A Magical Mood: Moody Fall Wedding Inspiration

deep purple and marroon wedding bouquet
Photo by Breanna White Photography

Hoopes Events holds the keys to infusing luxury and polish into the most fantastical and moody fall wedding designs.

Luxury is an element that elevates any and all parts of your wedding, no matter your unique vision. Whether you go for moody fall wedding vibes, timeless elegance, glittering glamour or a striking scene in a box all its own, Tonya Hoopes shows ways to invite lux style to any wedding celebration. 

A MOODY FALL WEDDING: MAKE IT YOUR OWN 

dark red flowers on top of red-linened table
Photo by Breanna White Photography

Kick tradition to the curb with design decisions that are completely one-of-a-kind. In this moody fall wedding scene, classic elements flourish with a moody and modern twist, taking Evermore Park’s rustic dining hall from Bavarian to bridal beauty. Deep shades of burgundy, ebony and violet complement a storybook venue, setting the scene for fantasy bridal drama that takes center stage. Glittering jewels stand out among dark leafy accents and an all-black fashion ensemble, delivering fresh character to a traditional red-and-black palette. 

deep purple and marroon wedding bouquet
Photo by Breanna White Photography

“Go bold and go bright,” says planner Tonya Hoopes of Hoopes Events. “Use color to your advantage to create a rich, luxury-event look. Find ways to be creative, and add elements to your arrangements that make them uniquely you.” Take these florals as an example: rich pops of color stand out against nontraditional black-leaved foundations. Dark purple tulips, classic red roses and blushing calla lily brighten the palette for luscious centerpieces placed on every table. 

black wedding dress with draped beading detail
Photo by Breanna White Photography

SLEEK AND SOPHISTICATED

v-back lace wedding gown
Photo by Breanna White Photography

Try elegance on for size with fantasy-worthy bridals at dusk. A luxe lace gown teams with timelessly romantic candlelight and richly textured linens for a high-gloss sweethearts setting.

wedding bands his and hers
Photo by Breanna White Photography
black table with red flowers
Photo by Breanna White Photography
minimalist menu card on black charger atop red tablecloth
Photo by Breanna White Photography

For this sublime scene, details reign supreme: delicate lace sleeves and dainty jewels bring sophisticated polish to a fairy-tale bridal ensemble, all grounded by flowing florals and expertly curated table settings. Lux chargers foster the day’s palette with gilded edges and richly colored napkin settings that serve as a chic backdrop for a sleek, simple menu card. 

wedding on stone stairs
Photo by Breanna White Photography

GO FOR GLAM 

couples first dance, bride wears sparkly gown
Photo by Breanna White Photography
1920's inspired wedding ring and band on hand
Photo by Breanna White Photography

Bring on the after-party with the perfect dose of sparkle. Eye-catching earrings, a glistening gown in a suave and flirty silhouette, and contemporary dessert displays are the recipe for success when it comes to a full-glam reception.

two black wedding cakes with gold icing accents
Photo by Breanna White Photography

“The cake is a great avenue to really play with tradition,” Hoopes says. Here, the team pairs a classic gold-accented round cake with a second ultramodern square tiered cake, complete with geometric details that bring deconstructed dimension to the dessert spread. 

Photo by Breanna White Photography

See more moody fall wedding inspiration on our blog.

Utah Wedding Vendors

Planning and design: Hoopes Events, @hoopesevents

Photography: Breanna White Photography, @breannawhite_photo

Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Reese, @bbrbeautybyreese

Florals: Fleur and Stems, @fleurandstems

Venue: Evermore Park, @evermorepark

Gowns: Mary’s Bridal, @marysbridalslc 

Custom Black Gown: Sherbon Clothing, etsy.com 

Jewelry: J. Brooks, @jbrooksjewelers

Cakes: Cake by Alessandra, @cake.ut

Rentals: Diamond Event & Tent, @diamondeventandtent

Here Comes the Groom: Customize Your Wedding Suit

There are many ways to dress a dapper groom, but none of them begin with a tired suit. 

