We here at Culinary Crafts recently came into some old, rustic whiskey barrels (i.e. we saw them, fell in love, and HAD to have them) and we are SO excited to start using them for our weddings this year!  From dessert and cake displays, to buffet stations, to lemonade stands and favor tables – whiskey barrels find a home and purpose for so many things.  Plus, they are just beautiful!  I love the texture, the look, and the vibe you get from something with a story and a past.  Not all shiny and new, these whiskey barrels have the look of time about them, and it is SO good.  We are so looking forward to incorporating them into our event, but in the meantime, here are some of our ideas and visions for all the thigs we can (and will!) do with our newly procured barrels!  Take a look!

Stunning, right?  And perfect for a rustic and romantic wedding in a mountain setting, if you don’t mind me saying!  Happy weekend everyone and look forward to seeing our barrels make appearances in Culinary Crafts events soon!!!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Photo credits – Board 1 (Clockwise, from top left): Sara & Mallary Photography, Tonya Joy, Rustic Wedding Chic, and Loverly;  Board 2 (from left): Heidi Claire and Style Me Pretty;  Board 3 (clockwise, from left): Style Me Pretty, Pen n’ Paper Flowers, and Inspired Bride

This weekend is Cinco de Mayo and I love an excuse for a party – so I’ve come up with a fun and festive inspiration board that is perfect for a laid-back fiesta.  Plus, these bright and summer-y color palettes will help welcome warmer weather!  Olé!

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

All images pinned on our Pinterest – follow us here!

Today I wanted to share with you one of Mary’s new favorite Indian restaurants!  Aroma Fine Indian Cusine is located in Draper and at first glance, you may just pass it by.  This totally unassuming gem is located in a new strip mall, but once you step inside, the restaurant’s decor and food will totally surprise you.  They even have a private nook for a romantic night out, which is cozy and gorgeously appointed.  The food is excellent and authentic – definitely a place to check out!  Happy dining everyone!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Today we’d like to give a shout out to one of our fellow Wedding Professionals of Utah vendors, Jacque Lynn Photography!  As you may recall, we had the pleasure of working together on this STUNNING wedding last summer.  It was gorgeous and Jacque‘s photos truly captured the beauty of the day.  Take a look!

As you can see, Jacque Lynn is super talented and, even better, she is available for hire at an excellent price point!  If you are in the market for a wedding photographer, definitely check out what she has to offer.  Happy planning everyone!

Check out our website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

We here at Culinary Crafts want to wish you all a Happy Easter full of love, remembrance, family, friends, and, of course, food!  Have a wonderful holiday and we’ll be back next week with more tips, ideas, and eye candy!  Happy Easter everyone!

Check out our NEW website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

As many of you may know, yesterday was the Grand Opening of the new and super chic City Creek Center downtown!  Culinary Crafts is always at the heart of the fabulous happenings in Utah.   Check out our servers who seamlessly blended in with the offerings of the new Hugo Boss store.  Our staff is always fashionable and dressed to impress, and yesterday was no exception!

So fabulous and we all had a blast!  City Creek is AMAZING and I am thrilled to say we have something so beautiful to revitalize Salt Lake City’s downtown.  Can I tell you how excited I am to explore all of these GORGEOUS new stores?!  You should definitely visit this weekend, but maybe take Trax (which stops right out front).  Oh and watch for some upcoming posts from the new H&M at City Creek!    Happy shopping everyone!

Check out our NEW website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Images courtesy of Mara Marian-Harwood of LMG Events

Today, I’d like to share with you some of Culinary Crafts’s favorite consignment stores!  Consignment stores are excellent places for one-of-a-kind items that can add amazing detail to your event.   I mean, look at the gorgeous Culinary Crafts events we’ve had when the couple found AMAZING pieces (pictured above)!  A vintage typewriter, weathered milk crates for flower arrangements, glass vessels for a whimsical candy table, birdcage candle holders, or the DIY cake stands turned flower stands that make a table so beautiful!  There is so much to be found at these stores, whether you are wanting to re-purpose a piece (in the case of the DIY cake stands) or not.  Our very own Mary Crafts-Homer and Holly Fowler frequent only the best stores to make sure their events are out of this world!  From something like a mini red pedal car for a UMFA Gala (whose theme was ‘Speed’ -LOVE IT!) to the more traditional finds of silver candelabras or suitcases – these stores have it all.  Their favorites?  Well, the top 3 are definitely Now & Again, Home Again, and Emilie Jayne!  Happy hunting everyone!

