Moody Capital Bridals

October 4, 2022

Staging a dramatic scene at the Utah State Capitol building, couple Caz and Samm wanted bold photos that expressed their unique style. Photographer Tai Lee was more than up for the task: “My aim for this shoot was to take some photographs that were unique, thoughtfully composed, and include some mystery and drama that you would feel when looking at the photos.”

THE COUPLE

Samm and Caz were married in 2020, and still yearned for the celebration they missed out on due to the pandemic. After meeting Lee through family, the couple knew they finally had a chance for a do over. The wedding and family photographer jumped at the chance to do a bridal shoot with moody flair. “We really connected through their desire for unique photos, and their amazing style,” she says.

THE SETTING

Samm and Caz didn’t want to take their bridals just anywhere, their moody vision required a careful eye for detail. “We were looking for a location that had some European vibes, and that’s where we came up with shooting at the State Capitol,” says Lee. The swirling marble of the Capitol’s interior cast a painterly glow onto the couple. “The high contrast of the black dress, and all black suit with the soft swirling rock surrounding the couple had such an introspective feel and brought out a bit of depth and soul in these photos as well.” The couple also moved settings to the Cathedral of the Madeleine, where eclectic architecture added just the right touch of historic romance.

THE INSPIRATION

The focal point for this autumn bridal shoot was Samm’s dramatic dark gown. “She didn’t want to wear traditional wedding attire,” says Lee. “And she has such a unique style including her tattoos, gold jewelry and yellow florals.” To set the right backdrop for the couple’s Moriticia-meets-Gomez style, the Capitol’s sophisticated marble interiors provided contrast and class. “The structure of the building, her lacy black dress and the room’s natural light really played well off each other.”

VENDORS

Photography: Tai Lee Photography
Styling: Woodland Pines
Venue: Utah State Capitol and Cathedral of the Madeleine
Floral: Done by Bride
Gown: Olly Bridal
Jewelry: Tamzur Jewelry
Suit: Garth Custom

Get inspired by more autumn celebrations here!

Canyonlands Micro-Wedding

September 28, 2022

Against the backdrop of one of Utah’s wildest, most beautiful landscapes—Canyonlands National Park—Ayrowyn and Brian pledged their future to one another at the Green River Overlook, located just outside of Moab, on August 27th. The open-air, Canyonlands micro-wedding featured live cello music, a cake cutting and a few immediate family members. The couple wrote their own vows, which included these words from Brian: “Ayrowyn, of all the people you’ve met, and all the places you’ve been on your journey in life, you somehow ended up with a guy from Tampa, Florida who didn’t even know where Utah was on the map five years ago.”

Photos by Terra Ong Photography

Know Before You Go:

If you’re considering getting married in one of southern Utah’s national parks (Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon or Capitol Reef) please note that the National Park Service requires a Special Use Permit for all events that takes four-weeks, minimum, to process. Refer to each park’s website for details.

For the complete guide on planning a desert wedding, click here.

City Chic Wedding at Lake Effect SLC

September 27, 2022

There’s something magical about cocktail hour. Bubbles pouring, music floating through the air, everything–and everyone–glowing in anticipation of what’s next. What seems mystical is, in fact, a strategically-planned schedule executed by the talented team at Michelle Leo Events. Their leader, Michelle Cousins, shares her secrets for creating a wedding celebration that boasts cocktail-party festivity, and stages a chic wedding at Salt Lake’s own Lake Effect.

HEAD DOWNTOWN

Our little town of SLC is all grown up. With party options aplenty, downtown is a sure bet for the hottest cuisine, craft cocktails and ambient atmosphere. “Salt Lake City has a lot to offer brides and grooms, and Lake Effect offers a great central location within the heart of the city. In addition to its ideal locale, Lake Effect offers a striking backdrop with many opportunities for great dining and celebratory experiences,” Cousins says. Lake Effect accommodates parties of up to 500 people (over the age of 21) or can host smaller parties of 40 inside its main lounge.

“Additionally, Lake Effect features the largest liquor selection in the state alongside gourmet catering and bar packages that can accommodate a wide range of budgets.”

