Real Wedding: Sheena & Bryan

January 27, 2016

A New York state-of-mind brought these two Utah natives together. With the right mix of rustic and elegance, Sheena and Bryan melded city and country flair to create a refined mountainside retreat.

Though they were both raised in Utah, they met in New York through a close friend. Sheena was interning at W magazine and Bryan was in his second year at NYU Law School. They met their very first weekend in the city and were friends for a year before they started dating. According to Bryan, “It was right away. The moment I laid eyes on her.” For Sheena, it was a little harder to pinpoint. “He’s quite the package deal—attractive, intelligent, outgoing, romantic, kind and the list goes on. My love for him has continued to grow.”

Bryan proposed on August 31st. “The perfect way to end the summer,” Sheena recalls. After a romantic dinner, Bryan unexpectedly suggested a walk toward Washington Square Park. They reminisced about their time together and the moments they had shared through the years. The two then sat on a park bench where Bryan got on one knee and asked Sheena to marry him.

Bride and Groom: Sheena Smith and Bryan Swiss

Photography: Chudleigh Weddings

Wedding Planning: Michelle Leo Events

Venue: High Star Ranch

Catering: Culinary Crafts

Flowers: Honey of a Thousand Flowers

Rentals: Diamond Rental

Graphic Design: Freshly Minted Invitations

Calligraphy: The Love Byrd

Letterpress: Coeur Noir

Guest Book: New York, Line by Line: From Broadway to the Battery, by Robinson

Gown: Oscar de la Renta

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Hairpiece: Jennifer Behr

Groom’s Suit: Zara

Cake: Cake Dame

Entertainment: Joe Muscolino Band

Real Wedding: Liza & Matt

January 26, 2016

Liza and Matt invite families and friends from both coasts to converge in the Uinta Mountains for a rustic and sweetly elegant celebration.

The outdoorsy couple from San Fransisco met on Match.com. The match was set and after dating five years, Matt couldn’t wait to propose, so he popped the question as Liza was washing dishes in their apartment. “The ring had arrived that morning via courier and he planned to propose while we were skiing in Jupiter Bowl Park City later that week,” Liza says. “He got too excited, so he did it that day.”

“We are avid skiers, but took up biking, hiking and fly fishing once we got to know Utah a bit more.” Coincidentally, the Uinta Mountains stand as the only major range in the contiguous United States with an east-west orientation and with family and friends coming from both coasts, it became a perfect metaphor for the officiant to highlight. Liza says, “We wanted to share this special place with everyone.”

Bride and Groom: Liza Wood and Matthew Nebel

Photography: Erin Kate Photography

Caterer: Culinary Crafts

Ceremony and reception site: High Star Ranch

Flowers: Lilac Floral

Rentals: Culinary Crafts

Hair and makeup: Signature Brides

Invitations: Out of the Envelope

Gown: Watters, And Something Blue

Shoes: Kate Spade

Suits: Brooks Brothers

Boots: Tony Lama

Photobooth: Funny Face Photobooth

Entertainment: No Limits Green Light Entertainment

Catering

January 25, 2016

Let’s get real. Many wedding guests have one thing on their minds when penciling in a wedding: food. Don’t disappoint. Choose a caterer or menu that includes sweet, savory and maybe even a little surprise.

High West Distillery

St. Regis Deer Valley

Ramblin’ Rose Cafe

Cuisine Unlimited

Culinary Crafts

Instagram Giveaway

January 25, 2016

Don’t miss your chance to win big with Salt City Signs, Birdie’s Bakery or Weddings by Eccentricity. Visit us at the Utah Bridal Showcase to enter!

Real Wedding: Stacey + James

January 23, 2016

Howd you meet

We met through one of his roommates. I got invited to a BBQ- I was friends with James’ at the time roommate whod invited me to a bbq at theier house and we met when james came home from work that day. We in college when we met.

The next week we began dating and 18 months later we were married. I trapped him that next week and I did not let go. It was basically love at first sight. We got stuck and it worked for us.
Proposal we knew we were going to elope. We’d told our parents and siblings that we were going to elope. We had date set but no proposal yet. Jellyfish, we’d never been to theloveland aquarium. I saw his brother ben, stacey stay put. OH This is happening in the jellyfish exhibit at the aquaruiam.

