Succulents. Even the sound of the name of these tiny plants is as appealing as they look. With the variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, the possibilities of incorporating the succulent trend into your wedding are endless. Here are seven of our favorite ways to include them in a wedding lineup.
It’s a nice day for a white wedding, don’t you think? Chunky chains, cutout clothes and big hair are getting rave reviews on today’s runways. No wonder the 1980s decade of leather and lace is having an impact on the wedding world. Inspired by the kitschy fads from the ‘80s—hair bands, pixelated video games and cassette tapes—the creative team of Brynn Larsen of Blooms & Co. and Michelle Frampton of Miesh Photography amps the volume of the era with a modern-day twist.
Held on the 40th anniversary of the Rubik’s cube, this photo shoot showcases how past fads collide with modern day glamor. “We took the edge of the ‘80s, but made it current,” Meish says. “We glammed up a look that might otherwise be goofy.” She partnered with Larsen to show brides that edge and elegance can coexist. “It seems like every wedding style has been the same for three years,” Larsen adds. “It’s fun to go out on a limb and do your own thing.”
Beware: The line between retro cool and ‘80s tacky is dangerously thin. If you’re a quirky bride dancing to the beat of her own drummer but aren’t quite sure how to throw a rock ‘n’ roll wedding that’s brilliant with style and classy with taste, this dynamic duo has some tips for you.
“Normally you use brass tubing,” Larsen says of the three-dimensional diamond-shaped himmeli ornaments, “but for a budget look, you can spray straws like we did here.”
Go for Gold
How can a designer avoid a gaudy Technicolor flashback? “Spray it gold,” Larsen says with a laugh. A monochromatic palette punctuated with pops of green and gold serves as the backdrop. “If we had used too much of the ‘80s colors, it could go bad fast,” Miesh says. “We thought about using silver, but gold is so in now.” In everything from flatware to accessories, heavy gold elevates the warmth and richness of the scene.
Not only are cascading bouquets refelctive of‘80s weddings, the same posies hit the trend right now.
Remember the Classics
“One way to add class is with white flowers,” Larsen says. She used white blooms including hydrangeas, roses, and carnations—oh yes, carnations—to shape a more traditional wedding look. White table linens and white walls create the ideal canvas for the pops of green from ferns, exploding grass and papyrus. “And cascading bouquets are totally ‘80s,” she says of the teardrop-shaped bridal bouquet.
Punk-style font and hand-painted gold squares on the invites feed the fun.
Add a Little Kitsch
There’s never been a better time to embrace a mix of low and high-end items. Splurge on fashion and flowers to keep the look upscale, but pad your budget with DIY decor like spraying a Rubik’s cube (bought from Wal-Mart) with gold or constructing ornaments out of straws (”borrowed” during several trips to 7-11). Additionally, a pop art print punctuates the look as a reminder of the punk era.
A chandelier made of cassette tapes.
This ring reflects a punk chain feel.
Find it Underground
Avoid the mall altogether. Shop local and shop where no one else would think to. “We went where you can buy a nice wedding outfit, and we made them even more unique to the ‘80s by accessorizing,” says fashionista Miesh. The Chalk Garden Co-Op outfitted the bridesmaids in varying styles, yet used the same palette of cream and black to maintain a cohesive look. Meanwhile, the groom’s garb comes from downtown suit shop, Beckett & Robb.
Minus a removable tulle skirt, the gown reveals a new look.
Soften the Edge
Find that balance between breaking the rules and keeping it cool. Crimping hair wasn’t just hot in the ‘80s. “Crimping is making a comeback in the fashion world,” says Miesh, who was schooled by the hair and makeup team from Enizio. “They wanted the texture of the crimping without it being too crunchy.”
Break the Rules
Most rebels will tell you rules are meant to be broken. And we agree. While one bridesmaid tucks a tunic dress into a pair of tuxedo pants, the others are outfitted with heavy belts and chains. “The chains and lace were a big Madonna influence,” Miesh says. The bride dons two off-the-rack, one-of-kind looks from dressmaker Hart of the Mountain. The party look features a strapless pearlized corset and laser-cut skirt; the ceremony look flaunts an add-on tulle skirt that Velcros under the corset.
Bar X mixes a custom cocktail.
Perforated edging and Wall Street-style columns give the cake a subtle 80’s theme.
