really got me excited about science and about melding science with medicine to provide better treatments and understanding for patients.

When I came to OMRF, I wanted to work in asthma research. Multiple people in multiple generations in my family suffer from – and have even died from – asthma. Asthma is a component of autoimmune disease. While working with a clinical investigator, he took me to see two lupus patients, both my age. This brought home to me how devastating autoimmune diseases can be.

Autoimmune diseases afflict 1 in 7 Americans at any one time. We all have this immune system that protects against cold, flu and other illnesses, but sometimes this normal defense mechanism attacks itself. This attack results in diabetes, arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Lupus is the prototype of an autoimmune disease because it affects every organ in the body. I am a clinical investigator and see patients on a weekly basis that agree to participate in helping us try to understand this disease. We enroll lupus patients, family members and healthy individuals for controls, and study everything from how these diseases affect families to how environmental factors affect patients. We also work on trying to understand if we can develop blood markers to diagnose autoimmune diseases earlier.

My hope is to cure lupus. Even though we have an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of lupus, other patients need other types of therapy. We’ll keep working, but unfortunately right now we have treatments, not cures. Cures are further off right now than I would wish.

All About You

Think about the last wedding invitation you received in the mail. Was it white, printed on traditional card stock in formal black lettering, “formally requesting your presence” at the couple’s happy day?

Chances are that wasn’t the case. Today’s couples are opting for personalization when it comes to the wedding invitation suite. Bold colors, unique fonts and original save-the-date cards are all becoming commonplace.

Some couples are bucking the trend of sending invitations through the mail, and instead delivering their custom-made creations in person with a small token, such as a CD with the couple’s favorite music or a packet of flower seeds. Save-the-date cards arrive printed on magnets, an easy way to have the date “stick” in your mind.
Whether it’s a surprising personal touch with invitations, save-the-date reminders or RSVP cards, the next time you open a wedding invitation, it will likely be the most unique one you have ever seen.

Save-the-date Requests: Be sure that any wedding information sent on a save-the-date notification is certain. Sending a save-the-date followed by a wedding invitation with conflicting information can cause confusion for guests.

Wedding Invitations: Formal invitations should be received by guests no later than six weeks before the wedding and reception.

RSVP Card: Be clear about who is invited to the wedding. Does your guest need to RSVP with a plus one? Or are plus ones not allowed? RSVP cards, along with the address on the formal invitation, should spell out who is invited.

Destination: Excitement

Certain destinations call out to American newlyweds. Las Vegas, Hawaii and Paris are certainly favorites. Whether the next state over or just over the Atlantic, though, itineraries tend to be similar: beautiful sights, fine dining, relaxation and romance. For many new brides and grooms, it’s a perfect formula.

However, some others see the honeymoon as the start of a joint adventure. Just as many vacationers are opting to nix the resort in favor of scuba diving, so too are some choosing exotic destinations rich with excitement as opposed to honeymoon meccas.

Today’s smaller, more accessible world has many such potential honeymoon sites that beckon with exotic romance and exciting ways to enjoy a distinctly memorable experience.

Morocco

Sultry Morocco has invited romance-oriented travelers since Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains began their beautiful friendship in 1943’s Casablanca. It’s little wonder, given its combination of traits: A mixture of stark desert meets mountains meets oceanside terrain, colonial French culture merged with a number of Arabic and North African influences and what’s regarded as one of the finest cuisines in the world. The fact that it is a fairly liberal Islamic nation with warm and friendly people also means that adventure here can be of one’s choosing.

And adventure is there to be had in Morocco, well above and beyond the romantic charm of Casablanca and Marrakech. Climb Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, passing lovely adobe villages and exploring the gorgeous Ourika and Amizmiz valleys on the way. Hike the beautiful Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas and the wooded Rif Mountains in the very north. But for the ubiquitous experience, hop on camelback for a trip through the golden Sahara sand dunes at Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga. Spend the night in a desert tent, under the incredibly starred sky.

