When it comes to staging a nuptial celebration, whether a bridal shower or a groom’s-night-out, is there any swankier backdrop than a sultry cocktail lounge? Salt Lake City boasts many bars—each flaunting sleek interiors, romantic ambiance and the festive sound of bottles popping—all eager to host a bridal bash.
For Spirit Savants:
Eight Settlers Distillery
Eight Settlers
Nestled at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Eight Settlers blends 1850s western roots with modern American flair. Their in-house distillery produces four spirits, and their spacious venue offers four distinct spaces available for private bookings. 7321 S. Canyon Centre Pkwy., Cottonwood Heights. eightsettlersdistillery.com
For History Buffs:
Franklin Ave.
Franklin Ave.
Located in an up-and-coming downtown area, Franklin Ave. is reviving prohibition-era mischief. In the 1890s, the building was a theater, speakeasy and popular watering hole for scandalous high-powered officials. Today, the sleek two-story bar offers delectable modern American fare and plenty of space to accommodate large parties. 231 E. Edison St., SLC. franklinaveslc.com
For Multicultural Admirers:
Post Office Place
Post Office Place
Conceived by sushi hall-of-fame favorite Takashi, Post Office Place offers a fusion of global cuisine and Japanese excellence. Their spirit wall boasts the largest selection of Japanese Whisky in the state, and their art-forward interiors are perfect for unique photo ops. 16 W. Market St., SLC. popslc.com
For Patio Loungers:
Ivy & Varley
Ivy & Varley
This downtown eatery features an eclectic menu and a relaxed-yet-upscale interior. Their patio, the largest in downtown Salt Lake, is furnished by water features, sofas and a sweeping ivy wall—it’s a can’t-miss for your outdoor gathering. 55 W. 100 South, SLC.ivyandvarley.com
For Hotel Habitués:
Laurel Brasserie & Bar
Laurel Brasserie & Bar
The Grand America’s most recent venture, Laurel Brasserie & Bar, chicly combines elevated design with a relaxed approach to dining. A swanky bar area and two private dining rooms provide an elegant backdrop for any grand celebration. 555 S. Main St., SLC. laurelslc.com
Kristine, a Utah native, and Austin, from Florida, met on the dating app Hinge despite their initial reluctance to use it. “Once we came across each other’s profiles,” Kristine recalls, “we immediately connected.” Austin is a Cloud Services Account Manager at Google, while Kristine is a Manager at Insight Global, where she oversees a team of Construction Project Managers. They have now been together for almost five years!
The Proposal
Knowing that Kristine loves surprises and romantic grand gestures, Austin took her to Hilton Head for Memorial Day weekend. After a romantic dinner the couple decided to walk around the harbor and marina. They stopped to enjoy view of the lighthouse at the edge of the harbor where Austin told her she was his lighthouse and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He got down on one knee and popped the question. With so much excitement running through Kristine’s veins she forget to even answer the question at first and just ran to kiss him. However, the yes was said, tears were cried and smiles were beaming. “It was the most special moment” says Kristine.
The Wedding
Both Kristine and Austin wanted the mountains to be front and center in their wedding which is why they chose Utah. After selecting Willow Creek Country Club as their venue, Covid-19 forced them to rethink their plans. The couple decided to cancel the venue and get married one month before the original date in Kristine’s parent’s backyard. With only 30 guests, the ceremony turned out better than they could have imagined.
The wedding was a full weekend experience for their guests who traveled to attend. Kristine and Austin wanted the vibe to be an intimate dinner party followed by a fun dance party, and that’s exactly what they got. They opted for a color palette that mimicked the surrounding nature, choosing whites, greens, and a touch of blue.
Their dear friend Justus Wood was their officiant and the ceremony was one of Kristine’s favorite moments. They had a unique element of passing the rings around for each guest to hold while they prayed over them and their relationship. Their (then) 6-month-old puppy, Dune, even walked down the aisle.
The couple wrote their own vows and exchanged them in front of their guests. With only 35 people in attendance, Kristine and Austin’s backyard wedding was intimate, personal and unforgettable.
The Party
The wedding reception was not your typical dance party, as the couple opted for a silent disco experience. Guests were given headphones that were connected to DJ Russ Powell’s sound system, which kept everyone on the dance floor all night long. The signature drinks of the evening were Tini’s Martini (reflecting the bride’s nickname, “Tini”) and Austin’s was a classic Old Fashioned. The couple had their first dance to “Amazed,” and then surprised each other and their guests with two additional dance performances.
Kristine choreographed a dance with her bridesmaids to “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera and “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce. “It was so fun to see Austin’s reaction to the outfit change and the bold dance moves. Our guests really enjoyed it too!”