When it comes to nuptial menswear, many grooms don’t know what they don’t know. As with many getting-hitched elements, there is no hard rule on what anyone should be wearing to their wedding these days. But know this, that old brown suit isn’t going to cut it. Cody Hoppes with UWM Men’s Shop shares the essential building blocks for a polished and personal wedding look. 

“We are here to help men discover what styles suit them, and what will help them look and feel their best on their wedding day,” says Hoppes. 

PHOTO courtesy UWM Men’s Shop

THE CANVAS

The first step to designing your custom suit is selecting fabric and color. UWM Men’s Shop offers nearly endless selections, and any of their fabrics can be tailored into a formal tuxedo cut. 

That construction, or canvassing, as it is known by the professionals, is customizable down to the last stitch.

It starts with the jacket. A one-button closure is the standard contemporary look, but a vintage-minded groom might opt for two, and a black-tie event might call for a double breast. Event formality also informs lapel style. The basic cut places lapel notches at the collarbone level, but a tuxedo-style cut sees them lower on the chest. 

The shoulder style is where gentlemen truly begin to shape their overall look: roped, standard, unstructured—each looks different on every body. Luckily, personalized tailoring can ensure your jacket will fit like a glove no matter your selections. 

For jacket linings, many grooms go for a simple solid, but why not open yourself—and your jacket—to some fun? “You’re mostly the one person who will see your lining, so I always encourage guys to have some fun and show off some personality,” Hoppes says. 

PANTS 

UWM Men’s Shop prides itself on having “perfected the trouser.” They begin with a stock trouser and build from there. More formal looks feature a tuxedo waistband and striping treatments, and any style can be customized with pleats, buckles and pockets. Their recommended pocket style is dubbed the “wide slanted,” as it lays flat, preventing a photo-spoiling pocket gape. 

SHIRT 

White is naturally the number-one seller for weddings, but there is more to consider here. Think size and style. UWM, for example, offers four body fits per neck size, and provides options for contrasting buttons, patterns and collars.

PHOTO courtesy UWM Men’s Shop

THE ACCESSORIES 

Ties and pocket squares are the obvious and simple choice to add dashing contrast and color to a formal look, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Add flair with striking cufflinks, introduce a bit of shine with a bracelet or two, or create jackets-off visual interest with a set of smart suspenders. 

SHOES 

For a more formal affair, opt for lace-up wing tips. Cap toes and rounded toes are easy to pare down for more casual affairs. Loafers, sneaker soles or suede are ideal for an outdoor adventure wedding. If your ceremony is oceanside, Hoppes recommends Italian boat shoes to elevate your leisure outfit.  

From the seams of the pants to the pocket square and every stitch in between, a customized wedding suit becomes a keepsake of your big day. Relive your vows each time you don your jacket by adding a personalized inscription to your jacket’s lining. The wedding date, or a quote from your partner make sentimental additions.

Read more on menswear here.

Classic Chic: Ally & Tyson’s Little Dell First Look

Photographer Jackie Siggard captures a heartwarming first look at Little Dell Reservoir for lovebirds Ally & Tyson, full of emotional moments and timeless fashion.

Ally & Tyson grew up a mere fifteen minutes apart in Draper and Bluffdale, respectively, but didn’t connect until later in life when a friend set them up on a date.

Five months to the day after their first date, Tyson popped the question. “I know it seems super short, but in the moment it felt so long,” Ally shares. “After the first two weeks of dating, I already knew he was perfect for me!”

The moment came as a complete surprise to Ally. They had the ring, but it was supposedly back ordered for a few weeks. So when Tyson told her to get ready for a “five month anniversary” date, she didn’t think anything of it. That is, she didn’t think anything was odd until Tyson arrived at the door dressed in a flannel and a vest in eighty-degree weather.