Pick Your Poison, Place, Paper and Pastries
Call on local mixologists like the boys of Bar X to stir up trouble with a custom wedding cocktail. For this scene in the upstairs art gallery of South Temple’s Mod A Go Go consignment shop, Peter Loves Jane stationers hand painted the invites adding dollops of gold inside the groovy, square pattern. “It was amazing,” Miesh says of the invites. Finally, outfit your cake like the duo did here. A black crystal candleholder tops the tiered cake by Cake-A-Licious that designed the dice-inspired perforated edging and the Wall Street-looking columns.
Type #weddinghair into any online search and a Pandora’s box of updos, milkmaids, sock buns, beach waves, round curls and fishtails spill onto the screen. While this may seem overwhelming at first, fear not. Whether your vision is romantic, vintage, glam or bohemian, you can rely on the tips of expert Jagged Edge Salon owner Chris Pietz to weave you through the #hotmess.
Tip 1: Book It
“When it comes to finding a stylist, look for someone who specializes in bridals,” he says. “Not every hair stylist does bridal styling so going to your usual hair stylist may not be the best option.” Set an appointment with a few different pros to get a sense of expertise, personality and pricing.
Tip 2: Search
“Brides have great social media sources available to guide them as they plan the perfect wedding hairstyle,” Chris says. “I recommend looking for pictures that show different angles of the hairstyles that you like. Seeing only the back of a hairstyle makes it hard to know how to style the front.” Bring photos from magazines and Pinterest to the consultation.
Tip 3: Discuss
“Talk with your stylist about the theme of your wedding,” Chris advises. Presenting photos of your gown can help ensure that hair and makeup are consistent with the mood of a wedding. “This will help your stylist recommend what will best suit you on your big day.”
Tip 4: Schedule
Book haircut and color appointments leading up to the big day. “Ask about availability and how far in advance you need to book your appointments,” he says. “Decide if a trial style is necessary. You may also need on-location services the day of your wedding which requires a fee and planning ahead.”
Tip 5: Forget about it
With everything scheduled and a trial run complete, enjoy the day without worrying about your hair.
As mountain hues switched from fall to winter, Californians Erin and Brandon married in the candlelit comfort of a slope-side ski lodge.
Who They Are
“Over the course of three years, my dear friend Lauren spoke about this ‘cute boy’ I just had to meet,” says Erin about her mystery-man-turned-groom, Brandon. They knew on their first date over sushi that they were meant to be. “It’s bizarre how you just know,” she says. Five years later, Brandon popped the question beachside while the couple vacationed in the Bahamas. “Some girls cry,” says Erin, a director of marketing who resides in Encinitas, California with Brandon. “I just could not stop smiling.”
To greet the guests checking into Montage Deer Valley, welcome bags were filled with Fireball whiskey for the men and Ketel One vodka for the ladies along with sparkling apple cider, pumpkin spice trail mix, pumpkin tea and pear lotion. The couple hosted a candlelit ceremony in front of the Montage’s grand fireplace. The reception took place inside the resort’s signature restaurant, Apex. Daly’s Pub & Rec, also at Montage, held the after-party where guests danced and bowled, and played pool, shuffleboard and video games.
The Menu
The hearty menu began with an organic green salad and roasted tomato soup topped with micro greens and basil oil. Entree choices included a prime filet mignon served with fingerling potatoes, beets, asparagus and foraged mushrooms or a chicken schnitzel plated with lemon herb späetzle and braised red cabbage with lemon caper butter. In lieu of a wedding cake, guests dished up desserts such as granny smith apple lasagna with salted caramel ice cream. And it didn’t end there. Post-party options included BBQ pizza, mini sliders, jumbo pretzels with cheese and other midnight munchies.
Wedding well-wishers included moose and deer peeking out from aspens on the crisp, autumn day. Indoors, autumnal elements included white pumpkins, gilded antlers, a stag head gobo (logo projected onto dance floor) and a signature cocktail named Miller’s Mountain Cider.
The Tunes
For the processional, a piano and string quartet played “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera for the bridal party, “Tonight I Celebrate my Love” for Erin’s walk and Al Green’s “Let Stay Together” for the recessional. A DJ brought the tunes for the reception, which included the father/daughter dance “I Loved her First” by Heartland and the mother/son dance “Sweet Child of Mine” by Sheryl Crow.