The groom and his groomsmen also had a number up their sleeves when they serenaded the bride one by one and then had a group dance to a surprise song. The evening ended with the bride and groom’s private ‘last dance’ to “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs as the guests prepared the sparklers for their exit.
The Honeymoon
Austin surprised Kristine with their honeymoon plans since she was burnt out from planning three weddings. They had originally planned to go to Europe, but due to Covid restrictions they instead went to California for a mini-moon. They stayed at Terrenea Resort, Hotel Coranado resort on Coronado Island, and toured Temecula. They later went to Italy and Greece for their 1 year anniversary.
On May 2, 2023, Utah Bride & Groom magazine hosted the best of Utah’s wedding professionals at our first White Party since the worldwide shutdown. With a garden party theme and a freshly refurbished local venue, Fuse Weddings and Events coordinated a lavish return to live events. Three bands, a fascinating menu, and decor dressed to the nines in spring pastels welcomed the state’s industry in true luxury wedding style.
Photos by Pepper Nix
Guest Images Submitted by Utah Bride & Groom team.
Utah Live Bands provided not one, not two, but three fabulous entertainment groups for the evening, and Culinary Crafts caterers produced a daring and truly one-of-a-kind menu featuring dish such as wild mushroom polenta, sardine flatbread, caviar french toast and braised pork banh mi buns. Decoration, Inc. transformed the halls of Twenty & Creek into a pastel garden oasis, outfitting a fireplace centerpiece in a symphony of pinks and lavenders. Desserts were presented by Chip Cookies, and in a live icing demonstration by cake. by Alessandra.
Guests also enjoyed a zero-proof wine bar and selections from Vine Lore, photo booths by Utah Jive and luxury lounge areas by Wild Event Studio and Vault event rentals. The main showcase of the evening featured live floral gowns modeled by dancers from Utah’s Ballet Center, who captured the hearts of every guest. Floral showpieces included: a plush petaled minidress in shades of pink and gold by Cactus & Tropicals; tropical inspiration with a foliage umbrella by Jacquelyn’s Floral Designs; a blushing cherry blossom number by Urban Chateau Floral and Tiffany Plyler; cascading tulips in fiery orange from Native Flower Company; and an electric blue tutu by Bumble and Blossom Floral, topped with a pressed-flower bodice by Flowers of the Press.
On behalf of the entire UBG team, we want to thank all of our generous sponsors and vendors who participated in this event, as well as the 200+ industry members who came out to celebrate Utah’s weddings & events community.
Planning and Design by Aloha Bridal Connections Photos by Maggie Bradshaw
THE COUPLE
Native Texans Jodie and Evan met during a mutual friend’s birthday dinner. From that night bloomed a beautiful relationship filled with laughter and adventure. Five years later, Evan decided to pop the question. During a vacation to one of the couple’s favorite beach locales, Key West, Evan brought Jodie to Smathers Beach where he lowered onto one knee. To Jodie’s surprise, photographers popped out of hiding places to capture the incredibly magical moment.
SOUTHERN UTAH DESTINATION WEDDING
To showcase their love of travel and the outdoors, Jodie and Evan chose to host their celebration at The Red Earth Venue in Moab, complete with jaw dropping red rock views and rustic bohemian flair. Each detail, from the guests attire to the event’s floral design, was meticulously thought out to reflect the couple’s love story.
A palette of earthy taupes complimented the venue’s desert surroundings, while warm berry tones added pops of color. “Earthy tones symbolize our grounded love,” Jodie says. “The rich warm hues represented our fiery passion.” For added luxe and comfort, chic loungers, fire pits and fresh florals adorned the al fresco celebration. The couple was joined by 45 of their closest friends and family members, “allowing us to fully savor the breathtaking desert views with the people who meant the world to us,” Jodie recalls.
Against the stark crimson cliffs, Jodie was a vision of bridal beauty in her off-shoulder beaded gown by Louvienne. “Every moment I spent in it made me feel like an absolute queen,” she says. Floating down the aisle, Jodie focused on her husband-to-be dressed in his dapper sand-hued suit by Adam Ross. Of course, the couple could not take their next step into forever without the presence of their pooch Oliver, who joined Jodie and Evan at the altar in his adorable custom wedding attire.
Throughout their special day, Jodie and Evan prioritized private moments for just the two of them. Before the ceremony, the couple shared their vows back-to-back with only the solitude of the Moab desert as their witness. Between their tears of happiness, Evan couldn’t resist reaching back to feel Jodie’s dress and envision her bridal look. Another intimate memory, the couple stole away during the reception to snap a few golden-hour photos. “It allowed us to slow down and savor the incredible day we had crafted together,” says Jodie.