The pair drove up to Sundance Resort, where after a romantic dinner, Tyson asked Ally to marry him. Once she accepted, their families arrived on-scene to celebrate.

In preparation for the wedding day, the couple enlisted Jackie Siggard to capture their engagement and bridal galleries ahead of time. On the shores of Little Dell Reservoir in Salt Lake City, the photographer snapped a stunning gallery of formals and an intimate vow exchange between the pair, showcasing their true love and joy.

Ally’s gown, purchased from Pritchett Bridal, was expertly constructed in buttery crepe with a voluminous train and perfectly tailored bodice. “I wanted something simple and classic that would never go out of style, but also wanted it to be flattering and moveable,” says Ally. The dress originally had long sleeves, but the bride customized to her own personal style by swapping the wrist-hugging fabric for delicate sheer flutter sleeves.

Ally carried something blue in her simple chic bouquet, and wore a borrowed veil, accentuating the flow and volume of the rest of her look. Tyson was a classic vision of groom-hood in a sleek black suit and tie, offset by a bright white boutonniere.

VENDORS

Photographer/videographer: Jackie Siggard Photo and Video, @jackiesiggardphotovideo

Gown: Pritchett Bridal, @pritchettbridal

Florals: Nannette York, @nannetteyorkfloral

A Lesson in Vietnamese Wedding Attire: Chau & Eric

A bride’s custom Vietnamese wedding attire, known as an áo dài, sets her apart as a unique bridal beauty at the Payson, Utah temple.

Nothing produces one-of-a-kind beauty quite like a wedding full of cultural fusions. Originally from Vietnam, bride Chau fully embraced her heritage in every inch of her bridal attire, blending the traditional bridal áo dài with western white and sparkle for the perfect fit for her sealing in the Payson, Utah LDS temple. The outfit made for an unmatched bridal session, captured by AlliChelle Photography.

“I wanted to bring my culture into our temple sealing because it is a huge part of who I am,” Chau shares. For the sealing, she found a seamstress specializing Vietnamese wedding attire who hand-sewed a bridal white áo dài for the occasion. Áo dài translates to “long shirt” in English, but in reality is an ornate traditional garment consisting of a tight fitted top covering from shoulders to toes with deep slits up either side. Beneath, wearers traditionally sport flowing silk pants. In Vietnam, áo dài is known as the ‘national soul’ of Vietnamese women, symbolizing feminine beauty and elegance.

For her wedding day, Chau had her áo dài customized to fit the requirements of temple ceremonies, including shorter slits and long sleeves. She also wore a glittering oversize headband, which framed her face beautifully in place of the more western option of a flowing veil. An intricately pleated train was added to the back of the design for a distinctly bridal touch.

When stood next to her groom Eric, dressed in a grey black suit and paisley pink tie, the pair glowed with unique “just married” joy. The pair first met when Eric arrived at a nail salon for a pedicure with his mother. Chau happened to be working that day, helping out her aunt who owned the business. Later, they reconnected on campus at Utah Valley University and began dating. Nearly a year later, Eric proposed to Chau at a surprise photoshoot.

See another couple embracing heritage and culture.

Kate & Dan’s Floral Mountain Wedding

THE COUPLE

New York-based Kate and Dan met for the first time in Croatia, when Kate spotted her future husband across a bar, wearing a T-shirt coincidentally emblazoned with the name of her father’s Pennsylvania high school. The pair instantly connected thanks to their hometown roots, but parted ways when they headed for the airport. The couple later reconnected on Utah’s ski slopes, and six years after their meet-cute, became engaged on yet another ski trip to Zermatt, Switzerland.

THE WEDDING 

In homage to the snowy mountains where they fell in love, Kate selected Peoa’s 4U Ranch as the ideal backdrop for an unique melding of garden party, rustic ranch and elegant organic styles. “We wanted our wedding to have an intimate feel, and we wanted to be able to easily stroll through our wedding day events surrounded by the people and mountains we love,” she says. 

