Artists often pull inspiration from unexpected places.
Growing up, jewelry designer Kent Christensen was fascinated by his father’s work in his dental laboratory and realized the ways in which all the “tools, techniques and methods he used to make teeth,” combined were a creative process in themselves. So he tried experimenting in the same medium to make something else creative and even more beautiful: jewelry. He learned by practicing with pieces for friends and family, and “found it rewarding to be able to create something others appreciated,” he says.
Apart from dental technology, a good deal of his life experiences have inspired his work in a comprehensive way – a lot of that being time spent outdoors and in nature, surfing and backpacking, and even more specific areas such as archaeology, ceramics and many other forms of art.
One of the trademarks of Kent’s work is the inherent beauty in each piece. By using earth’s natural elements — “gold, silver, endless stones and gems” — and carefully picking out pieces that are unique and artistic on their own, he is able to utilize that natural beauty to enhance his work. He says: “I try to choose particular stones that are naturally artistic, then try to compliment it with a frame of precious metal in free form. I, hopefully, will match the natural art of that stone … I love the creative and more contemporary designs, but I feel there is as much art and beauty in a simple and subtle band.”
This view seems to set him apart from many others in the industry, traditionally speaking. He mentions that ones of his goals is to “get away from traditional design a bit.” “I don’t like prongs… although I appreciate the fine workmanship coming from fine jewelry stores, I’m a little bored. I prefer pieces that pop in a different way and have value as well.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of his work, and what he says is the most important thing to him, “is the reaction, then satisfaction, of those who consider my work meaningful enough to wear or to give.” He designs ten to twelve pieces in a week’s time, and loves challenging work, work in which ” materials and design come together in a type of organized chaos.”
For more, visit Kent’s Instagram (@rough.hewn) or new site here.
He can also be contacted for orders at rough.hewn.official@gmail.com.
Want to take your wedding toast to the next level? Ditch the Champagne and raise a glass of hard cider instead. And we’re not talking juice boxes, as the American misnomer suggests.
Cider is an centuries-old alcoholic beverage made with fermented apples, first made in Europe. The drink (categorized as medium sweet, dry or off-dry) is popping up on wine menus and squeezing its way onto liquor store shelves nationwide.
Similar to the craft beer industry, artisanal cider makers are making a name for themselves with their own unique varieties. Business is booming; people are drinking. “There is no better time to be a cider maker,” says Jimmy Santangelo, Beverage Director of La Salle & Trio Restaurant Group and Wine Academy of Utah. Cidercraft magazine quotes data from global marketing researcher IRI reporting cider sales “rose 85 percent from 2012 to 2013 and 58 percent from 2013 to 2014.” They’re expecting more increases. Santangelo says, “[Our restaurants] are celebrating cider because no one else in Utah is doing it.”
What does this mean for weddings?
“Cider in the new Champagne,” says Salt Lake magazine editor and culinary insider Mary Malouf. Because the new bubbly is refreshing and has about the same alcohol levels as beer, it appeals to a broader audience, making it a hit for big events. Hard cider isn’t only for toasting. Serve up a “his” or “hers” custom cocktail of hard cider and garnish with mint, pear or citrus.
Every girl knows that finding the perfect wedding dress is almost as important as finding the right groom . . . almost. Which is why it’s important to remember every detail of your gown.
Getting a picture of the dress by itself is an excellent way to showcase the uniqueness of your choice and relive the excitement of wearing it. The Dress deserves a little spotlight, especially if it’s as beautiful as this Art-Deco inspired number.
Celebrating love never gets old. Whether you’re neck-deep in wedding planning or only just falling in love, it’s never too cheesy—or old-fashioned—to reminisce on special moments with your loved on. This wedding, one of our favorites, is a throwback to a love-filled day, courtesy of Aaron and Makenna’s sweet bond.
UBG: How did you two meet?
Makenna: Before I started fashion blogging I danced for the Utah Jazz for a couple years. It was the funnest job. I met so many incredible people. but I never would have thought I would have met my husband through it. Aaron was asked to be in a Jazz commercial filmed at arena where we were practicing that night before the game. While we were practicing, we saw the commercial being filmed and I noticed a very good looking guy looking at me. We kept catching one of us looking at the other for a few minutes before we finally walked past each other. I was hoping Aaron would say something to me when I walked by but when he didn’t I was like, well I guess I won’t be seeing him again. A few weeks later Aaron found me on Instagram and got my number where we chatted for a while until he finally asked me out. Our first date was perfectly planned out and so romantic. After that and hearing his accent, it was game over. The rest is history.
