When planning their engagement shoot, Colorado couple Taylor and Cody knew they wanted to come to Utah for the stunning natural geography. However, instead of the traditional mountain views that might overshadow the couple, photographer Jackie Siggard suggested that they capture their engagement at the Great Saltair.
Richly textured grasses and a subtle color palette make for a timeless backdrop while perfectly framing the couple as the center of focus, allowing Siggard to fully capture the essence of love and joy radiating from Taylor and Cody.
Meet the Couple
Taylor and Cody met in middle school and officially started dating 12 years ago at ages 16 and 17. “Two dogs, five homes, and two states later we are finally tying the knot!”
The big question came when the couple took a trip to Keystone Colorado for Taylors birthday weekend. When they paused to take photos at the top of a mountain lookout, Cody surprised Taylor with a proposal. Unfortunately, the engagement ring that Cody had ordered was delayed in the mail so he popped the question with a rubber one which Taylor proudly wore for a week until the real deal arrived.
Tips For Shooting at the Great Saltair
Lighting can be a real challenge at the Great Saltair due to the lack of available shade. For the best results, Siggard recommends starting the shoot one to one and half hours before sunset. Couples must also be prepared to walk a ways, or to drive to a separate area, if they plan on taking photos near the water as the shore is far from the beginning of the dunes. Jackie also suggests bringing two outfits, one casual and one formal for varying looks.
Brigitte and Daniel started their journey as coworkers at an aviation software company based in Houston. Brigitte, who works in human resources, saw Daniel, a software developer, as a friend for two years before the couple embarked on their first date. The two were together for five years before tying the knot during their September celebration at Sundance Mountain Resort.
THE PROPOSAL
En route to a dream vacation in San Sebastian, Spain, Daniel treated Brigitte to a stop in London, her favorite city. As a flower lover, Brigitte had Kensington Gardens at the top of her itinerary. While walking the grounds, she heard their song, which is by Kacey Musgraves, and thought it was a happy coincidence created by street performers. It wasn’t until she saw a sign popping the big question that she realized what was truly happening. “It was so sweet to see all of the effort Daniel made to create a complete surprise for me across the pond,” Brigitte says. She responded with the easiest of “yeses” and the couple spent the remainder of their vacation as an “engagement-moon” in Spain.
THE CEREMONY
Brigitte walked down an aisle laden with brilliant white florals, wearing a dreamily romantic Galia Lahav gown with full length off the shoulder sleeves, a flawlessly fit corset bodice and a voluminous floral lace skirt. The ceremony entrances were set to “Landslide,” Daniel’s late mother’s favorite song. Brigitte was wed to Daniel by a mutual friend, Jonathan English, who was the couple’s host for the London proposal surprise. Daniel surprised Brigitte once again and had the theme to The Princess Bride played to accompany his vows, referencing one of their first dates.
THE WEDDING
“Part of our wedding vibe was a love letter to Utah,” says Brigitte, who was born in Mountain Green. “I am so proud of where I’m from, and I wanted all of our friends from around the globe to experience all of the things I love about my home.” And experience, they did: Utah-local products and people were infused into every part of this celebration. The guests’ welcome bags featured Great Salt Lake taffy, and the welcome party was hosted by High West’s Whiskey Ambassadors while guests basked in the peaceful mountain ambiance of Sundance Resort.
Then came the party of Bridgerton-ball proportions. Cascading white-and-blush roses and wisteria draped the venue from floor-to-ceiling, pairing with sleek black signage to create the perfect London-esque backdrop for an evening of romance. “I’m a neutrals girl at heart. I didn’t want to select a palette that didn’t feel like me just because I was getting married,” Brigette explains. For added sentimentality, the event details featured blue herons, another nod to Daniel’s mother’s favorite things.
Brigitte entered her reception in a second simple and modern gown designed by Alyssa Kristin. The couple and their guests enjoyed a plated dinner including braised short ribs, pan seared chicken, vegetable strudel and fruit galette. Drinks included cocktails with a signature flair: each showcased a favorite liquor selected from two of the pair’s favorite bars. Dessert took the form of a show-stopping, five-tier cake in multiple flavors— strawberry lemonade, samoa and carrot cake.