“The first time we were alone as husband and wife, we opened the door to see the new fallen snow. The way the lights shined on the yellow aspen trees with the snow falling. I just couldn’t believe it. It was perfect.” –Erin
The Details
Gold flatware replaced traditional restaurant silverware; sweetheart table set for two; a stag head gobo lights up the dance floor; matte white-painted pumpkins; the cool tones of the bridesmaids’ gowns contrasted the warm hue of Erin’s gown; welcome sign with custom calligraphy; Brandon and Erin wrote and recited their own vows with the help of officiant Rev. Kamrin Carver.
Gilded antlers peeked out from the long and linear centerpieces featuring hydrangea, roses and privet berries.
Forgoing a traditional photo lineup, the men play on a Deer Valley chairlift; guests dished up desserts like this Millcreek chocolate and coffee pot de créme with salted chocolate chards and Saigon cinnamon beignets; ample pillar candles, white-washed pumpkins, mahogany chivari chairs and a fresh floral wreath set the stage for the ceremony; stately wing chairs designated a dinner spot for the couple.
For local couple Ashley and Cameron, it was love at first sniffle. “Cameron and I met December 2016. I had just moved from Alaska to Sugar House,” Ashley says. “One day while I was at church, I was extremely sick and I felt like the guy down the bench was trying to look at me, but he wasn’t.”
“He was sitting next to another girl, but I just felt drawn to him. I was so congested that I left soon after, not really giving that moment a second thought.”
According to Cameron, he felt sorry for the sick girl sitting on the other side of the pew. He wanted to get her a tissue, but thought it would be weird, so he didn’t. The following week at church, both Ashley and Cameron attended the dinner social.
“We ended up sitting next to each other,” says Ashley. “He invited me to his New Year’s Eve party, which didn’t actually exist yet, he planned it the day of after he found out that I was going to be there.”
“I threw the whole party for her, just so I could talk to her again,” Cameron says.
“Cameron has told a lot of people that it was love at first sight. I’ll tell you, I’ve never been so grateful to be sick before,” Ashley says.
“I had one class my senior year— it was English—and the only reason I even went was because of Dawson,” Lauren says. “I had the BIGGEST crush on him, but I was way too awkward and shy to do anything about it. Two-years later, I commented on his Snapchat story and then we just kept talking.”
Dawson adds, “I was way too shy to talk to her, so I just admired from afar. When she commented on my snap story I was freaking out. We never stopped talking after that.”
Pumpkin spice lattes, watch out. You may be the darling of fall’s arrival, but for those of us (me) who pass on your caffeinated froth, your much-anticipated arrival rolls out the red carpet for other menu items filled to the brim with autumn flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove.
Salivating yet? For party hosts itching for candlelit dinners and hot toddies, the catering team of Cuisine Unlimited showcases new autumn delights including spiced apple cider, savory thumbprint cookie with fig jam, butternut squash and bacon with rosemary vinaigrette, and maple and mustard glazed chicken.
I gleefully sampled their new offerings at Cuisine Unlimited’s rollout event this week and here are a few of my sweet and savory favorites.
Bailey’s Chocolate MousseChampagne Mousse with Fruit and MintCreamy Cauliflower and Apple Soup
Maple and Mustard Glazed Chicken with Roasted Winter Vegetables, Brussels Sprouts and Pear Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, and Butternut Squash and Bacon with Rosemary Vinaigrette
Maple Pecan and Brie Tart, Egg Nog Creme Brulee
Butternut Squash and Bacon with Rosemary Vinaigrette
Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding (Butter Rum Drizzle not shown)
Top to bottom: Butternut Squash Latke with Sour Cream and Apples, Creamy Pumpkin Soup Shooter, Sweet Potato Hummus Cup, Mini Carnitas Tamal Muffin
For Utah couple Shona and Tanner, all it took was a Friend Request on Facebook. She sent him a quick DM and that was all she wrote.
“We had gone to the same high school and were friends on Facebook. He was a senior while I was a freshman,” Shona says, “ I just said ‘hi’ and put it out there. We started chatting back and forth and went out for hot chocolate the very next day.”
“He proposed on New Years Eve, which is also my birthday,” she says. “We went to Kneaders to get the french toast; he was getting a lot of phone calls, so I knew something was going on.”
