SIX VALENTINE’S EVENTS FOR THAT LAST-MINUTE DATE

Is your calendar for February 14th still filled with ominous white space? We’ve got some fun options if you want to truly revel in last-minute plans. (Besides, it’s not nearly too late to pull a Romeo and Juliet and fall immediately and deeply in love. Just maybe make sure nobody you know is involved in any sword fighting qualms first.)

So here it is: Six more reasons to make plans on February 14th.

PAGO: 5-Course Dinner Tasting Menu, plus optional wine pairings

An in-demand dining experience specially catered for the extra romantic of us. 

$75  food, $42 wine pairings (optional) + tax & 20% service

878 S. 900 East, SLC

Reservations: 801-532-0777

Pago-11

FINCA6-Course Dinner, plus optional wine pairings

They cite this special dinner as a homage to ancient romans, who considered Valentine’s day to be a feast before anything else–they’re marketing this as an event for any groups of humans wishing to eat food on February 14th, be you a romantic couple or strangely-timed family reunion. 

$65 food, $36 wine pairings (optional) + tax & 20% service

327 W. 200 South, SLC

Reservations: 801-487-0699

FINCA: “To Go” Valentine’s Tasting Menu

For any couple that would rather stay home, FINCA is offering an innovative dining experience by providing a pre-ordered meal available to pick up, complete with instructions for you to finish and plate the meal. Also includes a list of suggested wine pairings. The ultimate DIY.

$29-34 per person (min 2 people) + tax & service, + $25 refundable paella pan deposit

Pick up: 2pm-5pm, 327 W. 200 South, SLC

801-487-0699

Trestle Tavern_web-12

TRESTLE TAVERN: 4-Course Dinner Menu, plus optional wine pairings.

Intimate dining setting is willing to hold parties of any size, as long as you have the guts to call ahead. 

$40 food, $25 wine pairings (optional) + tax & 20% service

1513 S. 1500 East, SLC

801-532-3372

HUB & SPOKE DINER: Appetizer, Dinner and Dessert Specials

Because anyone who says diner food like gravy, boozy shakes and waffles can’t be romantic is a disgusting liar and doesn’t deserve any amount of romantic diner food. 

Reservations accepted for parties of any size.

1291 S. 1100 East, SLC

801-487-0698

Hub and Spoke-26

EAST LIBERTY TAP HOUSE: Singles Awareness Day (S.A.D.)

Includes the soothing comfort of cocktails, garlic soup, desserts, and lamb/mushroom sandwiches. Does not include: polite use of napkins, anxiety over garlic breath, having to share your dessert, or glaring bitterly at P.D.A.

850 E. 900 South, SLC

801-441-2845
ELTH_finals_web-21


headline photo taken by Heather Nan Photography, flowers by La Fete Floral

–Amy Whiting

DARK MOOD: USING BLACK TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR PARTIES

With characteristic creativity, photographer Lindsey Shaun and designer Amber Dickson style a relaxed and festive dinner party based, surprisingly, on a palette of black.

When it comes to on-trend colors, black is, well, the new black. So it comes as no surprise that when photographer Lindsey Shaun paired with Amber Dickson of Amber Reverie Floral and Event Design to stage a stylish dinner party, the imaginative duo chose a monochromatic palette based on the darkest of colors. “I wanted layers of texture and different levels of depth using the black tones, so I collaborated with Amber to create what I envisioned,” Shaun says. Their goal: Give black a lift. “Black can feel formal, stark and often heavy, but we used it to shape a moody, modern and organic look instead,” Dickson explains. From furnishings to flowers, place settings to platters, black drove the stylish dinner party’s distinctive design.

LindseyShaun-JF8A4685-141-683x1024
THE SCENE

“You walk in and see the dark and moody colors, but the look is comfortable and casual, not formal or somber,” Shaun says. “We wanted it to be laid back and a bit romantic,” Dickson adds. To create this ambiance, Shaun and Dickson beautifully staged a distressed, gray-washed wood table and set it in front of a black wall with

a flat-finish that helps relax the scene. To avoid a cave-like feel, Shaun paid close attention to the lighting. “With black, you have to have generous, but adjustable, lighting to prevent a dark, muddled look,” she explains. “The dimmer you go, the moodier it gets.” Thoughtful lighting reflects off a carefully curated mix of textures, finishes and pops of color that bring life to black elements and adds depth and character to the table and room.

