Sleeves of every style are gracing the season’s most memorable bridal ensembles. Get inspired by a few timeless looks:
1 BISHOP. Effortless glamor and easy demure exude from the simple coverage of a bishop sleeve, able to deliver flair to any style of gown.
Clara charmeuse gown by Watters, available at Mary’s Bridal, SLC.
2BILLOW. Embrace your new-wave fantasies with a playful puff sleeve, full of structure for a one-of-a-kind look.
The Mayce gown with detachable puff sleeve by Cinq Bridal, available at Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Orem.
3BUILT-IN. Select a classic sheer long-sleeved gown to elongate and emphasize the femininity of both the modern and classic bride.
Dietrich gown by Pronovias, available at Mary’s Bridal, SLC.
4BELL. Whether you lean toward elegant fairytale or hippie-chic, the ever-versatile bell sleeve brings dimension to your bridal silhouette.
The Elizabeth gown with detachable bell gloves by Cinq Bridal, available at Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Orem.
5BESPOKE. Deliver versatility to your bridal attire with detachable sleeves, to give your guests a surprise revamp for cocktails, reception and beyond.
Eileen gown with statement sleeve by Christie Nicole Bridal, available at Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Orem.
Jon & Tito first met in 2009, as friends while in separate relationships. “We stayed in touch throughout the years, even when Tito relocated to Los Angeles for work.” Nearly a decade after their initial friendship, Tito (newly single) moved to NYC to take a new job with L’Oreal. Jon’s late husband had passed away that summer, and the pair decided to reconnect over a friendly dinner. That dinner quickly turned into a first date, leading them through deep discussions well into the night.
In August 2020, to celebrate Tito’s 37th birthday, Jon arranged a beautiful starlit dinner for 20 of their closest friends at the couple’s New Jersey home. After dinner, Jon gave a champagne birthday toast to Tito that stretched into a profession of love and desire to spend the rest of their lives together. He produced a surprise ring from his pocket—and without a dry eye in sight, Tito gave Jon a big hug and immediately accepted the proposal.
THE WEDDING
These two stylish grooms knew they wanted a venue that could be dressed up and dressed down simultaneously, and Wanship’s Blue Sky Lodge was the perfect choice.
The couple’s pasture-view outdoor ceremony was held on the lawn and featured exquisitely minimalist florals and decor. Elongated gold vessels lined both aisle and altar, presenting elegantly draped monochrome calla lily bouquets, backed by bunches of dense greenery. Guests looked on, seated in sleek black chairs. Jon and Tito were each escorted down the aisle by their mothers, and were married by Jon’s brother, Steven, with rings presented by the couple’s dog, Chloe, who arrived on-scene decked in burgundy florals and white tulle frills. Both Tito and John sported custom midnight blue tuxedos. For the reception, they swapped their classic black ties for feathered ones, and Jon donned suspenders patterned with the scales of justice, gifted to him by his parents when he entered law school.
The stately, masculine decor continued at the reception. “We wanted a masculine, dark and sexy vibe for our wedding that also respected the natural scenery of the mountains.”
Within Blue Sky’s barn venue, neutral tones accented by burgundy blooms and details enrich every surface. Rich, leather-like browns stand out against matte-black and metallic foundations, with every detail glittering under the venue’s strings of lights. The room’s centerpiece was a branch chandelier, dripping with brilliant white orchids.
THE PARTY
A plated dinner for all 110 guests awaited beyond the barn doors. The menu’s Utah trout and bison nodded to the rustic venue, while late-night burgers and fries coupled with dancing in true party style. The couple chose a unique all-black cake accented with violet figs to foster their sleek, minimal vibe, and inside was a surprising chocolate and peanut butter dessert. Led by DJ Chu, Tito and Jon danced the night away with their family and friends, sipping signature cocktails named for the couple’s Asbury Park, Chelsea, and Park City homes. Their first slow dance was to “Stand by Me” by Skylar Grey, immediately followed by an upbeat Puerto Rican salsa to “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo, in honor of Tito’s Caribbean heritage.
