A classic gown is always a good choice, but heels and hiking are not a match made in heaven. Ditch the stilettos and go for a comfortable pair of kicks.
Soft chiffon over satin gown with natural waist, butterfly sleeves, ruched sash and pleated skirt, $900, Alyse’s Bridal, Orem; Gladiator sandals, $38, Called to Surf, Orem
Photography by: Brushfire Photography
Some couples may scurry at the thought of hosting a toasty, midsummer fling in Salt Lake City, but others revel in it—take the Fuse Weddings & Events team, for example. Teaming with photographer Elisha Braithwaite, Fuse planners Mara Marian and Kandace Reader take inspiration from the hot style and luxury of Palm Springs.
Book a Hot Spot
Say ‘I do’ to poolside glamour. Here, Grand America Hotel’s pool courtyard beams with grandiose luxury. A contemporary backyard or country club can offer the same manicured elegance. Ready-made décor including chaise lounges and patio umbrellas create at-ease spots for sipping iced cocktails.
Tap Into Old Hollywood
Palm Springs’ claim to fame began in the 1960s as a getaway for Hollywood A-listers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe. This influenced the resort town’s now-famous botanical greens and patio glamour (think Slim Aarons’ “Poolside Gossip”). Here Kartell-style ghost chairs, vintage jewelry and gold-star invitations tap into the same retro luxury.
Turn Over a New Leaf
Palm paradise in Utah? Why not? The banana leaf pattern became a Hollywood icon in the 1940s when it wallpapered the interior of The Beverly Hills Hotel. Naturally, its influence in interior design, fashion and accessories traveled with Hollywood celebs to Palm Springs. How to use this green-leafed pattern in weddings? “If you incorporate any really literal element—in our case the table linen—keep everything else cohesive, but less literal,” says Mara Marian of Fuse. “For instance, I wouldn’t want to have the bride holding a palm-leaf bouquet or add a palm-leaf menu to the table design.”
Make it Modern
Throwbacks are okay for Thursdays, but not for wedding fashion. Give retro an updated and upscale look with a modern head-to-toe look. A two-piece halter-top gown, floral crown, and sensuous hair and makeup bring a city-chic vibe.
Keep It Balanced
“I love that Amanda with Decoration Inc. opted to mix the palm and tropical blooms with more traditional blooms for a softer, less-themed feel,” says Marian, referencing vibrant orchids and punchy pink garden roses. Flamingo pink linen napkins visually connect with the table’s exotic flower lineup of gloriosa lilies, roses, orchids and dahlias.
See more inside the
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Venue: Grand America Hotel, SLC
Planning and design: FUSE Weddings & Events, SLC
Photographer: Elisha Braithwaite, SLC
Hair and makeup: Lesley Lind, SLC
Florals and chair rentals: Decoration Inc., SLC
Table rentals: Diamond Rental, Murray
Paper goods: Ann Elizabeth, SLC
Gown: Harlow Brides, SLC
Linens: Creative Coverings
Model: Sierra Dawn Thomas, Black Crown Models Agency, Midvale
“Snuck Farm is one of Utah’s hidden treasures,” says Mary Crafts-Homer, founder and CEO of Culinary Crafts. “The vision of a hydroponic farm was the beginning of a masterpiece—a space to create farm-to-table artisan food within the walls of artisan architecture.” Crafts-Homer and her team at Culinary Crafts have hosted and catered three pop-up dinners at Snuck Farm, all of which included the farm’s fresh-picked produce served under the soaring ceiling of the barn’s pass-through.
For salads, she served heads of baby butter lettuce fresh-picked from the hydroponic greenhouse, plated heirloom tomatoes from the garden with fresh pulled mozzarella, just-picked basil and a balsamic reduction sided with herbed olive oil and house-made focaccia. “The opportunity to serve greens, herbs and vegetables at a dinner in the same GPS location where they were grown is a foodie’s dream come true,” Crafts-Homer says.
