Alpine Glam: A Black Tie and Ballgown Mountain Wedding at Montage Deer Valley

February 16, 2018

by Val Rasmussen | photos by Heather Nan

The Couple

Molly McCarthey & Seth Spain – November 5

Ten months before Molly said yes, Seth met his future wife. “We were set up on a blind date by one of Molly’s friends from preschool and one of the firefighters on my crew,” says Seth, a wildland firefighter who grew up in Henniker, New Hampshire. Currently, Molly (an attorney) and Seth reside in Molly’s hometown of Salt Lake City.

The Wedding

Molly and Seth didn’t think twice when choosing a wedding venue. “Seth lived in Park City when he first moved to Utah, and we thought it would be nice for out of town guests to see Park City,” Molly explains.

“We visited the Montage and didn’t even visit any other potential venues.” The autumn date was a no brainer, as well. “We picked the date because I wanted a fall wedding, and Seth’s firefighting schedule ends in November.”

The Mood

Fusing contemporary décor and autumnal surroundings, the duo chose a palette of aubergine, fuchsia and gold. “I knew I wanted aubergine as the base color to give it a fall feel, but we really wanted something different and memorable,” the bride says.

An ultramodern altar hosted glass towers of deconstructed floral arrangements featuring lush hydrangeas, calla lilies and phaleonopsis orchids. The drama intensified inside. An X-shaped-table layout and aubergine-hued pendants anchored the room.

Lush floral runners flowed across tabletops and floating candles sparkled inside tall glass vessels. Uplighting and plush draperies dressed the ballroom walls.

The Menu

Molly and Seth kicked tradition to the curb. “We didn’t want the usual steak, salmon or chicken,” Molly says. “We really wanted a fall theme with a Utah twist.”

Sweet and savory starters included lobster corn dogs with caper aioli, rosemary panna cotta with citrus and shaved beet, scallops with prosciutto and sage, and a Camembert mousse served in cones with citrus marmalade and shaved walnuts. Waiters poured soup—a Utah trout chowder with potato fondant, celery and corn—table side “to make it feel extra special,” Molly says.

Guests had their choice of either an eggplant fritter with squash noodles, tomato coulis, arugula and shaved Parmesan (Molly doesn’t eat meat); a buffalo tenderloin (a unique option both Seth and Molly’s mom loved during the tasting) with Paris potato mash, asparagus, blistered heirloom tomatoes, sauce béarnaise; or a seared Chilean sea bass with thyme polenta, artichoke tomato succotash and beurre blanc.

The Tunes

The Gold Standard jazz trio played crooner covers. Molly and Seth took the dance floor as husband and wife to Zac Brown Band’s “Whatever It Is.”

Most Memorable Moment

“A few minutes before the ceremony started, Seth and I snuck away to read our vows and drink a little Champagne.

It was a spontaneous and emotional moment where we got to remember the reason for the day and reconnect before we became the center of attention,” Molly says.

Players:

Photography: Heather Nan, SLC

Planner, design and rentals: FUSE Weddings & Events, SLC

Venue and catering: Montage Deer Valley, Park City

Floral, design and rentals: Decoration Inc., SLC

Paper goods: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, Murray

Videographer: Elements in Motion, SLC

Handfasting officiant: Reverend Irene Bozich, Cottonwood Heights

Hair and makeup: Soula, SLC

Entertainment: Gold Standard, SLC

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens

Groom’s tuxedo: Ermenegildo Zegna at Utah Woolen Mills, SLC

Groomsmen’s tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse, SLC

Bridesmaids’ gowns: Weddington Way

Lodging: Montage Deer Valley, The Lodges at Deer Valley, Park City

Transportation: Le Bus, Diamond Limo, SLC

Rings: O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

Venue Profile: Squatters Brewery

February 15, 2018

Our editorial team sat down for a Q&A with Squatters Pub and Brewery’s Judy Cullen to find out what it’s like to host a wedding at the local relic. Here’s what she has to say.

Let’s dive right in, can you share some background?