RED EARTH VENUE RECEPTION
Self-proclaimed foodies, Jodie and Evan wanted their menu to showcase their love of culinary exploration, and the catering pros at Moab Chef were up to the challenge. Guests enjoyed a selection of appetizers during cocktail hour, complete with customized napkins with Oliver’s face and drinks from mobile bar service The Tipsy Trailer. Once the party moved inside Red Earth’s Glass House venue, Jodie and Evan hit the dance floor for their first dance to ‘Kiss Me,’ by Dermot Kennedy. “We’ve seen Dermot perform while we were dating, again during our engagement and even had the pleasure of meeting him in person as a married couple,” Jodie shares. “His music is deeply intertwined with our love story.” Between dancing and celebrating, guests enjoyed a dessert bar loaded with a variety of treats, from cupcakes to gluten-free cookies and a smattering of salads and dinner options. The couple’s three-tier white wedding cake was topped with sweet blooms and frosted with almond buttercream. As dusk settled on the desert horizon, Jodie and Evan toasted “forever” with their closest circle.
POST-WEDDING ADVENTURE
Moab offers a bounty of excursions for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the married couple wasted no time enjoying them. The wedding party reconvened for a day-after brunch and then hit the trails for a private sunset excursion in Hells Revenge dune field. Jodie recalls the unique experience as the perfect end to their celebration. “It was a pulse-pounding adventure that we highly recommend to anyone seeking unforgettable memories.”
Planning and Design by Bluebird Event Destination Management
Photography by Sparkle Photography
THE COUPLE
Katy, a marriage and family therapist, met her husband William, who works in fulfillment for an e-commerce brand, on the rooftop bar of the Georgia Theater in Athens, Georgia. After eight years of long-distance dating off and on, Katy and William rekindled their sparks mid-pandemic and moved to Dallas to begin a more permanent life together. One Friday night, William enlisted a special helper (their goldendoodle, Dash) to present Katy with an engagement ring. After a romantic evening at her favorite restaurant, the couple returned home to find Dash posed perfectly with a ring on his collar. Spoiler alert: Katy said yes!
THE WEDDING
When it came to choosing the wedding venue, The St. Regis Deer Valley was a no-brainer. It is a destination Katy’s family has been frequenting for decades. Bluebird Event Destination Management and Artisan Bloom teamed to complement the mountain peaks with Katy’s dream décor: a garden party fit for royalty. “Flowers, flowers, flowers—that’s what I wanted” Katy says. “Our vendors really understood how much I love color and a bright environment.”
Katy walked down an aisle framed in rosy blooms wearing a fitted Monique L’Huillier gown with flourishing floral lace and off-the-shoulder straps. On her way to join William, she had her father on one arm and a blushing bouquet in the hand of the other. At the pink-backed altar, a wedding party 32-strong stood in support, with groomsmen in sharp blue suits and the maids each clad in a unique petal-hued dress. The couple was married by Katy’s best friend Jordan, who led a ceremony filled with sweet memories and laughter.
Guests followed a New Orleans-style processional to a tent on the hotel’s terrace for dinner and dancing. From the top down, the event’s design was a celebration of femininity, florals and classic beauty. At the peak of the transparent tent, dazzling crystal chandeliers glittered from all angles. The main focal point was a 12-foot floral wreath encircled in sprays of pink peony, ranunculus and rose. Garlands of greenery wound each fence pole, drawing the eye to the towering centerpieces atop sleek gold stands.
THE PARTY
The couple selected a classic wedding menu, with beef filet and Chilean Sea bass as main courses, and grilled cheese at the afterparty. Dessert included a cookie bar and two impressive cakes: a six-tier snickerdoodle cake dressed in large blossoms and a groom’s cake in the shape of The Master’s logo.
The Party Crashers crooned covers of classics as the couple and their guests danced together at the reception. “We didn’t love the idea of all eyes on us for a first dance, so we invited everyone to join in.” Shortly after the reception, a DJ began an hours-long University of Georgia-themed afterparty in the Deer Crest Club, where black and red balloons and Bulldog memorabilia celebrated the new couple. All through the night, Katy and William danced, cheered and partied with their guests.
THE HONEYMOON
Katy and William celebrated their marriage with an adventure in Maui, which included equal parts lounging by the ocean and touring the island’s landscapes and volcanoes by both bicycle and helicopter.
Invite a touch of whimsy to your wedding celebration with an over-the-top balloon installation. Once small additions to bridal showers and bachelorette parties, balloons are now popping up full-scale on wedding days to add fun-loving flair to ceremonies and beyond. Fixtures like this reception decor by Pop Park City capture the posh, playful vibe of a celebration, and elevate it in a brand new fashion.
