Utah Bride Blog Winter Editorial Shoot

 

It is important to us here at UBB to include culinary creations in our editorial shoots because they have so much to do with real life wedding experience.  A chunk of budget is typically spent on feeding your guests and therefor great advice and exposure to options is necessary. We are always interested in facilitating any assistance to you planning brides we can. This time around we focus on winter cocktail hour options. As you might imagine, the St Regis creates culinary works of art that stem from top chefs who have much to offer in way of creativity. Mara withEvents by LMG shares with us the details surrounding these delectable delights and the secrets behind a successful cocktail hour, including signature drinks!

A signature cocktail (or non-alcoholic “mocktail) is a great option for an additional guest experience element and design opportunity. Custom signage and personal names for the beverages serve as great conversation starters at the bar during cocktail hour. A lot of my couples focus too much on the “real recipes” and forget that a signature cocktail (or mocktail) can be made to your taste and called whatever you’d like. Many couples incorporate their last names or other personal details when selecting names for their signature beverages. In the winter months, don’t forget hot beverages – guests love a hot toddy or cocoa as the night winds down. It’s never too late in the night to bring out another guest surprise. 

 

If you’ve decided on a signature cocktail and would like to do a non-alcoholic “mocktail” version of the same drink, make sure you work with your bartenders to come up with a different garnish for the mocktail version so the two drinks are very easily distinguishable – that’s not a mixup a guest will enjoy.

  

What would a cocktail hour be without a few prelim to dinner hors d’oeuvres? St Regis provided us with 3 delicious and delightful appetizers to accompany our cocktail hour, all presented in the high style St Regis is synonymous with!

 

How could anyone not feel lavish taking one of these silver spoons full of Niman Pork Belly, Apple Cider Gastrique?!  Glamour and convenience in one display!

 

Additionally, the chef provided us market beets, local honey and goat cheese, with a Wasabi adornment and some cozy winter Demitasse of Lobster soup, Creme Fraiche, and basil oil.

A successful cocktail hour is generated by good presentation coupled with quality and deliciousness! It can be simple and still be very expressive and you should always consider your venue’s environment along with your theme and season when choosing cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. To finish off today’s cocktail hour post, Chip the chef at St Regis, shares with some insight:

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A FASH GUIDE

When it comes to styling, the icing on every fabulous ensemble is the accessories that adorn it. With fall officially here, it’s all about layers, and the right collection of belts is ultra-crucial to pulling off a seamless look. Not only can the right belt accentuate your body’s natural curves, but this simple addition has the power to turn a little black dress into a fabulously decorated canvas. Ready to step up your belt collection, but not sure which styles to invest in? Below is my fashion guide to the five belts every girl should own.

Classic

This belt is a no brainer. Every girl should possess a classic black and brown belt. Whether you pair it with casual denim or career trousers, this belt is an accessory staple. This is also the best investment piece when it comes to belts, so don’t feel guilty for spending a little extra when adding this classic piece to your wardrobe.

Animal-inspired

When it comes to recurring fall trends, animal-inspired prints are always at the top of the list. Avoid going full animal kingdom and give a subtle nod to this trend with a killer belt. Whether you go with leopard print or a faux snake skin, this animal inspired must-have can jazz up dresses, skirts and pants, while pairing perfectly with fall's warm color palette.

Bright and bold

Looking to spice up a simple dress for a girls' night out? A bright belt can make a major impact with minimal styling efforts. Since color trends change with each season, be budget-conscious with this purchase. I always suggest investing in a medium to small width. Since the eye-catching color is sure to stand out, be conscious of where you place it on your body, to avoid unwanted attention.

Woven

As a self-proclaimed dress fanatic, I can’t stress the importance of a woven belt enough. This style is best when tied to add styling flair to your ensemble. I suggest sticking with brown or tan to ensure its versatility. And the best part... the unlimited sizing options allow for the ideal fit whether you wear it around your natural waist or your hips.

Wide

A simple yet powerful wide belt is best showcased when placed on empire waist dresses or for creating shape when wearing a shift dress. The extra size makes it ideal for taming bulkier pieces like a cargo jacket. Invest in a wide black and brown belt and you’re sure to have unlimited styling options. To add an extra dash of style for fall, layer this belt over a chunky faux fur vest.

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SPA-MAZING GETAWAY

We check into beauty expert Gretta Monahan's luxe G Spa at Foxwoods in Connecticut and spa away. Join us as we recap our spa-mazing experience, and grab some inspiration for your next getaway!

Sometimes a gal just needs to get away, you know? So when television personality Gretta Monahanrecently invited me and a friend to check out the luxurious G Spa, I packed my bags before you could say mani or pedi! So how did the spa measure up, and should you visit it yourself? Well, let's just say I'm feeling relaxed just thinking about it!

Where is it?

The luxurious 21,000 square foot G Spa is located on the third floor of MGM Grand at Foxwoods’ 30-story hotel tower in Mashantucket, Connecticut, which means you can check in for some serious pampering in a posh hotel to boot.

The menu

G Spa boasts a pretty fab menu filled with hair, nail, massage, facial and body treatments. Some of the most popular ones? G Sweet Spa & Tempting Yogurt Mani, G Spa Signature Facial and Hot Rocks Therapy. And oh yeah, the spa's famous "quickie" mini-services for the girl on the go are also pretty awesome.

The highlights

The spa has a relaxing vibe with impeccable decor. In fact, my friend Kayla and I both remarked at the gorgeous Roman-like pool area at the same exact moment. Besides that and the obviously welcoming staff, I was quite impressed with the little touches the spa paid so much attention to, including the vast array of complimentary drinks and shower supplies and the adorable robes.

