St. Regis, Deer Valley
January 11
Planning & Design by Michelle Leo Events
Photographs by Megan Robinson
The Couple
Seattleite Ryan and Salt Lake native Rebecca met as many couples in romcom films do—on the beach. But instead of meeting eyes during a slo-mo sunset scene, Rebecca was hard at work training as a professional slackliner as Ryan looked on. After a mutual friend introduced them, training sessions turned into conversations, dinners, drives along the PCH and eventually, an engagement.
Seven years into their partnership, Ryan began planning an epic proposal during a trip to the Big Apple. While Rebecca was whisked away to an impromptu nail appointment, Ryan set up an intimate candlelit dinner in a suite overlooking Central Park. Rebecca returned to enjoy a chef-curated four-course meal with her closest circle, and afterward Ryan made a speech reflecting on their New Year’s Resolutions. He’d accomplished them all but one: to marry her. In a rush of happy tears, Rebecca exclaimed, “of course I’ll marry you!”
The Wedding
St. Regis’ elegant atmosphere and ski-in ski-out access met the couple’s desire for adventure-meets-refinement during their wedding weekend. To take full advantage of Utah’s legendary winter scenery, an outdoor ceremony featured a mirrored aisle and berry-hued florals on all sides. As Rebecca floated down the aisle in a romantic ballgown by Leah de Gloria, soft snowflakes fell from the sky, marking the moment with winter magic. “Our guests even asked if we had paid to have the snow made,” Rachel laughs. “We hadn’t—it was pure magic.”
The Party
To up the ante, the reception area was embellished with Gatsby-level finery. Decadent gold and black made up the wedding palette, infused with pops of tropical green and pink to evoke a 1920s Havana speakeasy. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a “bouncer” dressed in full roaring ’20s attire who knocked on a secret bookshelf to open and reveal the lavish party within. Each detail told a story of secret indulgence; tarot-themed table assignments, flair bartending, casino tables and a Champagne wall. Once Rebecca changed into a flirty feathered party dress—The Charlie by Leah de Gloria—it was time to start the party. Live music kept revelers on their feet late into the evening, and the after party ensued in the sultry-lit Deer Crest Room. The following morning, wedding-goers enjoyed the ski haven by carving turns down Deer Valley’s award-winning terrain.
Utah Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Planning & Design: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com
Photography: Megan Robinson, meganrobinsonphoto.com
Videography: Jared Wortley Films, jaredwortleyfilms.com
Venue, catering and bar service: St. Regis Deer Valley, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/slcxr-the-st-regis-deer-valley
Floral: Artisan Bloom, artisanbloom.com
Cake: Annie’s Cakes, caratsandcake.com
Rentals: All Out Event Rental and Diamond Rentals, eventrentalutah.com, diamondevent.com
Gown: Galia Lahav and Leah de Gloria via Bridal Reflections, bridalreflections.com
Groom’s Suit: Tom Ford, tomfordfashion.com
Makeup: Kali Chris, kalichris.com
Hair: Kristen Packard Artistry, kristenpackard.com
Signage: Twelve30 Creative, twelve30.com
DJ: Rob Bennion and Gold Standard, echotalent.com/robbennion, goldstandardmusic.com
Looking to get inspired? Find more real weddings here.