For more wedding tips, trends, and talents visit here!
Salt Lake City native Maggie and Palo Alto native Andrew met in fall 2019 in sunny California while Maggie was completing her studies at Stanford University. Now graduated—both from university and from girlfriend to Mrs.—Maggie works in finance for a work management software company. Andrew’s career continues at a Bay Area venture capital firm.
THE PROPOSAL
Knowing that Maggie has a love affair with flowers, Andrew took her for a weekend walk along the breathtaking paths of Filoli, the bay area’s historic gardens. Midway through their stroll, the couple came upon a full meadow of sunny daffodils. Before Maggie could catch her breath from the stunning view, Andrew got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. Gifted with a beautiful ring, Maggie said “yes” to a beautiful life together.
THE WEDDING
Salt Lake Country Club holds a special meaning for the bride’s family as it was the venue for both Maggie’s parent’s wedding and her own, on the same date exactly 25 years apart. “I owe so much to my parents, and it was so special to be able to share this day and this place with them,” Maggie says. After a morning ceremony in the Bountiful, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the couple and their guests reunited at the Country Club for a whimsical reception full of color.
Beneath elegantly monogrammed banners and garlands of playful dangling wildflowers, tables robed in sky blue linens welcomed guests to the reception dinner. Florals of all colors and arrangements filled chic rose-gold vessels. A sunny yellow cake sat center stage, adorned with a deluge of vibrant petals, capturing Maggie’s vision of perfect summertime hues.
“We wanted something fun, celebratory and floral-focused,” Maggie says. “At the same time, we wanted a classy and timeless look. I loved the whimsy and elegance that came from this design.”
Maggie and Andrew arrived at their reception in a greenery-laden golf cart, dressed to the nines in a classic black tuxedo and a sparkling, floral-patterned gown with a flowing train and delicately detailed cap sleeves.
THE PARTY
Music was a must for these lovebirds–Maggie grew up studying classical music and Andrew loves to bust a move. Because of her love for music, Maggie opted for a live band from the West Coast to provide the soundtrack to their wedding party, rather than a DJ playlist. The band delivered an energy-packed evening filled with tender moments, including dancing with their parents to Nat King Cole and raucous surprises like a fully choreographed groomsmen number set to a Bruno Mars hit. Atop a brightly lit dance floor and backed by striking mountain views, the newlyweds shared their first dance to “If I Ain’t Got You,” by Alicia Keys.
“We discovered the lighted dance floor while planning, and thought it was the perfect way to enhance the dance party,” Maggie says. Throughout the night, the stage shifted colors based on the mood of the song, luring guests to join the fold with every tune.
The wedding celebration for Maggie and Andrew became a de facto reunion for friends and family from across the country. “It was amazing to have an in-person celebration with everyone we love, and to finally be able to introduce people from throughout our lives to each other.”
THE HONEYMOON
After dancing the night away, Maggie and Andrew exited their reception to classic sparkler fanfare and then embarked on a honeymoon getaway to Lanai, Hawaii.
Utah Wedding Vendors:
Planning, Floral and Design: La Fête Floral and Design, lafetefloral.com
Some couples are ‘hiking couples.’ Some couples are ‘night at the bar couples.’ But sweethearts Zach and Rachel are a ‘museum couple.’ After rekindling a high school romance in their college years, their go-to date nights were always set in art galleries and bookstores around Utah County.
After they got engaged, they took their first voyage to Springville Museum of Art and fell deeply in love with the architecture and exhibits displayed within this historic Utah gallery. By the time they left, they had all but made up their minds to celebrate their wedding at Springville Museum of Art.
“The museum felt like more than a typical wedding venue…[It] felt very genuine to what we love, and something we love to do together,” says bride Rachel Bagley.
After a snowy reception at the Provo City Center LDS Temple, Zach and Rachel celebrated with their guests in the museum’s Spanish-style elegance. The museum spaces offered more than the typical ballroom space for a mix-and-mingle reception. Rather, guests were invited to stroll the galleries and enjoy the art collections as they greeted the couple and danced the evening away.
Rachel’s bridal attire included a beautifully structured column gown from Pritchett Bridal, featuring quarter-length crepe sleeves and belt detail, as well as dangling pearl accessories and a delicate tulle veil. Zach kept his look classic with clean lines and a sharp black-and-white suit ensemble making a bold impact against the ornate walls of the SMA galleries.