LindseyShaun-JF8A4710-159-683x1024
THE FLOWERS

“I wanted to avoid a lot of distractions on the table so I decided on a single arrangement as the star,” Dickson explains. Influenced by the chiaroscuro style of the Dutch Master paintings, Dickson paired dramatic light and dark tones in an arrangement that is typical of her style: loose and natural. “Its asymmetrical, somewhat wild look helps shape the relaxed vibe of the party,” she says. She began with black ranunculus, chocolate cosmos and black-centered anemones and then captured tones from them adding grayish roses and gold-tinted foliage. She finished the centerpiece with plum branches and blackberries and then staged fresh plums beneath. “The centerpiece adds enormous dimension to the monochromatic palette,” Shaun says.

LindseyShaun-JF8A4831-237-683x1024
THE PLACE SETTINGS

“A simple setting can be just as impactful as an elaborate one,” Dickson says. To prove it, she placed textured black ceramic plates on simply folded gray napkins and framed them with contemporary flatware made with organic handles. Dark-based goblets add a touch of sparkle. “The simple place settings don’t draw attention away from the centerpiece,” she says. Menu cards created by Refine Studio finish each setting. “I love menu cards, even for small dinner parties” Dickson explains. “They show you put a lot of thought into your menu. They also get guests excited about the courses and give them each a memento to take home.”

LindseyShaun-JF8A4782-204-683x1024
THE MENU

Shaun and Dickson collaborated with Cuisine Unlimited to develop a menu that captured the dark tones and casual flavor of the evening. The pros served artisan cheese on a natural stone platter and garnished it with black mission figs and local honey. They also plated the main course of beef tenderloin with blackberry chipotle and a side of fingerling potatoes. Water infused with blackberries and plums accompanies the meal. For dessert, a dark chocolate bundt cake by Flour & Flourish reinforced the dinner party’s dark palette and relaxed-yet-festive style.
LindseyShaun-JF8A4724-170-1024x683

written by: Brad Mee

photos by: Lindsey Shaun

Real Wedding: Katelin Goings & Tony Newman

Trip over love, you can get up.  Fall in love and you fall forever.
~Author Unknown~

THE COUPLE
Salt Lakers Katelin (an event planner) and Tony (a physical therapist) dated for two-and-a-half years before Tony proposed during their Thailand vacation. “Tony asked a beach goer to take our photo as the sun was setting over the ocean,” Katelin recalls.

760_0031_Film

THE WEDDING
After the surprise proposal, Katelin and Tony set their sights on a Southern Utah wedding. “We are both infatuated with the desert,” Katelin says. “Tony worked as a river guide in Moab and in the Grand Canyon. I vacationed regularly in Palm Desert growing up, and more recently I discovered my love for Southern Utah. We chose Zion because it was a place that could be ours.”

760_0053_Film

760_0050_Film
THE MOOD
A giant cottonwood tree canopied the couple and guests while Zion’s magnificent canyons reflected sunset hues. On a lush lawn, friend Jentry Miskin officiated the ceremony beside the Virgin River. The décor included rocks, geodes and crystals from several Zion rock shops. Hints of sky blue, sandstone pink, sage green and ivory mirrored the desert landscape.

760_0543

760_0228

THE FOOD
Springdale’s Wildcat Willies Ranch Grill and Saloon served Southwestern fare with menu items including Prickly Pear margaritas and Dutch-oven cobbler. Sweet Tooth Fairy offered guests chocolate cake and cake bites.
760_0081_Film
THE TUNES
The couple’s friends Tim Meyers, Nick Foster and Neil Olsen provided the musical entertainment. Sam Cooke’s “Cupid” ushered the newlyweds to center stage for their first dance. “Our wedding day just happened to fall on the night of the Super Moon,” Katelin recalls. “We danced under the gigantic moon and after the party was over, 20 of us sat on the riverbank basking in the moonlight, wading in the river and watching the moon set against the towering red rock cliffs.”

760_0671
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
“Walking down the aisle with my dad, towards my fiancé, surrounded by family and friends, the Virgin River and the Watchman Tower,” Katelin says. “The positivity, excitement and love was palpable.”