“It was December and snowing outside. After breakfast, we drove up to Mueller Park in Bountiful where he had a whole set-up in the middle of a grove of trees. There were pictures of us on our first dates strung up and a tree-lined pathway covered with roses. He got down on one knee in the freezing snow and he just proposed right there,” she says. “I said, yes, it’s about time!”
“Fashion has become really fun,” says local fashion stylist Penny Goodwin. This globetrotting trendsetter should know. Since 1969, Goodwin has directed fashion for advertising campaigns, editorial shoots, TV, runway and everything in between. “There’s an edge now that is present and it’s the innate balance—a yin and yang, so to speak—that is the most flattering.” From the runways to street fashion and, yes, into the wedding world, fashion is all about striking the right harmony from head to toe.
“Too much of one thing is too easy, too common,” Goodwin says. For your big day, she recommends testing the waters. “Showcase a piece that no one would guess you’d wear.” What better place to test Goodwin’s theory than at the St. Regis Deer Valley, a venue noted for its unique mix of rustic warmth and uber luxe. Through fit, fabric and cut, color, accessories, hair and makeup, a fashionable marriage of style can live happily ever after.
Sweet + Sassy
Mom may adore the modest raw silk gown with crystal neckline, but you’ll love adding a vintage moto jacket to make your inner rebel shine.
The Look: “Peony” gown, $1,325, The Perfect Dress, Holladay; vintage jacket: Maeberry Vintage, SLC; similar found here; Mary Frances estate handbag, $330; William Goldberg platinum ASHOKA diamond ring, 2.01 ct diamond, $35,700, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC.
Fit + Flare
Fit and flare silhouettes are hot and timeless. Be the belle of the ball twirling in layers and layers of pink-hued English netting.
The Look: “Arquette” gown by Allure, $1,855, Gateway Bridal & Prom, SLC; blue amethyst and diamond 14K white gold estate ring, $1,100, Chalk Garden Co-op, SLC.
Modest + Mysterious
For the Victorian or vixen, a bolero covers up top, yet still bares a racy neckline. Plus if you’re on white-dress overload, metallic gold provides a statement alternative.
The Look: Justin Alexander gown, $1,875, The Brides’ Shop, SLC; Enzoani bolero, $840, The Brides’ Shop, SLC; Rahaminov 18k white gold Forevermark diamond ring, 1.02 ct. oval diamond encircled with 1.0 ct. round diamonds, $17,480, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC.
Boho + Big City
Embroidered roses climb the back of this satin and Venice-lace number while a tailored mermaid shape ups the ante with city flare.
Long sleeves ooze prestige, but the off-the-shoulder lines and the curve-catching fit provide a modern-day sexy vibe.
The Look: Gown: “Tyrion” by Casablanca, $1,245, Gateway Bridal & Prom, SLC; cathedral length veil with two rows of ribbons and lace appliqués: by Erica Koesler, $375, Gateway Bridal & Prom, SLC
Old fashioned + New low
From the front, classic lace waltzes down the aisle, but give your guests the ultimate surprise when you reveal a deep plunging peek-a-boo back.
Slip into this blush dress where artful ruching meets architectural tailoring. Opt for no jewels and a soft updo to keep all eyes on the stunner of a gown.
The Look: Gown: “Madison” by Monique Lhullier, $4,990; Alta Moda Bridal, SLC.
Minimal + Memorable
Jeweled cap sleeves and a sparkling slim belt add just enough volume to an otherwise quiet sheath.
The Look: Gown: “Marisol” by Maggie Sottero, $1,398, The Brides’ Shop, SLC.
Tease + Tea-length
With embroidery, a sweetheart neckline, beaded eyelash fringe and illusion sleeves, there is no shortage of sweetness. Red-hot heels and smart aleck shades provide a shot of attitude.
Utah couple Jordyn and Zachary first met in high school. ” He was dating my best friend and then she lined us up,” Jordyn says, “we went out on a date and the rest is history.”
The weather was typical for Utah, clear skies and sunny in the morning and snowing by nightfall. “We saw dark clouds roll in and then all of the sudden people were walking in [to the capitol] soaking wet,” Jordyn says.
Remember the Classics
Find it Underground
Break the Rules
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