UBG: How did he propose?
Makenna: This is my favorite story we have together in the past two years that we’ve known each other. I had been working all day and wasn’t expecting to see Aaron that day but he showed up at my house and surprised me with dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. After we ate, Aaron started getting nervous and fidgety while were driving around and acted like he didn’t remember how to get back to my house. On the way to my house Aaron undid his seat belt and was acting like he was about to James Bond it out of the car and that’s when I started to get a bit nervous because he’s usually so calm and collected. When we pulled up there were candles and flower petals lining the stairs leading up to this handmade teepee/tent with bedding, pillows, sparking cider and a chandelier inside of it and a movie screen set up between two trees. I have 2 teenage sisters and thought one of them was getting asked to the homecoming dance at her high school, so I was oblivious. I kept telling Aaron we should go inside and wait of her to see it so we didn’t ruin anything, but it took him pushing me into the teepee and starting this video to realize something was going on. When Aaron started the video and sat next to me, he started to cry and shake (this never happens). The video was this amazing video Aaron had made of all of our favorite cheesy romantic video scenes. After the movie scenes finished, pictures and videos popped up on the screen with our song playing in the background and I lost it. At the end, the words “Will You Marry Me?” popped up on the screen and I was sobbing. Aaron bent down on one knee and said “Makenna, I have been waiting for you my whole life. Will you marry me?” After trying to see through my tears I said, “I can’t even see the ring. (cue ugly crying face and sobs) Of course I will marry you.” Then all my family and friends popped out of the windows and doors of my house cheering. One of my best friends who just so happened to be our photographer ran out from behind a tree and said “I got pics of the whole thing!” and hugged both me and Aaron. It was the best day. I wish I could go back and relive it.
UBG: What were the unique elements that made up your wedding?
Makenna: My main focus on our wedding was draped florals, and gold accents. Some elements that really made our wedding was the color scheme. The focus was mainly on the gold accents. For example, we had a large floral canopy draped in flowers and white chiffon that circled that dance floor but put focus on the middle of the large space at the capitol. Another big hit was the greenery and florals wrapped around the banisters and up and down the stairs. We stayed very consistent to our style and our vision. We really wanted to go for a classic Great Gatsby theme. We wanted it to be something that we would look back at in 10 years and it could still be in style. Something unique that people loved was the photo booth we had. Both Aaron and I didn’t want your typical guest book that we wouldn’t really look at so it was fun to have a Photo Booth that really captured everyone’s personality and what kind of experience they had at our reception. It’s something we still like to go back and look at.
If all that wedding planning has your head in a tailspin, we have some advice: breathe deep. And it helps if you plant yourself amidst the tropical mist permeating inside the greenhouse at Cactus & Tropicals.
With fresh air aplenty (year round, no less), any garden goddess with her eye on a dreamy, garden wedding can marry amongst grandiose arches, bubbling ponds and brick-laid pathways. Want to see for yourself? Experience the lush landscape this weekend during Cactus & Tropicals’ Wedding Showcase.
Utah-based Cotopaxi is causing quite a stir in the outdoor-gear market. With a mission to end poverty, proceeds form their “Gear for Good” backpacks, jackets and trucker hats provide assistance to struggling communities worldwide. “The Luzon packs are made from fabric that is leftover from the production of other bags that otherwise would have sat on a shelf or been thrown away,” says Cotopaxi’s Alison Boyd. “Our new Luzon Del Dia bags have unique colors. There are no two alike, giving each bag a unique personality.”
The backpacks range in price from $35 to $50, making them a memorable—and functional—gift for outdoorsy friends and family.
And, if you’re looking for a bachelor or bachelorette party idea that doesn’t include a hangover, Cotopaxi hosts its annual Utah Questival, a wild 24-hour outdoor adventure race, in April.
It’s no wonder Beehive State weddings serve up decadent dessert displays: Utahns love their sweets. Take it from photographer Jessica White and her pastry pal Amanda Anderson of Sprinkle & Dash who agree brides are no longer confined to a single cake. Ice cream stands, old-fashioned pie stations or any “bar” dishing out sweet and savory combos – macaroons, cookies, waffles, donuts, popcorn, you name it – snag the spotlight by giving guests a tiny taste of everything. Experts White and Anderson dish up the scoop on the state’s sweet scene.
