Pastry Perfection: Utah Wedding Cake Trends

‘Eating good food is my favorite thing in the whole world. Nothing is more blissful.” –  Justine Larbalestier

[Featured image from Cakes by Katelyn]

There are so many things to be wowed about when it comes to a wedding: the couple’s love, the gorgeous gown, the epic venue, the merry entertainment and the taste-teasing menu. Be it a casual barbecue-inspired buffet or formal-plated meal; the wedding dining experience almost always ends with one thing: an impressively-designed, architecturally-built, meticulously-concocted wedding cake. Here are some great ideas for your upcoming nuptials.

‘Let them eat cake!’ is one phrase every wedding guest can’t wait to hear. Give your guests something sweet to look forward to—a minimalist inspired wedding cake that’s easy on the eyes and taste buds. Read more here.

Cake by Le Loup Cakery.

A multi-tiered confection does not just appear out of nowhere. It takes time, detail and years of experience to create. Grand America’s Executive Pastry Chef Xavier Baudinet checks off each one of those on the list. Chef Baudinet excels at pastry, chocolate, gelato and confectionary with ease and skill. Read more here.

Cake by The Grand America Hotel and photo by Brushfire Photography.

Bold is back and braver than ever. What better season than summer to roll out the red carpet for a Latin American-inspired scene boasting bright hues and whimsical patterns? Read more here.

Photography by Claire Marika and cake by Vanilla House Bakery.

Summer weddings are perfectly timed for a farm-to-table flair. Fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t limited to cuisine. They can be used in decor as well, including bouquets and centerpieces.  Top delicious pies and cakes with delicate sugar fruits and veggies for extra farm-fresh taste. Read more .

Decor by Sage & Thistle, cake by Bake Me a Kake and photo by EK Studios Photo & Video.

Though it’s customary to watch the bride and groom cut their wedding cake, some guests might leave slightly disappointed wishing they had one last sweet bite to end the night. Lucky for them, gone are the days of leaving a reception with a less-than-satisfied sweet tooth. Try having scrumptious treats that not only serve as the perfect wedding favor, but also fulfill those late night cravings. Read more here.

Ruby Snap Cookies

Real Weddings: Snowy Mountain Engagement Session

Cameron Scott Kiser & Lisa Marie Wojcik

Cam and Lisa were introduced by Lisa’s cousin Gerry in 2011.  At the time, he and Cam were roommates. Cam had just finished school and started working as a physician assistant at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. On one of his rare nights off, Gerry persuaded Cam to meet up with Lisa and her friends at a bar. Cam and Lisa immediately hit it off and found they had many common interests: one being Utah—his home state and her favorite place to ski.

They had a good first date, but life got in the way and they fell out of touch. Fast forward three years to Lisa’s 29th birthday where, again, Gerry persuaded Cam to come out, this time to Lisa’s karaoke party. Drawn to her “amazing” vocal skills, Cam fell for Lisa all over again. Lisa was impressed with Cam’s rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and a text the next day led to a second first date. 

Cam proposed to Lisa on June 22, 2016 at one of their favorite spots in Manhattan, Carl Shurz Park. Afterward they went to the restaurant where they’d had their second (first) date where both of their families were waiting. Cam’s family had flown in from Utah to surprise everyone.

When it came to engagement photos, Cam and Lisa knew Utah was the natural choice. Having grown up in Olympus Cove and later Cottonwood Heights, Cam has a special connection with the area. Lisa, a New York native, learned to ski at Snowbird when she was six years old, and has been going to Park City Mountain resort every year since.

Lisa immediately fell in love with Whitney’s work at Grey Girrafe. Originally Whitney had suggested shooting at Jordan Pines, but with a big winter storm rolling in, changes had to be made—and fast.  They ended up driving a little way back down the canyon to another beautiful spot: Storm Mountain.

Cam and Lisa live on the Upper East Side in New York City. She is the director of marketing at her family business, Beacon Adhesives, and Cam is a physician assistant for Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Edwin Su at Hospital for Special Surgery. The wedding is on August 26, 2017 at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. They look forward to celebrating their new life together with their family, friends, and loved ones.

