I am thrilled to introduce you all to our new Utah Bride & Groom magazine intern, Jenny Spencer. Since you’ll be seeing her name on our new site (to be launched any day now) all summer, I want you to familiarize yourselves with this lovely lady. She’s young, bubbly and well, smart as a whip. In just her first week, Jenny has been jumped right into the land of Pinterest, bridal fashion and wedding magazines. Jenny will also be assisting our sister publications—Utah Style & Design and Salt Lake magazine—so head on over to their sites to see her work there. And without further ado, here she is:

Wedding-aholics Anonymous

Hi. My name is Jenny. And I’m a wedding-aholic. And while we’re on the topic of confessing our sins, I’m also a Gilmore Girls junkie, an opera addict (been singing opera since I was 16), and of course, a chocoholic of the truest kind. But I’ve been addicted to everything bridal since I was about five years old, when I saw Cinderella ride away in a big, fluffy, white dress in a carriage with Prince Charming. After that, I was hooked.

Let’s face it. If you’re raised in the LDS faith in Orem, Utah (e.g. me), there’s not much you can do to avoid the wedding craze. It’s everywhere. There’s no such thing as a “wedding season” for Utah, because here it’s all year round. In between semesters, in between jobs—heck, I have friends who got married Saturday and were back in class on Monday.

But let me say right now that I am not one of those obsessed girls who has everything picked out, from the engagement ring to the flower arrangements. That’s not me. Of course, every girl wishes for a Prince Charming of her own, but I knew that getting an education was just as important as getting married. I loved reading while I was growing up, so it’s no wonder that I decided to study American and British literature at BYU. Only I was caught off guard by how much I loved the grammar and the syntax of the words, which brought me to the editing minor that BYU offers. Needless to say, Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage and the Chicago Manual of Style became my new best friends. And soon enough, I was evaluating all sorts of magazines, which soon were strewn all over my bedroom floor.

So here I am: a writer, an editor, an intern—twenty-four, and an old maid by Utah standards. This summer, I’m going to more weddings than I can count, and I’m bound to make a few faux-pas. But who knows? Maybe Prince Charming will be at one of those weddings . . . the DJ, the waiter, the friend, the brother . . . just hopefully not the groom.

A glorious sun welcomed wedding vendors to Tuesday’s Women in Weddings luncheon at Thanksgiving Point to network, discuss small business marketing, and of course, eat.

Many thanks to the day’s event organizers, Women in Weddings, and sponsors: Thanksgiving Point, Events by LMG, Ann Elizabeth, Ruby Snap, Life of the Party Entertainment, Jacquelynn Photography, RSVP Party Rentals and ESPRIT Salt Lake.

Look at this view from Thanksgiving Point.

These events are a pleasant break for weddings vendors during this busy booking season. It’s a break from the camera, the floral studio, the kitchen, or the e-mail/e-jail many of us find ourselves in these days. What goes on at these events? Well, we check-in with each other to nurture our businesses, to better ourselves, and to help our fellow colleagues. Forget about being competitors; we all are passionate about the same industry.

Wanna know what our table talked about? The ladies at my table—the “Gardenia Table”—traded “elevator pitches” and chitchatted about Utah weddings. Here are a few new things I learned about these women, some of whom I’ve known for years and others whom I just met:

Pepper Nix of Pepper Nix Photography described her specialty as her wedding albums, “I want my brides to run into a burning house to rescue their album.”

Ann Elizabeth of Ann Elizabeth Invitations pointed out the “lovely place cards” as her creation and that she’s one of only 2 local stationers that has their own printing press. Ann grew up in the printing business oftentimes working alongside her father.

Ashley Lloyd of Attention 2 Detail wants to bring glamour and modernity to Utah weddings. She’s originally from Toronto, so she brings a little big-city edge to the local wedding scene.

Mary Crafts of Culinary Crafts mentioned she’s seeing two trends in Utah right now. Utah brides are wanting a little more “glam” while Utah destination brides are clutching the Utah essence with the whiskey barrels, lanterns, comfort food and mason jars.

