×
Subscribe

Subscribe Today

Save almost 50% off the newsstand price!

In addition to receiving 26 issues of The Independent Kansas City’s Journal of Society, your subscription will include our annual publication, the Charitable Events Calendar and a subscription to our e-newsletter, The Insider.

Questions about your current subscription? Contact Laura Gabriel at 816-471-2800.

Congratulations, Sara and Ben!

Sara Ellen Benson and Benjamin Arthur Wickey exchanged wedding vows on October 26th at Mattie’s at Green Pastures in Austin, Texas. Sara is the daughter of Jennifer and Charley Benson of Our Town, and she is the granddaughter of William Kircher of Fairway, Kansas, and the late Susan Kircher, and the late Marilyn and John Benson. Ben is the son of Tracy Whelpley of Kansas City, Missouri, and Therese and Timothy Wickey of Leawood, Kansas. He is the grandson of Judith Cassetti of Lakeway, Texas, and Gary Whelpley of Rochester, New York, and the late Patricia and Donald Wickey. 

The happy wedding party

The evening prior to the ceremony, the groom’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, toasting the happy couple. Following the nuptials, the bride’s parents hosted the gorgeous reception at Mattie’s at Green Pastures, entertaining family and friends. 

The newlyweds in the beautiful wedding setting

Sara’s sister Caitlin Johnson served as matron of honor, and Allison Benson was the honorary maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Frances Wentz, Rachael Gardner, Allie Banasik, Olivia Phillips, Taryn Lamb, and Lydia Wickey. Peter Moynihan served as the best man, and the groomsmen were Jordan Belloi, Tim Manuel, Jackson Pederson, Jimmy Hogarty, and Robert Hovious. 

Following a honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the newlyweds will be at home in Prairie Village, Kansas, where Sara is employed with Blackhawk Digital Marketing, and Ben is employed by FAS Wealth Partners. 

Featured in the April 5, 2025 issue of The Independent
Photo credit: Two Pair Wedding Photography

Features

KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY: Musical Club is one of the oldest performing arts groups in the Midwest

Social and cultural life got off to a slow start in Kansas City’s dusty early years. But in the late-19th and early-20th centuries several of the area’s most durable and…

Rachel’s Reads – April 5, 2025

Earth Day is a perfect time to reflect on our planet’s beauty and the pressing challenges it faces. Reading books that explore the wonders of nature, the impact of climate…

Children’s Mercy Hospital – Volunteer Appreciation Month

Children’s Mercy Hospital is thrilled to celebrate April as Volunteer Appreciation Month, as they have more than 1,000 volunteers – across their locations – to honor! The contributions of these…

The Notre Dame de Sion – “Minuit dans le Jardin”, the 39th Annual Gala

With the lovely theme of “Minuit dans le Jardin,” the 39th Annual Gala to benefit Notre Dame de Sion Schools was held on March 8th at The Abbott. Creative floral…