Italian Inspiration at River Bottoms Ranch

July 12, 2021

Your wedding day is a celebration overflowing with love, and a touch of romance captured with European flair is perfectly apropos—even in Utah’s scenic mountains. Sarah Tucker, owner of Marae Events, offers her tips and tricks for bringing European style to your stateside affair.

TABLE YOUR TONE

Tucker creates an alfresco tablescape where classic European design meets contemporary details. In the center of the table, asymmetrical floral arrangements flow from rustic ceramic vases which fill the space between taupe-toned taper candles. Atop the white ceramic plates rest earthy raw paper menus featuring deckled edges and a minimalistic font, reminiscent of the invitation suite. Rounding out each guest’s display, persimmons sit upon each setting, adding an unexpected, fresh pop of vibrant orange. The star of the show is the base layer upon which each vignette is perched: textured, lacy table linens which provide visual interest and meld the tablescape’s modern elements with its traditional roots.

Stunning tablescape at River Bottoms Ranch

CAST YOUR COLORWAY

With soft pinks, peaches and greens, this celebration is rooted in romance. “We opted for predominantly delicate tones,” Tucker explains. “Then, we used unexpected shades like black, orange and yellow for vibrant pops that provided contrast in the styling.” Decorating with both fruits and flowers offers both color and texture to a design. “Use of varying textures can breathe life into an event,” says Tucker. “Utilizing a wide range of textiles such as velvet, linen and silk can create optical and tactile intrigue in a party’s design.”

PAINT A PICTURE

Tucker breathes enchanting European countryside style to River Bottoms Ranch by creating assorted vignettes throughout the property. Using both indoor and outdoor spaces, Tucker makes the expansive venue feel cozy and intimate by creating individually defined scenes. For example, the ceremony is set in front of grand barn doors left open to frame a panoramic view of the mountains. The cocktail hour is held just beyond the ceremony doors, overlooking the pond, and the reception welcomes with a conversation area created from collected furnishings gathered beneath an open air pavilion. “You want your guests to feel comfortable moving throughout the space,” Tucker says. “When you thoughtfully create each scene, your guests will be able to discern where they should be and when, and they will enjoy the time spent at each individual locale.”

FAWN OVER YOUR FLORA

“Decoration Inc. created an Italian-inspired environment with a bouquet and arrangements compiling several varieties of roses, ranunculus, daisies, peonies and vines,” says Tucker. “And, the bride’s loose bouquet was held together with long streamers of hand-dyed silk ribbon that added a delicate, feminine touch to the overflowing collection of botanicals.”