Real Wedding: Marla & Nathan

April 2, 2024

River Bottoms Ranch, Midway

Nov. 5

THE COUPLE

Nathan first saw his bride-to-be, Marla, boarding a flight to Hawaii for a mutual friend’s wedding. The only problem was that she was there with her boyfriend. Three years later, Nathan and Marla reconnected on a blind date. “It wasn’t long before we knew there was something new and real special happening between us,” Marla says.

Before their engagement, Marla and Nathan were together for an impressive 18 years, 14 of which were spent living an hour apart, separated by bumper-to-bumper California traffic. During that time, they suffered joy and pain together, including two breast cancer diagnoses for Marla. After the couple beat cancer, they finally moved in together and shared many more milestones, Nathan proposed at the summit of their favorite hike on Park City’s Iron Mountain—a moment marked by music, drinks, happy tears and a custom sapphire engagement ring.

THE WEDDING

“We always said if we were ever to get married, it would be in Park City in the fall.”

River Bottoms Ranch served as the perfect modern rustic setting for this artistic autumn celebration. “I am an artist, and I looked at the wedding as an art piece,” says Marla.

Marla and Nathan tied the knot during an intimate, rainy-day ceremony under the venue’s pavilion, while an acoustic guitar played softly and mountain views sprawled in every direction. “The weather brought this unexpected beauty to the property and made for really unique memories of our day,” says Marla.

Marla walked down the aisle in a beaded ivory Rosa Clara gown and a flowing veil with pearl detailing. Blue earrings and a glittering blue heirloom bracelet borrowed from a friend served as the bride’s somethings old, new, borrowed and blue. The groom wore a dark navy plaid suit by Peter Millar, while the groomsmen were dressed in gray Ted Baker suits accessorized with Tissot watches. The bridesmaids, Marla’s nieces, wore gowns in jade and black, accented with alpaca shawls and live floral hairpieces.

Artfully structured florals in rich burgundy, jade, blue and gold hues were key to the event design accompanied by cream-colored dried ferns. On the reception tables, Ikebana-style arrangements mixed luxe flowers, textured grasses and dried plants in a variety of complementary shapes, styles and palettes. Even each individual bridesmaid bouquet had its own unique color scheme and texture profile. “Each arrangement was a little piece of art,” says Marla. Peacock feathers appeared in the bridal bouquet, as well as on the family table in honor of Marla’s mother, who she lost to breast cancer. “We had peacocks growing up, and all of our friends and family have always linked my mother to anything peacock.”

Bare wood tables stood as warm foundations for delicate burgundy gauze runners and swaths of glittering glass accented by candlelight. High in the rafters, the venue’s iron chandelier hung clad in colorful fall foliage. The reception design featured a variety of spaces for guests to socialize, including a cozy lounge area by the fire, food stations and bar tables adorned in Marla’s floral art pieces.

THE PARTY

When guests arrived, they were greeted with hot cider and spiced chai. At cocktail hour, bacon wrapped dates with smoked goat cheese and honey, mushroom arancini with truffle aioli, and similarly decadent appetizers circulated the room. Dinner featured small plate stations, offering made-to-order salads, short rib, artisan grilled cheese sandwiches and salmon entrees. Evident to all, the couple and the catering pros Culinary Crafts put just as much emphasis on the art of food as the art of design.

Following the beautiful meal, DJ Rob Bennion pumped up the party with songs for all generations to dance to. The newlyweds performed their first dance to “Standing on the Moon,” sung live by Bruce Hornsby, and Marla and her father danced to “Your Song,” by Elton John, the mother-of-the-bride’s favorite tune.

Vendors

Wedding Planning and Design: Fuse Weddings and Events, fuseweddingsandevents.com

Photography: Breanna White Photography, breannawhite.com

Videography: Ryan Hinman Films, ryanhinmanfilms.com

Venue: River Bottoms Ranch, riverbottomsranch.com

Floral: The Potted Pansy, thepottedpansy.com

Catering: Culinary Crafts, culinarycrafts.com

Bar Service: Top Shelf, topshelfutah.com

Gown: Rosa Clara via H KLES Bridal Couture, San Diego, rosaclara.es/en

Groom’s Suit: Peter Millar, petermillar.com

Bridesmaid Gowns: Bill Levkoff, billlevkoff.com and Amsale, amsale.com

Groomsmen Suits: Ted Baker, tedbaker.com

Hair and Makeup: Leslie Lind, lesleylind.com

Stationery: Minted, minted.com

Ceremony Guitarist: Amanda Lynn Jones, amandalynnjonesmusic.com

DJ: DJ Rob Bennion, echotalent.com/robbennion

Transportation: The Driver Provider, driverprovider.com

Find more real wedding inspiration here!