The atmosphere

Whenever I check into a spa, I always take a look at my surroundings to see just how well put together the space is and how many amenities it has. I was very impressed with G Spa!

Not only does it have an outside deck that overlooks an amazing view, it also has a huge restroom and changing area space -- filled with goodies like shower caps, razors and the like -- a full-service health and fitness club with an indoor lap pool and a state-of-the-art Life Fitness Cardio Loop. Overwhelmed yet? Yep, I was too! But in a totally good way.

 

Must-try treatment

One of my faves? The G Quench Pedicure! For $70, you'll enjoy 45 minutes of skin-softening, polishing and massaging. And oh yeah, a gorgeous new polish job. Word of advice? Try the amazing massaging pedicure chairs while you're being pampered away... you won't regret it.

Another one of my must-trys? The G Spa Original Splurge, a 50 or 80-minute full body massage.

What to do

The best part of G Spa? You never really have to leave! With such a huge menu and relaxation areas abounding, you hardly need to leave the spa at all, but when you do want to come up for air, you're in luck. Right downstairs from the spa, you can head into the nightlife of Foxwoods and check out the casino, the comedy shows and all those delicious restaurants. In other words: Can I move in?

The bottom line? Who knew that a casino could house such a relaxing and gorgeous spa? Now that I know, I will definitely be returning.

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Say no to puffy parkas with our sleek and stylish jacket picks

FASHIONABLE OUTER LAYERS

A good winter jacket can be hard to find. Finding one that keeps you warm and looking great can be even tougher. But there’s no style task too tough for the fashion spotters at SheKnows. We were able to source six sleek jackets that keep you warm and looking nothing like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

Toggle Cape Puffer Jacket

There’s absolutely nothing “puffy” about this cozy cold weather jacket with a built-in cape feature for added coziness ($198). The neutral navy hue goes with just about anything and the unique design means you can feel good knowing you’re keeping out the cold while still staying true to your stylish side.

Pajar “Debra” 3-in-1-Parka

Whether you’re waiting for the bus, waiting in line or just need to get from point A to point B without getting frost bite, you can do it in style in this sleek black hooded parka ($595). The toasty fleece inner layer can be worn with or separate from the windproof, waterproof shell.

DKNY Faux Fur-Trim Puffer Parka

Cold wind doesn’t stand a chance against thisfashion forward parka with a sporty, go-anywhere design ($175). We love the removable hood with faux fur trim that keeps our head warm and free of falling snow, and the belt creates a flattering, slim silhouette.

SAM Freestyle Down Coat Stand Collar

Who needs a boring winter coat when you can show off your colorful side in this bright lemon-hued jacket with a stand collar and a glossy, get-noticed finish ($295)? The warm, down-filled outer layer is perfect for beating the chill on casual days. We love the lemon but there are other hues to choose from, including red, white, black and orchid.

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Katrina Bowden and her fiancé Ben Jorgenson attend Beth Minardi dinner

 

30 Rock star Katrina Bowden and her fiancé Ben Jorgenson attended a private dinner at A Voce to celebrate New York celebrity colorist Beth Minardi’s new hair color care prodcts.

Bowden, who plans on getting married in May, looked chic in an Ann Taylor skirt, Alice and Olivia top and Ferragamo heels. She said her favorite products are Beth Minardi’s Glisten Color Reflecting Drops which maximizes hair color reflection to achieve shine and System 1 Hair Wash and After Wash!

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he Guilt Trip Review: Mother of a Comedy

No one needs to be guilted into seeing The Guilt Trip. The Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand starring comedy vehicle follows the mother-son tandem as they head out on a cross country car ride. The first Streisand movie in years is a welcomed surprise.

The road trip comedy is a well traveled avenue and it has never felt fresher than with Rogen and Streisand at the wheel, as so brilliantly teased in The Guilt Trip trailer. The pair could not have been better cast. Their comic chemistry is heartwarming while still hilarious.

Andy (Rogen) is a chemist who believes he has created an environmentally friendly, all-natural cleaning product. He flies back east from his west coast home in order to rent a car and drive cross country hitting major buyers along the way in hopes of selling the next big thing. First off... he has to visit his mother. When he arrives, immediately the audience is clued into the relationship between Rogen and Streisand.

First Fletcher gives us a series of phone messages back and forth, mostly from mom, and we know this lady. If she isn't representative of your own mother, you know someone whose mother is Streisand's Joyce.

Even as she greets him at the airport and futzes over his blazer, that he had on purpose left the tag on with the intention to return the expensive coat when his business trip was over. Mom is impressed with the jacket, opens it up and realizes the tag is still there. "You left the tag on," she says as she tears it off. In a matter of minutes, the cast and filmmakers have captured their relationship without a single cliche.

Andy gets a crazy idea and in a fit of well-meaning, invites his mother on the trip.

The actress could have crafted a maternal character that was over the top and even shrill, but she is all about love -- like in this The Guilt Trip clip. And Rogen may have chosen a route with his Andy as someone who was so tired of his mother's opinion and care that it came off as mean. But it is not the case. These two may have their differences, but that is what fuels the comedy. And everything they do to and say to each other, there still lays a love at the heart.

Our The Guilt Trip review has to finish with the fact that Anne Fletcher, who most recently gave us the Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock starring film, you know... the one with all The Proposal quotes you'll never forget -- could not have been a better choice to helm the movie. Her expert hand gets the best out of her actors in a way that both serves her performers' characterization and the story. Her movie could have drifted into areas that felt like a son breaking free of his mother tale.

Instead, when leaving the theater, the need to call your mother and hear her voice will be immense.

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