Laura of the The Beehive Ball just launched her company in January of this year. Check ‘em out and eat ‘em up (I know because I got a little taste a few weeks back at an Alta Moda Trunk Show).

Linda Winnie of Thanksgiving Point just had to point out the decor (leftover from her daughter’s wedding the prior weekend) to prove what her floral design expertise is (see photos below).

And, of course, I introduced them to Utah Bride & Groom magazine and my background as a wedding business owner for the last seven years. I also reminded them that we are a sister publication of Salt Lake magazine and Utah Style & Design magazine.

Wahoo! So, there you have a little behind-the-scenes of what the ladies (and gents) talk about when they’re not talking to brides.

And here are a few photos I took of the event. Enjoy!

Succulents, Vendela roses and lotus pods

This bike was covered in moss—yes, entirely in moss.

How about these little succulent terrariums?

Mara of Events by LMG (guest speaker) with Jacque of Jacquelynn Photography

Aubrey of Studio Stems and Melissa of Blossom Sweet head up Women in Weddings. Thanks for lovely lunch, ladies!

Many of you may be too young to remember this, but there used to be a time when pretty much all wedding receptions used plain white linens. If it was a wedding, then you used white. Period. Of course nowadays, it’s all about color, texture, layers, and personal expression, and really, the options are endless. To spark some creative fire we’ve identified these six trends appearing now in wedding reception design.

#1 – Color my world

As mentioned above, color in weddings is huge. Any color family that appeals to you will offer a huge range of shades that are beautiful and current. In fact, there really isn’t any color that’s considered “out” – so the sky’s the limit! Love “blue”? That could mean midnight navy, Tiffany blue, pale ice blue, bright aqua, ocean blue… You get the idea – the list goes on! A few new colors worth pointing out are persimmon – a spicy, vibrant shade of orange; saffron – a rich, deep yellow; and butter – a warm, soft, golden yellow.

#2 – Texture is hot

Texture in weddings – from bridal gowns to napkins – is huge. In linens, this can mean a crushed look, pintuck fabrics, damasks, or other tone-on-tone designs. It can also be expressed through layers, such as using sheer overlays on tables or table runners on buffet tables, and accessories such as beaded candlesticks.

#3 – Think metallic

As you may have noticed in the fashion world, metallic is sparkling hot these days! Mixed metals, matte metals and texturized metals are all very current looks that can be incorporated into your wedding reception design, through metallic fabrics, accessories or even the furniture.

#4 – Cool grey is hot, hot, hot

You’ll find that many of these trends are interrelated, such as grey, which can be expressed using metals such as silver, aluminum or nickel. Using a brushed aluminum planter for your centerpieces would actually incorporate three trends: texture, metallic and grey. A wide range of styles and shades of linens in grey tones is also a beautiful, trendy look, and can be accented with other colors such as black and/or white, any shade of red from blush pink to fire engine red, and so on. Experiment!

#5 – Lace is back

In wedding gowns and now in wedding design, lace has made a big comeback after being missing in action for many years. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate a sense of tradition, history and romance into your wedding day. Table linens, especially, have appeared in a variety of tone-on-tone laces, and more colorful options as well. Incorporating a metallic lace over a solid color fabric is another new look.

#6 – Geometric designs offer a modern look

Looking for a clean, modern, streamlined wedding day look? If “no frou-frou” is for you, then consider applying some 1960s-style geometric design elements. If you’re feeling casual and funky then use lots of color with strong geometric designs – like white, bubblegum pink and chocolate brown; or black, white and lime green. If you want a more elegant, formal feel use tone-on-tone designs or a geometrically designed fabric like a pintuck.

A final thought – the best advice, really, is “don’t be a slave to trends!” Follow your heart, trust your instincts, and create your own unique wedding style. Of course, don’t underestimate the help, input, and advice of wedding professionals who can make your dream a reality with minimum stress and maximum results. With their professional guidance and years of experience, your wedding day will be beautiful expression of your personal style.

Holly Fowler is Culinary Crafts‘ Wedding Planner and a guest contributor for Utah Bride & Groom magazine’s blog.

Several weeks ago, I posted on some beautiful wedding-day accessories for brides and bridesmaids from Isabelle Grace Jewelry.