Check out our NEW website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Photo credit: Logan Walker of CAKE photography

Many of you out there are dreaming of the traditional fondant covered cake with 5 tiers and intricate details.  These beauty are eye catching treats that make a statement in any reception and elicit ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ galore.  But what if you are not one of these brides and you are looking something different?  Something even more different than even cupcakes?  Well, you are in luck!  I have rounded up my favorite alternatives for any bride.  Take a look!

These cakes are still in traditional fashion, but they focus on putting their own twist on things.  A strawberry shortcake offering, varieties of ‘cake shooters’ or an angel food comfort classic cake, these are perfect for the bride and groom who may not love fondant, but still wants to offer a cake at their reception.

Pies and tarts are the perfect casual dessert for a couple who definitely does not like cakes, but loves a more traditional dessert.  Perfect for casual backyard summer weddings, you can have fun by offering different flavors or offer the same but displaying it in different ways!

For those with a sweet tooth, this is definitely your type of wedding ‘cake’!  Oreos, doughnuts, truffles, and rice crispy treats are all whimsical and delicious ways to make your wedding dessert a little different.  My favorite are the mini doughnuts, so cute!

The health conscious bride is usually left adrift in a sea of refined sugars and super sweet options.  I love this play on a watermelon ‘cake’ and is perfect for a super healthy, yet sweet, dessert!  I love this idea!!!

So, what if you don’t like sweets?  What if savory is your ‘go-to’ treat?  Well check out this cake made of decadent cheeses or a pizza cake!  Or, if you like the look of a cake, but just don’t want the actual thing, I love the illusion of the ice sculpture cake!

The creative and delicious offerings that are out there are truly endless and really, you can make your ‘cake’ out of anything you want!  It can be you and your honey’s favorite food or treat whether it be sweet or savory.  Making your wedding truly a reflection of your personal tastes will always make the day more memorable in the end!  Happy planning!

Check out our NEW website at www.culinarycrafts.com!

Photo credits:  Board 1: Strawberry Shortcake from iloveswmag.com, cake shooters from Manolo Brides, Angel Food Cake from Green Wedding Shoes; Board 2: Tart from RitzyBee, Pie Buffet Table from Snippet & Ink; Board 3: Oreo Cake and Rice Crispy Cake from Wedding Window, Doughnut Cake from Lamb 411, Truffle Cake from Modern Wedding; Board 4: Healthy Cake from Green Wedding Shoes; Board 5:  Cheese Cake from Snippet & Ink, Pizza Cake and Ice Sculpture Cake from Wedding Window

As you all know, the season of Valentine’s Day is upon us and with that many newly engaged couples are going to be popping up very soon!  Now, I know many of you out there have dreamed of your perfect ring for when your perfect person asks you to marry them, and I must note that I love the traditional and classic style of rings that are out there.  Clean lines, gorgeous gems, and sparkling shine – what’s not to love?  But, what if you are looking for something a little bit different?  Something a little more personal or out of the ordinary?  Luckily, the options are endless!  I’ve compiled some of my very favorites and love the different options and materials that are out there now!  Check it out!

Clockwise from the top left: Braille rings, Scattered Diamond Fingerprint ring, ‘I Do’ Laser Cut rings and Sterling Silver Fingerprint ring.

These rings are the most personalized I’ve ever seen.  From the braille ring, to the wedding rings that hold your honey’s fingerprint inside the band, to a laser cut ring that shows the wavelength of you and your spouse saying “I do.”  Seriously, these rings are amazingly personal and one of a kind, not to mention GORGEOUS!

Clockwise from the top left: Purr Wooden ring, Diamond and Wood ring, Offset Turquoise Inlay rings, Recycled Gold Inlay ring,  Turquoise and Koa Wood ring, Dinosaur Bone ring, Blue Box Elder and Water Buffalo Horn rings, and Gold Stars (Glitter) ring

These rings are filled with alternative materials.  Wood, stone, recycled metal shavings, dinosaur bones, and even glitter (it actually makes a very gorgeous inlay, and not at all hokey)!  These natural materials are also one of a kind and BEAUTIFUL.

Images courtesy of ZumaPhoto

These last rings are more traditional, yes, and you may even recognize them – they are Mary and her honey, Rick’s, wedding rings!   I really want to highlight the gorgeous pictures you can get of your rings at your wedding.  Not only do you want pictures of you, your loved ones, and all the details you’ve worked so hard on, but aren’t these pictures of the rings GORGEOUS?  And how fun is it to have some really cool set ups of you and your honey’s ring?  I love it!

Whether you are planning to propose on Valentine’s Day or sometime after, hoping to be proposed to, or if you are already engaged but still trying to find that perfect ring – you should definitely check out something that would be one of a kind and the perfect expression of you and your honey, not to mention your personal style!  Happy planning everyone!

Check out our NEW website at www.culinarycrafts.com!