“As everyone knows, the craft beer industry is booming, and Squatters and Wasatch were among the first in the state of Utah to provide hand crafted brews to thirsty Utahns. As a matter of fact, Greg Schirf, the founder of Wasatch, was responsible for lobbying to get the liquor laws changed in 1986 to allow brew pubs. Both Squatters and Wasatch beers have been recognized nationwide for their beer, winning over 125 awards in total from the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup and the North American Brewers Association Beer Awards.”

Tell us a little bit about what it’s like to host a wedding at Squatters?

“Squatters and Wasatch offer an unparalleled private party experience, particularly for weddings, rehearsal dinners and receptions. Like any venue worth their salt, we provide a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, experienced and friendly service and décor to enhance your guest’s experience.

But where else but Squatters or Wasatch – Salt Lake and Park City’s original brew pubs, respectively – can your guests sample the freshest brew master seasonal ales and lagers straight off the line, brewed in-house? Looking to create an unforgettable reception or rehearsal dinner experience? Ask our Private Event Manager about adding a beer school component to your celebration.”

Can couples host a wedding at any of your locations and how many people can you accommodate?

“Squatters in downtown Salt Lake combines the charm of original, historic architecture in a contemporary urban setting. Our individual private event spaces can be customized to cater to nearly every taste.

Wasatch Sugar House is in the heart of the hip and bustling Sugar House area, and features a modern, urban feel with exposed ceilings, barn wood accents and a private bar. And of course, pouring both Wasatch and Squatters hand-crafted beers.

Wasatch Park City is located at the top of historic Main Street, with patios that overlook the energy and activity on Main Street. The Pub also features private bars, full A/V and a variety of award-winning beers from which to choose.

All 3 venues can accommodate parties of 25 – 200, with menu options to suit every taste and budget.”

As an expert in your industry, what tips of the trade or advice can you offer couples who are shopping for venues?

“There are many event venues, so you need to find something that makes you unique and stand out. We think that we have that covered in that we offer a unique product (craft beer), in very unique and beautiful settings. You also need to be flexible with regards to your clients’ needs and tastes, as they can vary widely. We are proud of how we accommodate everyone’s different tastes.”

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To learn more about weddings at Squatters, find them on our vendor listing or check out their website.

Red Carpet Wedding at Stein Eriksen Lodge

February 14, 2018

THE COUPLE

No one ever believes me but yes, I met my husband in a bar in Boston on a random Thursday night. It always happens when you least expect it! Tim and I took a last minute trip up to his family’s lake house in Wisconsin in the middle of a snow storm to get away from it all. He—alongside our dog—got down on one knee in front of the fire and he pulled the ring from our pup’s sweatshirt hoodie he was wearing. I was over the moon happy but so surprised I couldn’t get the words out to say yes.

THE RED BALLGOWN

“I never wanted to look like a “bride” with the big white dress – its just not me. Instead I wanted to go for a look that could have walked down the red carpet with the best of them. I looked at dress after dress and didn’t even want to try them on until my bridal consultant asked if I thought about wearing color? After that everything just fell into place. She pulled out three dress: red, blue, and green. I tried on the red and didn’t want to take it off. It was the first and last dress I tried on. The rest was easy. The dress was such a statement that it needed next to nothing in terms of accessories. The color was enough! I wore a fun necklace for the reception from Very Wang. It added that little bit of party sparkle.

THE WHITE TUX

It was a Tom Ford white tux jacket with black pants. I guess someone had to wear white 😉

THE FIRST LOOK

Tim and I were together before the ceremony and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. He sets my mind at ease and the minute I saw him I knew the day was going to be perfect regardless of what happened behind the scenes.

THE CEREMONY

The wedding weekend was designed to celebrate Park City and its amazing landscape. Mountain Elegance might be the best way to describe our theme. We had this big plan to get married outside on the side of the mountain and let the landscape be our backdrop but then it rained. This wasn’t a few showers here and there, this was inches of rain from dawn until dust. We quickly moved to plan B and set the ceremony inside in a perfect loft space over the reception. Our florist did an amazing job bringing the outside in by using aspen, moss, local flowers, natural wood benches and much more to our intimate space. The aisle was lit with oversized lanterns and small flower arrangements that set the perfect tone and complimented the soft rain on the windows. The view from Empire Canyon Lodge is just spectacular and the staff understands what good service truly means.