The food isn’t the only draw. “It’s the entire experience that becomes a special memory for guests,” says Crafts-Homer, who hosts pop-up dinners in many settings across Utah. She and her team introduce each course served, detailing where the foods come from, describing how each course is prepared and explaining what inspired the unique menu for the pop-up they’re hosting.
“We offer pop-ups so more people can experience our unique brand of catering,” Crafts-Homer says, explaining that before the pop-ups, the only way people could enjoy their catering was to be a client’s invited guest. “Now, anyone can purchase a ticket to experience our one-of-a-kind, multi-course meals,” she says.
Visit culinarycrafts.com for their 2017 pop-up schedule and to sign up for notification of when tickets are available for sale.
Some say a wedding is about the bride—or depending on your family, the mother of the bride. We disagree. A wedding is to celebrate the couple and their future together, yet sometimes the groom gets overlooked. Fear not, gracious grooms. You, too, can be pampered. Grab your guys, pack those clubs and head to the greens.
Perfectly situated between downtown Park City and Salt Lake City is the hidden gem, Jeremy Ranch Golf and Country Club. It is nestled just up Parley’s canyon, a mere 20 minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City and Salt Lake International Airport.
The club offers the opportunity to add up to 8 rounds of golf in the summer with any wedding package. And this is a nice perk when it comes to playing at Utah’s only signature Arnold Palmer designed course and a private club for members and their guests. You can treat your groomsmen or arrange a father-and-son outing in the challenging, yet breathtaking mountain setting. All of the upgraded golf packages come with a signature gift and a bottle of water for each player in their cart.
Jeremy Ranch Golf & Country Club official opened in the fall of 1981. Since then, golfers from all over the world have fallen in love with this Arnold Palmer designed masterpiece. For a decade starting in 1982, the best players in history to strike a golf ball came to play in the Shoot Out at Jeremy Ranch. Players like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Ben Crenshaw and Dave Stockton came to experience mountain golf at its finest. No matter what your handicap, players all agree, Jeremy Ranch is a true championship golf course. Nestled in Upper East Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains near Park City, Arnold Palmer created one of the best mountain tracks in the West. East Canyon Creek winds its way through 10 of 18 holes and makes this golf course as challenging as it is beautiful.
But wait there’s more. Your weekend doesn’t have to end when the sunsets on the golf course. Jeremy Ranch can arrange added amenities, such as cigars by the fire pit, food and beverage services on or off course. And your lady and her entourage don’t have to be the only one’s benefiting from a bit of pampering. Barber services, such as hot shaves and haircuts can also be scheduled during your visit.
What would a getaway be without pampering your tastebuds as well? As a 2017 Best of State winner in Private Club Dining, you can rest assure that our full service kitchen can tempt the palate of the sophisticated diner without neglecting the interest in a more casual fare with our house favorite barbecue selections.
Jeremy Ranch isn’t a one season location. Some of the best times to visit the area is during the colder months of the year. It’s Utah—we get some of the best snow in the nation. And in the winter months the Jeremy Ranch offers Classic and Skate Nordic Skiing, lessons with Olympic and Ski Team athletes, and rentals.
If your getaway is scheduled at the same time as your wedding—Jeremy Ranch can arrange an upgrade for access to their brand new fitness facility. Sweat out those wedding jitters with access to an abundance of equipment, a full gym and training rooms. Then feel refreshed to start your new life in their private men’s steam room.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“The facility and staff were excellent for my daughter-in-law and son’s wedding. First class. The bar service and indoor/outdoor seating areas and setup for the ceremony was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the bonfire in the early evening afterward. Such a memorable experience.” Mr. Sean Sculley, FB review 5 stars 10/5/16
8770 Jeremy Rd, Park City, UT 84098
One of the biggest questions Utah engaged couples have is: How do we create a uniquely-us wedding without breaking the bank, wasting time and losing our minds?
