Quick, what’s the first smell that triggers your taste buds when thinking of walking down Mainstreet Disney?
If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, it’s the heavenly aroma of fresh waffle batter being ironed into a scrumptious cone. And the best part is, that exact mouth-watering smell can flow through your summer wedding reception.
Take inspiration from a classic dessert staple, like this vanilla gelato. Plop a scoop or two into a freshly made waffle cone and you’ve suddenly transported yourself (and your guests) to the happiest place on earth without even moving. This is just the cool treat to combat the strain of summer heat.
Let me stop you from making a huge registry mistake. Take my advice: Register for fine tableware.
I know what it’s like to be in your twenties registering for a wedding. When we were engaged, my now-husband and I needed EVERYTHING. We registered for pots, pans, spatulas, cheese graters, bathroom towels, a teak kettle, a griddle and bedroom sheets. We thought, “We don’t need fancy plates. We’re so not fancy people.” And now thirteen years later, I’m here to tell you that those wedding gifts didn’t last (except maybe the three wine decanters we never use).
Why should we have registered for fine china? We would still own it, we would actually use it (hello, it’s dishwasher safe) and we’d remember the people who thoughtfully gave us these heirlooms.
One of my favorite little shops on Salt Lake’s east bench has just made your guests’ lives easier. New Orientation—or New O, for short—added their wedding registry items online. Don’t worry though, couples can still go in-person for the experience of selecting their china with the gracious ladies of New O and the shop will continue to display the couple’s table setting for all to see. Now, guests—and couples if they can’t make it into the shop—can feel good about shopping locally without leaving their home internet connection.
We chatted with New Orientation owner Neena Ashton about the new online shop and here’s what she said:
What makes New O’s registry different from big-box store registries?
Every time we welcome a new bride, our family expands a little bit. We adore our brides, and helping them envision a home they’ll love is our favorite thing. We believe every home needs beautiful and useful basics, so not only do we only allow the very finest products in our store, but we like to help you along the way.
For 18 years, Sarah and I have offered a gracious guidance to help build beautiful homes and traditions for our clients’ families. In our initial meeting, we talk about what defines your style, what’s important to you, then help you use these things to build the perfect registry.
Our brides don’t just receive personalized attention when they’re in the store — all the girls at New O get to know their registries by heart, which means every time a guest comes in, we can help them through your registry. If you register for a particular china pattern because it reminds you of your grandmother’s, we’ll know that. If you always dreamed of having a matching set of crystal, we’ll know that too. Which means that when your guests come in (or check out your registry on our site), it’s more like spending time with you, and less like just looking through an overwhelming list. XO
What is the one item every bride should register for?
This is too hard! We asked some of our New O Brides what they chose and added these to our favorites.
Neena: The Perfect White Plate! It’s the most important beautiful basic in your home and one you’ll reach for again and again.
Sarah: Cake knife and server. It will be with you for all of your favorite celebrations.
Anna: Cute dessert plates. Not only are they awesome for leftover wedding cake, but they’ll make you happy every time you look in your cupboard or set the table.
“I wanted to create intimate, tender pictures; the kind of images inspired by when a wedding comes to a close—when the bride and groom finally have time to themselves as husband and wife,” says Lauren Bledsoe, who captured the quiet and sweet moments between this model—real-life—couple.
Whether you plan on surprising your dad with news of your engagement or simply writing him a note, it’s never a bad idea to add a little sweetness to his Father’s Day giftbox. Arte Haus Collectif is hosting a Father’s Day pop-up shop with several local vendors, including Tess Comrie (and her delicious sweets).
It’s too late to order a full cake, but you can still pop in Saturday between 11am and 4pm to grab a goodie for your old man.
“Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer. “
— Jean de La Fontaine
Is your wedding right around the corner? There’s no time to waste. Gather your bridesmaids and celebrate your friendship with an afternoon of beauty and laughter. (Don’t forget to snap a few photos for memory keeping!)
Raise of hands of all you reluctant entertainers out there? Me! Me! Me! I stress about my smallest entertaining endeavors. First, I don’t cook (thank heavens for takeout) and second, I don’t have time to run around town looking for party supplies that don’t offer tired, kitschy themes.
Event planner and stylist Emily White of Haute Hostess saves the day with her new boutique in Park City’s Redstone Center at Kimball Junction. True to form, the happy hostess-with-the-mostest packs her new shop with cheerful, on-trend—and low and behold, useful—party goods for any celebration.
Our team got a sneak peek of the shop during their grand opening celebration.
Need oversize, confetti-filled fringe balloons for a birthday party? Sick of sipping out of a red solo cup at outdoor concerts? Hate to gift wrap? Need classy hostess gifts? Hosting a bridal shower?
Wish is loaded with stylish wrapping paper, sassy letterpress cards, eco-friendly picnic gear, laser-cut cake toppers (made by Utah designer Alexis Maddox) and customizable signage.
If you’re looking for somebody to cater your wedding but feel like you’ve eaten one too many doughnuts in the last year, you’re in luck: Brandon and Blake Barkdull—AKA the Penguin Brothers of Provo—are bringing something big to the world of events and catered treats.
From their large, 1980s pink food truck The Penguin Brothers serve ice-cream sandwiches and only ice-cream sandwiches, therefore focusing on perfecting one of summer’s best treats.
Brandon and Blake are brothers IRL, originally from the Bay Area who both came to Utah for school. This dynamic duo is just as charming and original as their custom-made ice-cream sandwiches.
“This is our first year in the business, and we definitely enjoy catering the most since we can interact with customers more than at public events. We do love our product, but that’s not the reason we do it. The number one motivator is that we love creating fun for people. Whether it’s through our delicious product, crazy outfits, dance moves, or parties we throw, we just love seeing people have a good time.”
And that’s exactly what the Penguin Brothers can provide for your wedding—a fun-filled energy and ambiance that is matched by the quality of their delectable dessert.
So let’s breakdown the process. Their cookies are baked fresh daily—by Sweet Tooth Fairy—and their homemade ice-cream originates from Rockwell Ice Cream Co. in Provo.
If you’re looking for variety, that’s exactly what you’ll get: for weddings, they offer a list of twenty-five ice-cream flavors and six cookies to choose from. Guests are encouraged to march up to their window and order whatever their heart desires, the combinations are endless. Brandon even notes that at one wedding, a little girl “came up six times—we had to cut her off after that.” Laugh all you want, but after tasting these catered creations, I’m sure you’ll be doing just the same. 😉
As if these ice-cream sandwiches aren’t convincing enough, Brandon asserts that “even our outfits are customizable. We have various bowtie/shirt/suspender combinations, or bright baby blue suits to choose from. We try to make the experience as fun and different as possible.”
What more could you want from a caterer? It’s clear that these brothers are fiercely committed to their craft and if you’re seeking a little zest and pizzazz to add to your reception, the Penguin Brothers fit the bill. Trust your sweet tooth and indulge in this timeless finger-licking goodie that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your lips and satisfaction to your tummy.
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