Kate walked down the aisle adorned in a lushly laced, form-fitting Monique Lhuillier gown with a high neck and long sleeves, showcasing a sophisticated, romantic style.  Flanked by pastel-draped bridesmaids, she said “I do” under a graceful, asymmetric floral arch surrounded by the ranch’s dramatic rock formations. The wedding-day floral arrangements were designed to match a custom watercolor paper suite created by Studio Luzance. Kate fell in love with the delicate feminine details, and the lavender, blush and baby blue crest quickly became the brand of the big day. 

“This paper suite was too sweet,” says planner Michelle Cousins. “It really captured that organic vibe and pulled the full event together.”

To accommodate guests between events, Kate arranged a variety of outdoor lounge areas, where attendees could enjoy Utah’s majestic views while sipping on custom margaritas and strawberry lemon mules. 

For the reception, guests strolled to 4U Ranch’s reclaimed wood barn, where a neutral interior allowed the event’s feminine and organic design elements and colors to flourish in everything from floral centerpieces and hanging installations to dainty cake accents.

“We wanted the reception to look like you walked through a field of mountain florals, scooped them up and placed them on the table,” Cousins says. “Tinge Floral brought a great mix of bloom textures, colors and species to capture that organic mood.” 

THE MENU

Culinary Crafts delivered loads of local flavor to the party with a lineup of Utah-bred favorites: risotto balls and pork buns for cocktail hour and grilled Rocky Mountain Ruby red trout and grass-fed Utah beef flank steak as main courses, accompanied by sides of seasonal butternut parmesan risotto and grilled carrots. A nearly too-cute-to-cut cake by The Dessert Studio delighted with layers of almond, lemon and raspberry-flavored dessert. 

THE PARTY

Kate changed her look for the first dance, removing her gown’s sleeves to reveal a strapless sweetheart neckline. She and Dan danced to “At Last,” played live by New Soul Brigade. The band also provided music for dances with the couple’s parents and throughout the reception. The after-party began as the gathering moved venues, traveling to Goldener Hirsch’s newly renovated rooftop deck, which also hosted the wedding’s rehearsal dinner, welcome party and brunch. Kate arrived in a dance-floor-ready sequined minidress from Markarian, and the wedding party continued the celebration with a night of jamming with Life of the Party DJs. 

THE HONEYMOON

The travel-loving newlyweds chose to wait out international travel restrictions, so rather than escaping to their destination right after the wedding, they planned a belated New Zealand honeymoon for December 2022.  

UTAH WEDDING VENDORS:

Wedding Planning and design: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com

Photography: Heather Nan Photography, heathernanphoto.com

Videography: NP Films, npfilms.com

Floral: Tinge Floral, tingefloral.com

Venue: 4U Ranch, 4uranch.org

Officiant: Kamrin Carver

Ceremony AV: Wasatch Audio Visual, wasatchav.com

Gown: Monique Lhuillierl, moniquelhuillier.com

Paper Suite: Studio Luzance, studioluzance.com

Rentals: Diamond Event and Tent, diamondevent.com

Lounge/Bistro/Bar Rentals: Vault Event Rentals, vaulteventrentals.com

Charger Rentals: Wild Event Studio, wildeventstudio.com

Restroom Rentals: Simply Privys, simplyprivys.com

Rehearsal and Welcome Bars: Decoration Inc., decorationinc.com

Makeup Artist: Kristen Packard Makeup, kristenpackard.com

Hair: Kali Chris Hair, kalichris.com 

Catering: Culinary Crafts, culinarycrafts.com

Bar Service: Top Shelf, topshelfutah.com

Cake: The Dessert Studio, thedessertstudioutah.com

Transportation: Snow Country Limousine, snowcountrylimo.com

Rehearsal Dinner: Goldener Hirsch, aubergeresorts.com/goldenerhirsch

Welcome Party Music: The Birdwatchers, thebirdwatchersband.com

Ceremony Music: Tribeca Ensemble, tribecaensemble.com

Band: New Soul Brigade, newsoulbrigade.com

After-party DJ: Life of the Party Entertainment, life-of-the-party.com

View more https://www.utahbrideandgroom.com/category/real-weddings/

Celebration Makers 2023: Serendipity Event Designers

For Karla Edlinger, owner of Serendipity Event Designers, a wedding is a full-sensory experience. 