Costa Rica

Twenty years ago, Costa Rica was known to relatively few Americans, but those aware of its appeal had plenty of reasons to love it. The small Central American country is the most stable, safe and visitor-friendly nation in Latin America. From its pristine, world-famous rain forests to its world-class beaches and famed sport fishing, it is the natural environment of Costa Rica that attracts visitors and expatriates. Liberal and modern, it’s been dubbed the “Switzerland of Latin America” for all of the right reasons. English speakers find little difficulty getting along in most parts of the country, and fortunately in those places where only Spanish is spoken, visitors often find the most gracious new friends.

The nation’s diverse environment permits numerous options. Fly through the rain forest on a zip line at Arenal Volcano National Park or Monteverde, take an exciting raft trip raft on the Naranjo River or kayak the El General. There’s no limit to the possibilities in one of the most geographically and biologically diverse parts of the world.

Lugano, Switzerland

One might envision that adventuring in Switzerland would necessitate arctic weather gear and mountain climbing experience. But Lugano, in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of southern Switzerland, is in a temperate micro-climate complete with palm trees, picturesque boulevards, stunning views of the lake and the Alps and a gateway to adventure with a European twist. Not far away is famed Lake Como, so the region is one well known to European travelers who flock to the area in summer. The thrill-seeking couple will find the best of both worlds: easy access to classic European hospitality and amenities and excitement.

Take to the lake, rent your own speedboat to zip across the water, or rent mountain bikes and seek out the best summit views of Lugano. But the rustic trails leading from the towns surrounding Mount Bre to its apex and the Funicolare Monte Brè are the backdrop for hiking experiences sure to make for a memorable and distinct European experience.

New Zealand

New Zealand has been called “God’s own country” and the “Paradise of the Pacific” since the early 1800s. Travellers generally agree New Zealand deserves this description. Lush, diverse and absurdly beautiful in many places, there are ample reasons that the two islands making up the nation are so legitimately unique. New Zealand was the last significant land mass to be inhabited by humans, and its distance from other land masses led to the evolution of flora and fauna that can be found nowhere else in the world.

A pristine environment is the setting for virtually every imaginable experience. Consider letting the famed Flying Kiwi Adventures, New Zealand’s original adventure bus tour company offering “beyond the tourist trail” experiences, plan an itinerary. Bungee jumping is ubiquitous in the nation in which the modern version was created. Glide in Omarama – one of the best sites for the sport on earth – heli-hike Fox Glacier or dive with dolphins at Kaikoura. Hiking the national parks offers a glimpse into the unique nature and history of New Zealand, and an experience as different from a traditional honeymoon as one could want.

Alaska

The United States’ last frontier, Alaska is the size of California, Texas and Montana combined. It is also home to the highest point in North America and all of the top 10 highest mountains in the U.S. Alaska has long had the reputation as a rugged land of independent souls who brave arctic winters, sunless winter days and dangerous fauna. While this remains largely true today, there are still opportunities for visitors’ grand adventures.

It is quite possible to experience the ancient rain forest of Southeast Alaska, camp in Denali National Park and kayak among icebergs in Prince William Sound on the same trip. Tours out of larger coastal cities and at different times of the year allow such once-in-a-lifetime experiences as up-close whale watching and walking on glaciers. Travel the famed Inside Passage by ferry from town to town, enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching and biking.

From North Africa to the South Pacific and beyond, today it is easier than ever to personalize an exciting honeymoon and a memorable kickoff to the great adventure of marriage.
 

Real Wedding

Every possible care went into planning her wedding, and Laina Riffe couldn’t have been happier.

On Aug. 20, the Broken Arrow native said, “I do,” to her fiancé, Thomas Kennedy, at First Baptist Church in downtown Tulsa. They met in 2004 as coworkers at a Tulsa car rental company. Later, Kennedy moved to Washington, D.C., but the distance between the two friends grew shorter when they reconnected through email a few years later. Friendship turned to romance after Kennedy invited Riffe to a charity event.