I heard the music start for the flowers girls, there was a little rustle of people in their seats turning around to look and then I heard my little niece Olivia say, “No mommy I don’t want to go down the aisle.” I started to laugh and even more so when I peeked and saw my sister swing her up in her arms and carry her down. The funniest part of the ceremony was the look on our families faces when they realized our good friend John was not just doing a reading for the ceremony but was the actual justice of the peace.

THE RECEPTION

Silver Lake Ski Lodge at Deer Valley was transformed by Tulips and Thyme into a country chic dining area with dark wooden farm tables and crisscross chairs. Reclaimed wooden chandeliers were suspended at various heights and were dressed with a multitude of candles and greenery which helped to light the room and create a soft romantic environment. The tables were decorated in shades of ivory and taupe with stunning burnt gold glass chargers, white dinner china accented with soft purple linen napkins. Each table was uniquely designed with the colors of fall – deep scarlet, reds, oranges and gold – all representing flowers and foliage celebrating the season. Included in the variety of floral arrangements were locally harvested flowers as well as garden roses, ranunculus, scabiosa pods, privet berries, cabbages and small succulents in earthen pots. Tulips and Thyme designed amazing flowers to extend over the length of the tables and cascade down the side. It was just beautiful. The inspiration for the décor was my wedding dress—romantic, sophisticated, but at the same time, a little whimsical. My bouquet was perfect. I asked that it be an assortment of ivory and soft green to set off the dress and it came out amazing.

THE PUPPY CAKE

We wanted to make Brewer (our dog) part of our wedding ceremony but since he couldn’t travel to Park City, we thought the next best thing was to have him there in spirit and in cake.

A FEW FAVORITE MEMORIES

Tim and I snuck away from cocktail hour and had a glass of Champagne in the dining room. We took a few minutes alone to take it all in and just enjoy the moment before the craziness of the reception began. We even jumped on the dance floor and did a quick practice run of our first dance to settle our nerves.

I loved spending the morning with all of the women in the family. Hair was getting done on one side of the room while make up was done on the other and food and drink was everywhere. It was a revolving door of ladies and oh so much fun.

SOMETHING OLD, NEW, BORROW, BLUE

I love this tradition: Old – I carried a silk handkerchief that has been down the aisle over 30 times from my mothers side of the family. Borrowed – the incredible tear drop diamond earrings were my mother in laws. Blue – My engagement ring is a blue sapphire.

I’m glad we had a small wedding and created that intimate feeling where everyone feels very much a part of every moment. I’m thrilled that our families and friends were willing to travel to Park City, UT and put up with that stress for the festivities. I’m also glad that Tim and I came in one day early and left one day later to relax just the two of us.

ADVICE FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

I wish I hadn’t felt rushed the day of the wedding. But there are so many moving pieces its hard to relax and enjoy it. I worried about everything. In the end the worrying didn’t help and I had hired the best team possible.

Photography: Pepper Nix

Ceremony venue: Empire Canyon Lodge, Deer Valley

Reception venue: Silver Lake Lodge, Deer Valley

Rehearsal dinner: Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge

Sunday brunch: St. Regis

Event planner: Divine Occasion

Florals: Tulips & Thyme

Entertainment: Green Light Booking

Rentals: Alpine Event Rentals

Gown and necklace: Vera Wang

Shoes: Salvatore Farragamo

Tuxedo: Tom Ford

Makeup Artist: Bratislava at Salon Seven, Park City, (435) 940-8862

Invitations: Milkfed Press

9 Things You Need To Know Before You Meet with Your Event Planner

February 13, 2018

You just got engaged–Congratulations!

Now what?