CHOOSE CLASSIC FASHION

The term ‘something blue’ first appeared in weddings in the late 1800s. The Knot explains, “It derives from he Old English rhyme, ‘Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Show’–which names the good-luck objects (plus a sixpence to bring prosperity) a bride should include somewhere in her wedding outfit or carry with her on her wedding day.’

“The fashion here is classic and timeless,” Cousins explains. “The blue hues of the bridesmaids’ dresses highlight the softer tones within the overall color palette and design providing a unique juxtaposition of light and dark for dramatic emphasis.”

For the guys? Custom-tailored suits are a must. “The men wore gray suits paired with brown shoes which worked naturally with the hues of the venue, tying in with the concrete floors and natural wooden accents.”

MANAGE GUESTS WITH EASE

The key to flawless party execution? Crowd flow. Any good planner worth her clipboard knows that moving guests from scene to new scene deserves some thought. “Lake Effect is a versatile location in the heart of the city offering different aspects that can be used for different tiers of the overall celebration,” Cousins says. “The wine room provides a mature provides a natural backdrop for the ceremony and reception. The outdoor patio is the perfect location for an intimate cocktail hour while the basement lounge provides an ideal setting for the reception and after-party.”

TABLE YOUR NEEDS

Dress your table, as you would yourself: in layers. “Our overall goal here was to design something both masculine and feminine for an urban setting within the city,” Cousins says. “The table decor highlights the balanced mix. We pair bold and ethereal tones seen in the dark, wood table and mixed with the soft, light florals.” The team adds a pop of geometric pattern in the copper chargers that mimics the wine room’s shelving. The cake contributes as well. “Additional geometric details repeat in the cake design in the form of triangles.”

GO BIG WITH BLOOMS

Today’s ceremony stage boasts arches with massive height, round shapes and asymmetrically placed florals. “This gorgeous floral installation serves to highlight the backdrop rather than distract,” says Cousins, describing the placement of the arch in front of an impressive wine rack. Textural blooms and greens–including furry bunny tails, bleached ferns, dried leaves, baby roses and ruffled parrot tulips–spill from the altar to the tabletops.

VENDORS

PLANNER: Michelle Leo Events
PHOTOGRAPHY: Megan Robinson
VENUE: Lake Effect
SUITS: Beckett & Robb
RENTALS: All Out Event Rental
FLORAL DESIGN: Decoration Inc.
CAKE: Cake. by Alessandra
HAIR: Kali Chris
MUA: Kristen Packard
PAPER: Wells Makery, Colorado

You can find even more city wedding inspiration here!

A Timeless Celebration at Twenty and Creek

September 20, 2022

It’s 2022 and the promise of lighter, longer and more joy-filled days is looking like it is, at long last, finally going to be kept. In this spirt of newfound optimism, here we feature a collab between two of our favorite local wedding creatives—Heather Nan and Tinge Floral. This powerful pairing staged a modern, stylish and hopeful wedding scene at Twenty & Creek, Salt Lake Valley’s newest wedding venue.

Photography and fashion styling by Heather Nan
Floral and table design by Tinge Floral

THE BACKSTORY

In July 2021, Megan Bonham and her husband purchased Heritage Gardens, a 25-year-old event venue at the intersection of Creek Road and Highland Drive in Sandy. Since then, Bonham has been overseeing a top-to-bottom renovation of the property, leaving no stone unturned, including changing the venue’s name to Twenty & Creek. While the outline of the original building remains, the venue’s exterior, landscaping and interiors have all been completely reimagined. “The way it’s coming together is exceeding all my expectations,” Bonham says. “Once it’s complete, I don’t think there will be anything else like it in the valley.”

THE TRANSFORMATION

Once open, which, as of this publication’s press time, was on schedule for June 2022, Twenty & Creek will span 6,500-square-feet of indoor event space with an additional 4,500-square-feet for outdoor gatherings. The Fox Group, a renowned interior design firm in Holladay, designed the multi-million-dollar transformation based on a classically modern aesthetic. Occupying most of the main floor is the Grand Hall, an impressive, light-filled space with cathedral ceilings, creamy-white walls, sleek brass fixtures and hardware, and a statement-making, floor-to-ceiling fireplace. The hall’s large retractable glass doors open to a two-tier outdoor patio featuring water features and mature trees. The main floor also includes a dedicated ceremony chapel. A sweeping staircase on the venue’s second floor leads to the Bride’s Room, a beautifully outfitted boudoir with a long window seat, eight vanities, full bathroom and inviting neutral upholstered furnishings. The Groom’s Room, tucked into the lower level, has a distinctively speakeasy-like vibe, with tufted tweed upholstered furniture, leather wingback chairs and a full bathroom.