Guests arrived at Southern Hills Country Club for a reception as glamorous as it was grand.

“I’m just a girly-girl at heart,” Riffe says of the elegant pink hues prevalent throughout the club’s banquet hall. Light splashed across the ceiling and onto the dance floor, an idea put into action by Riffe’s wedding planner, Talmadge Powell.

Every consideration had been made before this day – from the choice table centerpieces made of rosy, lush carnations to the foods served to the 275 guests.

Who knew that Oklahoma-style comfort foods such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese would make such an appealing complement to the chic décor, decidedly upscale and bold? It was just the modern twist Riffe asked for on this occasion, and her organizers willingly obliged.

From the long, glass-top table created just for the event and placed in the center of the banquet room to the bundled orchid stems heavy with bright blossoms set atop, Riffe’s and Kennedy’s reception was given custom-made detail in every way.

Guests from out of town, not used to the 100-plus degree late summers in Oklahoma, celebrated in comfort, tended to by the Southern Hills staff.

“Their service blew me away,” Riffe says. “They took care of everything, and nothing was impossible.”

Her favorite moments: The father-daughter dance; the pink confetti raining over the bride, groom and their guests on the dance floor; and a special surprise for the groom. Guests held sparklers in their hands as the couple exited the reception en route to the Maldives for the honeymoon.

“I think he was surprised,” she says.

Ask An Expert: Toni Garner

What are some of the flower trends you’re seeing for weddings?
It’s really anything goes. Brides these days are very knowledgeable and know what they like. We’ve designed flower arrangements inspired by a peacock feather. Most times brides will have a palette and that often determines which direction we go.

Does season make a difference in selecting flowers?
There are so many options available, so while it may cost a little more, what is out of season here can often be brought in from somewhere else. I would say that spring is when you’ll have the widest selection, but again, rarely is anything impossible to get. 

What are some of the most popular flowers?
Roses are great because they come in a wide array of colors. Hydrangeas and peonies are always a favorite. Recently, we did a wedding with mostly succulents.

With the trend of weddings being personalized by the couple, are there more green or local options available?
Today’s brides are definitely conscientious buyers. When we work with brides that want local options, we have a great grower at Bear Creek Farms where we can get a selection of organic, locally grown flowers like sun flowers and hot house options like freesia and anemones.

What should couples keep in mind when selecting the flowers for their big day?
The main thing is to keep in mind what is most important to them. For instance, things like scent and how the flowers will appear in photos can make a difference on the big day.

How far in advance should couples plan for their flowers?
It all depends on the couple. The chief benefit is in the luxury of having time to weigh your options and find a designer you really click with to create your vision.

Ask An Expert: Ann Garrett

What trends have you seen in engagement and wedding rings within the last decade?
The most obvious trend I have seen in commercial jewelry is the use of many small diamonds in ring designs to make a smaller center diamond look more important. Having been a jeweler for 30 years, I think of “future trouble” when I see this type of setting because of the way the diamonds have to be set with many small prongs. As those prongs wear or in the case of the diamonds being set around the ring and the ring changing shape, they begin to fall out from simply being worn.

What advice do you give to couples that are looking for custom rings?
There are creative ways to personalize a ring in the choice of the design or the stones used. Most designers, including myself, have a distinctive look in their designs. For my clients, I always say that if they like my designs, I can design something for you.

How would you say that a woman’s taste in rings changes as she ages?
We all evolve and become so much more of an individual between 20 and 40. Younger women have been surrounded by input on “all things wedding” for years. Younger women have been looking at engagement rings since they were old enough to open a magazine. Their self-confidence in being an individual has not formed yet and their choices are usually traditional. I design more rings for older women and men who think much more uniquely at 40 than they did when they were younger.

Marriage is a huge decision, as is picking out the perfect ring. What role should each half of the couple play?
Every couple brings their own set of history, realities and dreams. Purchasing an engagement or wedding ring is sometimes their first opportunity to deal as a couple with a major financial purchase, compromising and discussing reality and working toward an end that pleases both people.