760_0055_Film

760_0087_Film

Photography: Green Apple Photography
Wedding planner and rentals: Zion Party Rentals, Springdale
Catering: Wildcat Willies Ranch Grill and Saloon, Springdale
Venue: Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens, Springdale
Flowers: Bloomers, St. George
Ring: 9th and 9th Jewelers, SLC
Gown: Love and Lace Bridal, Irvine, California
Videography: Maggie Glendenning, SLC

Suit Up: Utah Woolen Mills to donate suits

With all the gloom and doom in the news lately, here’s something to lift your spirits.IMG_7501-151

Utah Woolen Mills—Salt Lake City’s fashion staple for over 100 years and one of our favorite contributors to Utah Bride & Groom—announces their “Suited for Good” project. This year, the UWM team (with the help of United Way of Salt Lake and the LDS Church Self Reliance Program) plans to outfit 650 in-need men with head-to-toe work outfits.

Yes, you read that correctly: 650 suits. For every suit UWM sells in 2017, they will donate a suit, shirt, tie, socks, shoes and belt to a candidate who has proven they are taking steps to improve their lives.

“Utah Woolen Mills, our family-owned business, has been supported by this incredible community for over a century, and we feel like it is time to give back to our wonderful city in the way we know best,“ said B.J. Stringham (pictured here), president of Utah Woolen Mills. “We want to help our local neighbors and economy by providing the clothing to those in need to help in them in their efforts to get job they are seeking.”

Know of someone making great strides in their life, but could use a suit to help jumpstart their career? Apply here.

IMG_7452-132

IMG_7522-158

IMG_7450-130

Photographs: Lindsey Shaun

For more men’s fashion, check out our “Follow Suit” feature.

Shades of Pale Wedding and Engagement Fashion

Infinite subtleties of texture and reflection make Utah a winter white wonderland. Take a cue from the ice-clad landscape and swathe yourself in snow.

Photography by Adam Finkle.

wt0c0425

Lace crop top, Katie Waltman ($42); Bralette, Katie Waltman ($16); Tulle skirt, Allure Bridal, Gateway Bridal (inquire for price); Pearl necklace, Katie Waltman ($42); Pearl drop earrings, Katie Waltman ($32); Mother of pearl ring, Krysia RenauFarasha ($320); Fur scarf, Farasha ($190); Nude heels, Steve Madden Nordstrom Rack ($35)

wt0c0724

Mini dress, For Love and Lemons, Flight ($242); Turtleneck with bell sleeves, Re:named, Flight ($38); Open collar coat, Alpha and Omega, Habit ($94); Necklace, Habit ($8); Pyramid ring, Krysia RenauFarasha ($349); White suede loafers, Bella Marie, Habit ($36)

wt0c0704

Chunky knit scarf, Manos del Uruguay, Farasha ($80); Cream scarf, Karisma, Katie Waltman ($68); Lace dress, Katie Waltman ($68.60); Bracelets ($50-$60), Necklace ($102), Block heels ($34) Katie Waltman

wt0c0349

Knit Turtleneck, Few Moda, Flight ($98); Gold fringe skirt, Anine Bing, Cake Boutique ($199); Long Pearl necklace, Sophia and Chloe, Farasha ($370)

Photographed by: Adam Finkle

Styled By Farasha: Madeleine Marie Ewell and Gabriella Gurrister

Hair and Makeup: Morgan Scheer of Versa Artistry

Art Direction: Jeanine Miller

East Meets West: New York Couple chooses Snowy Utah

Grey Giraffe Photography is Whitney and Alan Wilbur. Their married. They have three boys. And they get no sleep.

Whitney and Alan love to collaborate with unique, soulful folks who are as excited as them about making great photographs. Their mission for photography is create authentic images for each client. Since Grey Giraffe launched in 2010, they have been lucky to meet and work with hundreds of couples. Many whom have become dear friends.

They have a very laid-back, observational approach to photographing weddings—allowing things to unfold naturally.  The personality of the clients, and the individual character of the day drive the creativity of each shoot.

Although, Grey Giraffe is based in Salt Lake City, they shoot wedding snad events all over UTah, the West Coast and throughout the world.

5L5A6293
This particular engagement shoot 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. 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 couple 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.