A SIMPLY SOPHISTICATED TABLESCAPE

Based on Twenty & Creek’s timelessly transitional architectural and interior design, Tinge Floral’s Ashley Beyer created a tablescape rich with tonal color, pops of creamy white and unexpected texture. Golden, locally foraged ferns define the earthy but artistic centerpiece. Other florals include blushing bride and tuberose, nerine lilies and snowberries for delicate pops of white. Scatterings of dusty-blue porcelain vine berries deepen the arrangement’s unconstructed feel. A velvet, ochre-toned tablecloth delivers depth, repeats the fern’s autumnal gold cast and provides ample contrast to creamy white napkins and ruffled edge dinner plates. Candles, understated glassware and mother-of-pearl-handled flatware add just the right touch of luxe. The stunning vanilla raspberry wedding cake boasts a true-white pinstripe fondant and is garnished with fresh greenery and Flour & Flourish’s signature intricate sugar flowers.

WED IN STYLE

Nodding to the scene’s modern yet classic gestalt, Heather Parkinson, principal of Heather Nan, curated a pair of minimal and beautifully sophisticated gowns from NEWHITE, a bridal gown brand by the Los Angeles-based designer Juliette Kim. The first is an elegant and romantic off-the-shoulder top, fronted by an alluring silk organza bow, paired with a high-slit skirt with a flowing train. The other is a classic sheath dress embellished with ethereal pleated tulle overskirt and sleeves, both removable. Diamond rings from O.C. Tanner Jewelers, Chan Luu pearl earrings and heels from Jimmy Choo’s “I Do in Choo” Collection complete the refined-meets-chic look.

THE DETAILS

PHOTOGRAPHY & FASHION STYLING: Heather Nan
FLORAL & TABLE DESIGN: Tinge Floral
VENUE: Twenty & Creek
TABLECLOTH: Broyt
NAPKINS: Sabri Sabri
PLATES, GLASSWARE & FLATWARE: The Ark Rentals
CANDLES: Bloomist
STATIONERY: The Letterist
CAKE: Flour & Flourish
DESSERT PLATES: Food52
CHAMPAGNE COUPES: Ferm Living
WEDDING GOWNS: THENEWHITE, Alta Moda Bridal
GOLD COCKTAIL DRESS: Alice + Olivia Sonja sequin minidress, Saks Fifth Avenue
DIAMOND RINGS: O.C. Tanner Jewelers
EARRINGS: Chan Luu
SHOES: Jimmy Choo

Twenty & Creek is one of our esteemed preferred venues! Learn more about Utah’s newest wedding venue here.

2022 Pre-White Party Recap

September 20, 2022

After being put on hold for the past few years, the Utah Bride & Groom team has been itching to throw another one of our famed White Parties. The annual event has been a staple in the wedding industry calendar, and is always revered as a time to congratulate the individuals behind the celebrations we love so dearly. So after a two year hiatus, Utah Bride & Groom is so excited to announce the beginning of a new chapter—our 2023 White Party!

To build excitement for the event (and show off one of our newest venue partners) we hosted a pre-white party at Ken Garff Scholarship Club. We were so thrilled to see some of our favorite faces, and meet some new ones we are proud to welcome into our circle. Of course, our beloved sponsors and partners came together to make the night extra special. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite moments of the night, and a sneak peek of what you can expect at our White Party next year.

Our pre-white party was co-hosted by our friends at Ken Garff Scholarship Club. The club comprises several intimate and stunning spaces, including a private dining room, balcony overlooking the stadium, and stadium-level club houses.

Stunning flower arrangements by Native Flower Company adorned the outdoor spaces overlooking the Utes stadium. Our favorites were the bright red Anthurium mimicking the University’s flagship color.