How To Dress Like Royalty on Your Wedding Day

March 28, 2024

Embrace full-fledged royal treatment when it comes to choosing your wedding day attire. From head to toe, you should feel like Queen of the Day!

UP TOP

We often hear regrets from brides who opt out of a little something extra up top on their wedding day – because what’s a better excuse for a floor-length veil or a bursting flower crown than the best day of your life? For this palace-ready look, wedding planner Tonya Hoopes and the gown aficionados selected a variety of headpiece accessories, from a glittering crown to a simply stunning cathedral veil.

Many out-of-the-box brides opt for a bespoke (and bepetaled) look for their big day. Here, white and blush-hued roses make a serious statement in an asymmetric flower crown arrangement.

SAY YES TO THAT DRESS

Could there be a better place to find your perfect princess gown than at a shop named after a palace? At Versailles Atelier Bridal, glorious gowns await the royal-minded bride ready to fall in love in the mirror.

This Adria gown by Julie Vino bridal is the stuff dreams are made of. A cinched corset bodice meets dramatic angles, a tiered full ballgown skin and flouncing puff sleeves for a look full of volume and visual interest.

FOOT FASHION

Step into another era in patterned bootie pumps designed by She is Cheval. Founded and designed by a girl you might know (hello, Ms. Paige) CHEVAL shoes are as special as the customer that wears them. Small batch and made in high-end facilities, CHEVAL’s premier collection strives to evoke a sense of confidence in taking fresh steps and always landing on your feet.

And with this beautiful blue pair, we’d say they met the ticket. “From the beginning, we knew we wanted to create detailed designer shoes that are distinctive, comfortable, and attainable,” says CHEVAL’s site.

DELICATE DETAILS

“Dripping with pearls,” the ultimate phrase denoting elegance and class. This team selected a luxuriously lengthy strand of classic pearls, paired with exorbitant gold drop earrings to perfect this princess ensemble.

Get more straight-from-a-Paris-palace inspiration from this Marie Antoinette Styled Shoot, as seen in our 2024 issue.

Vendors:

Planning and Design: Hoopes Events, hoopesevents.com

Photography: Morgan Leigh Photography, powellwe.com

Venue and Desserts: Homestead Resort, homesteadresort.com

Floral: Fleur and Stems, fleurandstems.com

Rentals: Diamond Event and Tent, diamondevent.com

Lounge Furniture: Utah Vintage Rentals, utahvintage.rentals

Stationery: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, annelizabeth.com

Gowns and Accessories: Versailles Atelier Bridal, va-bridal.com

Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Reese, beautybyreese.com

Models:Marin Burraston, Brookelyn Tuckett, Kylie Anne

Tablescapes: Setting the Scene

March 26, 2024

Wedding pros’ tips for creating tablescapes that elevate your wedding to the luxury level.

When dreaming up the look of your wedding’s dining tables, the very first element to consider is your dining style. Work with your caterer to determine what best fits your event, as the style of service will affect your event’s flow, the amount of design space on the tables themselves and the number of tables needed in the venue.

“Preselected plated dinners always require assigned seating to ensure each guest gets the correct meal,” explains Meagan Crafts-Price, Marketing Manager with luxury caterer Culinary Crafts. According to the pros, assigned seats thoughtfully arranged by the couple and their planner speed up the transition into dinner, ensuring every guest knows exactly where to go.

The sweetheart table is rapidly gaining ground with modern couples as a chance to go all-in on lavish design. Photo by Ashlee Brooke Photography

To elevate the look and feel of your reception layout, planner Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events almost always recommends a mix of table shapes, sizes and finishes to create a striking visual impact.

“Assorted table dimensions present opportunities to create a variety of designs, while providing a similar enough vein that they all complement each other,” she says.

“In especially large spaces, this can be a very impressive look for guests to take in all at once.”

Then comes the fun part: the trimmings. According to Cousins, when getting into the nuts and bolts of your table design, the linen is the foundation. Therefore, tablecloths and coverings should be the first step in your design journey. This allows you to anchor your design with a playful pattern or a bold color, if desired, without overworking the final appearance of the table.

“I wish more brides were brave enough to utilize patterns in their event design,” says Cousins. “It will be more memorable, and it doesn’t have to be trendy. It’s all in how you use it.”

When zooming in to the tablescape design itself, both pros agree that family-style dining is the service style that most heavily impacts your tabletop layout.

Wedding planner Michelle Cousins encourages couples to embrace a mix of table shapes, as well as bold colors and patterns in their table designs. michelleleoevents.com — Photo by Kenzie Victory

“With a traditional family-style service in which platters are left on the table, you have to provide real estate for those platters,” says Cousins. “Often, that means you have to cut back on candles and floral.”

But never fear—a reduction in traditional decor needn’t equate to ho-hum event design. Rather, catering pros like Price encourage couples to let the food deliver beauty to a tablescape.