THE PARTY
DJ Joune brought the celebration to life, ushering in the newlyweds with “Kiss to Build a Dream On.” Brigitte made her grand exit as Mrs. in a third head-turning ensemble, a short and party-ready number by Nadine Merabi, with enough sparkle to last through the couple’s three-week Italian honeymoon.
A subtle winter style shoot that felt different from a traditional winter wedding. A wide range of colors for the palette, the new and beautiful venue Twenty & Creek, and timeless yet unique accessories, all came together to create this ultra-elegant yet affordable wedding that captures Utah’s transitions from cool winter into vibrant spring.
THE INSPIRATION
For this shoot, the team followed one main concept: an attainable wedding. By renting with affordable vendors they really wanted to show how beautiful a wedding can be without breaking you bank account. With beautiful florals, decorations and accessories they were able to create this non-traditional yet elegant winter wedding.
THE PALETTE & FLORALS
The most unique aspect of this shoot was definitely the color palette. “I was looking for a wide range of colors of about eight to ten, instead of the traditional three to four,” says Kaushay Ford, the wedding planner for this event. With such a wide range of colors she focused on one primary shade: a dusty lilac. From there, splashes of green and blue hues branched off of this neutral purple. You see this primarily in the florals, with a winter-blooming showpiece: sweet pea. Around the sweet peas you see sprouts of cedar to give that wintery feel without gravitating to the traditional pine. This team wanted to show how to have affordable florals at your wedding. With a strong emphasis on the ceremony florals, they wanted to showcase that you can put your spending into one aspect that’s most important to you, rather than overly spending everywhere else.
THE VENUE
Twenty & Creek, a new venue in Sandy, Utah, provided a perfect setting for a timeless and subtle winter wedding. Photographer Amanda Shupe wanted to completely show off this elegant venue, especially the grand staircase, which she called: “A picturesque moment for a grand entrance.” Amanda really captured the bride’s room, but absolutely fell in love with the groom’s room. A navy and cobalt blue colored room, Shupe described it with one word: “Cool.”
ACCESSORIES & FASHION
To complement the subtle winter feel that the florals and venue offered, the team decided to utilize the fashion and accessories. The team selected sage green bridesmaid dresses to match a moss agate ring, which was custom designed for this shoot. More affordable than a diamond, colorful agate can easily highlight a bride’s outdoorsy personality. “The accessories were the finishing touch,” says Ford. As expected, the wedding dress was a show-stopping look, and easy to recreate with just four elements: pearls, lace, sheer details and flowing fabric. However, we can’t forget about the bonus bridal look: a short get-a-way reception dress, offering yet another fun way to showcase a bride’s personality at the end of the night.
Dripping with all sorts of cool-girl energy, LaPointe’s latest bridal line leans into the western-inspired boho feather accents. This boisterous veil brings all of the texture a bride could desire, while still leaving room for natural bridal beauty to shine up above.
Lela Rose: Trimmed Bridal Capes
Photos via WWD and VoguePhotos via WWD and VoguePhotos via WWD and Vogue
The three bridal capes from designer Lela Rose are all about the simplicity. Delicate embroidered edging and dainty satin ribbons accentuate the elegance and grace of easily-flowing tulle accessories.
Marchesa: Full Lace Bridal Capes
Photos via WWD and Vogue
For the royal treatment on your wedding day, look no further than an ensemble from Marchesa. This densely laced high-low cape perfectly pairs with a slim-fitting gown with three-dimensional floral texture.
Rosie Assoulin: Drama from Every Angle
Photos via WWD and VoguePhotos via WWD and Vogue
Whether you go for ballgown beauty or a boho-chic vibe, designer Rosie Assoulin offers simple details to elevate any style. Try these two looks on for size: whimsical floral threads offer over-the-shoulder interest for the daisy-chain bride, while a simple tulle scarf with infinite tying possibility brings volume and personalization to a high-fashion base.
Sareh Nouri: Short and Sweet
Photos via WWD and Vogue
Sweet and sophisticated, this vintage-inspired elbow-length bridal cape accents a classic crisp strapless lace wedding gown.
Viktor and Rolf: Applique Bridal Capes
Photos via WWD and Vogue
Let the accessories do all the talking. In a NYFW runway in early 2023, Vikor and Rolf debuted a hooded sheer bridal cape heavy-laden with oversize floral applique details. Paired with a simple satin mini-dress, this accessory speaks for itself: the queen of bridal capes.