Sweet and creative arrangement by Cactus and Tropicals, perfectly capturing the sophisticated tone of the evening.

Small bites and delectable treats were provided by the Ken Garff Scholarship Club. The organization houses a private dining room and premium dining experience.

The delectable four tiered cake was made by Michelle at Wee Bakes. The paper-thin adornments are made from sugar cane and added an extra dose of modern flair to the dessert.

O.C. Tanner Marketing & Events Manager Dominique Anderson and UB&G Account Executive Janette Erickson

Left: Utah Bride and Groom Staff. Right: Utah Bride and Groom Staff, Life Coach Julia Seamons.

We also had several fun photo ops courtesy of Utah Jive! Their 360 camera had our guests entertained all night long

Left: Versailles Atelier Owner Natasha Boyle and Bridal Consultant Kassidy Martisen. Right: Cactus and Tropicals Staff

Associate Director Avrey Evans and partner

Cactus and Tropicals Staff

Ken Garff General Manager Dan Robinson

Twenty & Creek owner Megan Bonham and Marketing Manager Lo Sheffield

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and partners!

Ken Garff Scholarship Club
Twenty & Creek
Wee Bakes
Cactus and Tropicals
Native Flower Company

Finally, we are so excited to announce the official venue of next year’s White Party: Twenty & Creek! You can learn more about their stunning venue here.

Real Wedding: Little Country Chapel

September 13, 2022

Blaine & Michael
River Bottoms Ranch, September 25
Planning by Fuse Weddings and Events
Photography by Branson Maxwell

THE COUPLE

When Michael sent a note to Blaine online, he didn’t expect to wait three weeks for a response. Proving that good things really do come to those who wait, the pair ended up dating for blissful years. Their courtship was not without its struggles, however, as a few months into their relationship Blaine was diagnosed with cancer. “It was a twist of fate that I happen to be working for a cancer research company,” Michael says. With his partner’s hand held tight, Blaine opted to undergo an aggressive surgery to remove the cancer. Two years later, Blaine is cancer free and absolutely smitten in love.

THE WEDDING

Both men longed to get married in a chapel, but were disappointed to learn that many of their top picks would not host a same-sex ceremony. “I decided if we could not marry in a chapel, I would create one for us,” Michael says. To bring their vision to life, the couple enlisted the help of Fuse Weddings and Events and the kind staff at River Bottoms Ranch. “We chose the venue for its spectacular view and amazing owners.” With the planner and venue set in stone, Michael addressed the challenge of fashioning a romantic chapel from scratch. As it were, the innovative groom stumbled upon a church that was being torn down and quickly purchased the rustic cathedral windows and walnut pews. Set around River Bottom’s serene lake, the open-air chapel was finally complete. “I’ll never forget when i told Blaine that we were going to be married in a chapel on the day of our wedding,” Michael recalls. “He walked out on to the balcony and turned to me with a teary smile exclaiming ‘you did it!'”

THE DETAILS

Blaine and Michael has a very specific vision for their big day “think country atmosphere and elegant European decor,” says Michael. Fuse Events’ Mara and Crystal turned their dream into reality by dressing the scene in rich colors reminiscent of an Italian celebration. “We chose dark blues, maroons, lush greens and bright yellow for contrast.” Nodding to River Bottom’s ranch surroundings, the couple rode in on a horse drawn wagon and gave guests cow bells to ring during the ceremony. “We wanted the wedding to be sophisticated, rich in color and simple in design,” Michael says.

GOOD EATS

The couple began their food-laden celebrations by hosting a “Welcome to Utah Celebration” for their guests at Gardner Village. The venue had already begun decorating for Halloween, so Blaine and Michael leaned into the theme with a macabre cake. “The two tier cake was draped in chocolate skulls, and two skeletons on top represented two grooms.” Not to be outmatched by their first cake, Cake by Alessandra created their second dessert. “Working with her was a dream,” says Michael. “A highly caloric dream, but a dream that was realized by her!” Each of the seven layers was baked in a unique flavor, including Vanilla Bouron, Samoa, Black Forrest, German Chocolate, Pumpkin, Rum and Pear. “Why have on flavor when you can have seven!?”