This engagement photoshoot took place over Thanksgiving weekend at Storm Mountain up Big Cottonwood Canyon. “We weren’t planning on shooting in the snow but, as it often happens in Utah, Mother Nature had a different idea,” photographer Whitney says. “The couple had flown in from New York City for this shoot, so rescheduling wasn’t really an option. “We decided to brave the snow and make the most of it. As cold and snowy as it was, we were the only ones out there shooting, which created a really intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Spending that time together and getting to know this fun and adventurous was so enjoyable, and is why I do what I do.  It was a very unique and memorable experience, and we got some equally memorable photos.”

Get to know the photographers

“We are Whitney and Alan Wilbur. Married. Three boys. No sleep.

We want to make creative and authentic images for you. We love to collaborate with unique, soulful folks who are as excited as us about making great photographs. Since we launched in 2010, we have been lucky to meet and work with hundreds of couples. Many have become dear friends.

We have a very laid-back, observational approach to photographing weddings. For us, it’s all about the personality of our clients, and the individual character of their day. Our method is just letting things unfold naturally and responding creatively.

We are based in Salt Lake City, and shoot weddings and events all over Utah, the West Coast, and throughout the world.”

Grey Giraffe Photography

whitney@greygiraffe.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/greygiraffephotography/

Can’t get enough of Utah winter wedding inspiration? We’ve got plenty right here. 

Agricultural Wedding

Locally-harvested cuisine from Utah’s top five caterers.

Farm to table isn’t new. For years, menus have boasted local food for good reasons: it is undeniably fresh, environmentally friendly (saves transportation costs) and supportive of locally-owned business.

What is new is entire wedding menus filled top-to-bottom with locally-grown gourmet offerings, not just a single dish. From appetizers and salads to entrees and desserts, five Utah caterers prep their favorite farm-fresh dishes.

[vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”8831,8830,8829,8828,8827,8826,8825,8824,8823,8822,8821,8820″ img_size=”large”]

See more inside the

Photographs by: Jessica White Photography

Food by: Cuisine Unlimited | Blended Table | Utah Food Services | Culinary Crafts | Done To Your Taste

This Season’s Honeymoon Hues and Fashion Ideas

The choice isn’t always black or white. Color is the story. You are the main character.

Flame: Liebeskind Red Bag, Flight ($248); Dolce Vita Red Heel, Flight ($148); Smith & Colt Red Nail polish in “Psycho Candy”,  C Two by Cake ($19)

Chrome: Loeffler Randall Metallic Loafer, Namedroppers ($99.99); Large Silver Envelope, Banana Republic ($24);  Silver Small Clutch, Banana Republic ($68); Silver flat Aquatalina, Panache ($375); Silver bracelets Miansai, Cake ($220 each)

Greenery: Baggu Green Backpack, The Stockist ($42); Shoe, Jeffery Campbell, Anthropologie ($49.95); Frank & Eileen Green Belt, Panache ($155); Anna Trzebinski Ostrige Scarf, Farasha ($1,950)

Primrose Yellow: Marc Jacobs Bag, Namedroppers ($246.99);  Camper Yellow Sneaker, The Children’s Hour ($130); Yellow Sunglasses, Anthropologie ($38)

Dogwood: Pink Clutch, Koo De Ker ($42); BKR Pink Water bottle, C Two by Cake ($35); Free People heel, The Children’s Hour ($148); Pink Hat, Koo De Ker ($24): John Russo Nail polishes in “Mineral” and “Air,” Farasha ($18)

Lapis: Basil Racuk Paperbag, Farasha ($234); Kate Spade clutch, Namedroppers ($100); Jennifer Fischer Sunglasses, Namedroppers ($246.99); Jeffery Campbell velvet mules, Mary Janes ($109)

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See more inside the 2017 May/June Issue.See more inside the .

DETAILS

Photos by: Adam Finkle

Styled by Farasha: Madeleine Marie Ewell & Yvonne Colvin

Art Direction by: Jeanine Miller

the Bachelorette Party

For centuries before a wedding the groom has been celebrated. Bachelor parties began with the spartans, but bachelorette parties were nowhere to be found. It wasn’t until the 1960s and the rise of feminism that women realized, WE DESERVE TO PARTY TOO! Now a time honored tradition—bachelorette parties—can be anything from the wild nights we see in movies to a quiet night in.