5L5A6386
Cameron Scott Kiser and Lisa Marie Wojcik 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 the 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. The rest is history!

5L5A6423
Cam proposed to Lisa on June 22, 2016 at one of their favorite spots in Manhattan, Carl Schurz 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.

5L5A6530
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 Giraffe. 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’s back down the canyon to another beautiful spot, Storm Mountain.

5L5A6216
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!

Photographer: Whitney Wilbur at Grey Giraffe Photography
Instagram: @greygiraffephotography
Email: whitney@greygiraffe.com

A Bar Inspired Sophisticated Wedding Reception

Culinary Crafts is so excited to be guest posting today! Utah Bride & Groom Magazine is one of our favorite magazines for wedding trends and inspiration – and we are so honored to be able to add our voice to their stellar blog! Today, we’d love to showcase a beautiful wedding that we did recently that was chock full of divine eats and breathtaking elegance, all in the heart of Salt Lake City.

When we initially met with Lacey and Steven, the bride told us that she envisioned an incredibly elegant wedding at the McCune Mansion (with a GORGEOUS designer dress from Modern Trousseau) and AMAZING, romantic florals. But, she had a twist in store for us!  This bride wanted an sophisticated wedding reception BUT she wanted all of the food and beverages to be bar inspired!  How fun is that? She told us that she wanted to create an intimate atmosphere of total comfort and warmth for her guests – and, boy, was it fun for us to create a menu with such a contrast! I love the juxtaposition between the two styles.  Thank you also to Melissa Kelsey Photography for the fantastic photos!  Check it out!

CC_GuestPostSLMag01

This was such a fun couple and the stunning bride was about as bubbly as could be! Plus that gown!!! LOVE! Not to be out dressed, the groom, who’s a proud Scotsman, naturally wore full Scottish wedding attire which included a dashing kilt!  Such a stylish couple.

CC_GuestPostSLMag02

For this event, we really wanted to mix the feeling of high style elegance and romance with our re-envisioned takes on bar bites and libations for that added twist of fun.  So, of course we made sure that the drinks had that bar classics vibe, but with a feeling of refinement.  So, we concocted standby favorites and gave them a twist (literally and figuratively) and came up with fun, customized names that fit the couple to a ’T’!  Plus, the added touch of the hand drawn calligraphy from Karli Noel was such a pretty presentation!

CC_GuestPostSLMag03a

A party is no fun unless the food and drink is plentiful and delectable! We love to greet the guests with hors d’oeuvres during a cocktail hour that allows guests to mingle and chat before dinner and for this very special menu of ‘bar bites elevated’, we dreamed up some really amazing eats!  We served the guests Mini Chicken & Waffles drizzled with Maple Syrup and Mary’s Signature Danger Tots with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Jalapeño.  Seriously yummy – and FUN!

CC_GuestPostSLMag04

Isn’t this reception space gorgeous?  We loved the polished look of the golden charges which tied in the golden accents throughout the McCune Mansion.  Plus, the chic palette of white, blush, and pink florals from Native Flower Company really brought in the couple’s desire for a romantic atmosphere. We loved setting the scene for the fabulous meal to come!

CC_GuestPostSLMag05

Of course, a gorgeously elegant wedding day deserves a fabulously upscale, plated dinner for all the guests – but, of course, we gave that a twist for an extra element of unique-ness.  So, we served a starter of a summer favorite, Watermelon with Arugula, Goat Cheese, Fresh Mint, and Balsamic Reduction and then an entree of our AMAZING “Hello, Gorgeous!” Burgers which featured our House-made Grilled Brioche Bun and Culinary Craft’s Secret Sauce with a side of Hand-Cut Truffle Parmesan Fries with Smoked Aioli.

This wedding was SO fun to put together. The Culinary Crafts team are suckers for a gorgeous, elegant event, but raise the bar and ask us to get creative with a menu of classic, bar food to fit the upscale theme of the event? Yes, please!  Such a great day – and, just in time for all of you starting to plan for Valentine’s Day, we wanted to invite you all to an elegant and romantic event of your own!