First and foremost, hire the most reputable wedding professionals. They know the ins and outs of what’s hot and how to work with a budget. Take florists, for example.
They’ll tell you popular petals like peonies and garden roses come at a premium. So, what’s a bride to do when those wedding favorites are out of season or out of budget?
Cactus & Tropicals floral designer Kendyl Schofield showcases save-versus-splurge options using three of 2017’s hottest flowers trends—proteas, carnations and greenery.
Centerpieces (from left to right):
Utilize a set of multiple glass vases with single blooms for a low-stress $40 centerpiece. The middle centerpiece (for $125) offers budget-friendly cuts like punchy-pink carnations and grassy-green foxtail ferns. Finally, the splurge centerpiece shows off garden roses and funky proteas at the $250 price point.
“Brides can also choose to have all three looks placed on varying different tables,” Schofield suggests. Budget bonus: All vases here can be rented.
Bouquets (from left to right):
The left bouquet ($250) boasts wedding favorites including luscious peonies, garden roses and feathery astilbe, while the right one ($110) uses less-costly, yet similar blooms including French “peony” tulips, cream-colored carnations and miniature waxflower. “Many brides will splurge on their wedding-day bouquet,” says Schofield. “Then, they’ll chose a save-version for the bridals photos.”
Garlands (left to right):
It’s all about the color green this year thanks to Pantone’s announcement of Greenery as the Color of the Year. Lucky for us, garlands are on-trend and oh-so versatile as a table runner or an arbor dressing. The gathered greens—like the seeded-ecualyptus-and-bay-leaf combination on the left or the thinner version on the right—can easily be bulked up with flowers or more greens with a bigger budget. Priced by the yard from $15 and up.
Sign up to Salt Lake floral workshop here.
Sign up to Draper floral workshop here.
Attention all Utah brides, grooms and party planners!
Cactus & Tropical’s floral team presents a fun and informative floral workshop just for you. Ever wanted to learn to create your own fresh and fragrant garland? Now’s your chance.
Wedding garlands
Garlands are perfect as a table runner, chair decoration or arbor treatment for weddings, bridal showers and engagement parties.
Bring your BFF, bridesmaid, mom or best man and learn from the experts. Best of all, the garland you make is yours to keep.
Details
Date: 7/17
Time: 7 PM
Location: Salt Lake City / Draper
Sign up below
Utah Bride & Groom in collaboration with Cactus & Tropicals.
Amanda Schelin is no stranger to party planning. After years of heading up Branches Event Floral, Schelin has expanded her talents and has launched Amanda Jane Events offering flowers, decor and logistics. So, what exactly goes through this florist-turned-planner’s mind when she starts to plan? To give us some insight, Schelin and photographer Jessica White stage a springtime scene set for a gathering of laughter, memories and, most importantly, fun.
UB&G: Many of us fall victim to the idea that small parties—like a bridal shower—are easy to execute, only to realize later that they can be just as overwhelming as a larger event. Where does the smart, savvy party hostess begin?
Amanda: The best showers go beyond small talk and opening gifts. A great bridal shower speaks to the bride-to-be’s personality and style. However, the day shouldn’t only be a story of the bride. The theme should include the couple and their journey together. Inspiration can come from anywhere. It can start with something like the couple’s favorite season, an activity that the couple enjoys together, or—like we did here with “Build Me Up, Buttercup”—a simple phrase or term of endearment shared by the couple.
UB&G: How does color factor into your design scheme?
Amanda: This theme lent itself to a specific hue. I often start with the color palette—like the buttery yellow and vibrant green here. To create a cohesive look, choose your colors and stick to them. From here, the little details should start to fall in place.
UB&G: Do you have any favorite local party supply shops?
Amanda: One of my favorite local decor shops is Paper Source in Fashion Place mall. They have a variety of on-trend decorations and a wide assortment of upscale gift wraps. I have a thing for beautifully wrapped packages.
UB&G: Ordering flowers, especially over the phone, is enough to cause stage fright. How does one go about ordering centerpieces?