“Food is the social catalyst at your wedding,” Price explains. “Tablescapes that include food as part of their design provide an exciting way to get your guests to interact with each other.”

While paring down or removing floral arrangements from tables altogether gives your catering team an empty canvas for creation, you don’t have to be without blooms. For alternative floral flair, consider suspending a lavish floral installation from the ceiling above.

“Giving us tables for use as pure culinary creative spaces makes the service itself a more elevated experience for your guests,” says Price. When it comes to service, Cousins agrees, “When platters of food double as the table’s decor, it gives vendors the cue to be very conscientious about presentation. The caterer becomes a designer, and all vendors must collaborate closely to make each table full and lush, beautiful and presentable.”

You may also want to consider adorning your tables with gorgeously decorated cakes rather than centerpieces. Or for a banquet setting, you could opt for an impressive, table-spanning sprawl of charcuterie and artisan breads. Embrace the true spirit of “family-style” and let your guests interact by serving themselves and others from truly breathtaking platters of food.

Regardless of service style, Cousins suggests a full place setting for every guest to heighten the level of design at a wedding reception. “The minute a table is set, it immediately looks like the couple spent more and thought more about it.”

And whether your celebration includes a family-style meal, buffet stations or a full-plated experience, individual place settings can be arranged accordingly to provide that final polish. “If detail shots and all the little things that go into a polished, finished look are a high priority to the couple, I suggest a plated dinner experience,” explains Cousins.

So what elements actually compose a luxury plate setting? Michelle Cousins lists the proper ingredients: Most high-end settings begin with a charger stylized to match the event’s palette and mood. This is the largest item in each setting, and it will add finalized sparkle to your table design. Atop the charger sits eye-catching china for each guest, but often only if family-style dining is your pick. “Plated dinners will see individual entree plates served to each guest, and buffet services typically host plates at each station as guests serve themselves,” Cousins says.

Next, a napkin provides a wonderful opportunity to invite fresh color and pattern into your design. Then come the paper goods.

For plated meals and family service, a menu at each seat informs guests of what to expect of the meal. On your buffet or bar, menus can be customized and framed for a well-organized service flow. Paper elements can also include a tasteful place card, leading each guest to their designated seat with personalized flair. These stationery items are yet another layer of your design to help infuse your personal style. Cousins suggests repeating elements from your invitation suite for design continuity, whether it be the palette of your event, a personalized motif or even portraits of pets.

Once your table cloth or covering is determined—whether it’s classic white or something more daring–you then select your charger and china, followed by flatware and glassware. Floral and other statement design pieces become the final “wow-factors.” Each layer delivers a new level of beauty to your design, and a wedding planner’s trained eye can help establish an ideal balance of elements.

“Naturally, everyone wants to start talking about floral and candles, because that’s what the eye sees first,” Cousins says. “But from a design standpoint, that is the icing on the cake. Begin with the piece that people notice least, and let it serve as a prime backdrop for what’s most important.”

These simple-yet-wildly-influential details—and the professional planner who imagines them— are the true mark of a luxury wedding. Increased thought and investment into each small vignette promises a more elevated and high-end experience.

Clever combinations of crystal, candles and colorful blooms create unforgettable centerpieces on guest tables. Photo by Heather Nan

YOUR WEDDING TABLESCAPE BLUEPRINT

1. Find Your Flow

Your event space, guest count and service style will be the biggest determination of your reception layout. Start there!

2. Build Your Base

Begin with your linen selection to establish a firm foundation upon which to build the rest of your
table design.

3. Ready, Set…

Stack your settings with chargers, flatware, florals and fineries for
each guest.

4. Final Fill

Whether you delight guests with a full charcuterie centerpiece, dazzle with a dessert spread or show off with mountains of candles and blooms, choose a wow-factor as your final puzzle piece for a sleek and cohesive design.

“When platters of food can double as table decor, it gives vendors the cue to be conscientious about presentation. The caterer becomes a designer, and all vendors must collaborate closely to make each table full and lush, beautiful and presentable.”

Michelle Cousins, Michelle Leo Events

michelleleoevents.com

culinarycrafts.com

Inspiration for Utah Weddings

The Ultimate Guide to Inspire Your Veil Ideas

March 22, 2024

You’ve got the love, you’ve got the gown: now it’s time for accessories. From the short and sweet blusher to a show-stopping cathedral veil (and every luxurious length in between), let this bridal veil guide be your blueprint to sorting through your veil ideas and building your perfect wedding day ensemble. In a world of fleeting trends, veils remain timeless symbols of romance and femininity.

Veil Lengths

It may surprise you to learn that the bridal veil is not by any means a one-size-fits-all decision. Most bridal shops offer up to nine different lengths, each appropriate for different wedding themes and gown styles. Which is the best fit for you? First, let’s look at an overview, courtesy of Boda Bridal.