I had such a blonde moment, it took forever for me to realize what was happening.

I said yes right away. He builds furniture for interior designers. I was working with my dad, but he told me that he had a business meeting. But, I found out later that it was a meeting that james asked for my hand in marriage.

My dad wholeheartedly loved and supported our relationship and marriage.

I had a wedding to wear that dress. I knew i was ready to get married wehen I saw my dress on instagram.

We eloped after we got engaged, we didn’t wear conventional wedding attire. But we knew we would have a friends and family ceremony so that we could celebrated everyone.

My mom and I went to San Francisco to the boutique that carried the brand of this dres. I tried it on first and I tried on a few others, but I knew that one was my dress. We ordered it and it got delayed. I didn’t even get my dress until 6 days before my wedding. The first time I even bridezillad. I can’t even descreibe the meltdown I was habing for that week.

The location alta peruvian lodge, decorations. My parents and I did that.

Wedding day, James drove me up and we parted ways.

James and I like to march to the beat of our own drum . Acoustic reggae song, is it love by bob marley. Everyone was so surprised. James had so many groomsmen that they had to pair up with one another. I didn’t have enough bridesmaids.

We are going on our honeymoon next month. Going to Europe for 3 weeks. Going to Amsterdam, Paris, Rome.

My husband is part of Sigma Chi. Majority of groomsmen so they sang the sweetheart song to me, the fraternity. Only gets sung to a particular group of women.

Vendor Credits:

Dress: Riki Dalal

Shoes: Elopement

Venue: Alta peruvian lodge

Photographer: Sean Choi – seanchoi.com

Wedding August 13 2016.

In the Life: Ashley Beyer

January 21, 2016

STYLE

I grew up mainly here in Salt Lake City, but spent a few years living in Seattle Washington as a kid. I think Washington is such a magical place to be a kid, so many forests to explore.

I like the basics. I have always loved tailored clothes that are both comfortable and sleek. I remember being in middle school and wearing oxfords and button ups and that still hasn’t changed! I tend to be drawn to a mix of the masculine and the feminine in my clothes, and lately throwing in a bit of an edge too. On any given day I’m usually wearing skinny jeans, an ankle boot of some kind and a comfy linen top.

My career has encouraged simplicity even further. I don’t have the time to spend all morning staring blankly into my closet and wanting to light it all on fire (haven’t we all been there?) so curating a good collection of nice clothes in good silhouettes has been a life saver. I always like to step it up a bit more than my usual casual wardrobe for a night out, but I think you can dress up casual attire with your lipstick and shoes and suddenly you’re a bit more fancy.

BEAUTY

Mario Badescu Rose Facial Spray, seems funny considering I’m a florist but it really makes your skin so soft! I love it when I wake up, when I go to bed, to set my make up, etc. etc. I think I’ve been through over 10 bottles already. I also really love Josie Maran’s Lip and Cheek Oil. Every color is gorgeous. I love a little color on the cheeks and the lips, I think it makes the whole face come alive.

Lipstick is a must. I feel naked without a little color on my lips. Since my hands are always a mess I usually skip the polish.

I’m simple. I like Cetaphil to keep my skin moisturized. I also like Josie Maran’s Argan Oil, and we can’t forget the rose spray! I also believe when you drink lots of water your skin thanks you.

OFF DUTY

Traveling. Nothing excites me more than exploring new places. I’ve been fortunate to travel to Europe three times in the last 12 months. Once for work, but we left some time for exploring too. I also love spending time with my family; my nieces and nephews are my favorite people on the planet.

[Scents I love are] Autumn rain storms most definitely, home baked bread, and lately I’ve been into Elizabeth & James Nirvana White perfume.

Nothing is better than good conversation over delicious food. I like getting a little dressed up and going out somewhere fancy every once in awhile, no phones allowed!

As told to Utah Bride & Groom

Scream for Ice Cream

January 21, 2016

Close your eyes and let your mind wander back to the delightful summer memories of childhood.

Where are you?

Dodging the ice cold sprinklers?

Diving head first into the neighborhood lake?

Running—with your mouth watering—after the ice cream truck?