Amanda: Without a doubt, fresh flowers and greenery add depth, color and interest. I love custom garlands, simple floral centerpieces and even greenery—like the subtle vine added to the place setting and cake—to adorn the decor. Florists book up fast, so I suggest ordering at least three weeks in advance.
Trend Alert!
Save the selfies for another time and hire a pro (photographer, that is) to capture every detail of the shower, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaids luncheon and beyond.
Photographs by Jessica White Photography
“I grew up around flowers,” says Artisan Bloom’s Kellie Jackstein. Naturally, the floral designer’s passion fueled the fire to start her wedding business in 2000 and today, the sought-after designer is known for her signature lush and elegant style. So, what’s it like to be a wedding florist in Utah? Jackstein describes it for us here.
801.913.7444 | Salt Lake City, UT
kellie@artisanbloom.com
Cailley Chakeen & Andrew Tonn – 10.3.15
THE COUPLE
Long before Cailley and Drew settled into a newlywed life operating their own farm, Harris Buttes Ranch in Montana, mutual friends introduced the two Salt Lake City dwellers. Three years later, Drew proposed after a skinny dip—yes, a skinny dip—in an isolated Montana pool in Swan Valley. “Before climbing out of the water, Drew politely turned his back so that I could dash to my pile of clothes waiting behind a large boulder,” Cailley recalls. “After I emerged and got dressed, Drew was waiting on one knee. There I was, soaking wet with no makeup and wearing Tevas. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
THE WEDDING
Early in their courtship, Cailley and Drew attended the annual Sundance Harvest Market. “At one point, Drew turned to me and said, ‘I could see myself getting married here.’” Not surprisingly, autumn set the stage for their October wedding years later. “Drew’s roots are in the West and ranching, while my background is more urban and formal,” says Cailley, explaining the event’s Southwestern elegant vibe. “We wanted to capture the rustic, western feel authentic to Sundance, but maintain the traditional elegance imperative to such an important event.”
THE MOOD
To add Southwestern flair to the formality of tuxedos and gowns, Cailley and her bridesmaids wrapped themselves in patterned camp shawls and Cailley danced the night away in turquoise cowboy boots. Cailley’s favorite Pendleton blanket inspired the event’s color palette. “We featured authentic elements from Drew’s heritage including cattle brands, spurs, rope and deer antlers from the ranch,” Cailley describes. “The overall look and feel was warm, unique and authentic.”
THE CUISINE
The menu featured beef short ribs catered by Sundance Resort. “We chose this entrée because Drew is a cattle rancher,” Cailley says. “Beef was a must.” Sundance served crème brulee after dinner and cupcakes along with late-night, post-dancing pizza.
THE TUNES
Rosco String Quartet and Metro Music Club provided the entertainment. The couple danced to Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish.”
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
“Watching Cailley walk down the aisle as the sun shined down for the first time that day,” Drew says, describing the sun’s welcome arrival after a full day of rain. “She looked up toward the heavens and smiled the biggest smile.”
See more inside the
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THE DETAILS
Photography: Jessica White Photography, SLC
Wedding planner: Petal Pixie, SLC
Catering and venue: Sundance Mountain Resort, Sundance
Flowers: Petal Pixie, SLC
Rentals: Alpine Event Rentals, Provo
Rings: Tresor Jewelers, SLC
Paper: Ashley’s Custom Stationery, Hinsdale, Illinois
Gown: Vera Wang, Chicago, Illinois
Suits: The Black Tux, Santa Monica, California
Entertainment: Metro Music Club, SLC; Rosco String Quartet, SLC
Videography: Nathan Pickett Films, SLC
Officiant: Rev. Anita J. Gordon, SLC
The Gateway Bridal & Prom Showroom is located at the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City.
The showroom features cutting edge styles, lovely dressing rooms and viewing areas for you to enjoy. Come make some new lasting memories for your wedding at Gateway Bridal & Prom.
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