It’s no wonder explorers have a love affair with the mountain west. Utah seduces outdoor romantics with its easy breezes, mountain sunshine and majestic wildlife. But it takes a strong-willed adventurer to really conquer the rough habitat. Need tips on how to win over the West? We say, hats off—or in this case on—to prairie-inspired fashion and unfussy beauty.
Photos by Heather Nan

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT

Sun protection never looked so good, especially when paired with a couture gown handmade in Israel by celebrity designer Danny Mizrachi, sold exclusively by Park City Bridal (prices range from $4,500 to $9,000). The deep-V is sheer genius and deepens the connection between a gal and her groom.

Gwen wide brim sun hat, $64, Gigi Pip, SLC

TAKE IN AN AFTERNOON STROLL

Tiered tulle skirt? Check. Beaded bodice? Check. Embroidery and lace-up tasseled front? Oh yes. This sensuous number from Latter Day Bride ($1,100) is perfect for prairie patrol.

Gwen wide brim sun hat, $64, Gigi Pip, SLC; Gossamer tulle drape veil, $160, Danani Handmade, SLC; Oversized tassel earrings, $45, StilWorksStudio, Provo; Rahaminov ring in 18K white gold with oval center diamond and diamond halo, $13,300, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

FORAGE FRESHIES

Amber Reverie has all the right flower picks. “Yellow is up-and-coming,” Amber Dickson says of the muddy-toned blooms she aptly coordinates with Emily Riggs’ two-piece ensemble ($8,000). A French-colored v-neck bodice fashioned with a fully covered back, gathered waistline and a long train tops dark champagne Italian crepe and satin.

Bre stiff straw pork pie hat, $64, Gigi Pip, SLC

GIDDY UP

Runaway bride or runway beauty? LeeAnn Marshall’s Georgine ($3,588) is all about comfort and decadence, an ideal combo for a galloping entrance on a horse. Long sleeves accompany a v-neck bodice and open back. Silk and cotton-dotted chiffon construct the entire gown. The skirt flaunts a silk waistline band, silk lining and pockets.

Bre natural hat, Gigi Pip, SLC, $64; Giant tassel earrings, $15, StilWorksStudio, Provo

EMBRACE YOUR INNER BELLE

Not all ranch hands appreciate a ballgown, but here’s one that will turn heads in an “Oh heck ya, that’s stunning” kind of way. An A-line taffeta ball gown is a little more introverted than your average showy frock, as is Carpe Diem’s gathered posy of dahlias and roses. The sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps and twisted detailing make this Nouvelle Amsale from Bitsy Bridal gown ($2,700) sing and dance.

Memoire Margarita diamond necklace in 18K rose gold, $1,430 and Suna Brothers diamond huggie hoop earrings in 20K rose gold, $4,200; O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

TAKE IT EASY

Mountain gals are known to be unfussy, outdoorsy types, so for them, this Tadashi Shoji gown ($800) by Harlow Brides is spot-on. The dress boasts an allover-embroidered-dot pattern that’s as easy to wear as it is to love. A sheer overlay covers the plunging neckline and ruffled sleeves expose sun-kissed shoulders. Hair by Kali Wengreen is casually tousled and the makeup by Kristen Packard is warm and effortless.

Hand-dyed silk ribbon, $36, Frou Frou Chic,; bouquet by Amber Reverie

STAND TALL, Y’ALL

At River Bottoms Ranch, you’ll never be mistaken for a country bumpkin. To boot, the heavy crepe of this Kelly Faetanini spaghetti-strap gown ($2,275) by Bitsy Bridal drapes in all the right places for a fit that’s statuesque and alluring.

KEEP IT FRESH

Show some skin without revealing too much. This illusion neckline plummets down the decolletage to a handmade Israeli lace sheath. Muse by Berta gown (price range $8,000-$10,000) from Park City Bridal comes with a detachable tulle train. Talk about a two-for-one.

Fred Leighton leaf motif earrings in 18K rose gold with rose cut diamonds, $38,500; Rahaminov ring in 18K white gold with oval center diamond and diamond halo, $13,300, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

LAYER UP

Layering up—long sleeves, high neckline and a veil, for example—is a prairie gal’s best strategy. She never knows what the weather will bring. Park City Bridal thinks outside of the typical wedding-dress box with this Berta chiffon and embroidered-lace gown (prices range from $4,500 to $9,000). And a dramatic red lip by Kristen Packard never hurt anyone, either.   

Point d’esprit polka dot drop veil, $160, Danani Handmade, SLC

HEAD WEST

Adventure awaits, so be ready. Set yourself up in this deep-V sheath ($1,650) from Latter Day Bride with a unique full-lace pattern. Messy hair? No problem, according to hairstylist Kali Wengreen who offers a new take on braids. This braided halo, courtesy of added hair extensions, would make Laura Ingalls Wilder jealous.

Fringe and wooden earrings, $35, StilWorksStudio, Provo

PACK A BLANKET

…or several. Gathre crafts and sells soft, bonded leather goods including play mats, tablecloths and multi-purpose mats that are rollable for picnicking on the go. For extra comfort—and glam—choose a chic sheath like Latter Day Bride’s Cardinal gown ($900). This frock flaunts a high neck, an open back with lace over English netting and a stretch lining.    

Maxi square mats, $120 each, Gathre, Provo; The Armando Hat, $75, Clay LA, clay.la; Woven earrings, $15, StilWorksStudio, Provo

EMBRACE THE MOMENT

The devil is in the details. Intricately hand-beaded mums offer dimension to a sheer nude top, and elbow-length sleeves keep it classy. This Rebecca Shoneveld gown ($2,200) from Bitsy Bridal pairs well with its rose gold and diamond ring counterpart.   

O.C. Tanner Collection Isadora light ring in 18K rose gold with .40 carat center diamond and pavé diamonds in double halo and shank, $5,500, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

VENDORS

Photography: Heather Nan

Styling: Erica Kopp, Stay Co.

Written by: Val Rasmussen

Locale: River Bottom Ranch, Midway

Makeup: Kristen Packard

Hair: Kali Wengreen

Models: Kennedy Shaver, Hailey Beth, McCarty’s Talent Agency