This brings us to you. You offered to plan the bachelorette party, the bride’s last night of freedom. But… now what? Have no fear, we are here to help with some steps to guide and inspire the perfect night for the bride and her girls.

Courtesy of The Bach

Theme

First thing’s first, the theme. Think of the bride here, is it going to be a ‘glamping’ getaway (Conestoga Ranch), a wild night on the town (hit up Downtown SLC or Park city), a spa day (Basalt Day Spa) or a night in? Some themes can be as basic as the bride’s favorite color or era (vintage, hippies, sixties). Before you get anything planned from here make sure you talk to the bride and know what she wants and is comfortable with—a little blushing can be fun but all out risqué isn’t for everyone.

Courtesy of Shop Stag and Hen

Style

Next comes the style, will you have a color scheme or dress code? A little guidance can be nice, but make sure everyone can still wear what they are comfortable in (some cute stores: Apt. 202, Unhinged, The Stocklist and White Elephant). Having something matching like shirts, socks or bags can make for some fun pictures and to get some fun attention if you decide to go out (design some at Bridal Party Tees or check out Etsy).

Courtesy of How Sweet Eats

Pre-gaming

Pre-gaming; this sets the mood for the whole night so make sure you have fun! Get the girls ready together. Have a good collection of treats (theme appropriate of course) and some yummy drinks to get the party started. While you’re doing each other’s makeup and hair or sipping on something fruity, don’t forget to play some good music (our favorites include: P.Y.T. by DJ John Gibbons, Run the World by Beyonce and Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper).

Courtesy of My True Blu

Where to Go and What to Do

Where you go and what you do really depend on the theme you chose. The options are endless, play some party games at home or make it a relaxing oasis for a spa day, take a pole dancing class at La Bombe SLC, go to Wiseguys Comedy Club to laugh all night or hit some bars and clubs (Bourbon, Twist, and Sky SLC are some ideas).

Courtesy of Camille Styles

How to End the Night

After a whole day or night of fun the group is bound to be exhausted. This is where you can decide to part ways or have an old fashioned slumber party. End the night cuddled together reliving old memories and talking about the new ones you just made. The Bride’s last hurrah is sure to be her dream come true as long as she’s with her girls.

PETAL POINTERS: 5 NEED-TO-KNOWS ABOUT FLORALS IN 2017

Designer Kellie Jackstien on… floral trends, hot colors, mistakes to avoid and must-have vases.

What’s today’s hot look for arrangements?

Most of my work is wedding-based. The bohemian, deconstructed look is more popular with Utah brides while out-of-state clients prefer more classic, bloom-heavy arrangements with cleaner lines and more neutral colors.

What’s a common floral-arranging faux pas?

People lose the impact and interest of individual blooms by using too many of the same flower in an arrangement.   

 

What is your advice for keeping cut flowers fresh longer?

Clean water is imperative. If an arrangement’s water is cloudy, I run water over the flowers until the water clears. I also mist flowers daily because they drink from their petals, too.

What’s new with color in 2017?

We are seeing more color and brighter greens. Foliage will be vibrant with fewer dusty greens and more bright, grassy tones. We’ll even see more green roses.

What vases should everybody own?

Two clear-glass cylinder vases: one eight to 10 inches tall and the other wider and shorter, around four inches tall. These are classic, clean, modern and make floral design so easy. Flowers almost arrange themselves in these vases.   

Photos by: Angela Howard

Tip Tuesday: Find Your Perfect Foundation Match

written by: Emily Lopez
Let’s talk foundation matching! Finding the perfect shade AND the perfect tone can be rough. No one wants to look like a mime or an oompa loompa. Am I right?? First off, look at your veins on the inside of your wrist. Are the blue? Or more green? This says a lot about the TONE you need to select. Blue veins mean you have a cooler undertone. Green veins mean you have a warmer undertone. Not sure whether they’re green or blue? Perhaps you have a neutral undertone. Carefully select a few different shades and use a q-tip or sponge and vertically sweep the foundation across your jawline down to your neck. This will lead you to the most accurate match. Also, make sure you have good, natural light wherever you’re shade matching.
(Photo credit: Camilia Lund Photo)

Here are a few of my favorite tried-and-true foundations:

Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+

Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

Complexion Rescue™Tinted Moisturizer – Hydrating Gel Cream

2017 Summer/Fall Issue – Coming July 1

With so many options out there for planning your wedding, it’s easy to get lost in a Pinterest menagerie of fonts, flowers and fondue fountains all leading to dead links and an #epicweddingfail. We’re here to help. Not only do UB&G’s guides showcase the products and the prettiness, we also present WHO is behind Utah’s picture-perfect weddings.