First, take a deep breath. Try to relax and enjoy this wonderful moment with your future spouse. Marriage is an exciting life journey but most people dread the wedding part. Yes, it can be overwhelming, but it makes a huge difference having an experienced event planner by your side during this process. Our friends at Temple Square offer these 9 things you need to know before meeting with your event planner to help you make the best out of that first encounter.

Date of the Event

Weather, weekday versus weekend, and time of year are just a few details that can impact your wedding date. You will want to pick a date that will work best for maximum attendance of your guests. An outdoor wedding and reception can be tricky as Mother Nature has a mind of her own! Checking the weather almanac is a great start to see the history of weather on a particular date.

Budget

Your event coordinator should be helping you with your budget. You need to make sure you state your maximum per person and in return; they should respect your wishes. But ultimately, it is your job to keep an eye on what you’re spending overall. You should budget out all aspects of your wedding from flowers, food and venue to entertainment, wedding party gifts, etc. This can add up quickly. Keep track of what you’ve committed to spending.

Guest Count

Have a basic idea of your guest count and realize it can and will fluctuate. Most venues have a minimum amount of food and beverage or guest counts required for their banquet space. Start compiling a list as soon as you become engaged.

Menu Ideas

Perusing websites, bride magazines, and other weddings you attend can give you an insight into what type of food and beverage you would like to see served at your special event. Although most wedding venues have set menus, many chefs respond well to custom menus. Normally these have a slight surcharge attached to them.

Wedding Colors

Do you know the Pantone color of the year or do you have a vision in your mind of your wedding and the colors you would like highlighted for your special day? Colors out of the norm will most likely have to be special ordered while popular and on-trend colors are almost always on hand at reputable venues either through the venue itself or through their outside contractors.

Audio Visual and Entertainment

Will you have a live band or a DJ? Will you be showing a wedding video? Do you want specialty lighting to ‘spot’ your table centerpieces? These are all questions you will be asked (and many more) by an experienced event planner. Try to think about your special day from start to finish and take notes to ask your event coordinator.

Involve the Groom

Grooms should not be a guest at their own wedding. Today more and more grooms are actively participating in the wedding planning process. Let him express his opinions and listen to what he is saying when it comes to making the final decisions.

Know This Will Be a Busy Time

An experienced event coordinator has been through this many more times than they can count; glean from their wealth of knowledge and insight. They can see potential hiccups long before you can even imagine them and they’ll help you avoid all the pitfalls.

Love Your Event Coordinator

If you don’t feel a ‘connection’ to your event coordinator, don’t be afraid to request a different one. This is one of the most important days of your lives and you need to feel confidence and at ease with this person. A professional will understand if you just don’t click and won’t take it personal as they only want the best of feelings between you both.

Most importantly, be open to feedback and suggestions. Sometimes what you envisioned won’t fit your budget or your venue style, and your event planner will be ready to help you navigate that. Get wedding planning started by scheduling a free consultation with one of the event planners at Temple Square today.

Wedding Inspo: Organic Minimalist

February 12, 2018

by Ashley Baker

Salt Lake-based photographer Jadie Jo along with a team comprised of talented local wedding pros, used simple, organic elements to design this whimsical styled shoot. Get ready to be swept away.

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Vendors

Host Jadie Jo Photography

Designer Fox Heron Collective

Makeup Artist Allie Hymas Trent

Hair Stylist Souk Mixayboua

Florist Magnolia Flower Company

Dress Maggie Sottero

Suit Mr Mac

Models (Bride) Adriann Everett (Groom) Layton Bethea

Wedding Stationary Ink Splashed

Cake Sugar House Bakes

Table & Benches Autumn Rentals

Fit Friday: Peak 45 – A Workout Fit for Future Princess Meghan Markle

February 9, 2018

by Andrea Peterson

First it was Grace Kelly, then Princess Diana, along came Duchess Kate and now a new royal-to-be entraps the hearts of not only Britain, but everyone around the world.

American Meghan Markel is the new ‘It’ girl. She’s got brains, talent, style and a daily health routine we can all lunge for. The royal wedding is merely months away and brides alike want her fashion-forward look and her fantastically fit body.