I love the selection and the fact the jewelry can be personalized with the initials of both bride and groom. Click here to read the blog.

Today, my fiancée Elise shared her jewelry picks with me for the big day. I was surprised when she brought up the mall store, ICING. It’s not expensive or high-end, but proves that you don’t have to go pricey to go elegant.

Earrings and necklace from ICING, $18

ICING stores are located at the Newgate Mall, Layton Hills Mall, Fashion Place Mall, Provo Towne Centre and South Towne Center.

Over the past few years, a remnant of the ‘80s began to surface, trending right along with fashion. Design houses as disparate as Gucci, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs began to roll out reincarnations of big shoulders, juicy neon colors, shredded fishnets, oversize jackets and metal mesh. And right in step, florists brought back the cascade bridal bouquet.  Like, Oh My God, gag me, right?

Not necessarily. The trend is just beginning to find legs in Utah and I for one think it’s killer. While the cascades of the ‘80s were as oversized and fluffy as Madonna’s bangs, today’s designs are works of art. Designers are creating eye-popping sculptures, using blossoms, color and texture in layers that stand up to the modernity of today’s gowns.

I love the drama and intensity of a cascading bouquet; it seems almost…intentional and well thought-out. And maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s time to leave behind wedding style that is supposed to appear as if a Sunday barbecue turned into a wedding, the bride emerging from a sunlit field, exclaiming, “Look, I just picked this bouquet in that field over there! Let’s get married!”

On the other hand, the cool thing about today’s cascades is that they do lend themselves to both uptown chic and blousy romantic styles. Dangle vintage beads or crystals and you’ve got a Victorian dream. Keep it solid with white phaleonopsis orchids and it’s sophisticated chic to the max.

One last thought: Brides should still work with their florist to keep their bouquets a bit smaller than the ‘80s versions and make sure not to replicate the “diamond” or perfect teardrop shapes. Those looks have not come back, any more than Vanilla Ice. Beyond that, find a bouquet that will spin you right ‘round, baby.

Princess Di’s cascade was an ‘80s masterpiece of gardenias, stephanotis, lily of the valley, freesia, ivy and myrtle.

Pamela Martinson Olson is an owner, floral designer and event planner with TriFecTa Design, Inc. Former editor of Utah Homes & Garden magazine, she is a freelance writer and editor.

Twitter: Pamela M. Olson @trifectastyle

Web www.trifectafloral.com

Blog http://genuinetfadesign.blogspot.com/

I’m preaching to the choir when I say couples have so much wedding information at their disposal. Blogs, magazines, website, bridal shows. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? My goal for the Real Weddings we feature is not to just show you gorgeous photos (ok, we know those are fun to look at), but also give you our thoughts about why an idea actually works.

Your wedding day is 40% design and 60% logistics. I know, boring, huh? All the inspiration shoots in the world will not prepare you for your wedding day. Sorry. We still want your wedding to look good (duh), so here’s an excellent wedding that shows you both sides of the wedding planning coin that get a 100%, A++ for the day.

Many thanks to talented Rebekah Westover who captured this wedding.

Oh, how I love a good black and white wedding day photo.

Remember folks: Just because your bridesmaids are wearing purple does not mean that you should choose all purple flowers. Check out the contrast of the white blooms with the purple dress.

OK, so these images are not about the wedding, but they capture the setting…the story. The Temple doorknob is awesome and the growth of the ivy of the tree tell you about where this couple got married and what type of day it was.

Gosh, it’s tough to be natural in front of the camera. Building a relationship with your photographer before your wedding day (usually with bridals or groomals) helps ease wedding camera jitters.

I can’t help myself. I LOVE windy veil shots.

The Temple shot. Awe.

You know, this shot is less about the kiss and more about the setting. I know, I know, enough with “the setting,” but this shot wouldn’t be worth it unless you got the blur of the street, the hint of the “Main Street” sign and a glimpse of the car.

Do I even have to talk about this beauty? LaCaille = jaw-dropping.

I’m particularly drawn to a pre-set table, especially one with a menu card. Make this spot inviting for your guest since they’ll be spending most of their time here.