VENDORS

WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN: Fuse Weddings and Events
PHOTOGRAPHY: Branson Maxwell
VENUE: River Bottoms Ranch
FLORAL: Decoration Inc.
CATERING: Culinary Crafts
CAKE: Cake by Alessandra
WEDDING PARTY CARICATURE: Rufusman Art and Events
MUSIC: Metro Music Club and The Aaron Ashton Band
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT: William Joseph, Charley Jenkins, Daniel Beck

Get more inspiration for your country wedding here!

Emerald Green Wedding Dress Inspiration

September 9, 2022

An emerald green wedding dress is a bold and unique choice for your wedding. Even if you don’t wear a glittering green gown as you walk down the aisle, the color is still an amazing choice for a bridal shoot or engagement photos. As one of our favorite colors of 2022, emerald is making an appearance in celebrations across the state. Here, we share our top picks of emerald green gowns to wear during all your loved-up festivities.

GLAMOROUS EMERALD GREEN WEDDING DRESS

This flowing green dress shines with delicate appliques and lace beading. Featuring a sheer train and leg slit, it’s the perfect party girl gown.

UTAH WEDDING VENDORS:
Photography: Lauren Wrigley Photography
Model: Bergen Nelson
Floral: Jocelyn’s Floral
Mua: Eluvia Malyurek

GREEN VELVET

The long-sleeved velvet gown is practically made for winter photoshoots. The sweet bow detail and open back add an extra dose of flair to the traditional silhouette. This engagement shoot was during the busy Christmas proposal season, and the deep emerald tone of the gown is a perfect reflection of the festivities. See more of this emerald green wedding dress in action.

UTAH WEDDING VENDORS:

Photographer: Ashlee Brooke Photography
Dress: Natalie Wynn Design
Planner: Bellebodas
Suit: Tailor Cooperative
Ring: June Rings
MUA: Brynn Thomas Makeup
Venue: Grand America
Model: Jing @iamjiajingyi

You can find even more fashion inspiration here!

Real Wedding: Pumpkin Spice

September 7, 2022

Tori & Cameron
Little Cottonwood Canyon, September 25th
Panning & design by Stella & James Events
Photography by Ashton McFarlane Photography

THE COUPLE

Tori and Cameron, both native Utahns, met like many modern couples do—on a dating app called Mutual. It was the first, and only, date Tori ever went on through the app, and it seemed the two were graced with beginner’s luck after they met at a Starbucks and talked for hours until the shop closed. For three years, Tori and Cameron dated while they attended and then graduated from the University of Utah.

THE PROPOSAL

Tori and Cameron had been talking about getting married for a while before he finally proposed. “We felt like we were ready to start this new journey together,” she recalls. One Friday, Cameron had planned an outdoor picnic at the base of Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon. There, he laid out an assortment of Indian food, the couple’s favorite cuisine, and cheesecake. In his excitement Cameron forgot utensils, and the pair shared one plastic fork for their feast. “I had so many butterflies I couldn’t eat anything,” Tori says with a laugh. “When he passed me the cheesecake, I didn’t even notice the giant ring box alongside the cake.” Cameron then pulled Tori to her feet and lowered onto one knee. After she accepted his proposal, a photographer emerged from the forest to take photos of the entire setup. “I love the little things like forgetting forks and my focus on the cake instead of the ring,” Tori says. “It made it really special and unique to us.”

THE SCENE

Growing up, Tori always wanted to get married in the serene forest behind her childhood home. The shifting autumn leaves and natural beauty of the setting also reflected the couple’s love of the outdoors. “We wanted a venue that reflected that part of our lives,” Tori says. The couple chose a neutral wedding palette influenced by fall, allowing the scenery to breathe life into the ceremony. Gray, champagne, caramel and gold were the dominant hues. “I love the rich deep color of the velvet tablecloths, and the lighter champagnes and grays helped balance it out,” says Tori, who spends her free time sharing interior design DIYs and creative décor on her social media feeds.