Read our full online issue on July 1 and be sure to check out our interactive issue for even more Utah real wedding inspiration.

DETAILS

Photography: Brushfire Photography
Venue: Deer Valley Resort
Florals: Artisan Bloom
Jewelry: O.C. Tanner Jewelers
Dress: Chantel Lauren
Hair and Make up: Lesley Lind Makeup & Hair

Engagement Story: Felicia & Reed

“We met in junior high. He sat in the front row in our history class. I thought he was too outspoken. He was the guy who would yell something ridiculous before an assembly, but he was so funny!”

felicia and reed in a tree root system

“Eventually, we became friends. I gave him my phone number and he would call me and I would always miss it. I was either at dance or asleep. My mom and dad would always say, ‘Reed called again.’ I remember, at the time, that he had my phone number written on the bottom of his skateboard.”

feclicia and in the ocean

“He never asked me out we were always just friends. I always said no to other people, I knew I wasn’t old enough. I wasn’t allowed to date until high school.”

felicia and reed in the ocean

“In high school, Reed and I went different ways. I had a boyfriend at the time, but I knew I liked him [Reed].  I didn’t want to tell him that I had a crush on him, but my friends encouraged me to and when I finally did, he said nonchalantly, ‘I’ll call you later.'”

felicia and reed engagement ocean

“We went on our first date after senior year of school and we’ve been inseparable ever since…”

felicia and reed engagement

“I lost my mom in the fall of  2015 and it was an extremely difficult time in my life. I had a lot of questions. I didn’t know if Reed was going to propose or not. I didn’t know if I wanted to get married. I remember asking myself, how could I go through with a wedding without my mom?”

felcia and reed walking

“But, I knew my mom loved Reed and she would’ve wanted me to marry him.”

felicia and reed on stairs

“Reed is in the Navy and at the time, he was stationed somewhere in the Red Sea. He came home in December of 2015 and asked me to go to Park City with him, but I worked an early morning shift as a reporter for ABC 4 news, I had to be to work by 3:30 a.m. the next morning and I didn’t really feel like going, but he just kept pushing it.”

reed kneels to propose to felicia under christmas lights

“I agreed to go and we went to dinner at a restaurant on Main Street. I didn’t think anything of it because we always went out to dinner…The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee…”

Felicia Martinez and Reed Ilijic are set to be married on October 14, 2017 at This is the Place Heritage Park — Garden Place. The Military has the couple in San Diego, but they are anxious to get back home, to Utah. Stay tuned.

Engagement images credit:  Jeff Dillow Photography

——

Written by: Ashley Baker

Summer Staycation Date Idea for Utah Locals at Park City’s Waldorf Astoria

written by: Christie Marcy

There’s one more reason to head up the hill to escape the heat this summer, thanks to Park City’s Waldorf Astoria. Beginning tomorrow, the luxury hotel will begin opening its pool to locals all summer long, each Saturday from 5-10 p.m..

The hotel has included a brand new beer garden as part of their poolside offerings—there you’ll find the Waldorf’s exclusive Pow Day pale ale brew from Park City Brewery as well as a handful of other local brews (and a non-alcoholic root beer, of course) and an exclusive bar menu featuring pizza, burgers and brats. And, of course, lawn games.

In addition to the beer garden, for the first time ever, locals can reserve cabanas for a half day (for $150) or full day ( for $250), or indulge in packages including water and fresh fruit—or you can all out and reserve a cabana package. There’s the gender-labeled Ladies’ Day (featuring prosecco) and and lunch or a Beer Garden Package that includes up to five beers for up to five people. There’s even a kid’s party package with pizza and cupcakes.

Liberty Park’s pool better up its game.

For more details, or to reserve a cabana, call the Waldorf at 435-647-5500, or visit their website here.

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