You don’t have to travel to Europe in order to have the regal, elegant wedding of your dreams. With a whimsical fairy tale essence and a nod to ‘Pride & Prejudice,’ this castle inspired shoot by Brittny Hart will have you feeling like royalty, but stay tuned for Hart’s Utah-local recommendations.
Featuring 3D floral textured gowns by Aimee Bridal, creamy blush blooms by Elaine Minto and an intricate hand-painted invitation suite by Patrice Papier with the sleek background of Hopetoun House in Edinburgh, Scotland, wedding planning brides are invited to take inspiration from this elevated, dreamy and crisp visual approach to a castle wedding.
Calling back on the imagery evoked through Cinderella’s dash down the castle steps, the bride wears two flowy gowns with floral appliques. Meanwhile the groom’s sharp obsidian tuxedo by Slater Menswear provided a masculine, grounded feel to the images. This feature is a perfect fit for couples dreaming of a nod to tasteful, fairytale inspiration for their wedding day.
Careful to highlight the bride’s face without distracting from it, Brittny chose blush roses for the bouquet, adding a touch of babys’ breath in order to compliment the gowns’ floral designs. The combination of floral motifs creates an ethereal and eternal look.
Using soft buttery pinks for the paper suite, overlayed with graceful calligraphy and stately monograms, Brittny was able to capture the princess feel without crossing the line into ‘cheesy.’
In order to create this castle-esque look in Utah, Brittny recommends going to Wadley Farms or Castle Park Weddings, both of which boast grand architecture and majestic views.
Brittny states that her goal as a photographer is to document the event in a way that’s dynamic but also preserves the ‘true’ feeling of the day. She says, “I don’t want the bride or groom to look back and think, ‘oh that’s not as sparkly as I remember.’” Her personal style is ‘true to color and bold and vibrant.’ Whether it’s the texture of the flowers, or touches on the paper suite, Brittny is always thinking about details. If you’re a soon to be bride wanting to feel like a princess on your big day, then Brittney Hart is the photographer for you.
The Planner: Rachael Mayo, Photos courtesy of Rachael Mayo, Pepper Nix and Kellie Jackstien
There’s a science to coordinating the schedule for your big day, and some timely elements may come as a surprise. Three Utah wedding pros share tips for orchestrating a wedding day timeline that feels perfectly in tempo.
THE DAY-OF-TIMELINE
Getting ready is one of the most special parts of a wedding day. Rachael Mayo of Rachael Ellen Events (pictured above) warns brides not to underestimate the time it takes to actually don the wedding gown. “This moment should be special and intentional,” Mayo explains. “If not properly planned, it can feel rushed.”
When it comes to directing guests to the right place at the right time, Mayo’s top tools are buffering and direction. First, give guests a 30 minute buffer for arrivals: if the ceremony begins at 5:00, write 4:30 on those invitations. At the event, have plenty of signage and staff to ensure your guests aren’t left to wander. rachaelellenevents.com
The Photographer: Pepper Nix Photo courtesy of Pepper Nix
PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
The wedding day timeline fills up remarkably quickly, says seasoned photographer Pepper Nix, and the biggest “running-late” culprit is last-minute additions to the pre-ceremony moments. She recommends that couples make a list of all the getting-ready moments they’d like captured ahead of time, and to budget approximately 15 minutes for each photo, especially when arranging a group is required.
“Many brides don’t realize how much time last-minute additions eat up,” Nix says. With 15 minutes on the clock for each setup, fleeting additions such as a first look with Dad, a bridal party gift exchange or a boudoir shot can easily put you an hour behind schedule. “Plan to begin shooting 5 hours before your ceremony,” says Nix. “That allows for getting-ready shots, group photos of the family and wedding party, a first look and any other additions with plenty of daylight left for your ‘I Dos.’” peppernix.com
The Florist: Kellie Jackstien, Photo courtesy of Kellie Jackstien
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE AROUND FLORALS
According to florist Kellie Jackstien of Artisan Bloom, a full floral setup can take up to 12 hours. A perfectly bloomed and photo-ready installation requires a lot of planning, sometimes beginning days in advance. “Our florals often sit in various climate-controlled rooms for a few days before the wedding to ensure they will open right on time for the ceremony.” There’s a fine balance between lush and lack-luster. Be sure to give your floral team time to build your backdrop, but don’t leave florals cooking in the hot sun for too long.
The bouquet is another day-of consideration. “What you see on Pinterest isn’t always practical,” Jackstien warns. Pansies will wilt in moments, and daffodils will kill off other blooms in a bouquet. Instead, opt for heartier blooms like roses, hydrangea or peony for the base of your hand-held arrangements, and accent with seasonal blooms to add texture and personality to your bouquet. artisanbloom.com
