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

June 28, 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

June 27, 2017

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.

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

June 26, 2017

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

June 23, 2017

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.'”

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

“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?”

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

“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.”

“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

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Written by: Ashley Baker

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

June 22, 2017

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.

LET IT RIDE: Honeymoon Outdoor Adventure Ideas

June 20, 2017

written by: Tony Gill

Do you remember your first taste of freedom? The inaugural whiff of independence with the wind in your hair? For me it was when my training wheels came off and my life changed. My first two-wheeled death machine was a red Schwinn with a coaster brake I rode off every curb I could find. It had a bald rear tire from a thousand too many skids. You better believe I had a baseball card in the spokes at some point. In many ways, it was a piece of garbage. But it was my garbage, and it opened a whole new world to me. I’m a bit older now, but put me on a bicycle and I’m surely not any wiser—I’ve got the scars to prove it.

I’m not alone in my two-wheeled obsession. Utah is at the center of the country’s bicycling resurgence. Sure, it’s great exercise that pairs well with your fad diet, and it’s been pejoratively coined the new golf, but at its heart cycling is a virtuous undertaking. H.G. Wells famously said, “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” We could all use less despair these days. Fortunately the Beehive is filled with the roads, trails, paths and scenery to get back to your roots and get the whole family rolling on two wheels.

The Path to Enlightenment

The adage “Just like riding a bike” implies a degree of simplicity, but getting a family into cycling can be tough sledding. Want to master the roads like your favorite doped-up Lycra-clad superhero? Bring along some nerves of steel for rubbing side view mirrors with aggressive motorists. Endeavor to take to the hills like the daredevils of Red Bull Rampage? Hope you’ve got some decent health insurance. The best way to get the whole family out for a ride that doesn’t end in tears is on one of Utah’s scenic, paved bike paths.

Paved bike paths suit just about any bicycle, so you should be all set no matter what rusted-out two-wheeled contraption you pull out of the storage shed—or you can rent the latest and greatest from a place like Hyland Cyclery. It’s up to you. The Salt Lake City area boasts a plenitude of paths to take you through some of the finest backdrops the West can offer.

Since City Creek Canyon in Salt Lake is closed to automobiles on odd-numbered dates during the summer, your family is free to enjoy the scenery without anyone pulling a Mad Max: Fury Road and running you into the creek. The path does trend uphill, but there are plenty of shady, grassy spots to pull over for a pit stop or a bite to eat. Of course that means it’s all downhill on the way back. bikeslc.com

The Provo River Parkway is a 15-mile trail running along US 189 in Provo Canyon from Utah Lake State Park to Vivian Park. It’s a great trail for all levels of bikers, and the more experienced in the group will be able to take detours on some of the adjacent dirt trails. The Parkway gets bonus points for passing the famous Bridal Veil Falls and a refreshing swimming hole less than four miles from the canyon mouth. utahmountainbiking.com

If the heat has you down, escape up Parley’s Canyon to Park City and hop on the McLeod Creek Trail. You can access the trail from the parking area on 224 right across from the famous white barn at McPolin Farm and ride the trail north, following the mixed paved and crushed gravel trail along McLeod Creek and around Willow Creek Park before stopping for some refreshment at Kimball Junction. basinrecreation.org

Hyland Cyclery: 3040 S Highland Dr, SLC, 801-467-0914, hylandcyclery.com

Off the Beaten Path in a red-rock wonderland

Have a significant other who’s looking for a little more adventure or a kid who’s bored with tame bike paths? There’s no better place to introduce the whole family to off-road riding than the true mountain-bike Mecca, Moab. Moab has some of the most challenging and technical trails in the country, but it’s also home to some of the best beginner-bike terrain anywhere. Note: You’ll need some knobby-tires. If you don’t own an appropriate mountain bike, you can rent at one of Moab’s numerous bike shops, including Chile Pepper Bike Shop. discovermoab.com

The Intrepid Trail System is located in Dead Horse State Park, about 30 miles west of Moab. There are multiple loops you can do, which range from just over a mile to nine miles in length. The introductory terrain and varied ride distances make Intrepid the perfect place to get the whole family out on two wheels. The loops provide a little taste of Moab’s variety of terrain, and they all offer incredible views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/