See more fashion inspiration from this season’s designers here.
Soon-to-be brides with an eye for sustainability have plenty of options for a low-waste celebration. Florals and food can be locally sourced, invitations and cards crafted from recycled materials, but what is to be done about the gown?
Salt Lake City’s Lovers Bridal Co. (a 2022 “Best of SLC” winner) offers an alternative to the “single use” gown by giving new life to vintage wedding dresses. Owner Kristina Batal has filled her shop on 800 South with one-of-a-kind gowns from bygone eras, beginning with the 1940s, and including a few pieces created as recently as the 1990s.
When making an appointment with Lovers Bridal—or “Joining the Love Club,” as Batal likes to call it—brides can request to try on specific dresses, or note a particular era, style or detail. Batal will find a gown in her collection to fit the bill. Often, brides will custom-tailor their picks for a personalized, modernized final look.
Occasionally, Batal will also help source a gown for a bride who is hunting for environmentally friendly wedding attire. Armed with a client’s wishlist, Batal has a knack for scouring estate sales, thrift stores and vintage collections to find the perfect dress.
But her true passion remains in that Say Yes To The Dress-style moment that she gets to share with her clients in person.
“There is a bit of bridal magic that happens in my store,” says Batal. “A bride’s number-one pick on the hanger often fits her like a glove. Everyone seems to have their perfect dress match.”
Your love story is something that is entirely ‘you,’ and your happily-ever-after should be just as unique. No two weddings should be exactly alike. Each wedding Hoopes Events creates follows that motto to bring your personality into the very heart of your wedding.
“The Hoopes Events style is to take the lifestyle of our couple and turn that into their perfect wedding,” says Tonya Hoopes, owner. “We believe in creating those unique special touches that have significance and meaning for each couple.” For more than a decade, her diverse team of planners has been creating events that showcase what makes your romance so special.
Investing in a talented and qualified wedding team is the key to a stress-free wedding, as well as a sure way to make your event one that you and your loved ones will never forget. But that doesn’t mean breaking the wedding budget.
“Just as each and every wedding is unique, so is every budget,” says Hoopes. “We don’t try to fit our clients into a look or location. At the end of the day, we want our clients to be happy, comfortable and feel good about working with our team.” Having a planner that knows which vendors fit your personality and budget, can handle the small details of your big day and are prepared to take your vision from the drawing board to reality really is priceless.
Hoopes Events loves making every wedding unique. Hoopes’ repertoire includes a Harry Potter theme, a gaming theme, skiing and snowboarding theme and many others. Although they are based in Utah, Hoopes has also done weddings in California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado.
Hoopes Events also applies their expertise and knowledge to help couples live out their exotic, destination wedding dreams. They’re looking forward to their weddings in Tulum, Mexico and Guanacaste, Costa Rica the first part of this year. Here’s what Tonya has to say about destination weddings, “What most couples don’t realize is that a destination wedding, in many cases, costs less than a traditional wedding. What’s more romantic than a wedding at your dream destination surrounded by family and friends?”
“I am so inspired by each of my clients as I hear stories of how they met, where they work, details of their personal lives and so much more. I love following them through the rest of their life milestones; it brings joy into our days and reminds me of why my team works hard to ensure our clients special day is all about them!”
– Tonya Hoopes, Owner
Ask the Expert:
What’s Ahead:
The year 2023 is bringing new opportunities for couples: We’re so excited! The world is open and couples can look forward to endless opportunities for their wedding celebration.
Excited about:
We’re looking forward to mismatched dress colors and styles. This trend brings color pops to every wedding while allowing each bridal party member to create a look that complements them without distracting from the bride!
Fresh Ideas:
A wedding to remember is all about personal touches. What moves you? A breathtaking mountain view, a rustic cabin, an elaborate hall or a fairy-tale castle? Be willing to create that vision. A lot can be done to transform any venue into the wedding venue of your dreams.
We recently spotted some of our favorite out-of-the-box bouquets from recent issues cropping up on inspiration boards, which can mean only one thing: floral texture and high-structure bouquets will have a big moment this 2023 wedding season. Whether you’re inspired by the dried fronds of the Utah desert or a vibrant and bursting palette of blooms, scroll through a few of our favorite arrangements to help bring more trending floral texture to your bridal bouquet.