“I encourage couples to think beyond the logistics of the wedding day. Consider the things your guests will see, hear, touch and taste,” Edlinger says. “The environment we create together is the most memorable part of the big day.” 

At Serendipity Events, quality in all those areas is key to a successful event. As part of ensuring every element is up to par, Edlinger and her team work closely with couples to make their wedding dreams a reality, down to the last detail. 

Edlinger encourages couples to consider every angle of presentation, to give couples and guests alike an unforgettable wedding day experience. 

“My goal is to give you your perfect wedding day,” Edlinger says. “I love thinking inside the box, but with a twist–don’t be afraid to dream big and get creative with me.” 

Serendipity Event Designers’ services are, of course, available to couples throughout the state, but this season brides looking to celebrate in Utah County have the chance to experience Serendipity polish on a whole new level with their new event venue. 

Aura event venue, which opened in fall of 2022, occupies 4,000 square feet in American Fork. This eclectic space is a perfect backdrop for events of any style. Old-school structural beams and a stone fireplace deliver farmhouse charm, while crystal and glass tables and gilded chairs are on-call to deliver modern flair. 

“This is a space for people to celebrate, and not just for weddings,” Edlinger says. “It was named after my mother and is a very special place for me. I want to share it with everyone!” 

Above all, Edlinger’s mission is to make wedding dreams come true, from the peaks of northern Utah to the red rock landscapes of the state’s southern border. Serendipity always puts clients first, sometimes working through the night to give a client everything they want and more. “Dare to dream! Everything is possible, and I will find a way to deliver any lavish idea you have on your vision board.”

“My goal is to offer a service that couples will always remember. Though I love all of the vendors around Utah, and will continue to bring my clients to them, I am setting up ways to give my clients every last detail they have imagined and more.” 

– Karla Edlinger, Owner

Ask the Expert

What’s Ahead:

We are thrilled to welcome 2023 couples into our first season as a full-service wedding company. We are here to make wedding dreams come true, and can now provide floral, catering, venue, and planning services. 

Excited about:

We are excited to play around with florals in 2023. We’ve seen a lot of classic designs in our repertoire this season, and we are looking forward to branching out into a fresh, eclectic space in floral design once again. We hope to deliver unique color palettes and unexpected combinations for truly one of a kind events!

Fresh Ideas:

Don’t accept anything less than the best possible quality for your special day. No wedding vision is impossible for our designers – let us deliver the dream wedding you deserve!

Contact Serendipity Event Designers

Karla Edlinger, Owner

801-592-8010

4223 Vintage Circle, Provo

serendipityeventdesigners.com

Bridal Beauty Timeline

Photo by Pepper Nix photographers

No matter how long your engagement season, there is always time to proactively primp for your wedding day.

Form Derm Spa’s Janie Ward shares the ideal bridal beauty schedule for fiancées, wedding party, and guests alike. 

12 Months: Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can take up to a year for lasting results, but once you’re smooth, only an annual touchup is required. 

6-12 Months: Fat Freeze

CoolSculpting offers a simple, noninvasive solution to eliminate fat for a fully-toned body on the
big day. 

Laser hair removal, Photo courtesy Form Derm spa

6 Months: Laser Skin Treatments

Various laser treatments can promote long-lasting, baby-smooth skin. In-depth treatments should begin 6 months before the event for best results, but some treatments can heal in as little as 6 weeks. 