Culinary Crafts will be hosting a Romantic Pop Up Restaurant dinner on February 14th at our own downtown venue, The Tasting Room. Please join us for a lavish and decadent 6-course dinner that is sure to dazzle your senses!  Find more details here.  We can’t wait to show you and your special someone what an amazing dining experience we offer to every one of our guests!  See you soon and happy dreaming, everyone!

Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

VENDORS // Catering: Culinary Crafts // Venue:   McCune Mansion  // Photography: Melissa Kelsey Photography // Florals: Native Flower Company // Calligraphy:  Karli Noel // Gown: Modern Trousseau // Bridal Shop: Alta Moda Bridal

The Write Image – A Paper Boutique

December is the most popular month for engagements in the U.S… January means it is time to start planning the Big Day.  The Write Image is excited to help bride and grooms choose a spectacular wedding invitation tailored specifically for them.  Come see us MondayFriday 10 – 6:30 PM or on Saturday 10 – 5 PM.

2205 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
(801) 485-1909

brushfire_0016
brushfire_0021
brushfire_0010
brushfire_0069
brushfire_0050

Brushfire Photography

8 Stay – cation Honeymoon Spots in Utah

The big day has finally arrived. It’s time to say your “‘I do’s” to the love of your life. You’ve spent hours, days and thousands of dollars selecting just the right flowers and cumber-buns to make that dream moment of yours a reality.

With all of that preparation, why spend more time and even more money on a vacation honeymoon? We live in such a lovely place full of the adventurous outings we Utahans enjoy the most. Why not try one of these awesome stay-cation destinations, located right in our own backyard and save some money in the process.

  1. Alaskan Inn

alaskan-inn-aapro0011-1-jpg-1024x0
Image: courtesy of Alaskan Inn

This picturesque lodge is nestled just outside of Ogden. With a full bed and breakfast and individual cabins to snuggle up with your beau why not book one of the 4 romantic packages the Alaskan Inn has to offer. From a whimsical sleigh ride with your sweetie  to a leisurely picnic by the river. Or if simply staying in sounds nice, soak the night away in a starlit jacuzzi tub laced with warm candlelight creates an evening you’ll both be sure to remember.

alaskan-inn
Image: courtesy of Alaskan Inn
  1. Blue Boar Inn

Image: courtesy of Blue Boar Inn
Image: courtesy of Blue Boar Inn

Looking for a night full of European enchantment with your beloved without the 10 hour flight? Lucky for us the Four Star, Four Diamond Blue Boar Inn is just a hop skip and a jump away. This classic Inn is located in Midway, not far from ski resorts and Park City. Spend your newly wed night in the William Shakespeare room, or choose from one of the twelve exquisitely designed guest rooms which are named after some of the best known literary giants. Each room includes a fireplace and a luxurious European pillow top bed. While you’re there, you and your better half should definitely take a stroll down to the chateaux style restaurant or patio and create memories that are sure to stay with you forever.

Image: courtesy of the Blue Boar Inn
Image: courtesy of the Blue Boar Inn
  1. Chateaux at Deer Valley

What better way to kick off your new life with your soulmate than spending the night ensuing aisle waltzing cozied in with a glass of vino at the lavish Chateaux at Deer Valley. Located just outside of the heart of Park City, Chateaux at Deer Valley extends a warm welcome to all who enter. For twosomes looking to add a bit of fun and adventure to their honeymoon, book a ski package. The Classic Ski Package includes: standard housing, two daily lift ticket vouchers to Deer Valley Resort and the breakfast buffet for two. Visit their website for details. Oooh la la.

  1. The Grand America

bowles192-1024x683
Image courtesy of the Grand America

Three little words: The Grand Spa – possess more romance than a night in Paris. Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, The Grand America Hotel is sure to provide you and yours with a fairy-tale of a night to remember. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine from The Garden Cafe, indulge in the delectable gelato from La Bonne Vie and finally, close the night with a romantic couples massage from some of the finest massage therapists in the state. Visit their website for more details, you won’t regret it.

  1. Homestead

Image: courtesy of Homestead
Image: courtesy of Homestead

What do Ice castles, a crater – mineral pool and fly fishing excursions all have in common?  They’re all part the experience at The Homestead Resort in Midway. Oh yes, and since you’re a smart, frugal Utah resident, you and your partner can save $50 bucks, check their website for full details.

