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Touring a Mormon Temple

05/27/15 | David Yurman, Jack Rogers, Temple, The Americas, Travel, United States, Utah, West Coast

I spent the holiday weekend in Utah and while the red-eye back to New York City yesterday morning was rough I am so glad I got to spend three days with amazing people in such a beautiful place. I visited one of my best friends from college, her husband, and their two adorable children and I am so glad I decided to fly out and I am still impressed with how much we squeezed into those 72-hours.  So much so, the trip will be getting three separate posts, one for each day. 

The highlight of Saturday was definitely having the opportunity to tour the Payson Utah Temple on the last day of the open house.  It was an opportunity to learn more about my friend’s Mormon faith and a rare occurrence, even if you are a member. After arriving late Friday they graciously let me sleep in after picking me up from the airport.   In this three-day weekend recap there will be a ton of photos of Lily – she is 10 months old and just about the cutest thing ever. Here is proof: 

Memorial Day in Utah 01 Memorial Day in Utah 02

Saturday morning we went to downtown Provo for a delicious breakfast. I loved the small town feel when we walked into Communal and the staff knew my friends. Honestly every single item on their Saturday brunch menu looked to-die-for but at the suggestion of my hosts I went for the  pancetta hash with poached egg, spring vegetables, and horseradish cream. Yum! I enjoyed the dish along with copious amounts of their Charming Beard coffee and I could not have asked for a better welcome brunch, especially with the brûléed grapefruit we got for the table. 

Memorial Day in Utah - Communal Restaurant Charming Beard Coffee Memorial Day in Utah - Communal Restaurant Charming Beard Coffee

From there my friend Kortney and I got pedicures and were really able to catch up on everything that has been happening in our busy, busy lives.  Afterwards I truly got to have a once in a lifetime opportunity, I went in a Mormon temple as someone who is not part of the faith.   Saturday was the last day of the open house of the Payson Utah Temple, only a thirty minute drive from where my friends live, and it was open to the public as they had just finished building it but had not yet dedicated it. Usually you can not go in the temple unless you are an endowed member of the church and are there to perform different ordinances (similar to sacraments). Basically I would never be allowed in unless I became LDS. 

Payson Utah LDS Mormon TemplePayson Utah LDS Mormon Temple 05Payson Utah LDS Mormon Temple 06Payson Utah LDS Mormon Temple 03

It was absolutely breathtaking and I swished around all the floors in the little booties they gave me to cover my Jack Rogers.  You can not take any pictures inside but please believe me when I say that it is absolutely stunning, especially the celestial room. This room with thirty foot ceilings, gorgeous glass chandeliers, and plush couches is where people sit after they have just been married to be quiet and reflect.  It is modeled to depict the beauty of heaven and every temple has one. I think I learned more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on Saturday than I had in the seven years I have been friends with Kortney. A very unique experience I will not soon forget! 

Payson Utah LDS Mormon Temple Open HousePayson Utah LDS Mormon Temple Angel MoroniPayson Utah LDS Mormon Temple 04Payson Utah LDS Mormon Temple 01Payson Utah LDS Mormon Temple 03Payson Utah LDS Mormon Temple - Angel Moroni

We ended the day at a Mexican restaurant called Maria Bonita where they may not serve alcohol but the food certainly is super sized. I had a massive mug of Diet Pepsi (no Coca-Cola and no margs) to go with my Taco Vallarta Salad,  ground chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, beans and served in a crispy tortilla bowl.  I ate only a small portion and could have easily shared with a few friends. ¡Muy delicioso!

Memorial Day in Utah - Taco Vallarta Salad at Maria Bonita

Oh, and did you know that David Yurman cable bracelets are loved by teething babies?  

Me neither.  🙂  

Memorial Day in Utah - 15david yurmna teething

Sunday we went to Sundance and Monday Park City, stay tuned tomorrow and Friday for those! 

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Comments

  1. Mademoiselle Coconath says

    May 28, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Beautiful pictures!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

  2. Lauren says

    May 27, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    I love that you were able to experience a temple open house!! Temples are the most sacred places on earth. They are my favorite places to be in the world. They are so stunning aren’t they? If you think they are beautiful now, they are a million times more special after they are dedicated. There is no greater place on earth. The celestial room is my favorite too!! So special. I remember waiting in the celestial room before my wedding being so nervous!! And you can absolutely go in after you get married but after your sealing I just wanted to put my wedding dress on and go to my reception!!!

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles! 

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