THE WEDDING

After being sealed in the Bountiful temple the night before, Tori and Cameron were joined by their guests for a ring ceremony at her family’s home in Little Cottonwood Canyon. A family friend, and second mother to Tori, officiated their wedding. “She made everyone laugh and was so sincere and sweet, she really nailed it,” Tori says. Their wedding party was made up of friends and family, including the bride’s sister as the maid of honor and all of the groom’s brothers. Once Tori and Cameron exchanged their I dos, all the attendees made their way to the home’s main outdoor areas, where Culinary Crafts served a plated meal. Inspired by seasonal flavors, the menu included salt-roasted pears, bacon-wrapped dates, espresso-and-herb-rubbed lamb chop and pan-seared sea scallops. Each guest also enjoyed a delicious pumpkin soup served in carved-pumpkin bowls. “We had them washed and packaged for each guest to take home as a favor,” Tori says. Their wedding cake was made by Butterworks Bakehouse, and echoed the fall theme with flavors of raspberry chocolate, milk and honey and honey-infused cream cheese frosting. After the meal, Diamond Empire Band had guests on their feet late into the night.

SIGNATURE DETAIL

Leaning into their autumn wedding date, Tori was immediately drawn to the theme of pumpkins. “We placed glass pumpkins on the tables, fresh-picked gourds in flowerbeds and miniature pumpkins subtly hinted throughout,” she says. The natural gourds fostered a comfortable fall evening without venturing into Halloween-theme territory.

THE PLAYERS

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN: Stella & James Events
PHOTOGRAPHY: Ashton McFarlane Photography
VIDEOGRAPHY: Haleigh Barber Films
VENUE: Private residence
CATERING: Culinary Crafts
CAKE: Butterworks Bakehouse
FLOWERS: Bloom by Madison Murdock
STATIONERY SUITE: Designed by the mother of the bride
BRIDE’S CEREMONY GOWN: Morilee
GROOM’S SUIT: Men’s Wearhouse
ENTERTAINMENT: Diamond Empire Band
RENTALS: Diamond Rentals; Excel Rental
MAKEUP: Makeup by Cherisa
HAIR: Amy van Biljon; Laura Maley

Get inspired by even more fall Utah weddings here!

How to Build the Perfect Wedding Charcuterie Board

August 31, 2022

Once a word everyone preferred not to pronounce, charcuterie (shahr-koo-tuh–ree) has become a staple on wedding menus, always in the form of a charcuterie board. A flashy blend of fine cheeses, meats and fruits, charcuterie boards are a perfect option to serve during cocktail hour. The artful grazing platters are also great to offer the bride and bridesmaids as they prepare for the big day. Here are a few tips to building your own wedding charcuterie board that is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

BOARD MEMBERS

A charcuterie board can be as much fun to make as it is to enjoy. In both cases, the trick is mastering different combinations of tastes
and textures.

Technically, charcuterie refers to the meat part and specifically to cured or smoked meat, usually pork. Things like bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, rillettes, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit—all available locally and some made locally.

That said, remember that contrast and variety are the keys to a great charcuterie board. You want things that are visually different—served in ramekins, pre-sliced, wedges to be sliced by the guest, logs, spreads and all the complements: fruit, olives, mustard, honey, pickles and, of course, bread.

MEATS

Focus on a selection of textures and a range of flavors—spicy, sweet and herbal.

• Spreadables, like a fine-grained, smooth pate or rillettes

• Sliced meats, like Genoa or hard salami

• Thin-sliced meats, like prosciutto, bresaola, guanciale or speck

Photo by Heather Nan. Flowers by Native Flower Company. Charcuterie Board by Culinary Crafts.

This lavish charcuterie board is a symphony of complementary contrasts, both visual and gastronomic, made from all locally sourced components that include: Creminelli Meats’ salami and prosciutto, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese 6-Year Aged Cheddar, The Sweet Storyline coconut suckers, Culinary Crafts’ sea foam and rosemary shortbread, Slide Ridge honey, Cache Toffee Collection candies and truffles from The Chocolate Palette. The salty-sweet compilation’s vibrant colors and textures informed the tablescape’s gathering of toffee roses, football mums, Oncidium “dancing-lady” orchids and Stuartina eucalyptus, with white vandas and cymbidium orchids providing pops of contrasting white.