Little details like the paper make a big impact.

More details. The cake: simple and gorgeous. The chair: fit for a queen.

Often overlook—but hugely important—is the first statement your guests see of your wedding. Avoid your guests seeing vendors making last minute arrangements or asking themselves, “Where do I go?” Immediately, these guest know where to go and anticipate the elegant affair.

Can you tell the difference between the brides bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets? The bride gets calla lilies—not a cheap flower—in her bouquet. In all my years as a floral designer, this was the best way to save money. Splurge on the bridal bouquet and save on the bridesmaids. Sorry BMs;).

Again, just speechless. Congrats, Lauren and Chris!

VENDOR LIST:

Dress and Veil: Penelope, Salt Lake City

Cake: Carrie’s Cakes

Flowers: Hillside Floral

Bouquet ribbon: Dear Lizzy Boutique, Alpine

Something borrowed: A crystal and pearl brooch pinned to the bridal bouquet was borrowed from a friend.

Custom Invitations: Save the Date Co.

Linens: Wildflower Linens, Heber City, UT

Chairs: Alpine Event Rental

Crystal Chandeliers: Alpine Event Rental

Paper Elements (escort cards, table placement cards, quotes, menus, table numbers, monogram, entrance sign, “bride & groom” sign on chairs, etc.): Save the Date Co.

Location: La Caille Restaurant

Band: Joe Muscolino Band

Photographer: Rebekah Westover Photography

Videographer: Liquid Vision Films

Vintage Car: Something Vintage Something Blue

Favor boxes:  The birds were made with different purple shades of cardstock (found at Michaels) and cut with a Cricut (from a family member). The little G monogram was made by Save the Date Co.

Favors: Red velvet and coconut cake bites from The Sweet Tooth Fairy

Votives & Chargers: Borrowed from sister’s mother-in-law

Frames: Michaels/Bed Bath & Beyond

Tuxes: DC Tuxedo, Provo

Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom

Bridesmaids Jewelry: Bazinedezine on Etsy

Bridesmaids Shoes/Bride’s Shoes: DSW

Little Boy Tuxes: Janie & Jack

Little Boy Bowties: DivineDomestication on Etsy

Hair UpDos: RoxyCarMichael Salon, SLC

Monogrammed Napkins: Giftsin24.com

Striped Straws: Amazon

This summer, there’s no way I’m missing The Expendables 2, which adds Liam Hemsworth and Jean-Claude Van Damme to the mercenary action movie cast that included movie icons Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original, along with many other action stars.

And word is Steven Seagal has been offered a role in Expendables 3.

What the first movie lacks in character development and story line, it makes up for with explosions and muscles. In other words, guys owe their brides a film with less bullets and testosterone when they make them sit through this.

Here are three chick flicks that we’re pretty sure men will enjoy as well.

Titanic

It’s a beautiful love story about two people who fall in love on the doomed ship, Titanic. And it recently came back to theaters for its 3D treatment.

If you’re a guy, the scene where a man falls from the deck of the sinking ship and smacks into a propeller before hitting the water immediately comes to mind… And don’t act like you were not on the edge of your seat as a jealous Cal shot at and chased after Jack and Rose. Another scene where the ship’s band plays one last song as it sinks, leading to a short montage of characters quietly accepting their fate is touching to say the least.

“Gentlemen, it’s been a privilege playing with you tonight.” Indeed.

Here are showtimes.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Shy girl who’s coming out of her shell, Toula falls for a hunky school teacher, Ian. So far, typical. But when they’re engaged, it’s time to introduce Ian to Toula’s eccentric Greek family.

It’s an easy movie for either sex to enjoy because of those quirky characters and a great script and performance by leading lady Nia Vardalos. It’s entertaining and keeps you watching.

And next time Desert Star Theatre decides to do their parody, My Big Fat Utah Wedding, we recommend that, too.

Ghost

Likely, you have the DVD (or VHS) somewhere in your cluttered entertainment center cabinet and have not watched it for at least six years. But next time you’re looking for a romantic movie to watch, pull it out. It’s good the second, third, and fourth time around.