“Veils are more than just tradition, they’re about transformation. Veils give a certain je ne se quois to bridal looks; they bridge the gap between just wearing a wedding dress and feeling like a whole bride,” says the Boda Bridal team.

THE BIRDCAGE AND THE BLUSHER

Whether you’re going for full vintage flair or just want the romantic veil-lifting moment included in your ceremony, add a birdcage veil or a blusher to your veil ideas roundup. A blusher is a shorter layer of fabric added to an existing veil, intended to float over the bride’s face before her vows, while a birdcage is a chin-length veil that can cover just the bride’s eyes on the day-of. Hello, retro-chic!

SHOULDER LENGTH VEIL

Like the blusher, the shoulder-length veil is the perfect way to add a bit of old-school style and visual interest to your bridal look, especially when jazzing up an elegant bun. A shorter veil is also a great option for the bride who wants the veil experience, but doesn’t want to cover any detail her gown may be showing off in back.

ELBOW LENGTH VEIL

Offering a touch of elegance and a bit more arm coverage for chilly mornings, an elbow length veil looks great with simple sheath gowns of all styles.

FINGERTIP LENGTH VEIL

Fingertip veils are perfect for accentuating waistline details – if you’re a corset gown gal, get the most silhouette bang for your buck with this length! The fingertip length is also great in a simple tulle design, for brides who want the drama but still want their gown design to be seen.

KNEE LENGTH VEIL

Drama and pizzaz without the weigh-down. What could be better? Keep your high style without the maintenance of longer styles.

WALTZ LENGTH VEIL

A lesser-known option, the waltz veil offers the bride a chance to have the ceremony elegance and formality she craves, without having to worry about bustling and hindered movement when it comes to reception time.

FLOOR LENGTH VEIL

Full-length fabric to match your gown’s hemline, the floor gown enters the full-drama category with ease. Long veils are ideal for any style, but especially for brides wearing sheath or other sleek styles, and want to add more volume to their look.

CHAPEL LENGTH VEIL

Did you find the perfect gown design, only to be disappointed to learn it doesn’t have the train you’ve dreamed of? Enter the chapel veil. Extending a few inches beyond the hemline, a chapel veil can give your ceremony entrance the trailing train moment in a beautiful illusion while also saving you from bustling later on.

CATHEDRAL LENGTH VEIL

Regal. Dramatic. Show-Stopping. The cathedral veil length is the go-to selection for the princess bride. Add all your elegant visions in to a simple gown style, or go all-in on a ballgown with a veil that extends far beyond the end of your train for bridal beauty that just keeps on going.

UNIQUE VEIL IDEAS: DESIGNS AND CUSTOMIZATION

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a classic tulle veil, the options for a totally unique look are endless. “Veils aren’t just about lengths – they’re canvases for your vision. Choose from options such as, Pearls, 3D Appliques, Lace, Glitter, Colors, Layers, Sequins, Embroidery, Pleats & more,” encourages Boda’s designers.

EDGES

One of the most common designs brides choose for their veil is an embroidered or textured edge, delivering visual interest to the hemline of a simple gown or even just for a bit of extra flair. Quick, add edgy drama to your veil ideas Pinterest board!

BLING

Whether it be through beading, glorious shiny texture, or bedazzled pearls and other gems, allow yourself the luxury of sparkle on the big day.

APPLIQUE

Bring on the lace! Hand-sewn appliqués take basic veils from template to full of personality. While most varieties include florals, beautiful designs such as birds, bows and beyond can make your accessory all your own.

COLOR

Who says all must be ivory on your wedding day? Include options pops of color in your list of veil ideas for a whimsical touch to your ensemble.

Get more help with your wedding planning with tips from the pros here.

Real Wedding: April & Ben

March 20, 2024

La Caille, Salt Lake City

Oct. 22

THE COUPLE

April and Ben met while attending law school at Chapman Law in Orange, California, where April grew up. Now both lawyers, the pair tied the knot in a beautiful fall ceremony in Ben’s hometown of Salt Lake City. Prior to the big day, they were engaged for two years after Ben popped the question while on a hike on a trail overlooking Salt Lake’s capitol building.

THE WEDDING

The couple’s wedding day was a stunning blend of tradition and culture, classic colors and subtle nods to each of the newlyweds’ personalities. In La Caille’s atrium, Rev. Craig Gordon led a beautiful ceremony backed by an arch brimming with seasonal greenery and pristine white florals. The bride described the wedding design as a mix between the suavity of James Bond and the timeless beauty of Downton Abbey, two shows the couple enjoy. “We wanted to be true to ourselves with our design,” April said. “We put ourselves into all the little details.”