The Bar-M loop is another great spot for beginner mountain biking, with a trailhead on U.S. 191 about eight miles from town. From the parking area, ride south toward Moab on a family-friendly dirt road peppered with bits of the slickrock and sand Moab is famous for. If the Bar-M Loop isn’t enough, you can link up with Circle O, Rockin’ A and Bar B to add mileage and conveniently spell out “MOAB” on your ride. This trail is frequently ridden with trail-a-bikes, making it a perfect option for families with little ones in tow.
mtbproject.com

Chile Pepper Bike Shop: 702 S Main St, Moab, 435-259-4688

Pre-wedding Pampering and Fun for the Bride and Groom

June 19, 2017

The pains of prepping for a wedding can put a lot of unneeded stress on a bride and groom. You know you need a little me time. Time to treat yourself to a little extra pampering. The temperature is heating up outdoors which means ladies—it’s “Sandel weather!” Take your season old piggly wigglies out on a date for a little mani/pedi. Men, you know your frostbitten beards are just yearning for a toasty towel and clean shave. And we all can’t deny—regardless of season—we’d love an on call every day massage therapist. So here are our picks for some of the best places around town to indulge in a little self-spoiling.

1.

Making It. Thanks to Utah’s amazing scenery and snow, Salt Lake has more places designed for pampering than many cities. But everyone’s definition of luxury is different and that’s why, of all the high-end, “world class” resorts and spas within reach, I like Sundance the best. The spa has character and Indian flute music besides all the treatments, the woods come right up to the walkways, the buildings aren’t so huge that they dwarf the landscape you’re there for, But the big deal for me is the Sundance Art Studio, where you can sign up for a class in painting, pottery, jewelry-making and other arts. There is probably nothing better for your brain and more relaxing for your spirit than creating something. Modern life tends to ignore this truth—unless you consider making money as creating something which I don’t. sundanceresort.com

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2.

Photo from www.slbarbershop.com

Every once in a while you need to sit back and get yourself shaved by a professional barber, if only to slow down and recalibrate your outlook on life. We’d recommend Stefahn’s Barber Shop and urban-pioneer business (they’re courageously bringing civilization to SLC’s wild west side). Sure, the Internet is infested with high-tech, low-cost and vintage razors—but are you going to wrap your own face with a hot towel? Bring yourself a cuppa? Or wax your nostrils. Not likely. Just let go …

409 N. 300 West, 801-532-4497, slbarbershop.com/

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3.

I have short hair and I get it cut at one of those walk-in strip mall places because I’ve never seen the point in spending $100 bucks on hair that is literally going to get cut off the next time I’m at the salon. However, I do put a premium on my brows and lashes—perhaps in part because of my short hair. So, I heartily recommend a brow wax, lash lift and all-around tint from Big City Brows. I’m telling you, you have no idea how much this is going to change your life until you have it done and the heavens open up and the birds sing—and I’m not even being hyperbolic. Vanessa is the best—and she does facials, too.

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4.

Image from: www.westgatedestinations.com

I love a good spa day, and it’s been tricky finding a good one since I moved here. I did eventually find one that I really liked: The Westgate Park City spa.

It has a relaxing adult pool,jacuzzi and lovely saunas and steam rooms. Treat yourself, I promise you’ll love it!

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5.

Photo from www.thekuradoor.com

My husband knows that if he is ever bewildered by what to buy me for any occasion that he can fall back on a gift certificate to the Kura Door Japanese Spa in the Avenues. It’s my favorite way to relax and I love that you could hang out there all day in a robe sipping tea.

Make a Statement with Mountain High Fashion

June 16, 2017

Easy-breezy gowns for the spirited, sun-kissed bride.