Molly is beside herself when the love of her life, Sam, is shot by a mugger, but Sam (as a ghost) finds a medium that can put him and Molly back in touch.

It also blends in action, horror and suspense as Sam tries to stop Molly from falling victim to a maniac and bad ghosts are automatically dragged to hell by demons (yes, really).

What not to see

The ones I can’t recommend for men due to bad jokes, being overtly feminine, just plain bad or a combination of those factors: Guess Who, Hope Floats, Monster In Law, Hannah Montana: The Movie.

I realize this blog only scratches the surface, so leave your recommendations for chick flicks guys would also enjoy in the comments below.

There’s so many great articles in Utah Bride & Groom‘s archived issues, so we decided to make it available to you on our website. From this point forward, check back often for a new post “from the archives” of the magazine.

We’ll pull articles from past issues to post on the site. It could be sound advice from five years ago that’s still valid today or a humorous contrast to the current industry’s styles and trends… we’ll let you know either way.

To kick the series off, here’s an article from our 2007 issue about which white flowers will go best with your personality. Brides, take notes. But before we get to it, here are some links to florists to order your favorites on the list: Every Blooming Thing, SLC; Huddart Floral, SLC; Trifecta, SLC; Galleria Floral & Design, Park City; Bond’s Floral, West Jordan.

What’s in a name?
The perfect flowers for your personality
by Heather Hooke

Close up of freesia.

Freesia

Savvy and sweet: Freesia signifies strength and is available year-round—making it great for winter weddings. Freesias land between mid-to-high prices in the floral market. They are sturdy, can withstand most weather conditions, and will last a long time—giving stability to even the most chaotic weddings.

French Tulip

Simply elegant: The French Tulip, the floral equivalent of Audrey Hepburn, is elegant, seasonless and affordable. However, the tulip does not last long, so it is best used just for the ceremony. So, if you are planning on carrying your flowers around for a while or if you have a double-booked day, experts suggest that you choose a sturdier flower, like orchids, instead.

Stephanotis

Short but sweet: This versatile flower proves that big things do come in small packages. Despite its size, the Stephanotis is actually the most expensive flower of our featured bunch. Year-round and delicate, it can be displayed potted on the stem or placed individually as a small detail amongst a big bunch.

Dendrobium Orchid

Durable yet delicate: The Dendrobium Orchid is a high-quality, chic flower. This particular orchid is a year-round flower and in high demand as well as price. It’s a sturdy flower that will not wilt or wither as you celebrate your big day.

Ranunculus

Pleasantly pretty: The Ranunculus can be found year-round and is moderately priced. This classic flower can adapt to any wedding theme but is prone to wilting, so make sure to purchase before they begin their blossoming cycle. This picture-perfect flower has layers of petals, making it a delicate addition to the bunch.

Cymbidium Orchid

Exquisite with an edge: With a splash of color, the Cymbidium Orchid adds a tropical feel. This orchid, though pricey, is sturdy and perfect for a bride who is looking for something unexpected.

Mini Calla Lilly

Chic and cultured: The Mini Calla Lilly is a moderately priced, sturdy flower that makes for a great bouquet or centerpiece. So, whether you choose to bunch them together for a more sophisticated look or have just a few amongst many different flowers, this bloom is sure to get noticed.

Star of Bethlehem

Simply unique: The Star of Bethlehem is a seasonal flower and is best for early fall or early spring weddings. When purchasing this flower, it is best to shop around and compare prices, as the cost can vary dramatically between mid-range to high.

Peony

Vintage chic: Here pinkish-brown hues mix with paper-like petals, creating a vintage yet romantic look. The peony is a seasonal flower, available in the spring and again in the fall. Because of its seasonal status and popularity, be prepared to pay the price and buy as bulbs—these flowers are only good for a short time.

Note: The flowers included in our collection do not dry very well. So, if you’re looking to keep your lowers as long as you plan to keep your spouse, our experts suggest either freeze-dry the flowers or stick to traditional roses for your wedding needs.

Spend a little time in Sugarhouse this weekend with enrichment workshops, design classes and shopping discounts.