Utah Bride and Groom’s Floral Texture Favorites
Go Neutral
Photo by Heather Nan
Sure, when it comes to white wedding flowers, roses rule. But in this shoot at Washington Schoolhouse Hotel, Allsion Baddley of La Fete Floral and Design showcases atypical beauties like luminaria, astilbe, fuzzy grasses and skeleton fern to steal the show. “This is a very seasonless look,” she explains. “You can use most of these flowers any time of the year. Spring, winter or fall. They even work in the mid-summer when you’re wanting to cool off.”
Photo by Elisha BraithwaitePhoto by Elisha Braithwaite
For a set of decidedly masculine wedding details, planner Mara Mazdzer of Fuse Weddings and Events declares contemporization as the key. In this layout, refreshingly out-of-the-box elements such as live, cloud-like cotton, twigs and branches offer foliage options far from traditional floral texture. For the tablescape, Mazdzer invites stylish minimalist accents with high-structure rose and dried foliage.
Photo by Heather Nan
Leading the floral texture craze, dried flowers are an increasingly popular way to bring a bit of character to arrangements. Echinops (or blue globe thistle) is a standout pod in the dried-bloom revolution. Here, limonium, feather grasses and begonia offer lightweight volume for a petite posy. See all the arrangements from this Desert-Inspired Bouquets shoot here.
Photo by Heather Nan
Lizzy Bowden relies on tried-and-true eucalyptus to bring cascading life to this dainty bouquet. Lively green makes for a fresh and fragrant bunch including, spirea, veronica, garden roses, jasmine.
Floral Texture in All Hues
Photo by Heather Nan
Can you say scroll-stopper? This unmissable orange arrangement by La Fête Floral & Design combines all our favorite citrusy sun-up hues, including dahlias, garden roses, gomphrena, ranunculus, bittersweet ornithogalum, and lively twigs bringing fresh meadow magic to the bouquet.
Photo by Heather Nan Photo by Heather Nan Photo by Heather Nan
Taking cues from the black, magenta and gold floral wallpaper adorning the foyer at Utah brunch favorite Sunday’s Best, Decoration, Inc. created show-stopping yet low-profile centerpieces in bright and cheery magenta, warm coral, deep red and bubble-gum pink. Layers of floral texture and varieties included garden spray roses, dahlias, anemones, peonies, orchids and nerine lilies for bursting-at-the-seams lushness.
Photo by Heather Nan
Lexie Sandberg of Carpe Diem Floral captures yellow’s spicy break-of-day hues using football mums, coxcomb, huechera, scabiosa, echinacea, ranunculus, zinnia and date palm berries, draping down the arm of the bride for peak aisle drama.
Photo by Heather Nan
Varying sizes, shapes, and hues of roses bring intense visual interest to this table arrangement by Tinge Floral. Paired with a white chocolate cake, this table becomes a work of art with a signature loose bouquet. Get the full color-block wedding inspiration experience of this shoot here.
Tell us: What sounds better than a cozy, intimate brunch to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day? The old Hollywood decor of Laurel Brasserie and stunning architecture of the monumental Grand America Hotel in which it resides provide a romantic, urban castle backdrop for this splendid styled gallery by Ali Montemayor Photography.
“For this shoot, I was reflecting about the quiet moments before or after a couple says ‘I Do,’ where they could bask in their newlywed state without the congressional of guests in tow,” Montemayor says. “I figure they’d simply want to eat!”
Montemayor took one look at the Grand America’s specialty facade with its radiating decadence, and dubbed it the perfect setting for the modern bride and groom. This adoring husband and wife circled back to their wedding day bliss in high style, sampling stunning dishes from the brasserie’s freshly developed menu.
Dreamy Dress Rentals provided an elegant mini dress that combines the right amounts of modern meets vintage fashion. “This dress whispers bridal, instead of screaming it,” says Montemayor.
“Life after 2020 looks a lot different for couples, so I wanted to capture a moment of celebratory inspiration for those looking for a quieter, more intimate affair.”
“I try to shoot in a more editorial wedding style, which brings more of a high-end, artistic look for my couples,” says photographer Veronica Lybbert of V Photography.
