River & Ian
La Caille, Sandy, June 19
Photography by Pepper Nix
THE COUPLE
River and Ian both grew up in St. George where they became high school sweethearts. “He actually asked me to be his girlfriend on a bridge,” River says with a laugh. Four years and a move to Utah Valley later, River returned home one day to find her house decked out in rose petals and fairy lights and a sign that read: “Put on your favorite outfit and meet me at the location I sent you.” Following the pin Ian had texted to her, the pair met at a bridge in Heber City where he finally popped the question. To many, the overpass might appear ordinary, but to the couple, it signifies the beginning of their love story. “It was so special and such a full circle moment!” River recalls.
THE VENUE
With the help of their planner, Michelle Leo Events, the couple was able to hold the wedding of their dreams just four months after getting engaged. Drawn by its lush garden spaces and sweeping views of Little Cottonwood Canyon, River decided La Caille was the ideal place for their midsummer matrimony. “It was truly a magical wedding that came together so perfectly in such a short time span,” she says. To complement La Caille’s lush and whimsical beauty, the wedding team adorned the space in a palette of blush pink, sage and cream. Brilliant white and green flower arrangements lined the grounds, while a canvas tent kept guests cool during the ceremony. The overarching theme of the alfresco wedding was “Soft, pretty and dreamy,” River explains.
THE RECEPTION
After River and Ian recited their vows and sealed the deal with a kiss, they joined their guests inside La Caille’s greenhouse dining room. The venue’s in-house catering team served a delectable, coursed meal beginning with a Caesar salad, followed by a choice of free-range chicken breast served with roasted fingerling potatoes, herbed carrots and rosemary jus or New York Strip with caramelized onions served with au gratin potatoes and grilled asparagus au poivre. Vegetarian guests were treated to an equally delicious alternative, wild mushroom herb gnocchi paired with heirloom carrots, celery, fennel, Utah farm-fresh corn and mushroom brodo. The feast was made more romantic by the sparkling lights of the indoor canopy and delicate tablescapes adorned with blush garden roses, cream sweet peas and eucalyptus strands.
SIGNATURE DETAIL
To satisfy the couple’s sweet tooth, they included a brownie bar with an assortment of tasty toppings. “Ian and I are not big fans of cake, and we actually always had brownies instead of cake at our birthdays,” River explains. Other reception favorites included the soda bar and signature drink menu, which consisted of a strawberry iced soda and a French cream soda.
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
River recalls a particularly heartfelt moment shared with her father. During the dancing portion of the evening, the father and daughter duo swayed to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” “This was the song my mom had on the radio when they drove to the hospital to have me,” River explains. “It was very special and there were lots of tears.”
THE PLAYERS
Wedding Planning & Design: Michelle Leo Events
Photography: Pepper Nix
Stationary Suite: Minted
Other Paper Goods: Twelve30 Creative
Venue & Catering: La Caille
Rentals: Diamond Event & Tent
Bride’s Ceremony Dress: Fantasy Bridal
Bride’s Reception Dress: Pritchett Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Lesley Lind Makeup Atelier
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo: Express
Groomsmen Attire: Generation Tux
Videographer: Jared Wortley Films
Florist: Urban Chateau Floral
Cake: Cake by Alessandra
Entertainment: Utah Live Bands
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