Q: When you got married, what sweet treats did you offer?
Jessica: I was married in 2000. The crazy thing is, I don’t even remember what sweet and treats we had at our wedding because we stood in a reception line for most of the evening. How sad is that? I tell my brides to ditch the reception line and enjoy their party, mingle with their guests and indulge in their desserts.
Amanda: We had a three-tiered white fondant cake that had chocolate and vanilla flavoring. Fondant seemed to be the new trend at the time. It was a little tough to cut through for our cake cutting, but nonetheless, we loved it.
Q: Let’s talk tiers. What’s the largest cake you’ve ever seen? What about the smallest cake?
Jessica: The tallest cake I have seen had four tiers. I’ve noticed that the trend has been to do simple buttercream cakes with three tiers or fewer. More often than not, I am seeing a simple one-layer cake or multiple cakes side by side.
Amanda: The largest cake I’ve ever seen was four tiers high with a 16″ base. It was pretty grand, with giant sugar flowers and lots of fondant work. The smallest wedding cake I’ve ever seen was a 6″ base and 4″ top. It was pretty little, but very appropriate for the small, intimate event.
When choosing a cake, you should ask yourself: Am I having a grand event that needs a wow-factor statement piece, or am I holding a simple backyard wedding that is more relaxed in nature? This will help you determine what kind of cake you want and how many tiers to do. Remember, the more tiers, the more formal or dressy your cake seems.
Q: What dessert trends are you seeing now?
Jessica: One fun trend I am seeing is the cake-and-cupcake combo to make a fun and creative statement. The cake is still useful for the traditional cake cutting, but it is placed on a cake stand with cupcakes set on tiers beneath. For summer weddings, I am seeing couples hire ice cream vendors. I’m also seeing delicious desserts – crème brûlées, dessert shots, mini pies – served inside mason jars. Popcorn in multiple flavors is a fun option as well.
Q: What new dessert trends are coming to Utah?
Amanda: I’m seeing lots of French influence in the dessert scene in Utah. Floral flavors like lavender and rose are becoming increasingly popular. Macaroons are wildly popular. More, though, I’m seeing a departure from highly structured, fondant-constructed cakes. Brides are ordering natural flavors and buttercream0constructed cakes. Naked cakes with fresh fruit or flowers are my most popular wedding cake right now. People are just not getting sick of them.
Q: Have you ever seen, or tasted, any wedding-day dessert disasters?
Jessica: I haven’t seen big dessert disasters, but there have been a few close calls. I’ve seen a few cakes melt in the heat and lose their shape. Be sure to hire someone who knows how to properly handle and deliver your cake so that it is set out at the perfect time, instead of melting in the heat or left out in the elements, especially at an outdoor wedding.
From a photographer’s perspective, I’ve seen gorgeous cakes set in a dark little corner where they are not able to shine in all their glory. It is hard to capture those gorgeous cake photos when your cake isnt set near natural light or in a good spot where there is ample light to photograph the gorgeous details of your well thought-out cake.
Amanda: I have neither seen, nor tasted a wedding-day dessert disaster, thank goodness. But I’m sure without proper planning (i.e. not hiring the right vendor) or pre-party tastings, they could happen. I recommend couple request a tasting with their baker to ensure they like what they taste and that the goodies fir their preferences and theme. If your baker doesn’t offer tastings, spend a little money and order something from them. It’s worth the extra to make sure that the items you are ordering are great.
Q: Have we seen enough candy buffets yet?
Jessica: Out with the candy bars and bring in delightful mini-sized desserts. Bite-size options like macaroons, cookies, popsicles and brownies add so much personality.
Amanda: Yes, out with the candy bars and in with the mini dessert bars. Tiny treats like mini pies and bite-sized cookies are in. People are really stepping away from the candy bars and toward elegant bite-sized treats.
“Love is not love, Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken . . .”
— Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116
Love is ______ (fill in the blank). Grab your sweetheart and share your thoughts on love.
This Valentine’s Day hundreds of men plan to surprise their adoring sweetheart with a sweet-smelling bouquet. Beat your man to the punch and adorn yourself in this season’s most flowery decoration: floral prints. He won’t be able to keep his hands off you. (You’re welcome.)