For this dream styled shoot, Lybbert celebrated all things texture, layering rich fabrics and lush colors against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Utah’s annual Midway Ice Castles attraction. Bringing a solid foundation to the look, this model groom dons a deep navy suit which sleekly contrasts with the setting’s stark enclaves.
As star of the show, the bride’s gown is a vision in full-flowered lace, with gossamer straps perfectly framing smooth gold accessories. Known as The Sarah Gown from Utah Gowns’ collection, this bridal ensemble exudes elegance and beauty from every crease in its full skirt.
With beautifully icy galleries such as this, we almost wish spring would remain at bay.
Utah’s landscapes offer idyllic settings for cowboy-chic celebrations of any style.
From Hollywood to high fashion, it seems everyone’s going cowboy. Weddings are no exception. Couples far and wide flock to Utah to celebrate their nuptials among the promontory peaks and crimson cliffs of the state’s legendary Western landscapes.
WESTERN STYLE WEDDING #1: BLACK TIE RUSTIC AT BLUE SKY RANCH
Photos by Megan Robinson Photography
Couples looking to bring high-end polish to their cowboy celebrations need look no further than Wanship’s luxury venue, The Lodge at Blue Sky. Just 30 minutes from Park City, Blue Sky delivers a new kind of ambiance for those wanting to embrace the true cowboy atmosphere found in the venue’s storied past as a working ranch.
Many rustic-leaning brides opt for wildflowers to grace their well-dressed tablescapes, and creating a luxurious look using such simple blooms is a Utah wedding planner’s specialty. “It takes careful planning to make an event look both elegant and effortless,” says industry expert Michelle Cousins.
Photos by Megan Robinson PhotographyPhotos by Megan Robinson PhotographyPhotos by Megan Robinson Photography
For Nicole and Tyler’s barn nuptials, the Michelle Leo team exquisitely blended cowgirl country with high-fashion femininity using hardwood tables and chargers as a backdrop for organic vessels of dainty wildflowers and delicate chiffon linens. A rich palette of blues and warm neutrals quintessentially captures Utah’s transition from summer to fall, capping off this event’s theme.
According to Cousins, an expertly finished tablescape is key to visually conveying luxury in any celebration. “A completely set and designed table helps elevate any event, especially those that are more rustic,” she says. “A setting immerses guests in the ambiance with something beautiful and elevates their experience. It’s all in the details.”
Photos by Megan Robinson PhotographyPhotos by Megan Robinson Photography
Including comfort-food favorites on the menu throughout the celebrations makes the mood abundantly clear: microbrews, BBQ and cobbler all say, “Cowboy shindig, this way!” Food paired with fashion is a surefire way to involve guests in an event theme. This couple landed upon a rare “black tie rustic” dress code, inviting their loved ones to don their boots along with their suits to match Nicole’s custom-designed peplum gown and fringed footwear.
For added drama, Nicole made her grand ceremony entrance in iconic cowgirl style: pulled behind a team of spectacular black horses.
Photos by Megan Robinson PhotographyPhotos by Megan Robinson Photography
Ultimately, Cousins contends that events can be themed in every detail without erring on the side of kitsch. By mingling cowhide with chiffon and champagne, industrial metal details with on-trend wicker chandeliers, and other glamorous accents with Blue Sky’s bucolic atmosphere, this team fashioned a luxuriously formal event without a trace of inhibiting stuffiness.
Blue Sky Ranch Wedding Vendors
Planning and Design: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com
WESTERN STYLE WEDDING #2: RANCH REFRESH AT THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK
Photo by Hillary Taylor Harmon
Brides who long for western flavor but are not quite ready to give up a bit of playful glitz needn’t worry. For guidance, look no further than this fusion fête created by Leslie Price, owner of Leslie Dawn Events. At this après-vows affair, a historic vintage homestead and a Southwest-inspired palette meet the flashing-lights drama of the Nashville cowgirl. The result? A powerful design punch pairing modern simplicity with an upbeat palette.
Photo by Hillary Taylor Harmon
To perfect the ranch refresh, Price has a few tricks up her sleeve.