How does she do it? The answer is simply; Peak 45. A 45 minute work out class that is meant to be a quick and efficient way to burn fat. I don’t think there isn’t a lady in the room who wouldn’t say her busy lifestyle could use a quick and efficient way to get in shape. And if you live in or near Salt Lake City, grab your sports bra, tank top and leggings and head to Peak 45 located right in the heart of downtown.

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What is Peak 45?

Peak 45 is a class taught by certified professionals of the Lagree method based out of L.A. Sebastien Lagree developed a full body conditioning fitness method which involves the use of the Megaformer. The exercise equipment uses spring resistance to strengthen every inch of the body targeting the slow-twitch muscle fibers. Basically “time under pressure,” says Kristen Kenny, co-founder of Peak 45 in downtown Salt Lake City.

“Each exercise will be done as slow as you can go.” Removing the speed from the equation, helps build endurance and muscle stimulation. Be warned, you will get the shakes going that slow and it has become the studio’s motto. “Embrace the Shakes.”

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Kenny says “The time under tension with zero breaks increases your heart rate and activates slow twitch muscle fibers.” Thus resulting in building endurance, burning fat, strengthen the core, creating long lean muscles, improving balance and flexibility, and developing a body that is less prone to injury.

No wonder Meghan Markel is hooked. And she is not the only major celeb who has jumped on the Megaformer; Jennifer Aniston, Lady Ga Ga, Michelle Obama and Sophia Vagara are also avid Lagree method advocates.

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All levels are welcomed at the studio. Peak 45 keeps the classes relatively small to allow the teachers hands on availability to adjust or modify for each individual in the class.

For more information and class schedules visit: peak-45.com.

See more #fitfriday

On Cloud Nine

February 7, 2018

written by Val Rasmussen | photos by Logan Walker

Rachel Rossicone & Joey Gardiner

St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Park City and Gardiner Residence at Wolf Creek Ranch, Woodland

The Couple

Rachel and Joey met at California Polytechnic State University where they were study partners during a Beatles Music Appreciation class. Two years later, Joey (a sales and marketing executive for his family’s company, Treehouse California Almonds) proposed to Rachel (employed in online marketing). “Joey is a man of romantic gestures,” Rachel says.

Her groom—a hobbyist pilot—invited Rachel on a flight up the California Coast on his birthday. But instead of landing for a romantic dinner, he surprised her with a fly over of his family’s Bakersfield, California farm to unveil a sign below that read, “Will you marry me?”

The Wedding

The couple set their sights on Woodland in Summit County—where the groom’s family owns a vacation home—to host the reception and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park City to celebrate the wedding. “It is a beautiful church out in the wilderness,” Rachel describes. “The large windows allow you to see the magnificent red and yellow fall colors of the trees. The wedding date meant a lot to us because it was Joey’s grandma’s birthday.”

The Mood

“We love how pretty the outdoors are in Utah,” says Rachel who, with Joey, opted for a rustic-chic party. Vintage antler chandeliers dangled like statement earrings from a clear-tent ceiling. Wood tables held lace table runners, wooden candle holders, table cards flaunting graphics of aspen trees, gilded gold antlers and classic florals in yellow, white and turquoise hues.

“We wanted to bring the colors and plants from nature into our wedding.” Vessels spilled over with garden roses, tulips, lavender, dusty miller and rosemary.

The Menu

Influenced by the family’s roots in agriculture, the menu boasted the season’s rich harvest. “We wanted the menu to represent our favorite things in Utah,” Rachel explains. “We wanted our guests to literally get a taste of Utah’s finest.” Elk-carpaccio crostinis, butternut squash lollipops and port-wine braised pheasant corn cakes kicked off the menu.

The salad course served up local spinach and romaine, local pears, gorgonzola, candied almonds and dried cranberries with a caramelized onion balsamic dressing. Mesquite-grilled Rocky Mountain red trout was paired with Granny Smith apple chutney, seared cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomato, lentils and micro greens. Additionally, grass-fed local beef tenderloin tantalized taste buds alongside corn cilantro risotto and julienne vegetables.