4-6 Months: Medical-Grade Skincare

If experimenting with new products, begin a few months ahead of schedule to allow the skin time to balance. The Ward team recommends opting for a medically engineered formula, such as their Form Rx line, to get healthy skin alongside that flawless finish. 

Form Derm Spa’s Hydrofacial, Photo courtesy Form Derm spa

3-4 Months: Hydrafacial 

See your spa professional for a customized monthly facial, beginning 4 months before your event. A final moisturizing treatment 1-2 days before the wedding will give the ideal glow. 

6 Weeks: MicroNeedling

Customized treatments can include platelet-rich plasma and chemical peels, to heal skin in preparation for the walk down the aisle. 

4 Weeks: Teeth Whitening 

The best treatments are all natural, for a painless and healthy grin. 

4-6 Weeks: Botox

Lift a brow, or relax a muscle or two to get yourself photo-ready. For those new to the needle, Ward says a 6-month trial may be in order. 

Filler administered by Form Derm Spa,
Photo courtesy Form Derm spa

1-2 Months: Fillers

Give your newly plumped pout 1-2 months of wiggle room to settle into the perfect shape. 

4-5 Days: Mani/Pedi 

Begin polishing and final touches the week of the wedding, so you are well-primped for both the wedding itself and the pre-ceremony parties.

3 Days: Waxing

Waxing treatments should take place at least two days before the big day, to allow any irritation to subside. 

Lash Lift,
Photo: adobe stock

3 Days: Lash Extensions or Lifts

Whether you’re a tried-and-true extensions gal or just looking for a voluminous boost, touch up your lashes a few days before your celebration to keep them looking full and fresh.

2 Days: Tanning 

Schedule your spray tan just a couple days before the wedding for a glow untarnished by other treatments (but be sure to allow it time to fade into your ideal shade). formdermspa.com

Real Wedding: Farah & Geoff’s Summer Wedding at La Caille

THE COUPLE

Photo by Grey Giraffe Photography

Putting a spin on the typical tale of coworkers falling in love, Farah and Geoff instead became colleagues post-matrimony. Today, the spouses work together for a political organization, but their story began shortly after Farah moved from Utah to Washington, D.C. in pursuit of a career in politics. Geoff, who was a former employee of Farah’s company, stopped in for a visit and boldly asked Farah to dinner the first evening they met. As they say, the rest is history.

THE PROPOSAL

One summer, Farah invited her parents to visit D.C. Upon arriving at their final sight-seeing stop (the office of the Speaker of the House), Farah was pleasantly surprised to find a staff photographer on site, snapping shots for a supposed promotional pamphlet. As the couple stepped onto the marble balcony to enjoy the Speaker’s famous view of the National Mall, the photographer’s true mission was revealed: to capture the powerful moment of Geoff’s proposal (and Farah’s forever “yes”).

THE WEDDING

This caption goes here.

Farah and Geoff’s marriage brought not only two people together, but two cultures. Farah is of Chilean and Honduran descent, while Geoff’s family is Chinese. To celebrate this blending of traditions, the couple went all in with a cultural celebration of the century held at Salt Lake City’s La Caille.

The couple exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush tropical flora: massive green fronds teamed with vibrant red and white arrangements of roses, anthurium, and gladiola to create a striking path for the couple’s entrance. Farah walked down the aisle in a strapless Pronovias gown featuring intricate lace details and a tulle illusion skirt. She accessorized with ivory heels embellished with palm leaves, linking her bridal fashion to the décor.

Photo by Grey Giraffe Photography

Inside, the wedding’s crimson theme took center stage as an homage to Geoff’s heritage, in which red is a lucky color. Belle Bodas Events strategically added enough color to each table to elevate the greenhouse space, but not so much to detract from the venue’s natural beauty. Larger settings  were dressed in champagne-colored linens and towering arrangements of greenery. Round tables balanced the room with simple black linens and contrasting crimson centerpieces. Framed palm leaves served as menu displays, and bright red Chinese gift boxes welcomed each guest to their seat.