Image: courtesy of Homestead
Image: courtesy of Homestead
  1. Hines Mansion

hines_home_slides_09
Image: courtesy of Hines Mansion

This incredibly quaint Victorian style Bed and Breakfast is tucked away in central Provo. The Hines mansion consists of 9 lavishly themed rooms, Victorian parlor and a full breakfast – all for a steal. Visit their website to book your reservation.

Image: courtesy of Hines Mansion
Image: courtesy of Hines Mansion
  1. Crescent Moon Inn

Image: courtesy of Crescent Moon Inn
Image: courtesy of Crescent Moon Inn

For an off the grid, self – service haven, the Crescent Moon Inn is an oasis situated within the magnificent scenery of the high desert in southern Utah. The Inn is located just 11 miles from St. George, near the artsy Kayenta village. Visit their website to plan your honeymoon adventure.

  1. Sunflower Hill Inn

sunflower-hill-1
Image: courtesy of Sunflower Hill Inn

The Sunflower Hill Inn is about a 45 minute scenic drive from Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, the Manti LaSal National Forest and Dead Horse Point State Park. If hiking is your oyster this is a great place for a newlywed couple to hideaway.

 

Chill Factor: Winter Wedding Inspirations

Think wintertime isn’t ideal for a wedding? Think again. Photographer D’Arcy Benincosa and stylist Lacy Geary reveal their favorite ways to work Mother Nature’s snowy—albeit wet and cold—blanket.

bellacosa_winterwonderland-25

bellacosa_winterwonderland-155

Make Planning a Cinch
When Jack Frost nips at your nose, ‘tis the season for celebration. “Winter is family,” photographer D’Arcy Benincosa says. “Wintertime is full of that special feeling of giving and love. Winter weddings are stunning because you can make them such family-based affairs.” Families also happen to be on vacation from school or work. Need another reason to celebrate in the winter months? The snowy season provides lower vendor pricing due to supply and demand, plus decreased décor costs—since much of it is already on display.

bellacosa_winterwonderland-129

Opt for a Non-traditional Palette
“To ensure for a warm and welcoming table, I use different types of candle light plus warmer tones in the florals,” stylist Lacy Geary suggests. “Deep gray, plum and silvery greens are great tones to add warmth and invitation.” Geary also displays copper metallic elements in the place settings. “This adds in another texture, and doesn’t feel quite as harsh as silver, against a white backdrop.”

bellacosa_winterwonderland-175

bellacosa_winterwonderland-162

Improve Face Shots
We’re not talking about skiing in knee-deep powder. “Photographing in the snow is one of the best things about a winter wedding because you have the clearest skin tones you can imagine,” Benincosa says. “Most couples love being in green trees, but what they don’t understand, from a light perspective, is that the green trees often cast grey tones on their skin.”

bellacosa_winterwonderland-102

Bundle Up
To keep warm, have a maid of honor or mother of the bride on hand to help. “In between shots, we would put an oversized, wool cloak on our bride and she had on big winter boots under her dress that you’d never notice,” Benincosa reveals. “Plus, every 15 minutes we took a break to warm up.” Worth the hassle? She says yes. “When the snow is that lovely, you can get several shots very quickly.”

bellacosa_winterwonderland-76

bellacosa_winterwonderland-131

Messy Hair? Don’t care.
Speaking of family, hair and makeup artist April Benincosa agrees with sister D’Arcy when it comes to snow-filled affairs. “It’s very romantic to get married in the winter,” she says. Inspired by the rustic backdrop, Benincosa styles a messy, romantic braid with subdued makeup. “Her makeup is very soft to showcase her flawless skin and eyes. Skin naturally gets pink from the cold so I went with blush colors.”

bellacosa_winterwonderland-4

 

Styling: Lacy Geary, Raleigh, North Carolina
Photography: D’Arcy Benincosa, SLC
Florals: La Fete, SLC
Dress: Leanne Marshall, Alta Moda Bridal, SLC
Veil: Girl and A Serious Dream, Gainesville, Florida
Hair and makeup: April Benincosa, SLC
Paper: Paper Birch Designs, Raleigh, North Carolina
Ribbon: Silk & Willow, Hudson Valley, New York
Plates: Handmade Studio TN, Nashville, Tennessee
Models: Sarah Parry, Michael McColley