The Tunes

Music sets the tone for any wedding, starting with the heartfelt ceremony and ending with an electrifying reception. So what’s better, a DJ or a live band? Rachel and Joey opted for both: SLC-based DJ Craig Chambers and Beverly Hills-based “James Gang Band” of West Coast Music. The happy newlyweds danced to Ryan Bingham’s “How You Get The Girl.”

Players

Photography Logan Walker for Pepper Nix Photography, SLC

Planner Soirée Productions, Park City

Catering Culinary Crafts, SLC

Bar High West Distillery, Park City

Ceremony St. Mary of the Assumption, Park City

Reception Private residence, Wolf Creek Ranch, Woodland

Flowers Decoration Inc., SLC

Rings Geoffrey Young Design, San Francisco, California

Invitations Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, Murray

Gown Casablanca, available at Gateway Bridal, SLC

Suits John Varvatos, johnvarvatos.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses Adrianna Papell

Band James Gang Band, West Coast Music, Beverly Hills, California

DJ Craig Chambers Disc-Connection Inc., Bountiful

Videography Chris McClain Productions, West Jordan

Officiant Mike Fish, St. Gabriel, Poway, California

Salt Lake City Bar Makes Custom Cocktails for Your Wedding Day

February 6, 2018

Good Grammar owner and operator Fallan Keyser shares all about the local bar’s spacious patio, signature brews and custom-made cocktails.

Tell us about Good Grammar.

“We’re a local bar and we’re located in the heart of Salt Lake City, just downstairs from the Gallivan Center. We have a kitchen and a DJ every weekend. We pride ourselves on our craft cocktails and beer collection.”

What sets your bar apart from other craft cocktail bars in the area?

“What sets us apart is that we’re a craft cocktail bar, with a laid-back atmosphere and personable bartenders. Good Grammar is a place where people can come have a nice cocktail and still have a lot of fun.”

Is it true that Good Grammar will add a requested cocktail to the bar’s drink board for people who get married at the Gallivan Center?

“Yes. We have a lot of wedding parties come down after their ceremonies at the Gallivan Center. If couples call us in advance and let us know how many people are in their party, we can reserve off tables for them. Let us know what your favorite drink or ingredients are when you call and and we’ll put it on the board just for you.”

Are you able to create custom craft cocktails for wedding parties too?

“Yes. We’ll create a custom drink for you, based on your favorite flavors and liquors. We’ll guide you through the process by asking you questions centered around what’s meaningful to you, be it a vacation or experience. If you two went on a trip to the beach, we can make a cocktail that’s a beach theme, sweet, fruity and fun.”

How many people can you host?

“We can host about 50 people. On Fridays and Saturdays, we open up the dance floor and have a live DJ. We also have a large patio area with various outdoor games like giant Jenga, and more.”

What’s your signature cocktail?

“Our signature is a bourbon-based cocktail named The Hendrix.”

How did you get your inspiration for the atmosphere of your bar and creative cocktail names?

“The bar’s theme is based on pop-icon and influential people. It’s walls are covered in them and that’s how we came up with the names of our cocktails. We researched what those iconic people mostly drank and designed a cocktail using that spirit. For example, Jimmy Hendrix’s go-to was bourbon, hence the Hendrix. I was inspired to use influential people when I started the bar. We brainstormed with our designer and she told me to write down a list of people that influenced or inspired me while I was growing up and then she along with our graphic designer created the wall.”

Tell us about your menu.

“We change our menu seasonally and it’s typically geared towards what’s in season. Fresh cucumber, lighter cocktails and spritzers are featured in the spring, while we love serving margaritas in the summer. We use fresh juice and we carry a lot of local liquors and beer including Red Rock, Kiitos, Desert Edge, Uinta, and, new this year, Shades of Pale.”

For more information about hosting your after-wedding-party at Good Grammar, visit their website.