THE HONEYMOON
Jon and Tito enjoyed three days at the Bulgari Hotel in Dubai exploring the city and adventuring on dune buggies. They followed it with a St. Regis stay in the Maldives, snorkeling and diving in the crystal blue waters.
Michajah and McCabe met in the design program of their college in St. George Utah. The pair, along with Michajah’s best friend and roommate Nayvi, became fast friends through the duration of their college experience. After graduating in May 2021 and breaking off a long-term relationship, Michajah discovered possible feelings for her former college friend McCabe. After reconnecting, McCabe eventually admitted he had had feelings for her for a long time. “Everyone but me seemed to know about it, and I was somehow the last person to figure it out,” laughs Michajah. “After it all came out, I realized he was my best friend and that I wanted his love forever.”
That July, the pair became an official couple, and by September McCabe had bought a ring. He held onto the bling until May 2022 so that he could propose in Bear Lake where he first asked Michajah to be his girlfriend. In Michajah’s words, “It was an obvious yes.”
THE WEDDING
Just a couple of months later, the couple sealed the deal with the ultimate vintage-chic ceremony on a family friend’s Salt Lake City estate. As the director of a Makerspace for Utah Tech University, Michajah had all the resources she needed to design her own custom wedding. It began with the stationery: Armed with a pattern from an heirloom handkerchief, a simply-chic palette of black, white and brass and a monogram that she dreamed up herself, this bride hand-picked and laser-cut each piece of the invitation suite, complete with ticket stubs to introduce their “Rock Meets Royal” theme. “The vibe suited us so well,” says the bride. “At a glance, McCabe and I appear to be exact opposites but we just work together so well.”
From there, Michajah added her signature flair to every table with handmade and vintage decor items that she meticulously sourced to fit their desired vibe. Crystal mugs, hand-cut and lettered signage, thrifted teapots and retro cherubs were the highlights of the design, “I was loving anything eclectic with ornate details,” Michajah says. Amid it all, a romantic and whimsical spread of colorful florals brought the classic and cool fairytale event to life. “Having a beautiful space ensured our wedding would feel like a fairytale.”
Michajah walked down the aisle to a quartet rendition of “Something Just Like This.” She was draped in a long-sleeved satin gown, complete with an elegant plunge front, open back and oversized bow to bring her signature edge to the look. Waiting for her under a be-floraled iron arch, McCabe stood in a classic black tuxedo. After a laugnter-and-love-filled ceremony perfomed by minister Greg Jorgenson, the couple returned down the aisle, this time as husband and wife.
THE PARTY
Soon after the ceremony and cocktails, the couple shed their bridal attire in favor of a cutoff denim jacket for McCabe and a lace corset for Michajah, to join their guests for the wedding party of the century. Following a meal of salmon and prime rib and an afternoon of lawn games and disposable-camera selfies, the groom jumped on stage to join his bandmates as their group NVM performed a full rock show that guests danced along to. “It was the first time our family members from out of town were able to see McCabe play live,” Michajah explains. The band played “Fade Into You,” by Inhaler for the couple’s first dance, and served as the soundtrack to a truly rock and roll evening.
At the end of the evening, Michajah and McCabe cut into a stunningly elaborate, six-tier cake, adorned with decadent fondant swirls and vintage Wilton cherub pillars, reminiscent of the iconic Grace Kelly confection. The flavors included gluten-free tiramisu, chocolate caramel and white-chocolate raspberry.
Throughout the event, guests had a ball applying custom, temporary tattoos drawn by the groom, and curating their own “ink” to match McCabe’s impressive sleeves.
THE HONEYMOON
Continuing the celebration after their big day, the couple spent the following days at the Little America, staycationing and brunching with their closest friends.
Weddings deserve a visual treat as enchanting as the show-stopping bride. At Cake by Alessandra, each creation features top-quality ingredients, exceptional design, and a personal touch reflecting the couple’s unique love story.
Since 2007, owner Alessandra Wortmann has captivated her clients through superior design and flavor, a skill formed and nurtured throughout her childhood in the family kitchen where she honed her culinary skills.
“Many of my best memories center around growing up in Brazil, and I believe that’s where my passion for baking cakes began,” Wortmann explains.
Beneath the surface of her captivating visual aesthetic lies a taste equivalent to her artistry, making her cakes an exquisite treat for her clients.
While Wortmann is recognized as a chef-d’oeuvre in her own right, she also understands minimalistic and understated design, offering customers a variety of options to make their vision–and budget–a reality.
“It’s important for clients to have a general idea or cake style before their consultation,” Wortmann states. “I need a general idea of what they want, then I transform their ideas into a culinary vision.”
While Cake has continued as a front-runner in the wedding cake business, Wortmann understands that each client has specific needs and should choose professionals with aligning visions. “We are so lucky to have so many talented vendors in Utah. Choose someone you connect with to help turn your special day into a reality.”
“Something that has always set us apart is that our cakes taste even better than they look.”
Alessandra Wortmann, Owner
Ask the Expert
Advice for Couples:
In addition to the overall design and flavor, clients should understand their budget ahead of the designing process, allowing Alessandra to provide options to best fit the needs of each couple. Besides choosing the perfect cake, Alessandra’s best advice to couples is to choose vendors early, scheduling with her as soon as possible.
Olivia and Graham’s Under Canvas wedding featured natural materials, organic forms and neutral colors to mirror and celebrate Zion National Park’s majestic views
Photo courtesy of SoCal Standard
Head to Southern Utah for a distinctly desert wedding experience at Under Canvas.
Are you ready to get your glamp on? Under Canvas creates an unmatched setting that will immerse your entire celebration in adventure. Say “I Do” under a romantic starlit desert sky, or at high noon with the landscapes of some of Utah’s most iconic natural monuments as your backdrop.
With locations in Moab, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, Under Canvas camps can accommodate nearly any size of celebration, from an intimate elopement-style ceremony to full property buyouts that can accommodate 500+ friends and family.
Photo courtesy of SoCal Standard
“For the best experience, we encourage couples to opt for a buyout of their preferred camp to have full privacy, as well as access to all areas of the camp and its activities,” says Megan Lamb, senior publicist at Under Canvas. Each camp features multiple areas to gather, including spacious decks, firepits and impressive stargazing viewpoints, as well as activities ranging from rafting to horseback riding.
Tents’ interiors can be dressed to the nines in luxury furnishings for lavish accommodations
Photo courtesy of @baileymade_
On-site, a host of tents can be arranged for a completely customized wedding layout. Smaller tents can be placed in a private area for pre-wedding primping or set center stage for cocktail hour. Safari-inspired glamping tents can be dressed to the hilt with accommodations for each VIP guest. One of their most unique venues, the “CanopyMarqui,” is a towering, safari-inspired hive tent that can house up to 500 guests while still feeling open and connected to the jaw-dropping landscape.
Walls of windows at ULUM resort show off breathtaking desert views.
Photo courtesy of ULUM
If you’d like the grandiose views without quite as much grit, consider booking at ULUM, an outdoor resort where high-end amenities and exceptional service merge with Moab’s spectacular scenery in an innovative, modern design ready for all manner of indoor-outdoor festivities.
Pretty pearls are back en vogue, dripping from lavish gowns and draping around the most unexpected of celebrity necks (hello, Mr. Styles).
“People aren’t wearing pearls like your grandma used to,” says Dominique Anderson, marketing manager at O.C. Tanner Jewelers. While nodding to tradition, today’s bride is updating this forever favorite by layering her heirloom pearls with contemporary jewels and mixed metals.
Pearls’ beautiful white color brings bridal delicacy to any look, whether paired with your “something old” gold locket, or a sparkling new diamonds-by-the-yard necklace. Modern fashion trends leave the door wide open for self-expression.
“More is more when it comes to jewelry styling today,” explains Sydney Smith, O.C. Tanner marketing assistant. “I’m never opposed to mixing metals or rich layering.”
So go big—match these wonderfully versatile gems with your silver chokers and your glittering gold engagement ring. There are no wrong answers here.
FROM THE PROS
Pearls are incredibly delicate and can be tarnished by even lightweight beauty products. O.C. Tanner’s professionals recommend getting fully glammed on your big day before donning your pearls as the finishing touch.
Similarly, pearls are also not the ideal choice for everyday wear. “We always recommend a diamond for your engagement ring, because they will hold up to everyday use,” Smith says. “Save your pearls for those special occasions.”
TOP TO BOTTOM:
Roberto Coin Pearl Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold, $810; John Hardy Pearl Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, $1,395; Roberto Coin Love By The Yard Necklace with Diamonds in 18K Rose Gold, $2,100; Mikimoto Necklace with 6mm Akoya Pearls in 18K Yellow Gold ,$2,550; Mikimoto Earrings with 7.5mm Akoya Pearls and Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold, $4,550
Shower your bridal party with a host of locally-sourced and Utah-focused gifts
Few things are as important as selecting your bridal party. When tying the knot, you want only your most beloved friends and family by your side. Whether you propose to your party with a full gift box, or give them each a personalized item to thank them after the event, these local items make the perfect expression of affection and appreciation for a Utah wedding celebration.
Treat your bridesmaids to self-care items to help them primp before the big event. Make it personal by offering custom-engraved jewelry pieces crafted just for them. In the men’s department, a bow tie or novelty comb will ensure your line is looking dapper for the ceremony, while a hand-made (and landscape-loving, in this case) rocks glass paired with a quality whiskey prepares him to party. A luxurious pen delivers personal care and professional flair to any suit pocket.
“Fine writing instruments make the best groomsmen gifts,” says Sean Bradley, owner of Tabula Rasa Stationers. “They feel elegant and special, and you can get something personal for everyone.”
FOR THE MAIDS
Mad Hair Co. Nourishing Hair Oil, $38, and Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $34, madhairco.com; Custom Bridesmaid Proposal Cookie by Sugarhouse Bakery, pricing varies, sugarhouse.shop.com; Kitsch Eco-Friendly Mini Spa Rollers, $18, gotbeauty.com; Personalized Mini Oval Disc Necklace, $58, madebymary.com
FOR THE MEN
North Drinkware Hand Blown Wasatch Tumbler, $49, and Coaster Set, $20, northdrinkware.com; Switchblade Handle comb, $29, gotbeauty.com; DAZI “Utah” bow tie, $18, daziusa.com; Pilot Namiki Vanishing Point Pen in Marbled Orange, Graf von Faber Castell Perfect pencil, and Pineider Avatar UR Ballpoint pen in Riace Bronze, pricing available upon request, tabularasastationers.com
Thank you again for attending our 2024 White Party, in celebration of the kickoff of Utah’s wedding season! Photos by Ashlee Brooke Photography.
This year’s event theme, dreamed up by Duet Weddings and Events, played on the Italian coast vibes of Draper’s Siempre Venue. Brilliant blues offset by cheerful lemon yellow beckoned guests to enjoy every moment. For the showstopper of the decor, the pros at Artisan Bloom built towering green lemon trees from the ground up for an impressive spread of greenery at every table. We want to extend a special thank you to Kacey Lauchnor of Twelve30 Creative for crafting stunning signage and stationery to introduce the theme.
Speaking of tables, every surface was piled high with delectable bites from the brilliant chefs at James Beard nominated Urban Hill and their catering division, Hill’s Kitchen. Multiple flavors of dessert shooters, impressive cannoli, a full pasta and flatbread station and a jaw-dropping charcuterie spread welcomed guests in mouth-watering fashion. At the bar, a lineup of Mediterranean-themed cocktails brought even more color to the evening, presented by Mecca Bar Co. and Vine Lore.
Utah Live Bands provided equally coastal entertainment with the perfect event combo, while Utah Jive captured the evening in a floral-laden photo booth. Lounges welcomed relaxation, thanks to Apex Furniture Rental and Diamond Event and Tent. Guests danced the evening away atop a vinyl dance floor by Utah Floor Wraps.
On their way out, guests enjoyed favors of delicious Sprinkles cupcakes, custom olive oil infusions by Chef Adam Park and VIP gift bags full of goodies from Elements of Sage, St. Regis Deer Valley, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, and Got Beauty.
Stay tuned for more imagery from Ashlee Brooke Photo!
Head to Instagram to enjoy a video montage of the evening, captured by Ryan Hinman Films:
Whether your celebration is downtown or out in the iconic Southern Utah deserts, our state is host to a full range of pre-wedding event spaces, each equipped with catering, furnishings and all the elements needed for a stress-free wedding weekend.
RED ROCK ROMANCE AT ENTRADA
As one of Southern Utah’s premier private golf clubs, Entrada (golfentrada.com) is surrounded by world-renowned landscapes. And while the idea of planning at a private club may sound daunting, you don’t need a membership to access the club’s stunning indoor event spaces.
The Entrada clubhouse is home to two ballrooms and a private dining space, each with remarkable views of St. George’s red rock formations. The property’s two ballrooms, each divisible into up to three sections for more familiar accommodations, include floor-to-ceiling window walls which open up for direct access to the clubhouse’s patios and lush lawns.
“Access to the lawn allows you to make an event more casual and fun,” says Carey Kerns, Event Sales Manager. “Couples often place lawn games outside to play as a group.” The lawn is also the space where most Entrada vows are exchanged, so lawn access is the perfect way to transition from rehearsing your ceremony straight into a high-end dining experience. In the venue’s more intimate Prince Dining Room, couples and their guests have access to an upper-balcony patio with views into Snow Canyon Park.
Alongside beautiful spaces, couples also have access to house linens and a trained and talented event staff—from award-winning chefs (outside catering is not permitted) to skilled event setup experts. Should you need lodging, The Inn at Entrada boasts accommodations up to two bedrooms, each with attached garages, for your guests to stay in style while on site.
MOUNTAIN MODERN: PARK CITY’S PENDRY HOTEL
Take advantage of a full range of dining and style options at Pendry Park City (pendry.com/park-city). A recent addition to Park City’s Village area, the luxury hotel is the perfect landing spot for a city-chic bride craving a touch of mountain flair.
For larger groups, Pendry has two onsite ballrooms ready for all manner of customizations. “We have air walls that split ballrooms into smaller spaces if needed,” says Shelby Truax, Sales Manager over Catering and Private Dining at Pendry. “Then we can arrange with rounds, buffets or highboys for any sort of plated or cocktail-hour event.” Pendry has a full catering menu created expressly for event guests to utilize in these spaces, and they offer a variety of options for your perfect rehearsal dinner spread. What’s more, the hotel has a dedicated A/V team on-site which, though not required as in-house catering is, gives you one less vendor to enlist.
If a more intimate and luxurious dining experience fits the bill, Pendry’s KITA restaurant may be your pick. A high-end Japanese sushi bar and steakhouse, KITA offers options for full and partial buyouts for both buffet and plated dinners.
Take a casual approach with a custom party at one of the destination’s celebration-ready restaurants: Disco Pizza and Dos Olas Mexican restaurant. “At Dos Olas, you have a lot of fun options,” says Truax. “You could do build-your-own tacos and margaritas. You could come up with passed ceviche or tostadas for cocktail hour. Dos Olas is definitely more chill—but equally delicious.”
Because most destination weddings encompass a full weekend, Pendry is also happy to assist in arranging room blocks and other lodging needs for your wedding guests. “We strive for convenience,” Truax explains. “We try to have everything available in one spot, so guests don’t have to travel very far to get to the festivities.”
GO DOWNTOWN AT EDISON HOUSE
Cropping up next door to Valter’s Osteria and Salt Lake City’s hotel district, a new kid on the block is ready to host couples in fresh style. Edison House social club (edisonhouseslc.com) opened its doors on 200 West in 2022, in hopes of transforming how Salt Lakers work, network and, of course, celebrate.
The club’s most intimate space is the wine room, located off the main level restaurant. Contemporary furnishings and modern design await a small group of your family and friends. It offers a full catering menu crafted by in-house chef Buzz Willey, formerly of SLC’s Pallet restaurant.
Plan a full party with a pre-wedding celebration at Edison House’s speakeasy—think glistening chandeliers, rich velvet and a stage for karaoke, jazz band and anything in-between. The speakeasy has a full bar and can host up to 75 guests for. a swanky rehearsal, bachelor party or bridal shower.
Though the club boasts a host of beautiful spaces, the most popular is its Events Hall. Located on the building’s top floor, the contemporary-chic event room features a towering wall of windows framing views of bustling downtown SLC and the valley’s western mountain ranges. Outside, the large patio invites personal touches, whether you choose a candlelit outdoor dinner or clusters of cozy lounge furniture for an intimate cocktail reception.
Utah natives Paige, a manager at Biolife Plasma Services, and Chris, a Software Engineer, met in their high school’s robotics club. Though they didn’t speak much at first because they were nervous, they both had crushes on one another. After a year of not talking, the two attended Rocky Picture Horror Show and have been best friends ever since.
THE PROPOSAL
Chris’s elaborate and thoughtful proposal plan started with a call to Paige’s boss, asking for her to be released from work early. After having a “weirdly insistent” conversation with her boss, Paige was greeted by Chris, telling her to pack for a “staycation” in Portland. Chris continued to surprise her with tickets to the Broadway musical Hamilton and a weekend stay in a rejuvenating spa hotel in Oregon’s wine country. Chris finally popped the question over dinner after a relaxing spa day for Paige (and nerves so intense he couldn’t eat). The couple celebrated their engagement with a post-proposal late-night bite at In n’ Out so Chris could finally get something to eat.
THE CEREMONY
After a fourteen-month engagement, the couple was finally ready to tie the knot in a beautiful hand-tying ceremony at La Caille.
“La Caille was actually the venue of the first wedding that I had ever attended. I remembered the greenhouse and the compass mosaic on the floor and the beautiful gardens. Ever since then anytime I thought of ‘wedding’ it was La Caille that came to mind,” Paige said.
The wedding, which was witnessed by 170 people, took place on the venue’s luscious Vineyard Lawn and was officiated by Paige’s mom’s favorite winter weather expert, Craig Gordon, who even signed an autograph for the bride’s mother.
Paige was adorned in an a-line, off-the-shoulder wedding dress, a golden tiara and comfortable blue heels. Chris donned a chocolate-colored suit with their wedding date embroidered inside the blue lining and a red tie, to match the couple’s wedding colors. The bridal party matched their pearl necklaces with the groomsmen’s pearl tie-tacks.
By her side, Paige had her best friend from college, Morgan, her elementary school best friend, Sam, and brother-from-another-mother, Jack, along with her dear friend James who was stationed in Japan and not able to attend. Next to Chris were his best friend from high school, Rayden, online gaming friend, Chris, his friend, Tom, from high school and Chris’s sister, Rebecca.
THE RECEPTION
After making it official, the newlyweds danced the night away at their reception in La Caille’s. The couple’s DJ played the song Planetarium from La La Land for the couple’s first dance, which they had been secretly choreographing since six months into their engagement.
The mouthwatering menu of the night included steak, green beans, pasta, chicken and the “best mashed potatoes [Paige had] ever eaten.” The signature drinks of the night were named after the couple’s two cats, The Lazy Hazel and The Bear Lake Monther (named for their cat Tobey whom they rescued while in Bear Lake).
The happy couple’s wedding cake was made by the bride’s sister and was made up of a layer of rich chocolate raspberry cake and another of delectable strawberry shortcake, with matching cupcakes for the party’s guests to enjoy.
The reception was furnished with antique decor and books for the guest’s visual enjoyment. A seating chart made up of antique books helped guests to find their table.
“We spent our entire engagement going to every antique shop (as well as sending our overly loving and patient family/bridal party as well) we could find to furnish the little décor items and find books to put everywhere,” Paige said. “I wanted it to feel like every item had a story (and a little magic) and that guests could pick things up and play with them. It was so fun to talk to guests and share the story of our centerpieces and décor.”
The couple had a final, private dance to Sufjan Steven’s Mystery of Love before riding into the sunset in a vintage white Ford Thunderbird. Guests were able to take home glass magnetic hearts, made by the bride’s mom, as party favors.
THE HONEYMOON
The honeymooners spent a week in Jamaica to relieve themselves of the wedding-day stress and to spend their first trip as newlyweds.