“I would first find a color palette that really represents your personality and let it take you to unexpected places,” says Price. “This allows you to deliver a fresh take on many classic elements.” The happy-go-party-girl bride should never be dulled by a basic color scheme, and vibrant bride Hayley took the reins of a buoyant palette and ran with it all the way to the stables. Summery peach, glowing grapefruit pink, electric green and rich violet come together in a dazzlingly youthful mix, starting with a color-blocked invitation suite designed by the bride.
Photo by Hillary Taylor HarmonPhoto by Hillary Taylor HarmonPhoto by Hillary Taylor HarmonPhoto by Hillary Taylor Harmon
The palette continues day-of, modernizing Utah’s classic Kimball House into an of-the-hour hoedown. Traditional western trinkets including cattle skulls, wagon wheels and lasso rope get a 2020’s-funk treatment throughout the design, peaking in the form of a neon-hued photo booth.
Introducing the playful edge and contemporary punch that this bride craved, a greenery wall sporting flutes of lavender lemonade became the guests’ first experience of the party’s unique style.
Photo by Hillary Taylor Harmon
“That was our theme throughout this entire wedding: blending something old and something new to create a never-before-seen style that was totally on-brand for this couple,” Price explains.
Capturing this unique pairing of demure and drama, The Petal Coop delivered in blooms. Angular wildflower centerpieces teamed airy freshness with stylized structure, giving each bouquet a runway-ready finish. For added whimsy, each table setup included elegant—and edible— elements. Oranges, blackberries, peaches and figs contribute to the scene’s striking colors.
“For a playful and modern bride, I love adding unexpected table elements,” says Price. “Here, the linens were a soft pink velvet, and the fruits brought a pop of color even bolder than what florals could deliver.”
Photo by Hillary Taylor Harmon
The ode to the Southwest continues from the palette to the bride’s sleek and structured jumpsuit, with a dramatic homage to the past in tow. Floor-length fringe adds movement, glamour and on-the-town flirtiness while still keeping things beautiful and bridal.
This is the Place Wedding Vendors:
Planning & Design: Leslie Dawn Events, lesliedawnevents.com
Photos: Hillary Taylor Harmon, @hillarytaylorharmon
WESTERN STYLE WEDDING #3: RED ROCK ROMANCE AT LAZALU RESORT, ZION NATIONAL PARK
Photo by Ashley Meagan Photography
In today’s events climate, adventure lovers are embracing the destination micro wedding more than ever. Lazalu, a quaint venue nestled among the majestic formations of Zion National Park, offers unmatched vistas for outdoor enthusiasts like Samantha and Brett.
In this intimate celebration designed by Laura Stagg of Forevermore Events, every element is an ode to the venue’s striking red-rock views.
Photo by Ashley Meagan Photography
“To achieve a truly western look, we encourage our couples to mirror the landscape in their design, accentuating the atmosphere and immersing their celebration in the beauty that Southern Utah provides,” Stagg says. “Including the organic elements of the desert in the palette and florals adds a bit of that Wild West flair to the magic of the wedding day.”
A palette of warm desert hues carries the red-rock theme from the ceremony to the reception tables. Bridesmaids garbed in rust-colored satin impeccably mirror the bronzed cliffs on the horizon while copper and amber tones deliver a Zion-inspired palette to the couple’s rustic table settings.
Photo by Ashley Meagan PhotographyPhoto by Ashley Meagan Photography
A true desert tribute comes to life with indigenous cacti spotted throughout the floral design, appearing as succulent blossoms on catering tables, in individual pots amid simple cotton place settings and even as unexpected accents in the bride’s bouquet. Each arrangement delivers a decidedly freshly-foraged-from-Utah look, marrying seamlessly with a traditional boho scheme of dried fronds and neutral blooms.
Photo by Ashley Meagan Photography
The remainder of the décor is understated, showcasing soft macrame accents and on-trend acrylic signage that deliver a level of refinement without overpowering the park’s stunning scenery. Even the triangular ceremony backdrop features ample negative space, allowing expansive views to shine through as Samantha and Brett tied the knot.
Photo by Ashley Meagan Photography
Carefully curated moments deliver intimacy to this desert affair. They include raised-glass toasts made while clad in cowboy-chic furs, homemade jerky samplings bow hunted and prepared by the bride herself, and a cozy sweetheart’s table at which Samantha finished her bridal ensemble with a well-matched ivory cowboy hat and fur jacket.