What’s Hot Now: 8 Trends to Add to your Wedding and Newlywed Checklists

February 5, 2018

1) Black Gowns

Talk about original. Valen Hunter of Tellurian Events ups the drama factor by styling this bride in a dark, eco-friendly gown by Reformation. It’s a perfect pairing for a beau’s black suit, the bouquet’s white and golden hues and the La Sal Mountain backdrop.

“I wanted to create a low impact, minimalist and sustainable elopement ceremony with the landscape as a natural backdrop,” says Hunter who also used local farm and foraged blooms.

2) Specialized Sweets

It’s like a secret a little birdie told you. Pastry chef Cristina Schaub of Birdie’s Bakery bakes delightful, from-scratch pastries including sugar cookies, Belgium chocolate brownies, French apple tarts, scones and Rice Krispie treats. These Utah-shaped cookies make a perfect addition to dessert buffets, welcome bags, favors or thank you gifts.

3) Sunshine Stones

Image courtesy: Tiffany’s Salt Lake City

Amber, honey, saffron and spicy mustard are au courant hues pairing beautifully with camels, grays and whites. The runways and red carpets are celebrating these exciting yellows, and jewelers are taking notice. Couples have so many options when it comes to engagement rings. Many find that, in a sea of white diamonds, there’s something striking about a yellow one. shopcitycreekcenter.com

4) A Water Break

Need a break from all of the planning, scheduling and coordinating? Try float therapy. Float Park City offers sensory deprivation inside your very own float pod. The tank’s water temperature is comfortably toasty at 93.5 degrees, and the 1,000 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt makes staying afloat an easy, uplifting experience.

“There are so many benefits to living in a mountain town, but we run our bodies down,” says Float Park City’s owner Kristie Buehner. “Floating is a simple way to reset your body and mind.” One hour session, $50-$75.

5) Prints Charming

Commemorate a memorable road trip, a hike or outdoor adventure and decorate your newlywed nest at the same time with prints from photographer Erin Kate Gouveia.

“When you are beginning your life as a married couple in your new home, I believe it’s important to take time filling your space with items that you love,” says Gouveia. “Your home is a reflection of you, and your style should be a collection of meaningful items that tell a story.”

6) Book Smarts

Need a date night idea? A sensational spot to propose? A pre big-day group activity for the wedding party? Ask author Jeremy Pugh for ideas. He’s researched every nook and cranny in Salt Lake City then combined his findings into his book, 100 Things to Do in Salt Lake City Before You Die.

7) Dinner Delivery

Salmon salad with cherry tomatoes, arugula, spinach and avocado. View from above

Before UberEats drove its cold, app-driven car into Salt Lake City, there was Wasatch Fresh, a gourmet food delivery service using from-scratch, whole-food meals perfect for on-the-go fiances or busy newlyweds. Two or five days a week, chef Page Viehweg and her crew deliver meals—think salmon nicoise salad, vegetarian enchiladas and tortellini and sausage soup—to your doorstep just in time to heat it for dinnertime. No chopping. No cooking. Just heat it and eat it.

8) Greenhouse Effect

The tropical-decor trend intoxicates with exotic blooms, oversized palm fronds and colorful patterns. Just because Utah can’t naturally grow orchids, palms and topiaries doesn’t mean brides and grooms have to celebrate without them. Turn up the heat on your wedding reception inside these gorgeous greenhouses. Cactus & Tropicals’ two valley locales feature topiaries, arbors, fountains and in-bloom flowering plants.

Red Butte Garden’s Orangerie flaunts uplit trees and trellises and boasts views of the Wasatch Mountains on one side and Salt Lake City on the other. La Caille’s French garden arboretum overflows with lush greenery, fountains and an oversized crystal chandelier.

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For more inspiration, check out our magazine!

The Haute List: Bridal Hair and Makeup Trends for 2018

January 31, 2018

written by Ashley Baker

Salon Manager and hair phenom Whitney Rigler of The Grand Spa gives us the exclusive on bridal hair and makeup trends for 2018 as well as tips on how to book your initial consultation.

What’s Haute: Hair

Twisted Updos

Photo: Chris Austin White Haute Photography

“We have a lot of brides asking for twisted styles. We twist the hair into place, versus curling it or pulling it into an updo. It’s really in right now, but still looks classic,” Rigler says.

