Think Scandinavian style—with its blond woods, brushed stainless and sharp geometries—is sterile? Think again. Along with her team, Holly Addi artist—stylist and co-owner of Salt Lake City gallery Arte Haus Collectif—unveils five ways a Nordic-style, minimalist wedding scene can be clean yet cozy.
BOOK A BLANK CANVAS
Minimalist design almost always starts with one element: white. “There’s a timeless sensibility to all white,” Addi explains. It’s no wonder that a small venue—like a bright, airy art gallery—makes an ideal backdrop for a Nordic-inspired soiree. “Plus, a less-is-more aesthetic reflects a Scandinavian philosophy to design.”
ADD CREATURE COMFORTS
While certain big-box stores suggest Scandinavian style is about easy-to-assemble manufactured products, Addi and her gallery sidekick Heidi Jube beg to differ. They use organic elements like rustic woods, wool throws and raw linens to warm a white room. “This space feels lived in,” explains Jube. “It has a raw European feel and we love mixing old and new with a neutral palette and some pop-y colors here and there.”
DITCH THE DÉCOR
“Scandinavian style is about understated luxury, timelessness and visual harmony,” Addi says. Instead of relying on abundance, Addi’s keenly edited recipe for the perfect affair includes a guest list, a tasteful tablescape, organic cuisine, meticulously paired wine and harmonious music. “This approach is not the standard step-by-step process for the wedding planning journey,” she says. “A wedding affair should have the same atmosphere poetry has with words. There should be depth and meaning behind it.”
UNCOMPLICATE THE CUISINE
“Scandinavian-inspired cuisine is not overly prepared,” says Colour Maisch of The Blended Table. Partner Emery Lortsher agrees, “Foraging for food is a very important part of much of Scandinavian food.” Because Scandinavian laws allow access to private lands, foraging in-season eats is encouraged. Norwegian salmon, Norwegian goat cheese, root vegetables, winter greens and herb-infused water naturally satiate guests.
GATHER WITH GRATITUDE
Honor the people that brought the two of you together. “There’s an authentic spirit in a comfortable gathering,” Addi says. Tempting as it may be to invite your entire social-media following, a minimalist wedding is about creating the most intimate experience. “With guests sitting picnic-style, a couple can surrounded itself with love, conversation, tasteful wine, impeccable food, and lovely music mixed with conversation. It’s about being grateful and hosting a beautiful affair.”
Photography: Kate Osborne, SLC
Creative direction: Holly Addi, Arte Haus Collectif, SLC
Assistant stylist: Heidi Jube, Arte Haus Collectif, SLC
Assorted throws, cake stand, glassware, candles and ring: Art Haus Collectif, SLC
Artwork: Holly Addi, Arte Haus Collectif, SLC
Paper: Refine Studio
Cake: Tulle Bakery, SLC
Flowers: Esprit Raw Flowers (to the trade), Murray
Bride’s gown: Harlow Brides, SLC
Men’s fashion: H&M at Fashion Place, Murray
Vases and Flatware: West Elm at City Creek, SLC
Pink dress: Urban Outfitters at City Creek, SLC
Dishes: CB2 at City Creek, SLC
Model: Aria Critchley, Niya Models, SLC