Overhead, glowing Chinese lanterns fostered a peaceful ambiance and a sense of dimension, delighting the eye no matter where it wandered. 

THE PARTY

When their big celebration finally came, after postponements due to the pandemic, these lovebirds went all out for the party of their dreams. And while Chinese culture strongly influenced the décor, the dance floor is where Farah’s South American roots truly emerged. “We wanted the wedding to have a ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ vibe, while incorporating both of our families’ cultures,” says Farah. “Ultimately, we wanted to entertain and surprise people.”

Those surprises came in all shapes and colors, from an unexpected father-daughter Cueca dance accompanied by a live Mariachi band to a live artist painting the intimate ceremony and trumpeters sending guests off at the end of the evening, each with a slice of black-frosted wedding cake in hand. 

 “Utah is so beautiful and unique, that we wanted to give our out-of-town guests an experience they’d truly never had at a wedding before.”

Utah Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planning and Design: Belle Bodas Events, bellebodasandevents.com

Photography: Grey Giraffe Collective, greygiraffe.com

Venue & Catering: La Caille, lacaille.com

Floral: Cactus and Tropicals, cactusandtropicals.com/eventfloral

Gown: Pronovias Privee via Kleinfeld Bridal; pronovias.com, kleinfeldbridal.com 

Overlay Skirt: Martina Liana Bridal, essensedesigns.com/martina-liana

Ceremony Shoes: BHLDN, bhldn.com

Robe: Robed With Love,
robedwithlove.com

Groom’s Tux: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com

Stationery & Signage: Made by Jen, @madebyjen_

Ceremony Painter: Painting with Bailey, @paintingwith.Bailey 

Rentals & Linens: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com

Hair: Create on Location, msha.ke/createonlocation

Makeup: Julianne Horsley, MUA, 

@juliannemakeupartist

Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com

Videographer: Shey Allen Films, sheyallenfilms.com

Cake: Annie’s Cakes, @annies.c.a.k.e.s

DJ: DJ Drew, getdjdrewmusic.com

Photobooth: Snap Happy Photobooth, snaphappy-photobooth.com

Reception Voicemail Phone: After the Tone, afterthetone.co

Lighting: Moonlight Utah, moonlightutah.com

Celebration Makers 2023: River Bottoms Ranch

Exclusive access to breathtaking mountain views, flexible and stunning facilities, and exceptional, high-quality service can all be yours with a booking at River Bottoms Ranch. 

This picturesque Midway valley getaway, located just 25 minutes from Park City, is the ideal gathering place for unforgettable retreats and prestigious corporate events. 

The team of experts at River Bottoms Ranch is poised to provide each client an unsurpassed celebration. Each vendor on River Bottoms Ranch’s partner list is top-of-the-line in Utah’s lineup of industry professionals. Here, caterers, entertainers, photographers, florists and more come together with a common goal: making the personal touches of your wedding shine. 

“Let your authentic personality shine through and create memories that make you smile,” says Janica Horner, owner. “We have surrounded ourselves with the most talented and amazing vendors in every line of service in the wedding industry, and we look forward to helping you create your dream wedding experience.”

Whether you envision a striking checkerboard dance floor or a glittering rustic ceremony experience, these experts will make every moment exquisitely “you.” 

Connections, country and comfort. River Bottoms Ranch offers an elevated location for the precious moments in your life. “We can’t wait to help you create joy,” Horner says.

“I love to highlight the words ‘experience’ and ‘memories.’ We love to see our couples letting their unique visions shine, giving their guests a one-of-a-kind experience, and making their big day an unforgettable memory.” 

– Janica Horner, Owner

Ask the Expert

What’s Ahead:

Every season at the ranch is breathtaking and unique, but this year we are seeing events elevated as our guests have a new sense of excitement for gathering and travel. 