Pair the Hair with the Gown

“We determine hairstyles with the bride based the gown’s style. If the dress has a high neckline, we usually pull the hair up because we don’t want our brides to lose their neck and that can happen as a result of the high-cut dress and hair-down combination.

On the other hand, if the neckline is low or the dress is strapless, we apply a less formal style and we may sweep the hair to one side creating a look that is romantic and soft.”

Product we love: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo.

Why we love it: Dry shampoo helps hold the hair in place. It also gives the hair more volume and grit for updos.

What’s Haute: Bridal Makeup

“Brides are going for more of a natural look, so soft, glowing makeup is trending this season,” Rigler says.

Stick to natural tones, but deepen the colors just a little bit. “If it’s not a part of your typical beauty regime, it’s not the best option for your wedding day.”

Lip Service

Simplify your wedding day by replacing your lipstick with a lip stain. “Lip stains last all day and are less likely to smudge or rub off.”

Expert tip: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Lip stains can dry your lips out, Rigler recommends beginning lip treatments about a week prior to your wedding day.

Wedding day must-have: Lip fixation in matte– Jane Iredale.

Why we love it: Jane Iredale is a high-end makeup line made with quality ingredients designed to nourish the skin. The color line is soft and romantic, which is great for wedding day styles.

Photo op: Stick to matte colors. Wearing shimmery glosses can reflect light and become distracting in photos, and can take away from your overall wedding day look.

The Eyes Have it

Smokey eyes are really hot right now, but you don’t necessarily need to use dark grays or blacks to achieve it. Those dark colors may not work for everyone, so Rigler suggests using warmer tones like deep plum or brown.

Photo op: Avoid glitter or sparkly shadows because they stand out in photographs, and not in a good way.

When to book your initial consultation?

“The best thing for brides to do is to book their hair and makeup consultation together and about a month before your wedding to get a feel for what you really want. Afterwards, go home and take pictures of yourself and see if you like what you look like on camera,” Rigler says.

Wedding day timeline for getting ready

“At the Grand, we typically start with the hair, and then go into the makeup portion. Be prepared to spend at least two hours with your stylist because, each service usually takes about an hour. Make sure you have enough time to get ready, and wear a button down shirt or a robe, so you don’t mess up your hair and makeup after your appointment.” The Grand Spa provides guests with a robe upon check-in.

“The Grand Spa is not only an ideal setting to ensure your hair and makeup is perfect, but also a great place to make your wedding a memorable experience,” says Spa Director, Tony Fountain. “Think pedicures and relaxing at the serene indoor pool for your bridal party or pamper your partner and yourself with The Grand Spa’s signature couple’s massage.”

Contact The Grand Spa and Salon at 801.258.6568 to learn more about bridal services and group packages. Call 801.258.6770 to learn more about weddings and events at The Grand America Hotel.

Vendors

Dress Gateway Bridal

Hair and Makeup The Grand Spa

Floral The Grand America Hotel Floral

Venue The Grand America Hotel

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For more expert beauty and skincare tips from The Grand Spa, see: Skin Care Tips for the Winter Bride

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Utah Bride & Groom MagazineUtah\'s Leading Source for Bridal Inspiration

The Couple

The Wedding

The Mood

The Menu

The Tunes

Most Memorable Moment

Date of the Event

Budget

Guest Count

Menu Ideas

Wedding Colors

Audio Visual and Entertainment

Involve the Groom

Know This Will Be a Busy Time

Love Your Event Coordinator

What is Peak 45?

The Couple

The Wedding

The Mood

The Menu

The Tunes

1) Black Gowns

2) Specialized Sweets

3) Sunshine Stones

4) A Water Break

5) Prints Charming

6) Book Smarts

7) Dinner Delivery

8) Greenhouse Effect

What’s Haute: Hair

Twisted Updos

Pair the Hair with the Gown

What’s Haute: Bridal Makeup

Lip Service

The Eyes Have it

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