Still a hop, skip and jump from their old location, Gateway Bridal hosts a grand opening celebration of their shiny, new showroom on November 30 4:30-7 p.m. for all wedding vendors. Please join Utah Bride & Groom magazine, FUSE Weddings & Events, Culinary Crafts, Perfect Pour, Cactus & Tropicals, Diamond Rental, Specialty Linens, Abbey Kyhl Photography, Home Blown, SugarRush Video and Amy Blood Hair & Makeup to celebrate.
Look at this summer smile. Long before winter blasted Utah this week, our editors and stylists hiked up the hillsides of Deer Valley Resort last summer to shoot our 2017 issue’s fashion feature (due on newsstands January 1).
It’s not easy narrowing down our favorite gowns, but this one from Gateway Bridal stole our hearts.
Gateway Bridal has been a staple in the wedding fashion since they opened 15 years ago. The boutique is a must-stop for any newly engaged fashionista—and our in-house stylists, of course—with one of the largest variety of gowns in the state from modest and sexy to on-a-budget looks and show-stopping couture.
Imagine your wedding or reception in the perfect mountain setting – surrounded by towering spruce, aspen and fir trees, the majestic Wasatch mountains and clean, crisp alpine air. This dream can come true at the historic Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant, nestled in the Wasatch Cache National Forest, just 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Silver Fork Lodge is only 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, but it feels like you’re a million miles away!
The Vintage Violet is committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all customers are important, the professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. Whatever the occasion be, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or surprising that special someone, Vintage Violet will always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect.
Food never looked so good. Ever wonder what goes on in the kitchen when chefs prepare food for hundreds of people? Now you can. Last night, Utah caterer Culinary Crafts launched their new You Tube channel The Craft(s). Here’s a small taste (pun, intended) of what’s to come from their kitchen:
Recently, this has become one of my favorite ab routines. It’s very efficient and the time passes quickly because you are doing each exercise for only one minute. Get ready for some sore abs tomorrow and rock solid muscles soon after that!
Complete each exercise for one minute and move to the next exercise without resting:
Mountain Climbers
V-Crunch
Superman Planks
Side Plank (30 seconds each side)
Leg Lifts
One of the most important things to remember during this exercise is to keep that booty down! I know it’s hard (especially at the end), but it will be worth it! Repeat this exercise as many time as you can.
“As I drove the Alpine Loop one evening with Madalyn and Pamelyn of Sage Floral, we envisioned a bride and groom among the golden aspen trees and wanted to create a scene with simple, thoughtful details that were harmonious with the environment. Madalyn and Pamelyn gathered delicate and textural pieces from the surroundings as the guiding inspiration for this mountain wedding shoot.
Instead of bringing in blooms that were foreign to the setting, they foraged their ingredients from the ceremony site. Using dried grasses and ferns transitioning from summer green to golden autumn hues, they tied the bouquet with their hand-dyed ribbon. I began shooting when the light was golden and glowed through the birch leaves of the arbor, which was built to appear as if growing naturally out of the ground.
We chose a recently engaged couple as our bride and groom. Their affection and sincere excitement for their own upcoming wedding was contagious and brought this shoot to life.”
A healthy breakfast means a more productive day, a higher self-esteem, and more willpower
By Aly Peterson | Photos by Tess Comrie
When I start my morning with a healthy breakfast I feel ready to take on the day and whatever life throws at me. To me, a healthy breakfast means a more productive day, a higher self-esteem, and more willpower. I’m always on the go, so sometimes it’s tough to find healthy breakfast options that I can eat/drink in the car or take to work.
I found this green smoothie recipe and modified it to my liking, and now I probably drink it 3 times a week because I can’t get enough! I love that I get a serving of both fruits and vegetables and protein all in one drink. It’s also easy to put in a thermos (or any large cup) and take on the go. Here is the recipe that I use, but feel free to modify it to your liking. After all, healthy eating (or drinking) should be enjoyed, not forced!
In a blender, mix:
2 cups spinach
1 banana
1/4 cup of greek yogurt (I typically use chobani 0% plain greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
4 large ice cubes
Blend until smooth and enjoy! This recipe makes one smoothie.
A snowy landscape becomes a rustic yet elegant stage for Jennifer and Keegan’s winter ranch wedding.
THE COUPLE
Energy brought them together, and in more than one way. “We met through work,” says Jennifer, who met Keegan while employed in the energy industry. “We kept it strictly professional for some time.”They got to know each other first through witty corporate emails sent between Denver, where Jennifer lived, and Salt Lake City, where Keegan resided.
“It was clear we clicked so we decided to spend a weekend together after a company meeting in San Diego, “ says Jennifer. “We explored the city and kayaked off Coronado Island. After that weekend together, we never looked back, and we’ve been together ever since.” After an eight-month long-distance relationship,Jennifer—and her two shih tzus—moved to Salt Lake. Ten months later, he proposed to her in San Diego, the city where they fell in love.
THE WEDDING
Located in the snowy Wanship hills, Blue Sky Ranch played host to Jennifer and Keegan’s wedding. The couple exchanged vows inside a clear-sided tent—decorated with whiskey barrels, old-fashioned lanterns and a simple arch—before heading to the venue’s spectacular blue barn for dinner and reception.
