Fantasy Wedding Inspiration at Twenty & Creek

January 31, 2024

Give your love wings to fly with an elegant fantasy wedding theme.

Light and airy is the name of the game for today’s bride, and event designer Leslie Price of Leslie Dawn Events delivers effortless, breezy romance in a springtime setting.

A SENSE OF PLACE

If you’re seeking a venue with modern elegance and sleek scenery, look no further than Sandy’s freshly refurbished Twenty & Creek. “I love the airiness of this venue,” Price says. “Setting things against that beautiful white backdrop makes everything feel super clean.” Thanks to the space’s muted tones and sparkling details, any palette will pop with impressive vibrance. Here, a medley of soft purple, rose and blue tones inspire visions of springtime meadows to a wedding lunch.

EMBRACE THE MAGIC

Inspired by butterflies and their graceful forms, Price’s team infuses layers of magic into each element of this wedding design. Colorful silk butterfly hairpieces adorn the bride, complementing her flowing custom gown that moves like fluttering wings with every step. Florals appear suspended along the venue’s stately fireplace and sloped bannisters, delivering whimsy to the room’s decor. Wafer paper wings and intricate sugar flowers enliven a carefree cake, while custom engraved plexiglass butterflies rest on the lip of each glass, leading guests to their seats in perfect harmony with the day’s theme.

TEAM EFFORT

Color has made a triumphant return to weddings this season. Whether you select a vibrant palette or something muted and soft, let texture and color tag-team your design for a powerful visual impression. “I love texture, whether in a floral arrangement or a tablescape,” Price explains. “In this design, texture is infused on the table as a contrast to the delicate blooms.” Crushed velvet linens and glistening gold foil establish a solid foundation for the buoyant floral arrangements topping the table.

SHAPING UP

Experimenting with shape is another method of imbuing a design with visual interest. Rounded menu cards mirror the curves of beaded sapphire chargers, while hand-sculpted candle stands ground the table design, delivering dimension with undeniable romance.

VENDORS

Planning and Design: Leslie Dawn Events, lesliedawnevents.com

Venue: Twenty & Creek, twentyandcreek.com

Photography: Ashlee Brooke Photo, ashleebrooke.com

Floral: Mille Fleur Design, millefleurdesign.com

Rentals: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com

Linens: BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.com

Gown: Natalie Wynn Design, nataliewynndesign.com

Suit: Smith Bespoke, smithbespoke.com

Rings: Forge Jewelry Works, forgejewelryworks.com

Cake: Flour and Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com

Hair: Locks by Liz, @locks.by.liz

Hairpiece: Uniq-Dots, etsy.com/shop/uniqdots

Makeup: Brynn Thomas Makeup, brynnthomas.com

Models: Kaylee Watson and Noah Jarman

Lollipops: Sugar Art Supply, sugarartsupply.com

Menu Cards: ZCreate Designs, zcreatedesign.com

Signage: Made by Jen, @madebyjen_

Meant to Be: Provo Canyon First Look

January 25, 2024

After years in high school never connecting, one could say that Gabby and Caden were destined to find themselves together. It all started with a New Year’s Eve invitation from a mutual friend, when the pair ended up in the same car together while traveling to a cabin party. The two immediately fell for each other, and began dating the next week.

Fast forward to a sunny May Sunday, when Caden and Gabby planned a golf outing at Riverside Golf Club. Upon their arrival, they were told that the front nine was full, but the back was wide open and beautifully scenic. On the second hole, Gabby’s shot veered to the side, and as she ran to get it, Caden quickly stopped her in the cart (feigning that the area was off limits), and they headed to his ball on the green.

What Gabby didn’t know was that Caden was hiding a surprise: a beautiful setup of blankets, florals and photographs preparing for a proposal. At first, she thought the surprise was for someone else and was in a hurry to be on their way. It wasn’t until Caden got down on one knee that she realized the proposal was all for her. No doubt in her mind, she said yes!

A few months later, ahead of their wedding day, the couple posed for an intimate first look in Provo Canyon. In a black suit, Caden waited for Gabby to approach in her hand-laced sheer bodice gown with tulle bow details and a sparkling train. See more of the emotional moment:

UTAH WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer: Michelle Rae Photography, michelleraephotography.com

Gown: Alta Moda Bridal, altamodabridal.com

Florals: Gypsy Floral Utah, @gypsyfloralutah

Bride and Groom: @gabby.henry15 @caden_bancroft

Real Wedding: Shannon and Matt’s St. Regis Celebration

January 23, 2024

St. Regis Deer Valley, Park City

April 9

Planning and Design by Canvas Event Design

Photography by Samantha Laffoon Photography

THE COUPLE

Shannon and Matt were both Midwest transplants to San Francisco when fate landed them both jobs at the same company. After hitting it off in 2016, the pair chased each other through several cities and jobs before finally landing in Denver. One weekend, Matt arranged for both of their parents to visit, and he proposed to Shannon during a walk through their favorite park. After Shannon’s enthusiastic “yes,” she was surprised yet again when, upon returning to the hotel, she discovered several of her closest friends had also flown in to celebrate.

THE WEDDING

Shannon and Matt truly embraced Park City’s ski culture during their late-spring celebration at St. Regis Deer Valley.

“We wanted to bring everyone together for an intimate ski weekend,” Shannon says. “Park City was one of the first places Matt and I took a ski trip together.”

The couple captured the theme with a one-of-a-kind stationery suite, featuring a custom watercolor of the wedding destination and elegant letterpress invitations, all bound with a custom-cut gondola tag. The personalization continued on paper pieces throughout the wedding: from welcome bags to bar napkins with the pair’s pup printed on them.

Color brought a cheerful vibrancy to the wedding’s still-snowy winter setting. Embracing a “frosty spring” palette, the event’s design featured a neutral foundation with natural textures such as wicker lanterns, cream sofas and oversized leather ottomans—all brought to life by a bounty of blooms.

“We wanted all of the events to feel refined and upscale, yet still welcoming, cozy and fun,” says Shannon.

THE CEREMONY

Guests, warmed by roaring fires and cozy blankets, looked on as Shannon walked the aisle in a custom-designed Anne Barge gown, wrapped in an elegant white stole to match her bridesmaids. Matt wore a custom navy suit by Joshua Gold—his fraternity-brother-turned-personal clothier—ski-themed dress socks and a pair of leather oxfords purchased on a Portugal getaway with his soon-to-be-wife. Both bride and groom kept accessories minimal, but Shannon’s engagement ring got a new partner in the form of her great-grandmother’s wedding band.

The couple signed a hand-painted Israeli Ketubah and were wed by Rev. Anita Gordon under a chuppah draped with Shannon’s late grandfather’s tallis. Their vows were hand-written, and their labradoodle, Kona, barked her own vows as well.

THE PARTY

Following a welcome dinner at The Vintage Room apres-ski bar honoring Matt’s Mediterranean heritage with a raw bar, focaccia and paella, the couple worked with the team at St. Regis to design a menu celebrating the seasonal specialties of Utah. This included braised leek soup, a beet and Heber Creamery goat cheese salad, bison with huckleberry and ruby trout with root vegetables. Each dish was paired with wine from the couple’s favorite regions, including Marlborough, Willamette and Sonoma.

Dessert was no small affair. “We both love cake, particularly indulgent, nostalgic flavors,” says Shannon. Their cake boasted three decadent layers: Oreo, Boston Cream and coconut cream.

Signature drinks were poured all weekend long, including scotch-spiked cocoa, fig-and-herb spritz medleys, campfire whiskey Manhattans and Lavender French 75, made with the couple’s favorite Botanist gin and a sprig of fresh thyme. The couple fully customized their bar, outfitting every shelf with their preferred spirits from around the world.

Music City Groove had all guests dancing for the duration of the evening, including during the couple’s first dance to a John Legend ballad.

THE HONEYMOON

Shannon and Matt spent the days after their winter wedding decompressing in the sunny Cayman Islands, and spent their first anniversary in northern Scotland.

UTAH WEDDING VENDORS

Wedding Planning and Design: Canvas Weddings and Events, canvasweddingandevents.com

Photography: Samantha Laffoon Photography, samanthalaffoon.com

Venue: St. Regis Deer Valley, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/slcxr-the-st-regis-deer-valley

Floral: Urban Chateau Floral, urbanchateaufloral.com

CATERING: St. Regis Deer Valley

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE/CATERING: The Vintage Room,
St. Regis Deer Valley

Gown: Custom Anne Barge, annebarge.com

Bride’s Shoes: Tod’s, tods.com

Groom’s Suit: Joshua Gold, joshua-gold.com

Stationery and Signage: Anticipate Invitations, anticipateinvitiations.com

Rentals: All Out Event Rental, eventrentalutah.com

Linens: BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.com

Hair and Makeup: Marisa Rose, marisarosemph.com

Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Amsale, amsale.com

Groomsmens’ Suits: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com

Videographer: Chris McClain Films, cmcclainproductions.com

Cake: Salt Cake City, saltcakecity.com

DJ: Music City Groove, musiccitygroove.com

Lighting: Moonlight Utah, moonlightutah.com

Custom Cookies: Sugar Baked Cookie Co., sugarbakedcookies.com

Inspiration for Utah Weddings

Real Wedding: 1970’s Vibes at Twenty & Creek

January 15, 2024

Jen and Dave’s love story began in epic fashion: while jamming at a Deadmau5 concert in 2010. Over a decade later, they sealed the deal in an equally fantastic celebration, full of disco, bright color and great music.

THE COUPLE

After their first meet-cute, the couple remained friends and concert-going comrades for eight years before finally connecting romantically (coincidentally, at another Deadmau5 show, which they consider their first date). For a few months, the pair pursued a long distance relationship between SLC and St. George, but after deciding they wanted to be together forever, Dave made the move down south. Shortly after, the couple welcomed their first child, and a second two years later.

THE PROPOSAL

“It was always in our plans to get married,” shares Jen, “But with the pandemic and all the changes happening in the world, we wanted to wait until the timing was right.”

In February of 2023, Jen and Dave took a couple’s trip to Belize with all of their closest friends. In the most romantic Valentine’s display imaginable, Dave walked Jen to a private pier overlooking the ocean before bending to one knee, professing his love and surprising his soon-to-be-fiancee with a proposal and a ring.

THE WEDDING

In fall 2023, Dave and Jen found their perfect time, and celebrated their love in a full-fledged 70’s soiree, which they dubbed “Roachella,” honoring their newly shared last name. To introduce their theme, their invitation suite included “flyers” with stage names and artist set times, and on the big day every guest was given a “Roachella” wristband for the occasion.

“We wanted a wedding that was unique, fun and felt like a party,” Jen says. To accomplish this vision of energy and whimsy, the couple worked with event planner Details by Laura Lee to create a design incorporating disco balls, vibrant florals, and velvet textures throughout the gorgeous Twenty & Creek venue in Sandy, UT. A palette of rust orange and marigold yellow, accented by pops of magenta, brought the retro vibes in full force.

In front of a crowd of their dearest family and friends, all clad in 70’s attire, Dave and Jen said “I Do,” backed by a backdrop of tapestry florals. Their daughter was the ceremony’s flower girl, and their year-old son acted as ring bearer, assisted by the family pug.

“It was so special to have our children be apart of our wedding day, as well as my little pug who had been with me through so many ups and downs over the years.”

For the occasion, Jen wore an ivory and mocha lace gown, accessorized with a fringe veil for a boho, vintage bridal look. “I am very simple when it comes to jewelry so I chose a dainty gold necklace and matching bracelet with tiny pearls formed into daisies.” Dave went full 1970’s in a rust-orange suit and colorful bolo tie.

THE PARTY

After the vows and a buffet dinner featuring spinach and artichoke dip, pulled pork sliders, salad and an assortment of mini desserts, DJ Sam VanCrisco kicked off a classic disco party. “We compiled a playlist of our favorite 70’s tracks, and sam weaved it all together.” The first disco track of the night was “Funky Town” by Lipps, Inc. which got everyone young and old on the dance floor.

Throughout the night, soulful covers of Beatles tracks, funk music for energized post-dinner dancing and modern remixes blared through the speakers while the newlyweds celebrated with their guests. Monster LED screens and speaker stacks by Tsunami Pro helped transform the wedding party into the iconic Studio 54. At the bar, guests enjoyed themed cocktails: a raspberry “mojo-ito” for the bride and a French ’79 in honor of the groom’s birth year.

Dave and Jen’s first dance was to “Alchemy,” by Above & Beyond, then they performed a daddy and daughter dance to “Butterfly Kisses,” by Bob Carlisle.

At the end of the party, the couple cut into a three-tiered cake in three flavors: white chocolate with raspberry cream filling, Italian cream cake with dulce de leech filling, and pumpkin cake with cream cheese filling. “They were all so delicious,” says the bride.

VENDORS

Wedding Planner and Florist: Details by Laura Lee, detailsbylauralee.com

Venue: Twenty & Creek, twentyandcreek.com

Photographer and Videographer: Jackie Siggard, jackiesiggardphotography.com

Caterer: Marvelous Catering, marvellouscatering.com

Bride’s Attire: Celebrate the Occasions, celebratetheoccasions.com

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse, menswearhouse.com

Stationery Suite and Signage: Etsy, etsy.com

Disco Balls: Bel Fiore Rantals, belfiorerentals.com

Neon Sign: Love at First Sign, loveatfirstsign.org

Linens: Specialty Linens, specialtylinensutah.com

Hair & Makeup: Heather Dear Artistry, @heatherdearartistry

Bridesmaid Gowns: Baltic Born, balticborn.com

Bar Service: COPA, copabarservice.com

Cake: Sweet E’s Bakery, sweetesbakes.com

DJ/Band: Sam VanCrisco, retired.

A/V Service: Tsunami Pro, @tsunami_pro

Photo Bus: Photo Booth Bus, photoboothbus.com

2024 Fashion Feature: A Lesson in Romance

January 9, 2024

Take inspiration from centuries of beauty to bring timeless fashion to your wedding day look.

In McCune Mansion, one of Salt Lake City’s most historic venues, Belle Bodas event designers and In Frames Photography team up with Boda Bridal salon to showcase classic style with a modern twist.

Perfect pleats pair with sheets of diaphanous tulle for an eternally-chic bridal ensemble. A Regency-ready gathered strapless neckline transitions effortlessly into a modern sheath shirt, showcasing the best of all eras when it comes to comfort and structure.

Prestigio empire-waist gown in silky satin, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com; Paulina cathedral veil by Jane Rhyan, janerhyan.com; Bouquet by Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com

Embrace simple elegance with the Gaia gown’s delicate straps, princess seams and snug satin silhouette. Layer on cathedral-length lace, and you are dripping with period drama demure.

Gaia strap gown in silky satin, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com; Mia cathedral-length lace veil by Jane Rhyan, janerhyan.com; Bouquet by Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com

Dare to be dramatic with glittering beadwork, an opulent ostrich-feather train and a flawless figure courtesy of intricate boning. And while the gown can (and should) speak for itself, add even more glamor with a pair of luminescent pearl drops.

Jolie beaded mesh gown, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com

With subtly crisp texture, a plunging angular neckline and a classic bodice adorned with ostrich feathers, the soft and sensual Moelleux gown redefines the traditional bridal look. Take the look old school with a time-honored tulle veil, or dive into the new century with unexpected accessories, such as this wide-brimmed (and fabulously feathered) white hat.

Moelleux heavy-weight satin gown, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com; Feathered wide-brim hat by Morgan Spruill, SLC; Lennon cathedral-length tulle veil, Jane Rhyan, janerhyan.com; Bouquet by Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com

All rise for modern angles. Intricately pleated chiffon and mesh with strategically-stitched illusion cutouts deliver a modern charm and a sexy punch to a geometric bodice atop a classically tiered skirt.

Tissé chiffon a-line gown, Boda Bridal, bodabridal.com; Bouquet by Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com

You’ve heard of cottage core—this gown showcases a healthy dose of true “bride” core. True to its name, the Amour gown boasts a romantic off-the-shoulder bodice, a gentle gathered silhouette and deliciously silky fabric to wrap the bride in ageless luxury.

Amour off-the-shoulder satin gown, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com; Poppy tiered tulle veil by Jane Rhyan, janerhyan.com;

Boho meets Bridgerton in this flowing number, featuring statement bell sleeves and a striking neckline, adorned with button-up pearl details.

Willow textured chiffon gown, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com; Bouquet by Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com

Modern vogue and charming vintage collide triumphantly in this unexpected fashion moment. Intricate Italian-inspired lace overlays sharply-constructed diamond mesh for a voluminous look evocative of a graceful ballerina. For even more high-style flair, add detached puff sleeves for additional structure.

Stellina diamond mesh gown with lace overlay, Boda Bridal, SLC, bodabridal.com

UTAH WEDDING VENDORS

Planning and Design: Belle Bodas Events, bellebodasandevents.com

Photography: In Frames Photography, inframesphotography.com

Bridal Gowns: Boda Bridal, bodabridal.com

Veils: Jane Rhyan, janerhyan.com

Florist: Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com

Hair: Tenesha Luckett, @tenesha_styles

Makeup: Savannah Norman Makeup Artistry, @savanahnormanmua

Venue: McCune Mansion, mccunemansion.com

Models: Nefan Deng, @nefan_;
Sophia Alohilani, @sophialohilani;
Alexa Buffington, @lexbuff

Utah Bride and Groom 2024 Editor’s Note: Something for Everyone

January 5, 2024

At first glance, a Utah wedding may strictly evoke thoughts of a cozy cabin affair among snow-capped mountains. But to those in the know, Utah’s wedding landscape is open to any style of wedding, from a low-key elopement among the state’s southern red rocks to a high-fashion affair in downtown Salt Lake City.

In this book, our goal was to explore the many ways a couple can execute a wedding celebration that is entirely, uniquely ‘them,’ from the venue to the decor, and even with a bit of international flair. Our Inspiration galleries take us from Tuscany (“Morning Glory” p. 114) to Paris (“From Paris, With Love,” p. 132), and from India (“Worlds Collide,” p. 126) to a fairytale wonderland (“Free Floating,” p. 120). Our fashion shoot is a vision of vintage eras (“A Lesson in Romance,” p. 148), while in “Setting the Scene,” (p. 140), two local industry veterans teach couples how to craft a perfectly curated tablescape.

It all goes to show: Utah’s wedding pros have something for every couple. Now get on top of your wedding game, and use these pages to build a Utah wedding vision all your own. Happy planning!

Megan Hulse Bartholomew, Editor

Are You Not Entertained? Bring In Top Talent for Your Guests’ Experience

January 3, 2024

One-of-a-kind reception entertainment can be the cherry on top of an already memorable occasion. It’s a surefire way to show appreciation to your guests for celebrating with you—and to create an unforgettable wedding experience they’ll buzz about for years to come.

SAY CHEESE (WITH INTENTION)

A reception experience and a favor in one? Sign us up. Natalie Allsup-Edwards, founder of The Hand-Drawn Photo Booth, takes a moment of inspiration and turns it into a one-of-a-kind keepsake station for events of all kinds.

With Natalie’s vision, The Hand Drawn photo booth delivers both reception entertainment and party favors of the most personalized fashion. From the classic four-pose photo strip to a full-body ‘prom’ portrait, each sitting produces an image capturing memories and artistic flair that add to the day’s guest book as well as the guest’s scrapbook.

There is so much laughter and silliness in our ‘photo booth,’” Allsup-Edwards says. “There is an intimacy to it that you don’t get with traditional photo booths— it’s an interesting and unusual experience to share with your guests.”

MAGIC MOMENTS

While guests are waiting for their meal or standing in a photo line, why not have the entertainment come to them?

Doug Roy is a mentalist who loves to be in the middle of every party. What is a mentalist, you ask? According to Roy, he focuses on “simple tricks of the mind to inspire awe and amazement—no flashy tricks or pulling rabbits out of hats.”

Roy’s brand of entertainment is not your typical staged “magic show,” nor does he aim to take away from the big day. Rather, he acts as an accent, to engage your guests when you can’t—often making for fantastic photo opps.

“Before I approach guests, they are often on their phones or in their own worlds, not chatting with the people around them,” Roy shares. “After I leave, everyone is always discussing. It’s a catalyst for social engagement, and I love creating a dynamic where guests are all interacting with each other.”

For his grand exit at the end of the evening, Roy performs a special reading for the couple, often highlighting their love story, most romantic moments and compatibility. Now that’s wedding-day magic!

BRING IN THE BAND

Utah is home to some of the most talented event entertainers around. More specifically, band agency Utah Live Bands represents more than 50 high-level bands and entertainment groups who add a touch of luxury and musical energy to any wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower.

“We are very well connected,” says owner Michael Tobian. “We are an organization run by musicians, so we know how music and crowds work. We know the theory and can speak intelligently on it. We put bands together that will make you forever celebrities in the memories of your wedding guests.”

Whether your event calls for an elegant ceremony quartet, a crooning cocktail combo or the ever-popular reception party band, Utah Live Bands represents the highest level of talent in Utah and beyond, and they have the know-how to get your guests in that celebratory mood. Tobian’s advice for a successful party? Trust your entertainers.

“The more flexibility you can give the band, the better,” he says. “Of course we want to know your preferences and favorite songs, but I highly recommend clients give the band the wiggle room to read the crowd, create medleys and mashups and let the music flow.”

Making your event as seamless as possible is also high on the priority list. Planners love a simple timeline, and a company like Utah Live Bands is a top choice simply because alongside providing top-notch entertainment, they also have the capabilities to set up stages, audiovisual and lighting for the perfect performance.

Get more musical inspiration here.

Real Wedding: Kate and Warner’s Legacy Country Club Wedding

December 20, 2023

Warner Trabert and Kate Van Wagoner

June 3, 2023

THE COUPLE

Entrepreneurs Kate and Warner first met in high school, where Warner was friends with Kate’s older brother. After a few years of adult life away, the pair reconnected, dating for two years before getting engaged in late 2022. To pop the question, Warner waited until a birthday trip for Kate to New York City, and proposed in Central Park.

THE WEDDING

The couple tied the knot in the White Memorial Chapel on 300 N in Salt Lake City. A string quartet played Kate down the aisle, adorned in a structured strapless gown from Alta Moda Bridal and a light tulle veil. After the vows, the bride also donned a white top hat reminiscent of “The Parent Trap,” a gift from a friend, and had a movie moment with her new stepdaughter.

The bridal party included Kate’s younger sister as the maid of honor, and Warner’s three children, sharply dressed in suits and a fluttering white dress. “I loved having Warner’s kids walk down the aisle, and be a part of our ceremony,” shares Kate. The ceremony was performed by Kirk Schneider, a dear family friend, in front hundreds of the couple’s favorite people.

For the afterparty and reception, the couple and their guests moved to the Salt Lake Country Club, a venue full of familial wedding tradition. Kate’s parents and all her siblings had their wedding celebrations at the venue, as did Warner’s grandparents: Tennis Star Tony Trabert and his bride Miss Utah, Shauna (Wood) Trabert.

Keeping with tradition, Kate and Warner opted for a classic black-tie reception. “Our goal was to create an upscale party where guests could indulge in a night dedicated to celebrating friendships love and our marriage,” says Kate. “My preference was for only white flowers, aiming for a more refined, sophisticated and elegant look.”

And elegance they did achieve, from every simply stunning arrangement to the daintily frosted wedding cake, featuring small blossoms and birds in homage to the bride’s childhood nickname, “Kate Bird.” For added nostalgia, the couple included a display of their parents’ and grandparents’ wedding photos, a favorite feature of all the guests.

THE PARTY

On the rest of the menu, the Country Club provided a gourmet buffet including a raw bar, fresh seasonal produce, beef tenderloin, chicken piccata and artisanal breads. Alongside the cake, Tulie olive oil cake and an ice cream sundae bar awaited guests after their meal.

Firing up the dance floor, Joe Muscolino’s 10-member band brought a host of tunes to the evening, including a daddy-daughter dance to “What a Wonderful World,” and a first dance to “Still the One,” a Shania Twain cover. After the wedding, (and a swanky Bentley getaway) the couple enjoyed a Costa Rica Honeymoon.

VENDORS

Venue and Catering – Salt Lake Country Club, https://www.saltlakecountryclub.com

Photographer – Mikki Platt, https://mikkiplatt.com

Florist – May Flowers, https://mayflowersutah.com

Bride’s Attire – Alta Moda, https://www.altamodabridal.com

Groom’s Attire – True Gentleman, https://truegentlemansupply.com

Rentals – Diamond Event and Tent, https://diamondeventandtent.com

Hair & Makeup – Danielle Estrada (makeup) and Asheley Steed (hair)

Videographer – Ryan Winterton

Cake – Ally Carter and Tulie Bakery, https://tuliebakery.com

DJ/Band – Joe Muscolino Band, https://muscolinomusic.com

Transportation – Bentley

Real Wedding: Annie & Brad’s Ski-In Celebration

December 11, 2023

Snowpine Lodge, Alta

April 17

Planning & Design by Hoopes Events

Photography by Katie Edwards Photo

THE COUPLE

Annie dove into the world of online dating after moving to Utah from Michigan, and after a few chats, she agreed to attend a party with a date. She never expected to find her soulmate that night, but after arriving, Annie’s original date introduced her to Brad, and their fate was sealed. “Let’s just say Brad was more my style,” Annie says. Today, after six years of dating and a stunning winter wedding, the couple works together at a quickly expanding wellness business headquartered in Austin, Texas.

THE PROPOSAL

Brad originally planned to propose while skiing Alta’s backcountry, but shifted gears after an unfortunate spill the night before resulted in a broken arm. Instead, he took Annie for a walk along the resort’s Summer Road, where he told her all of the things he loved about her and used his functioning arm to pull a ring and a hidden miniature bottle of bubbly from his sling. They spent the evening celebrating Annie’s acceptance together at The Cliff Lodge.

THE WEDDING

The couple returned to Alta for their big day. Taking full advantage of the venue’s alpine glory and ski-in, ski-out capabilities, Annie and Brad worked with Hoopes Events to design a celebration with the good vibrations of a rustic ski trip, and the modern elegance of a mountain chalet.

It all began with a snowy ceremony where colorfully woven rugs marked the aisle and altar with striking contrast to the mountain’s all-white backdrop. Featuring jewel tones that Annie selected for the bridal party, the scene was a statement of bold color. Annie said “I Do” in a long sleeved, backless Daalarna gown with pearl and floral lace details, a cathedral length veil with Indian-inspired beading and white St. Laurent boots, perfect for tramping through the snow. Something borrowed—a diamond snowflake necklace of her mother’s—was accented by blue apatite earrings.

Brad wore a velvet black tux and a wooden bow tie custom engraved with mountain ranges to match those of the groomsmen. “We were married by my best friend from college, who is also an ordained minister. She brought so much holiness to our ceremony,” Annie recalls.

THE PARTY

The party moved inside for a cozy and elegant dinner, accented by more vivid rugs and sprays of colorful florals. “I wanted ‘rainbow’ flowers,” Annie says. “I love all colors and wanted them to be as vibrant as possible in contrast to the snowy background.” Guests signed in on a vintage “Ski Alta” poster then made their way to their colorful settings, each labeled with a different adventure destination. After dinner, the couple delivered a customized ice-cream sandwich feast, teaming Normal Club and Ruby Snap Cookies for their first-ever collaboration. From the bar, Telluride Distillery’s “Chairlift Warmer” schnapps became the drink of choice, along with obligatory Alta Bombs and a special Chianti Classico from Annie’s family origins for celebratory toasts.

The Morning Yells transitioned the crowd from cocktail hour to reception soirée with ease, starting with a salsa-heavy first dance to “Hooked on a Feeling,” performed by Annie and Brad. The celebration was full of unexpected surprises, from father-daughter dances and songs performed by family members, to Phish jam sessions. “Let’s just say the dance floor got weird in the best way,” Annie says.

THE HONEYMOON

Annie and Brad spent their first few days as husband and wife in a dramatically different locale—on the island of Maui.

Get inspired with more ski resort weddings here!

The Details

Wedding Planning and Design: Angela Menlove,
Hoopes Events, hoopesevents.com

Photography: Katie Edwards, katieedwardsphoto.com

Videography: Vince Weddings, vinceweddings.com

Floral: Wild Flora Co., wildflora.co

Venue and Catering: Snowpine Lodge, snowpine.com

Rehearsal Dinner: Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge, goldminersdaughterlodge.com

Gown: Daalarna, daalarna.hu

Necklace: Vintage Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com

Earrings: Raven + Lily, ravenandlily.com

Reception Outfit: Sahroo, sahroo.com

Groom’s Suit: Suit Supply Tux, suitsupply.com

Stationery Suite: Paper Place Austin,
paperplaceaustin.com

Rugs: Boheme Project, thebohemeproject.com

Rentals: Evergreen & Ivy, evergreenandivy.com

Hair & Makeup: Stillwell Spa at Snowpine Lodge, snowpine.com

Desserts: Normal Club, normal.club;
Ruby Snap Cookies, rubysnap.com

DJ/Band: The Morning Yells, themorningyells.com

Perfectly Retro: St. George Canyon Bridals

December 8, 2023

Stunning Southern Utah landscapes, vibrant florals and a chic vintage car in a classic powder blue – what else does a bridal gallery need?

In a delightfully retro-coded styled shoot captured by a host of talented local photographers, St. George canyon walls and an out-of-this-world vintage Dodge serve as a nostalgic backdrop for a star-striking couple’s bridal images.

The first on the scene, bride Brooklin stuns in an easy-breezy strapless floral gown from Desert Rose Bridal, accessorized by high-fashion white-framed sunglasses, simple gold jewelry and a bouquet dripping with luxurious hues of orange and pink. Her groom looks straight out of another era in a classic black-and-sage suit combination, Rustin leather loafers and an equally saturated boutonniere. And don’t forget the aviators – this pair is ready to hit the honeymoon road.

Get inspired by these images from Abbie Phillips Photography