April walked down the aisle in a richly-beaded Erin Cole gown, with customized details including an oversized bow accent and trailing shoulder ribbons. The bride accessorized with Erin Cole jewelry and a shimmering coat of 24 Carat nail polish by Caronia—her late grandmother’s signature shade. Ben wore a stylish blue suit and chess-themed cufflinks (both bride and groom are avid chess players, and nods to the game made appearances throughout the event).

Following the vows, the couple also incorporated a unity veil, candle, cord and coins as part of a Filipino wedding tradition called Las Arras, in honor of April’s heritage. Selected wedding sponsors helped with every element of the unity ceremony, offering more opportunities to include special friends and family members.

THE PARTY

This wedding’s menu is proof that a celebration at La Caille is never fully dressed without a show of talent from the restaurant’s talented chefs. Once seated at candle-lit and floral-laden tables, guests enjoyed a full three-course French meal, complete with five-onion soup, New York strip with caramelized onion and au gratin potatoes, and salted caramel pot de crème for dessert. The venue also provided a classic patisserie spread, including chocolate peanut butter tarts, coconut panna cotta and lemon cream tarts. As favors, guests each received a sampling of French macarons. For the final treat of the evening, the couple cut into a crème brûlée cake adorned with sugar Sego Lilies.

Two signature drinks infused more of the couple’s personality into the festivities. A classic paloma, dubbed “The King’s Gambit,” paid homage to Ben’s favorite chess opening, while April’s drink, a sidecar called “The Twizzle,” celebrated her figure skating hobby.

To celebrate the evening, DJ Eli Fillmore brought the party with a playlist of danceable classics. The bride and groom performed their first dance (choreographed by April’s brother) to a medley of love songs: “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” by Elvis Presley; “How Deep is Your Love,” by the Bee Gees; and “La Vie En Rose,” sung by Louis Armstrong. Afterward, a montage of childhood photos played while the pair danced with their parents.

With sparklers in hand, the guests created a big exit for the newlyweds as they sent them off in style. On her way out the door, April donned a fur coat given to her by her aunt, a further nod to her heritage and loved ones. April and Ben plan to honeymoon in Europe.

Vendors

Planning and Design: Belle & Co. Events, bellecodesignagency.com

Venue and Catering: La Caille, lacaille.com

Photographer: M. Hart Photo, mhartphoto.com

Floral: Fleurish Design, @_fleurishdesign

Rehearsal Lunch: Manoli’s, manolison9th.com

Gown and Bridal Jewelry: Erin Cole, erincole.com

Menswear: Suit Supply, suitsupply.com

Stationery Printing: Czar Press, czarpress.com

Envelopes: Cards & Pockets, cardsandpockets.com

Rentals: The Shabby Chic Sisters LLC, theshabbychicsisters.com

Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Reese, beautybyreese.com

Videographer: Kale Fitch, kalefitchfilms.com

Cake: Flour & Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com

DJ and A/V Service: Allurish Audio, allurish.com

Transportation: Hall Utah, hallutah.com

Photo Booth: Clementine Photo Booths, clementinephotobooth.rentals

Officiant: Craig Gordon, @most_og

Welcome Reception: Grand America Hotel, grandamerica.com

Find more real wedding inspiration here!

High-Fashion Elopement at Montage Deer Valley

March 18, 2024

An intimate, high-fashion affair comes to life in this fantasy elopement at Montage Deer Valley, arranged by a talented team of Utah vendors.

Drop in to a stylish, simple celebration at one of Utah’s most luxurious resorts. A visionary team of wedding pros came together to create this stunning and romantic inspiration for an elopement at Montage Deer Valley.

“The Montage is a luxurious and elegant venue nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, offering a picturesque setting for an intimate elopement,” says wedding planner Britt Warnick of Britt Warnick Designs. “The venue’s architecture is inspired by the grand lodges of the National Parks, with natural stone and timber construction, and large windows that allow for an abundance of natural light. The Montage offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including a grand ballroom, a rooftop terrace, and a lawn with a gazebo.”

Floral Rhapsody created an elaborate and beautiful head table design, filled with lush blooms in shades of neutrals and white, creating a romantic ambiance that set the tone for the entire evening. The planner Britt Warnick Designs curated the overall look and feel of the shoot, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Breanna White Photography captured all the beautiful details and romantic moments of the day, from the first kiss as husband and wife to the last dance of the night. Together, the team of vendors created a breathtaking and inspiring elopement shoot that would give couples ideas for their own intimate weddings.

Photographer @breannawhitephotography
Florals and Candlelight @floralrhapsody
Planning and Design @brittwarnickdesigns
Venue, Food and Beverage @montagedeervalley
Couple @symonenatalia @zazaandersen
Hair and Makeup @lexiharkerbeauty
Dresses @blushing_bride_btq
Table Settings @whiteloftevents
Invitations @salstudios_

Real Weddings: Madison and Tommy’s Alta Wedding

March 14, 2024

St. Ambrose & Alta Lodge

July 2022

Photos by Ashlee Brooke

THE COUPLE

This pair’s love story starts at Baylor University in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Madison, a native Seattleite and a Ph.D. student in Genetics, and Tommy, a Chicagoan and software engineer, had their first date at Tommy’s apartment in April 2020, which he dubbed “Tommy’s Table” for the night. He won her over by making her favorite food, steak and bananas foster, and the rest is history.