Fortunately, you can relive at least one of those sweet childhood memories during your wedding day. Brides and grooms throughout the country are surprising wedding guests’ with a little trip down memory lane all thanks to the repurposed ice cream truck.

Whether you prefer cones, sandwiches or scoops, there are dozens of ways you can incorporate ice cream into your big day.

Image via Pinterest

If you’re looking for an ice cream truck in the valley, consider hiring Dad’s Ice Cream Truck for your wedding reception.

Real Wedding: Alex & Henry

January 21, 2016

Personal touches—including a five-course menu with wine pairings, signature High West Distillery cocktails, plus a meaningful venue—cater to Alex and Henry’s luxurious autumn ranch wedding.

The former college athletes met at the University of Washington. New York native Henry was a swimmer and Alex, who grew up in Park City, was on the soccer team. The two dated for seven years before Henry proposed at Gary Farrell Winery in Napa while on vacation with both their families. And today, the newlyweds live and play in Park City where Henry is the Director of Adventures at Blue Sky Ranch and Alex is a nurse at Park City Medical Center.

Where to wed was a no brainer for Alex and Henry. “In addition to being a great wedding venue, Blue Sky Ranch is owned by my mother and father,” says Alex. “It’s a very special place for my family.” Park City’s autumn colors displayed an ideal backdrop to the rustic ranch.

Photography: Sparkle Photography

Wedding Planner: Lillie Garrido for Soiree Productions

Catering: High West Distillery

Ceremony and reception site: Blue Sky Ranch

Flowers: Silver Cricket Floral Atelier

Table and chair rentals: Alpine Event Rentals

Linen and china rentals: Diamond Rentals

Rings: O.C. Tanner Jewelers

Invitations: Nine Grain Design

Gown: Mira Zwillinger; Mark Ingram Atelier

Suits: Beckett & Robb

Bridesmaids’ gown: Jenny Yoo

Entertainment: Aaron Ashton Band; The Cowling Band

Real Wedding: Brittany & David

January 21, 2016

“Since it was a ‘destination’ wedding for a lot of the guests, we made a week of the wedding with events, hikes, pool parties and concerts.”

After meeting as volunteers in Tanzania, Brittany and David dated for five years before David got down on one knee in St. Maarten and proposed. Although David was from England, Brittany (a Salt Lake City native) wanted to hold the wedding close to home. The two decided on a home-based wedding for her family and a destination wedding for his. “For starters, it was a unique wedding because it brought so many different people together from all over the world,” says Brittany. “David and I couldn’t believe that over 45 of our friends and family from England flew over to celebrate our special day with us.”

The couple focused on details to make the wedding a memorable experience for their family members and friends. “We named the tables after different places throughout Tanzania and each table had a globe and wine bottles we had collected from London, Utah and Tanzania,” remembers Brittany. But there was one detail every guest appreciated. “Everyone especially loved the late night snack of fish and chips we served to represent London.”

Bride and Groom: Brittany Glenn and David Stevens

Photography: Brittni Willie

Dress: Found locally in London
Hair: Jessie Jennings from Salon L.A. Camille

Makeup: Victoria Plant

Shoes: Rainbow Club from John Lewis

Suit: Reiss
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Venue: Red Cliff Ranch
Florals: Mayflower

Catering: Culinary Crafts

Rentals: Diamond Rental

Entertainment: Joe Muscolino Band

Real Wedding: Ellie & Ryan

January 20, 2016

“Our story is one of Tinder success.”

Tinder may get a bad rap, but it worked wonders for Ellie and Ryan. “My good friend Ashley and I both had Tinder and we shared the same profile picture (a photo of the two of us),” remembers Ellie. Ryan’s friend matched with Ashley and showed Ryan the picture of Ashley and I. Ryan realized he had previously matched with me and so we all went on a double date. The rest is history!”

When it came time to get married, Ryan caught Ellie by surprise after a trip to Florida. “When we walked out to the baggage claim area both our families were there with a huge sign that said ‘Ellie will you marry me??’ I was shocked. His young nephew then ran up with the ring box in his hands. Ryan got down on one knee and proposed. It was so much fun sharing that moment with family and quite a few other people who decided to stay and watch the proposal. One lady even told us that once she walked out and saw the sign she decided to miss her bus so she could see the proposal.”