Excited about:

We love our newly built mortise-and-tenon timber pavilion. It’s a beautiful, open-air structure that provides an additional space ideal for comfort, beauty and accessibility, and it allows clients to take full advantage of the picturesque outdoor elements that surround the ranch.

Fresh Ideas:

Don’t be afraid of events during the off-season! Utah’s unique climate provides the perfect landscape for a Winter Wonderland experience. Embrace those long sleeves and snow-sprinkled “I Do’s” for timelessly elegant memories that last a lifetime. 

Contact River Bottoms Ranch

Janica Horner, Owner

435-503-4379

1374 N. River Road, Midway

riverbottomsranch.com

Give Wedding Guests the Utah Experience

photos courtesy High West; Gabriella Santos Photography

GIRL SQUAD 

Photo by Sydney Jane Photography

Nothing says “girls trip” like a weekend of pampering and poolside relaxation. Treat your moms and maids to a luxury spa retreat in Utah’s capital city.

Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel boasts one of the top downtown relaxation destinations for brides and all of their gals. Work with the Grand Spa to dream up customized massage and facial packages, and enjoy the added benefit of full access to the hotel’s amenities, including the pools, a Himalayan salt sauna and a luxurious eucalyptus steam room. 

Photo by Sydney Jane Photography

“The Grand America can be a one-stop shop for weddings,” says assistant spa manager Whitney Johnson. “We offer full salon services, accommodations for out of town guests, dining options for wedding dinners and more.” 

Photo by Sydney Jane Photography

Finish off the festivities with a classy bachelorette tea party. Whether you go traditional at the Grand’s tea rooms, trendy with a brunch at any of SLC’s dining hotspots, or bohemian in one of the city’s many stunning outdoor spaces, a celebratory meal with the ladies is the perfect way to say “so long” to the single life. 

The Grand Spa

555 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City

801-258-6568

grandamerica.com

FOR THE BOYS 

Bachelors, pack your bags—sophisticated celebrations await in Summit County. Gear up for a weekend of equal parts high-end accommodations and rustic romping, beginning with a brunch tour of High West Distillery and Refectory in Wanship, complete with customized selections of craft whiskey. 

The adventures don’t stop there. The nearby Lodge at Blue Sky resort offers skeet shooting and horseback riding excursions. High West Saloon serves year round, humming with the requisite lively bar atmosphere for a laid back evening of drinks. Nelson Cottage, a restored bungalow in the heart of Park City’s main street district, offers an intimate setting with seasonal prix-fixe menus, including curated bar pairings to complement each course. 

High West Saloon, 703 Park Avenue, Park City

High West Distillery and Refectory, 27649 Old Lincoln Highway, Wanship

Nelson Cottage, 651 Park Avenue, Park City highwest.com

TheLodge at Blue Sky, 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, UT 84017. aubergeresorts.com/bluesky

SETTING UP CAMP 

Take a page from this couple’s book, and treat your guests to a quintessentially Utah adventure for your rehearsal dinner. For their pre-wedding welcome, Madison and Andrew enlisted Michelle Leo Events and Culinary Crafts to produce a grand glamping site on a family property, complete with upscale teepees furnished with beds, blankets, lighting and other elevated essentials. 

Laid-back luxury was the evening’s theme, and guests enjoyed the upbeat crooning of a mobile bluegrass band, high-end whiskey tastings from High West Distillery and a western-themed menu showcasing the essence of Utah’s food atmosphere, with each course grilled and prepared on-site. 

“When guests are coming from out of town, they want to experience what Utah has to offer,” says Jocelyn Gillies, Director of Sales at Culinary Crafts. “It adds a new layer of personalization to the event and creates a unique memory that your guests will always associate with you and your special day.” 

Culinary Crafts caterers are the team to call for remotely located events, juggling the logistics of heat, lighting, and specialty menus for strikingly cohesive events.

Details

Planning & Design: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com

Catering: Culinary Crafts, culinarycrafts.com

For more inspiration on weddings visit here!

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