“The mountains are calling and I must go,” said John Muir in his most famous quote. Every year, the indisputable romance of mountain life lures engaged couples to Utah from all over the country. These wanderers and outdoor thrill-seekers celebrate our canyon breezes, grassy slopes and vast views.
It may seem challenging to compete with all this mountain majesty, but with the right head-to-toe look, a bride shines through. High-altitude style calls for lightweight gown fabrics, jaw-dropping jewels and messy-hair-don’t-care beauty. What better place to showcase this spirited attitude—luxe yet carefree—than Deer Valley Resort’s Empire Canyon Lodge and Cushing’s Cabin.

1. O.C. Tanner Collection Asscher cut diamond and platinum engagement ring, $11,000*

2. Jade Trau six-prong solitaire, $19,400*; Roberto Coin diamond crisscross ring in white, yellow and rose gold, $3,100*

3. Monica Rich Kosan kaleidoscope necklace, $4,700* and telescope pendant $2,470*; Fur, $400, Name Droppers, SLC

4. Kwiat white gold in-and-out diamond hoop earrings, $24,300*

5. Pendant necklace, $68, Allyse’s Bridal, Orem; Casablanca gown, $975, Gateway Bridal, SLC

6. Rahaminov cushion cut diamond ring in rose gold with pave diamond shank, $50,000*; Roberto Coin New Barocco earrings rose gold with black and brown diamonds, $3,700*

7. Penny Preville diamond bangles, $7,695*; O.C. Tanner Collection Asscher cut diamond and platinum engagement ring, $11,000*; chunky moto bracelet, $64, Name Droppers, SLC

8. Roberto Coin Gate Drop earrings, $3,100*; Roberto Coin yellow gold collar, $8,900* (*Available at O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC and Park City)

Photography by: Brushfire Photography

FRESH PICKED: FRUIT + FLOWER wedding CENTERPIECEs

June 14, 2017

Fruit makes a tasty addition to summer wedding centerpieces.

Look, fruit is a summertime favorite for a reason. It’s fresh, it’s flavor-packed and it’s really beautiful. And in Utah, we grow plenty of it. Why not showcase it in your outdoor centerpieces? That’s what floral designer Allie Couch of Cosmo Muse did when she teamed local plums, peaches and cherries with exotic dragon fruit, halved citrus and vibrant anemones. “It’s perfect for the whole outdoor, farm-to-table thing,” she says. And here’s another Kessler tip: Place your colorful arrangement in a stylish footed bowl to elevate its impact.

Real Weddings: Life is Sweet at Salt Lake City LDS Temple

June 12, 2017

Shae O’Brien & Sam Orchard – 6.3.16

THE COUPLE

Shae and Sam met at a karaoke night their freshman year at Utah State University. They dated for a few months before Sam left on an LDS mission. Shae, too, went on a mission, but the couple reunited “right where we left off,” Shae says. Sam sealed the deal when he proposed to Shae at her Big Cottonwood family cabin.

THE WEDDING

“My whole life, I’ve dreamed of having a summer wedding and getting married in the Salt Lake City Temple,” Shae says. Sam’s uncle performed the LDS Temple sealing in June.

THE MOOD

Shae’s family hosted the reception at their home. “I [also] wished for a fairy tale wedding,” Shae continues. “Having it in my childhood backyard just made it that much more special.” Wedding colors included cream, navy, pink and orange.

THE CUISINE

Sam opts for meats, but Shae prefers salads. Menu items included a mix of their favorites like tri-tip sandwiches and salads, mixed berry salads, macaroni and cheese and sweet-potato fries—deep fried on the spot for guests. But the dessert table stole the show. “My Grandpa Lee, who passed away a few years ago, owned Lee’s Donuts in Ogden,” Shae explains. “We used his big shop sign and displayed a photo of him when he was younger making donuts.” They served maple bars, donut holes, sprinkle donuts, whoopie pies, soft-serve ice cream, watermelon sours, gum balls and a three-tiered cake featuring layers of poppy seed, coconut, and red velvet and chocolate.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT

“Before dancing, the DJ introduced the wedding party,” Shae recalls. “Each groomsmen walked in with a bridesmaid, then did a fun dance move. Then, hearing the DJ announce us as Mr. and Mrs. Sam Orchard made the day so real.”