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
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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.
“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.
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.”
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.
GATEWAY BRIDAL & PROM
178 S. Rio Grande Street Suite 150 | Salt Lake City, Utah | 801.363.2574
Here’s to your happily ever after. Here’s to your first married dinners together and to the ones you’ll dish up twenty years from now. Here’s to a happy home, to beautiful basics that will get you through adventure after adventure. Here’s to your life.
Our favorite part of wedding planning is the ever after. What happens after the party, the send-off, the honeymoon. At New Orientation, we create custom online and in-store wedding registries that help you build a beautiful life, from the table to little details all through your home. Pop in and let us help you build your world.
And because we really believe in celebrations, we’ll deliver each and every gift to your doorstep, wrapped up in the perfect bow.
“In an already humbling and special time of my life, the women of New Orientation made registering for dishes, serveware, and home decor so easy and personal. Store owner, Neena Ashton, and registry manager, Sarah Hardman, met with me to discuss my individual style and assist me in finding the perfect items for my registry. They even took the time to explain the significance and history of beautiful and unique pieces I had selected, like the double happiness jar. To this day I walk around our home and smile thinking of the generosity of our family and friends on our wedding day when I see our treasures from New Orientation.” – Liz Elliott Jonke
“As the veteran of four weddings, two as the MOB, two as the MOG, I have dealt with all kinds of wedding-related businesses. None surpasses the service and quality of New Orientation. One daughter-in-law told me how happy she was that I introduced her to New Orientation. She commented on the attentive, personalized service: “At other places, I felt like it was all about checking a box and making money for the big store. At New Orientation, Sarah took time to get to know us and our taste and made helpful suggestions.”
Our family loves that New Orientation is local and offers truly elegant, classic inventory. If they don’t have something you want, they will try to get it. Everyone who works at the store is friendly and helpful. I thought gift wrapping and delivery were things of the past. Not so with New Orientation. They offer incomparable service. I am always pleased to introduce friends to this wonderful store.” – Lisa Ramsey Adams
Special: We’re so happy to be creating online registries to extend the experience couples get in our brick & mortar to their friends and family across the country. To celebrate, we’re giving couples who register at New O before September 1 an extra boost toward their happily ever after. After the wedding, we’ll add an extra 10 percent off their registry’s value to their gift pile, to help them get those last few plates, or the perfect frame for their favorite wedding photo.
Imagine walking down that aisle in a halter neck gown, only to reveal a stunning strappy back once you’ve reached the altar. A loose updo is a must to showcase the gown’s wow-factor.
A boho dream. Easy-to-wear—and easy-to-hike-up-the-hillside—silk and tulle make the perfect pairing of comfort and elegance. Instead of ribbon, scissor-cut raw silk wraps a bouquet filled with air plants, thistle and lamb’s ear.
Silk crepe bodice with pleated cap sleeve, low back with bow detail (not shown) plus soft silk tulle skirt, $2,050, Chantel Lauren, SLC; bouquet by Artisan Bloom, Draper
I have been married to one of the most amazing men for just over 10 years. We got married young—not by Utah standards, but on the east coast (where we lived prior to moving to the Beehive State), we were young. We met in college and, bam, got married shortly after. We made it through grad schools in Boston, work in Miami, and now a new life in Utah.
Ten years later, we’re still having fun. We often get asked how we make a marriage work—especially after ten years. It’s hard to put into words what it means to be married to Travis Peterson or how we make marriage work. But here it is.
I can’t say this enough: Marriage is whatever you make it.
This has been and will always be our motto. Marriage is between two people and ONLY those two get to decide what that looks like—not society, not your family, not your friends, not your strangers. And so we did and have made our version of marriage.
Every day we try to learn something new about each other and do something new with each other so that it still feels like we are dating each other. But at the same time, we know each other on a raw and deep-rooted level that makes us feel like an old married couple. I thank Travis for letting me be crazy, free-spirited, creative, loving, passionate and wild. But I also thank him for letting me be angry, sad, frustrated, hurt and annoyed. I thank him for both, because that is all of me and he let’s me be me. I love what we are and I am excited to see what we will become.
Don’t take my word on it. We reached out to several Utah brides to find out what they have learned about marriage be it one year or thirty one.
—
Charla Cochran and John Bocchicchio – Married 1 year
“I wish I had fully understood the fact that John is perpetually running a few minutes behind. We can’t ever get out door on time, but I adjust my expectations or I tell him everything is happening 10 minutes earlier. As long as we are laughing and communicating, life is grand.”
Jan and Dave Willams – 31 years
“Take it one day at a time. There will be ups and downs. Don’t do anything rash during the down times or the really up ones either. Save big decisions for the stable, level times. Take time each day to remember why you married your spouse. Be grateful.”
Maureen Conroy and Kit Webber – Married 8 years
“Designing your own wedding rings is completely impractical and unnecessary. And strapless gowns are BS.”
Stephanie Howell and Eric Peterson – Married 20 years
“That the things I fell in love with—the kind eyes, the unexpected laugh, the sharp intellect, the dry humor—are the things I would fall in love with again, 20 years later…in the faces of our kids.”
Anne Lee and Claude Halter – Married 4 years
“Every marriage is different. People may try to tell you how your marriage should be, but it’s whatever you build together with your partner and what makes the two of you happy.”