THE MOOD
The décor unveiled the day’s rustic yet elegant theme. Regal statement-makers included taper candles, gold flatware, table chargers and patio lights. Succulents, barn wood tables, antiqued cross-back chairs and an antler motif fostered an organic flair.
The color palette consisted of shades of fog and navy blue, sage green, ivory and grey with touches of blush pink and rose gold.
THE FOOD
Butternut squash soup and baby kale salad kicked off Montage’s “Steam Prairie” surf-and-turf plated dinner. Guests enjoyed oven-roasted Niman Ranch Black Angus New York strip and salmon with Brussels sprouts and wild mushroom risotto topped with Parmesan.
A dessert station offered campfire-inspired treats including High West S’mores, lemon posset, blueberry compote,old-fashioned High West Grillswich (a grilled glazed donut topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream) and mini dark chocolate brownies topped with powdered sugar.
THE TUNES
Classical guitarist Soren Charles Green serenaded guests before they danced the night away to the sounds of local Utah band The Strike. The band’s cover of “Gold Digger” was the highlight of the evening’s dancing.
Color — that’s what Kaylee Young of Flourish by Kay has embraced in what she’s labeled her “pretty, feminine, and imperfect floral design for weddings and events.”
While “imperfect” may not be the word most of us would use for her stunning work, it is, in fact, precisely the thing she loves about floral design. “I’ve always been a creative person ever since I was a kid, but I never fit into that ‘artist’ mold…I love flowers because they take me as I am, and I take them as they are. We work with each other. I don’t have to make my lines perfect, or force anything. I have just learned to work with them.”
Though Young hadn’t always known she’d wanted to be a florist, like any artist, she says now she feels it’s exactly right for her. “For me designing is quick…It’s strange, but I feel like I was meant to be a florist. Although I respect and draw inspiration from all art types, no type of art calls to me the way flowers do.”
When Young was eighteen she took a career quiz in college to help determine what jobs she might consider, and the results said “Florist.” Her curiosity piqued, the following semester she took a class and immediately loved it.
“I knew I wanted to work a job where I could help others, and use my creativity. I’ve also always been a hard worker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, so the job just kind of fits my personality type perfectly and is so fulfilling. Something about it is so fun, and I feel full of life each time I take on a new project,” says Kaylee. As a busy florist who, in addition to running her year-old business Flourish by Kay also works two other jobs, one of her goals is to be able to devote more (even all) of that time to floral design.
When it comes to the design work, though, she’s open to trying everything — editorial and set design, commercial work, more events. “Being a florist is definitely a lifestyle,” she says. “My busiest season is summer, and then my down time is mostly in the winter. It can be sporadic and crazy, or it can be really slow. I’m still learning how to balance my life. But like I said, I still love it. I thrive on spontaneity, so I enjoy the lifestyle for the most part.”
Photo by Maria Lamb
As for her personal tastes, it is again color, with its season changes and various moods that most inspires her: “I’ve always been a color-lover, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to embrace that part of me and just go with it…I stay inspired by looking for new color palates, or types of flowers that I have never used before. It’s fun to always feel challenged by the different seasonal blooms and different event concepts.”
Change is an inherent part of Young’s job as a florist, and it’s those changes—like in the many different colors, opportunities for travel, working with so many types of flowers, and meeting new people in the design world that make her especially excited to do the work she does. “It’s hard,” she says, “but so worth it…I’ve met wonderful people I consider to be great friends in this industry, and designing alongside friends have been some of the best memories of my life so far.”
Photo by Tess Comrie
For more information on her work or to contact Kaylee, visit her website here.
Neck-deep in wedding planning? Take a break to pop some popcorn, settle down on the couch and snuggle up to your sweetheart to laugh, cry and gain unexpected inspiration from one of these memorable movie wedding moments.
1. Father of the Bride
When George Banks catches wind of his daughter’s wedding, he can’t quite process it. Fast-forwared a few months and he’s suddenly dappered-up and walking his sweet Annie down the aisle.
Memorable quote: “I suddenly realized what was happening: Annie was all grown up and leaving us. And something inside began to hurt.”
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding
When an impending marriage announcement threatens her chance with her best friend—and safety husband—Julianne Potter panics and attempts to disrupt all wedding plans. Hilarity, a hearty rendition of “I say a little prayer,” and odd metaphors ensue.
Memorable quote: “No. Crème brûlée can never be Jell-O. YOU could never be Jell-O.”
3.The Princess Bride
When lovesick Princess Buttercup and her evil betrothed stand at the altar, a nearby Wesley lays in wait to disrupt the ceremony and steal away his one true love.
Memorable quote:“Mawiage. Mawiage is what bwings us togeva today.””
4. Bridesmaids
Four words: just go watch it.
Memorable quote: “I’m glad he’s single because I’m going to climb that like a tree.”
5. Love Actually
When a chorus of “love, love, love” interrupts bride Juliet’s walk down the aisle, best man—and lovesick suitor—catches her surprised reaction on camera.
Memorable quote: “To me, you are perfect. And my wasted heart will love you—until you look like this. [picture of a mummy]”:
This dream can come true at the historic Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant, nestled in the Wasatch Cache National Forest, just 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. 