THE PROPOSAL

Tommy’s intimate proposal included recreating their first date, down to the bananas foster, with just the two of them at their shared apartment. No photographers, no family, no friends– just the love that had grown between the two.

THE CEREMONY

Following a nine-month engagement, the couple finally made their marriage official in July of 2022 in a Catholic ceremony at St. Ambrose church in Salt Lake City with almost 100 of their loved ones present. “For us, marriage is a sacrament so the whole ceremony was very special to us,” Madison said.

Madison was adorned in her mother’s pearls but opted out of earrings to keep things simple and instead wore her oval-cut gold engagement ring and band. Her dress was a simple and classic square-neck white wedding dress with a front slit.

Madison’s bridal party was composed of her three college roommates, one college friend, her sister, Tommy’s sister and two high school friends. Her bridesmaids were adorned in powder blue dresses to match the wedding’s theme, chosen for the bride’s favorite color.

THE PARTY

After their limousine broke down on the drive from their ceremony venue to their reception and Madison’s dad had to pick them up and drive them the rest of the way, the newlyweds finally made their way to their reception at Alta Lodge, their favorite ski lodge.

Their reception continued with the powder blue color scheme while adding in some more pastels, and the couple were able to show off their love of the mountains in their outdoor party.

“I didn’t really have a vision besides marrying my best friend and celebrating with our friends outside in the mountains,” Madison said.

The menu for the night consisted of steak and salmon and an open bar. The couple’s three-layer, three-flavor cake consisted of a layer of coconut with coconut cream, a layer of chocolate with milk chocolate filling and vanilla with raspberry filling. The cake was decorated with images of trees and mountains painted with frosting, making the cake one of Madison’s favorite details of the night, along with the pastel-colored florals.

The couple had their first dance to My Best Friend by Tim McGraw, played by their DJ.

AFTER THE WEDDING

The morning after the wedding, the couple had brunch at the Alta Lodge. Because the couple had plans to close on their new home two weeks after the wedding, the newly married couple drove down to Sedona, AZ for their honeymoon to mountain bike and relax in a nice hotel after the stress of wedding planning and home-buying.

VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Irene Co Events, irenecoevents.com

Venue: Alta Lodge, altalodge.com

Photographer: Ashlee Brooke, ashleebrooke.com

Florist: Jolleys Florals, jolleysgifts.com

Caterer: Alta Lodge, altalodge.com

Rehearsal Dinner Caterer/Venue: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, flemingssteakhouse.com

Bride’s Attire: The Bridal Studio, thebridalstudioutah.com

Groom’s Attire: Generation Tux, generationtux.com

Stationery Suite: Shine Wedding Invitations, shineweddinginvitations.com

Hair & Makeup – Lesley Lind, lesleylind.com

Bridesmaid Gowns – David’s Bridal, davidsbridal.com

Groomsmen Suits – Generation Tux, generationtux.com

Videographer – Scarlet Oak Studio, scarletoakstudio.com

Bar Service – Alta Lodge, altalodge.com

Cake – Cakes de Fleur, cakesdefleur.com

DJ/Band – The Ricky Barrera

Inspiration for Utah Weddings

Inspiration: Creating Your Own Cultural-Fusion Wedding

March 11, 2024

Let this color-packed, cultural-fusion wedding inspire you to bring your beloved traditions into the modern age

Planning and Design by Soiree Productions

Photography by Branson Maxwell Photography

FUSCHIA FAB

As a stunning ode to the lush tropical climate of India, Wild Earth Designs curates a dynamic palette of florals, setting the scene for this new-age ceremony. Hot pink anthurium, strawflower and delphinium play happily with sunny ermurus, tulip and amaranthus in a display of stylish lanterns that dazzles from every corner. Consistent with traditional Indian ceremonies, strings of marigolds echo the sun, inviting brightness and positivity to a newly-formed family.

The bride’s bouquet features ombre arrangement of blooms, transitioning from lemon yellow to delicate pink in perfect harmony.

MODERN MANDAP

Wild Earth’s vibrant, contemporary floral sprays also adorn the structure of a mandap, a traditional altar for Indian weddings, particularly Hindu and Jain ceremonies. The structures are draped with fabric and consist of four pillars that symbolize the four parents who raised the bride and groom.