Jessica Ohlen and Stephen Bronson – Married 10 years
“Habits are really hard to break and you really need to accept your partners habits. Ten years in, I still can’t get Stephen to put down the toilet seat. I will forever have to check before I sit down in the middle of the night.”
Our beauty experts here at Utah Bride & Groom magazine, have teamed up with a local hair and make-up stylist to bring you the hottest hair and make-up trends for 2017.
Shar Mitchell, hair stylist, beauty educator and consultant, has worked in the hair and beauty industry for over 10 years. Mitchell has spent her time designing looks for a high end clientele including A-list celebrities who have visited Utah. She has spent many of her days, years – in fact, ‘behind the chair,’ in places like Deer Valley’s renowned Stein Eriksen Lodge spa & salon. Mitchell’s looks have also donned the runway at Utah Fashion Week, various photo shoots, television commercials and several weddings throughout the Wasatch Front.
2017 is all About Loose, Romantic Waves
Image: Keri Michelle Photography | HMUA: Abigail Hill
“Loose, romantic, soft waves are requested [by brides] a lot,” says Mitchell.
Get the Look: Begin by applying a workable hairspray to freshly washed and dried hair. Next, add texturizing powder by sprinkling it on at the roots and work it in — this gives the hair a gritty hold while adding volume. For perfect Waves: Mitchell suggests a couple different techniques: 1. Curl hair with a low heat flatiron and brush through, OR 2. Wrap the hair around a wand or iron that’s designed specifically for beachy waves, polish the look with a shine spray and a strong hold hairspray.
Products we Love:
Loose, Twisty Fishtail Braids are Kind of a Big Deal
Image: Brushfire Photography | HMUA: Lesley Lind
Get the Look: Loose twisty fishtail braids are in high demand this wedding season. ICYMI: How to fishtail – begin wit a ponytail, split hair into two sections – clutching both sections of hair in each hand, weave 1/4 inch sections from the outside of each strand into the opposite section and continue braiding. Tug some of the pieces from the braid to loosen and voila! To create the look from the image above, end the braid halfway down, secure and curl remaining hair. For a little glitz and glamour, try adding a rhinestone ribbon.
“To keep hair from fraying out, I use a workable paste or wax,” says Mitchell.
Products We Love:
2017 is the Year of Throwing Out the Rules
Image: Adam Finkle | HMUA: Morgan Scheer
2017 is the year of no rules, there are less requests for conventional, traditional hairstyles and more demand for edgier, less constructive looks.
“Everyone I work on is a little bit different, in what look they’re after,” Mitchell says.”Soft up-do using a lot of loose waves and natural body,” she says. ” Hair requests [from brides] are a lot less constructive than previous year’s wedding hair styles.”
Make-up trends — Less is More
Image: D’Arcy Benincosa| HMUA: April Benincosa
“Any look that enhances the eye – winged eyes and false lashes…Eye brightening looks are popular, as well as matte nudes [eyeshadow and lipstick],” says Mitchell. “A lot of contouring and highlighting is really in right now. Brown and peach smokey eyes, more of a natural look is requested often,” she says.
“Various cultures have different standards of beauty and it’s always fun and interesting to create a look that is cohesive with the different types and styles of their culture’s beauty.”
Products we love:
Tips + Tricks for the Bride-to-be
When it comes to hiring the right HMUA for your wedding day, our advice is to try to sit down for a trial run of your look prior to your wedding. This will not only prevent any possible hair and make-up catastrophes that could happen on your wedding day, but also allows for your stylist to be prepared to make you look and feel your best.
Salt Lake residents Christina and Ryan met in Chicago while attending Northwestern University for their doctorates in physical therapy. After five years of dating, Ryan proposed during a vacation with his family at Cannon Beach, Oregon.
THE WEDDING
Before moving to Utah, Christina and Ryan planned their wedding from Chicago. “I had always dreamed of a late-fall or early-winter wedding, but in Chicago, that meant it would be have to be indoors,” Christina says. “I had fallen in love with the mountains on our previous trips to Utah.” Two days before the wedding, they treated the bridal party to a tour of Olympic Park, where they met athletes from the World Cup Skeleton Team. The Riverhorse hosted a rehearsal dinner.
THE MOOD
“Stein Eriksen Lodge offered everything we could wish for, from the outstanding service, an outdoor ceremony with the mountains as our backdrop—as well as the ability to have all of our guests within a close proximity at the mid-mountain resort,” Christina explains. “The ballroom has a glass-paneled wall that opens up to a perfect view of the mountains. This was critical for the balance of elegance and rustic lodge flare.”
THE CUISINE
Passed hors d’oeuvres included smoked-salmon mousse, Creminelli salami, fried artichoke hearts, Maine crab cakes, Kobe-beef short ribs and pork belly. The dinner menu featured mushroom soup and heirloom tomato arugula salad with a choice of tenderloin and sea bass, rack of lamb and shrimp or wild mushroom vegetable risotto. A taco cart offered late-night party nosh.
THE TUNES
DJ Craig Chambers emceed the evening music list that included Kodaline’s “The One” for Christina and Ryan’s first dance.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
“From inside, I watched our photographer position Ryan for our first look,” Christina recalls. “Instead of feeling nervous, I felt this overwhelming sense of calm knowing that the man that I love unconditionally and who had supported me over the past seven years was going to become my husband.”
Trend Alert!
THE WEDDING
THE MOOD
THE TUNES
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
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THE WEDDING
THE MOOD
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT