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!
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.
Photo by Claire Marika Photography
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.”
Photo by Cassandra Farley Photo
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.”
Photo by Pepper Nix
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.
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
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.
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.
Utah is home to some of the industry’s most talented and creative wedding cake vendors, and our feeds are constantly filled with nearly too-pretty-to-eat designs. If you’re planning a garden-party themed wedding, there’s no reason the florals shouldn’t adorn your dessert as well as your venue. Get inspired by these floral wedding cake designs, dreamed up by a few of our favorite local bakers.
1. Beautiful Blues by Flour and Flourish
Photo by Heather Nan
Dainty blue sugar flowers accent a simply scrumptious white double-tier again the pristine backdrop of Twenty & Creek venue.
2. Stained Glass Tiers by cake. by Alessandra
No future spooky season celebration will be complete without a moody stained-glass cake. Here, Alessandra Wortmann of cake. by Alessandra relied on stark black icing lines to showcase her one-of-a-kind design.
3. Wildflower Wonder by The Dessert Studio
Photo by Heather Nan
To match their mountain meadow ceremony setting, Utah couple Kate and Dan opted for the wild side of a floral wedding cake with intricately iced local blooms.
4. Meadow Moment by cake. by Alessandra
Photo by Pepper Nix
5. Sunshine Serenade by Flour and Flourish
Photo by Mikki Platt
The sunniest cake we ever did see delivered a full meadow of floral wonder to Maggie and Andrew’s country club celebration.
6. Dark Dessert by Annie’s Cakes
Photo by Grey Giraffe Collective
This wedding was full of the unexpected, including a black-frosted and vibrantly-decorated wedding cake. Annie Pugmire of Annie’s Cakes showed off her skills with a tumble of iced flowers to match the event’s decor.
7. Seaside Rendezvous by cake. by Alessandra
For the beach lovers at heart, bring on the sugar shells. This design by cake. by Alessandra evokes all the best feelings of the salt and the sea with rippled waves, pearl details and hand-sculpted tropical flowers.
8. Towering Petals by Ballerina Baker
Photo by Sparkle Photo
This seven-tiered marvel was decked in just as many flowers as the bride’s bouquet. Crafted by Ballerina Baker, this clean white cake is accented with a cascading waterfall of massive pink blooms.
9. Modern Neon by cake. by Alessandra
Dive into a contemporary disco vibe with a neon-accented brushstroke cake. Frilled magenta roses give an extra pop of color to this modern floral wedding cake design.
10. Marvelous Marble by Flour and Flourish
Photo by Pepper Nix
Designed for a stylist architect, this cake has is stunning from all angles. Sculptural blooms tiptoe down the center of the cake, meeting up with an innovative marbled base tier.
11. Hand-Painted by cake. by Alessandra
Wortmann’s art skills come out in full force when it comes to a palette of buttercream, with which she creates a bouquet-worthy spread of whimsical blooms.
12. Dried Foliage and Blooms by Montage Deer Valley
Photo by Jordan Bree
The perfect fall floral wedding cake features flourishing dried foliage and delicate dried blooms, artfully arranged int he dessert’s smooth buttercream coating.
Dreamy hues pulled right from a Utah sunset are making their way into wedding palettes, including everything from warm citrus orange to deep moody amber. In this radiant bridal bouquet by Leuca Floral, dried date palm, golden fern and bunny tail grass serve as a neutral foundation for glowing gazania and elegant yellow lilies. Delicate carnations, banksia protea and hanging amaranth add cloudlike texture, framing the central blooms in natural beauty.
Traditionally, when the topic of a wedding ring arises, the main priority is the bride’s ring. As a wedding planner who’s been in the business for almost a decade, though, Irene + Co Events is starting to see a pretty substantial shift in the ring conversation: let’s talk men’s wedding band.
Now, grooms are just as invested in finding their perfect-fit wedding rings, too.
And to me, that makes sense. You’re choosing to wear a piece of jewelry that’s symbolic of the love and commitment you have with your partner–but there’s no rule that says it can’t look like it was made for you.
With all the options out there, wedding band selection can start to feel overwhelming. And this might be specifically true for those who may have never chosen jewelry for themselves before.
The good news? This is a fun, exciting new adventure, and with a little help and guidance from me, you’ll be on your way to picking the perfect groom’s wedding band!
5 Ideas for Choosing the Right Men’s Wedding Band
Ring selection used to be fairly standard for men. You’d pick the material, you’d pick the fit, and you’d decide if you wanted any additional embellishments. Traditionally, there wasn’t a lot to choose from.
Nowadays, though, there are infinite possibilities out there and plenty of places to find the right ring. When I’m advising clients on their men’s wedding bands, these are usually the tips and inspo I point them toward.
Pick a Ring You’ll Actually Wear
This is always my first piece of advice! Your ring should be something that’s exciting to put on, something you want to wear often, and something you’re proud to put on your finger.
All the tips that come next are important, but to me, none are as important as this one: invest the time and energy into a ring that’s right for you so that you’ll be happy to wear it.
Consider Doubling the Men’s Wedding Band
Hear me out. It’s great to have a nicer, dressier wedding band that you can wear often. In fact, many men wear their fancier wedding bands every single day.
But if you’re someone who wants to be able to wear a ring while you do a variety of activities that go beyond the scope of your everyday routine (like at work, when you work out, when you go swimming, during outdoor activities, etc.), it could be beneficial to opt for two rings.
First, you could have your nicer, more formal ring. Secondly, you could find an affordable, durable silicon ring.
Wedding rings–as great as they are–can present a degree of risk or danger when dealing with tools, equipment, and other things (especially if they don’t fit properly). If you’re a man who always wants to wear his ring but doesn’t want to risk injury or damage to your nicer band, a second silicone ring might be a good choice for you.
Wood is a Unique Option
There’s nothing wrong with some of the more common wedding band materials out there. When you’re picking materials, consider options like:
Gold
Silver
Titanium
Tungsten
Cobalt Chrome
Carbon Fiber
But if you’re looking for something a little different, though, wood has become a popular choice. Those seeking a natural, more boho style for their band usually opt for wood.
Check out options on Instagram or Etsy–there are plenty of talented wood ring makers out there with a lot of choices in their selection.
Go Custom with a Bespoke Shop
Do you want something totally unique for your wedding band? It can be done! If you want to customize your ring but don’t feel like you have the creative ability to craft it yourself, there are so many vendors out there who specialize in creating custom wedding bands that are one of a kind.
A local Utah company, Staghead Designs, offers this exact service, and the results are always stunning. It can take anywhere from 3-10 weeks, so make sure you’re putting your request in early. You can even create something that matches your soon-to-be spouse’s band.
Make it Yourself
Guess what? There’s no rule out there that says you have to hire someone to make your band or find it in a shop. Yep, you can actually make your band yourself–and there are people out there who can help guide you.
For example, you could book a date night at Salt City Smithery and have their talented team walk you through creating your own custom silver wedding band from scratch. Not only will the ring turn out exactly as you envisioned it, but you’ll have that double layer of meaning because you made it with your own two hands.
A Few Extra Ring Tips to Consider
So, you’ve selected the wedding band of your dreams? That’s great news. You’re nearly finished with the exciting process. Here are some can’t-forget, last-minute tips you need to know before you finalize your band.
Think About Fit, Comfort, Style, & Budget
Comfort is going to be the biggest factor in wearing your ring, so make sure you don’t skimp on this process.
Try to balance style and budget with fit and comfort so you’re checking every box. Here are some important terms to know while you consider your wedding band fit:
Dome Band: This refers to the curving of the outside of the ring
Flat Band: This refers to a flat angle on the outside of the ring
Full Court: A full court has a round edge on the inside and the outside of the ring
Flat Court: A flat court is rounded to a point and then seamlessly transitions to a flatter surface on the inside
Don’t Forget Insurance
Insurance is a must for this new and exciting piece of jewelry. If the ring is lost, stolen, or even breaks, you’ll want to ensure you’re covered so you can replace or fix your ring. This is, unfortunately, a factor that many people tend to overlook.
A Ring Box is a Must
A ring box is a great add-on for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great way to store your ring when you’re not wearing it. Second, it makes for great detail shots on your wedding day. And third, you’ll want your ring bearers to keep your ring in its ring box until it’s time to say your vows (that way, you can ensure it’s safe).
Think About a Ring Dish or Holder
For your everyday routine, be sure you invest in a ring holder or ring dish. This way, you’ll have a dedicated spot to put your ring when you get home, so you’ll always know where it is. There are even keychain options, like this one, that you can travel with.
Advice from a Wedding Planner–Choose the Ring You Love
After nearly a decade as a wedding planner, I’ve had time and experience to formulate my bottom-line opinion on men’s wedding bands–pick the ring that makes you happy. If you’re looking for more men’s wedding band advice or simply want to chat about your upcoming wedding, I’m always here to answer your call.
Courtney, a musical theatre major, met her sweetheart Damien, an electrical engineering student, while out on the town at Penn State University. Fast forward to the 2020s, and the two are all grown up: Damien works as a Solutions Architect at Google, and Courtney is living the dream as an actor in New York City.
THE PROPOSAL
Damien proposed to Courtney while on a visit to Paris, where she was performing in a musical. The couple went for a walk in Jardin des Plantes near Damien’s grandmother’s home. They followed a labyrinth-like path to Gloriette de Buffon, a historic iron-and-bronze gazebo overlooking the park. He set up his smartphone to snap a selfie, but to Courtney’s surprise, rather than posing with a smile Damien dropped to one knee. After she accepted his proposal, Damien revealed a packed picnic of champagne and macarons to celebrate.
THE WEDDING
Park City’s ski country topped the couple’s list of dreamy wedding venues, and for their early fall ceremony the majestic setting of Montage Deer Valley sealed the deal. “The stunning views and inviting fireplaces ticked all of our boxes for a cozy and chic celebration,” Courtney explains. “We wanted an intimate mountain wedding that captured the natural beauty around us.”
To mimic the spectacle of Utah’s fall landscape, Michelle Leo Events helped create a traditional color palette of warm autumnal tones with touches of eye-catching blue. Azure accents can be spotted throughout the day, including thistle and delphinium blooms mingled with aspen leaves in the bridal bouquet, brilliantly capturing the mountainside’s changing colors. There was no basic ivory in sight: candlesticks, table settings and even desserts all showcased the couple’s signature palette.
Courtney arrived on-scene in a trademark full-skirted Hayley Paige silhouette. She floated down the aisle wearing a pair of custom LaDucas, a classic theater performance shoe, with a touch of something blue.
Following an intimate ceremony on Montage’s patio concluding with a flower-toss exit, guests were welcomed to the rustic Vista Lounge by a unique escort display. Each guest was handed a glass of champagne with a custom acrylic seat number garnishing the rim. When everyone found their seats, celebratory toasts began without skipping a beat.
The simple, cozy and elegant decor created an inviting rustic scene with rich wood accents, vividly colored candles, glittering table settings and, of course, a heart-warming fire.
THE PARTY
Like most memorable celebrations, the reception kicked off with dinner. Pan-seared Utah trout, Montage’s grilled beef tenderloin, and ratatouille-stuffed peppers topped the menu, followed by a host of pastries for dessert. Most notable were pale-blue macarons in the wedding’s signature hue, as a nod to Damien’s proposal picnic. After dinner the wedding party welcomed an all-out dance fest, including performances from the couple and their families to hits such as “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk and “September.” Later, the party migrated down a level to Montage’s game room for bowling, signature cocktails and one of Courtney and Damien’s favorite NYC traditions—late night pizza.
A Utah Bride shows off not one but two stunning gowns in her bridal session at Provo Canyon’s summit, captured by BethMac Photography.
Bride Callie Marie Smith, today’s Utah Bride feature, pulled out all of the stops for her colorful fall bridal session taken earlier this year. Not wanting to skimp on classic beauty nor modern fashion pizzaz, Callie sported two beautifully unique gowns for her portraits. Meanwhile, Callie’s groom Seth sports a chic off-white suit and crisp shirt.
The first was a custom-designed Amy Mair gown, purchased from Versailles Atelier Bridal in South Jordan. With billowing bishop sleeves and an elegant loose fit, the satin gown drips with old-world charm. To top off the look, a cathedral veil with hand-detailed floral lace serves as the ideal bridal accessory.
Halfway through the session, Callie changed into a spunky ruffled number rented from Utah Gowns. A youthful sweetheart neckline tops a sleek, strapless bodice before the gown cascades into a mountain of pleats and puffs, including waist-length pleated tulle sleeves for extra drama.
Photographer: BethMac Photo, bethmacphoto.com
Models: Callie Marie Smith and Seth Smith
Sleeved Gown and Veil: Custom Amy Mair from Versailles Atelier Bridal, va-bridal.com
Strapless Gown: Rental from Utah Gowns, utahgowns.com