With modern floral design (and the jubilant shift into wedding maximalism), a mandap can be transformed from the stage for a seated spiritual Indian ceremony into the backdrop for the familiar Western vow exchange with ease

PERFECT PALETTE

Full-throttle pigment doesn’t stop at the petals. A sweetheart table nestles in a full meadow of blooms, beautifully coordinated with a spread of color-soaked linens. Gilded swirls of sophisticated pattern enliven a bright tablecloth. Hand-woven rugs serve as the setup’s fashionable foundation, grounding the design in deep maroons and an elaborate motif.

In the paper suite, a peach-hued envelope anchors a collection of finely detailed paper goods, from a delicate paisley save-the-date with gold accents to a custom-cut fuschia schedule card. A second envelope boasting a warm mustard tint is a beautiful reminder to “respondez, sil-vous-plait.”

DOUBLE DUTY

Mixed-heritage weddings are always full of beautifully blended moments, but take every advantage of the spotlight and give both modern and traditional attire their special moments to shine. A strapless and full-skirted ivory gown sets the stage in elegance during the vows, while an vividly-blushed saree helps a bride ring in her happily every after with joyful color.

Each look is frosted with a unique set of accessories, including glittering gold bracelets and diamonds for the modern bride and rich gold foral earrings that coordinate with the bride’s traditional bangles.

Tying the two worlds together, intricate mehndi (or henna) designs adorn the bride’s forearms. Their twirling vines mirror the feminine floral motif of the wedding gown, while more traditional flower designs on the palms symbolize beauty and new beginnings.

VENDORS

PLANNING & DESIGN: Soiree Productions, soireeproductions.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: Branson Maxwell Photography, bransonmaxwell.com

FLORAL DESIGN: Wild Earth Designs, wildearthdesigns.com

FLORAL SUPPLIER: JFS Inc., jfswholesale.com

VENUE: Siempre, siempreutah.com

RENTALS: Alpine Event Rentals, alpineevent.co

TABLETOP RENTALS: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com

LINENS: Creative Coverings, creativecoverings.com

RUGS: Adib’s Rug Gallery, adibs.com

GOWN: Versailles Atelier Bridal, va-bridal.com

JEWELRY: O.C. Tanner Jewelers, octannerjewelers.com

SUIT: DC Tuxedo

HAIR AND MAKEUP: Lexi Harker Beauty, blushingbeautiesco.com

HENNA: Henna by Sanz, henna-by-sanz.business.site

STATIONER: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, annelizabeth.com

CAKE: Cake by Alessandra, cakeut.com

MODELS: Mouneesha Penubothu and Johny Bair, TMG, talentmg.com

Inspiration for Utah Weddings

Real Wedding: Ida & Nick

March 7, 2024

Snowpine Lodge, Alta

August 13

THE COUPLE

When bride Ida was an undergraduate student at the University of Utah, her cousin recruited her to work in a lab, in order to help Ida get experience for dental school applications. After Ida joined the lab, she began noticing photos of another student in the PhD program and asked who he was. Her cousin shared that Nick, a fellow bioengineering PhD candidate, was researching in Paris and was scheduled to return the following semester. Ida was holding out for the right guy, and finally met Nick upon his return at a grad student night out. “As he walked up to me, I just knew this guy was different,” says Ida. “I thought he could be the one!”

THE PROPOSAL

Ida and Nick began dating in March of 2015. Fast forward to 2021, when Nick decided to treat Ida to the trip of a lifetime. Ever since childhood, she had wanted to go to Africa to see wild elephants, and Nick had developed a dream proposal in tandem with this dream trip. Nick and Ida traveled across Tanzania for two weeks, along with a photographer and videographer. At the end of the safari, everyone took a sunset drive through the Serengeti. To Ida’s surprise, Nick had hired trackers to look for elephants. They drove over a hill, and found a herd of hundreds of elephants waiting for them. Ida jumped from the car to watch them migrate across the field, and she turned around to find Nick on one knee. Her dream vacation ended in the perfect engagement story.

THE WEDDING

Drawing from her Persian roots, Ida envisioned her wedding as a luxury middle-eastern celebration that would make her feel like a Persian princess. After a venue hunt, the couple decided on Snowpine Lodge to host their intimate wedding. “We loved that it was up in the mountains, but also was slightly modern in its decor,” says Ida. “Nowhere else has a backdrop like they do, and the hotel was the perfect size.”

The couple also desired a timeless design, so their wedding memories would feel glamorous and refined for years to come. To accomplish this, Braelynn Tuitupou of Belle Bodas Events created a stunning palette of cream, blush and other neutral hues that contrasted with the mountain and achieved the elegance the couple craved.

THE CEREMONY

The ceremony’s backdrop was a breathtaking cream arch, laden with a wide variety of textured blooms that helped the arrangement stand out against the picture-perfect backdrop. The union began with a traditional Persian ceremony which includes sitting behind a sofreh aghd displaying symbolic items and reading Persian poetry by Hafez. Meanwhile, happily married women ground sugar over the heads of the couple while Ida and Nick fed each other honey to signify sweetening their lives together. Then, the couple exchanged traditional Western vows and rings and Nick surprised his bride by reciting part of his vows in Farsi.