FRUITS

Fruit provides color and flavor. Pick it wisely.

Choose fruit that’s seasonal and fresh. Obviously, grapes are perfect if the grapes are good. Strawberries and other berries, fresh or dried cherries, fresh or dried figs, apple and pear slices (dip in lemon water to prevent browning). Any dried fruit, like cranberries, is preferable to tasteless, out-of-season fresh fruit.

CHEESES

Choose an assortment of textures and a variety of strengths, from mild to stinky. Consider:

• Mesa Farms tomme (made in Mesa, Utah; soft enough to use a cheese knife)

• Beehive Seahive cheddar (firm, you could serve in slices)

• Fresh goat cheese (soft, crumbly and tangy)

• Aged Gouda (hard, a caramel sweetness; try to just break it into bite-size chunks)

• Parmigiana-Reggiano (see aged Gouda)

• Blue (try the soft Smokey Blue from Rogue Creamery)

• Brie or a triple cream like Brillat-Savarin (richer than butter, spreadable)

• Rockhill Farms raw milk cheese (serve in a chunk with a knife; made at a micro-dairy in Utah)

THE FUN STUFF

There’s more to charcuterie than meat and cheese.

• Honey—Serve Utah honey (with the comb) to drizzle over cheese

• Pickles—French cornichons are traditional, but feel free to mix it up, especially if you’re a home pickler. (Pickle boards—just a selection of pickles—are a current trend.)

• Olives—Serve a mix from a
local olive bar.

• Nuts—Unsalted almonds and walnuts are best.

• Mostarda—Italian candied fruit in a mustardy sauce

• Tart artisanal jams—Local jam-maker Amour Spreads makes an unusual variety of jam

• Quince paste—A must if one of your cheeses is Manchego

• Chutney—Choose from jam-like, pesto-like or relish-like options.

You can find more tips on curating the perfect wedding menu here!

Real Wedding: In Love at La Caille

August 29, 2022

Raquelle & Cole
La Caille, May 28
Photography by The Light Seeker

REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

Cole and Raquel met at a church convention in Arizona where she lived, and he was visiting. “He couldn’t take his eyes off me,” Raquelle recalls. “That’s where it all started!” After two and a half years of dating, Cole proposed on Thanksgiving Day. “We were walking our dog behind my childhood home when Cole suggested we hike to the top of a mountain cliff behind us.” Immediately suspicious, Raquel played along, and the pair hiked up to a landing where Cole began not-so-smoothly setting up a camera and clearing the area of sticks and rocks. “I am looking at him knowing what he is doing, and he is looking at me knowing I know what he is doing!” After finally dropping to one knee and popping the question, Raquel gave an emphatic ‘yes’!

THE VENUE

Drawn by its castle-like cottages, sweeping vineyards, and lush greenhouse, Raquel fell in love with La Caille as their wedding venue. “The whole property is like a little France, it just has this fairytale quality,” the bride says. The venue/restaurant is also known for its decadent french cuisine, which the couple knew they had to serve to their friends and family.

THE WEDDING

Raquel and Cole took their beachy bridals in Maui where the dramatic black sand set a moody tone. To carry that feeling into their big day, their wedding palette comprised black and copper tones with accents of white, brown and sage green. The groom also thought to encourage their guests to wear all black, so “everyone looked coordinated and clean-cut,” says Raquel.

IN FULL BLOOM

One of the bride’s biggest wishes for her wedding was for hanging flower arrangements to adorn the space. The couple enlisted Blooms & Co. for the job, who installed whimsical baby’s breath inside La Caille’s tropical atrium. “It was one of the most beautiful aspects of the night!” Raquel exclaims.

A TIP FOR OUT-OF-TOWNERS

To entice more of her out-of-town family to join the celebration, Raquel gave many of her friend and family roles during the big day. “One flower girl was my cousin’s daughter, they live in Alaska. My aunt from Ohio was the violinist during the ceremony. The other two flower boys were my cousin’s sons, from Northern California.” Out of 160 invites, the overall turnout includes 152 smiling guests.

After their sparkler-lined send-off, Raquel and Cole honeymooned in Iceland where they traveled the island by van for a week.