During these festivities, Ida donned a strapless Karoza Bridal ball gown with enough floral detail to equal the show-stopping wedding design. Her jewelry and accessories included a custom diamond set, which Ida’s mother flew to Iran to design and bring to the wedding per Persian tradition. Ida’s parents also gifted Nick a Versace watch to wear with his sleek black attire.

THE PARTY

Back inside the lodge, guests prepared for dinner, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and dancing. The menu included Utah favorites including bison and elk meatballs and smoked trout blinis, alongside more unique courses such as cauliflower falafel, vegetarian lasagna and a spread of traditional Persian pastries baked with love by the mother of the bride. A palette of light neutrals graced the design, with gray linens, blush (or gold) monograms and vine details adorning signage throughout the space. Every table showcased equally stunning blush-and-cream florals performing as the ceremony centerpieces.

After dinner, the couple’s culture came out in full swing. The duo hired both a DJ and a Persian drummer to play at their reception, and the newlyweds performed a variety of western and Persian dances for their guests. Following a first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” Ida and her father danced to both “This Dance” by Scott Thomas Laughbridge and to “Sattar” by Aroosi. The groom and his mother danced to “Close Your Eyes” by Michael Bublé, and then guests watched the bridal party perform a Persian knife dance, in which the bridesmaids take the cake knife “hostage,” teasing the groom to get money out of him. Once they’ve gotten enough money, they hand the knife over and allow the happy couple to cut their cake—in this case, a lemon poppyseed confection with strawberry icing.

VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Belle Bodas Events, bellebodasandevents.com

Venue and Catering: Snowpine Lodge, snowpine.com

Photographer: Heather Nan Photography, heathernanphoto.com

Florist: Artisan Bloom, artisanbloom.com

Rehearsal Dinner Caterer/Venue: Snowpine Lodge, Swen’s Restaurant, snowpine.com

Bride’s Ceremony Gown: Karoza Bridal, karozabridal.com

Reception Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal, kleinfeldbridal.com

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com

Groom’s Tuxedo: Tailor Cooperative, tailorcooperative.com

Stationery and Signage: Twelve30 Creative, twelve30.com

Rentals: Wild Event Studio, wildeventstudio.com; All Out Event Rental, eventrentalutah.com

Linens: BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.com

Hair: CREATE. On Location by Tamara Morgan, createonlocation.com

Makeup: Morgan Fay, morganfaymua.com

Bridesmaid Gowns: Birdy Grey, birdygrey.com

Videographer: Ryan Hinman Films, ryanhinmanfilms.com

Cake: Flour and Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com

DJ: DJ Rob Bennion, echotalent.com/robbennion

Drummer: Moris Hedvat, Los Angeles, @iammoris

Ceremony Harpist: Anna Mitton, annamittonevents.wixsite.com

Suit Up with Tailor Cooperative

March 6, 2024

Tailor Cooperative, one of Utah’s premier made-to-measure suiting shops, offers personalized advice to produce a one-of-a-kind wedding ensemble for the man of the hour

The dress gets most of the fanfare on the wedding day, but we say the groom deserves his “Say Yes” moment as well. Enter Tailor Cooperative, the Salt Lake City clothiers who specialize in made-to-order menswear.

“The first step I take with grooms is to go over what they already wear,” says Tailor Cooperative clothier Alessandra Vivo. “We talk about what they have in their closets, what fits they’re comfortable with and how those elements might fit into their wedding visions.”

Then comes the fun part. Tailor Cooperative has over 15,000 fabrics and 100 linings that gentlemen of all styles can choose from to craft a totally unique look for their big events. From the shirt to the suit jacket’s buttons, every piece of a TC suit can be personalized.

“One of the most fun elements of our suits is that each client gets a monogram inside the jacket,” says Vivo. “For weddings, the groom tends to put his spouse’s name along with the wedding date, but each customer gets two lines to put in whatever he’d like.”

When planning a design you’ll love for years to come, Vivo recommends a classic color with customized flair. Black, gray and navy are hues that will stay chic long-term, and can be delivered with a playfully patterned lining. “No one is really going to see the lining but you, so you can make it as fun as you’d like.”

But if one-of-a-kind is your vision, then bring on the color. Currently trending tones include greens, maroons, and a full range of warm tan and brown fabrics.

Tailor Cooperative custom suits require 4-6 weeks to complete. “Two months before the wedding is usually a safe bet,” Vivo says. “At that point, bodies won’t change much, and we still have time for measurements, construction and alterations for the perfect fit.”

tailorcooperative.com, 333 Pierpoint Ave., SLC

PHOTOS courtesy TAILOR cooperative

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