Everything You Need to Know about Ranch Weddings

April 7, 2022

country 2 — Photo by Joy Marie Photography

From north to south, Utah is bursting with breathtaking topography, making it one of the most popular states in the U.S. for destination weddings (even for those who live here.) To celebrate the unique beauty of the beehive state, we are featuring a four-part series poignantly named ‘On Location’. Here, we will share everything you need to know about getting hitched in four of Utah’s distinct landscapes.

Kicking off our series is a locale beloved by to-be-wed couples around the country—ranches. Ranch weddings burst with romance and bucolic charm. This is Utah, after all, and a Western-themed celebration is not only a reflection of the region’s cultural DNA, but also allows your guests a fun opportunity to break out their cowboy boots and brimmed hats in style.

Choosing a Venue

Peoa’s 4U Ranch venue features an immaculate white barn and wide, grassy lawn next to craggy hillsides and the babbling Weber River. Tag Ranch is a working ranch and event venue surrounded by sweeping grasslands and rolling hills in Wanship. A beautiful white gambrel barn and mortise-and-tenon timber pavilion makes up the popular River Bottoms Ranch event venue in Midway. The Lodge at Blue Sky, located just east of Park City, hosts weddings large and small at multiple on-property venues ranging from an 8,000-square-foot converted barn to a refurbished 1800s-era tavern. More intimate and further afield ranchland venues include Mount Carmel’s Zion Mountain Ranch; the Lodge at Red River Ranch, located just 10 miles from Capitol Reef National Park in Torrey; and Knot & Pine Event’s charming Alpine Barn, tucked against the mountains just south of Draper.

Timing

Getting married in a ranch setting can be beautiful at any time of the year. Keep in mind, however, that springtime in Utah is often referred to as mud season, which is particularly relevant in the dirt-road and meadow settings where most ranch venues are located. And as with mountain venues, summer is the most popular time for ranch weddings. That means you may need to be flexible with your date if you are planning a ranch wedding in June, July or August.

The Elements

It’s likely the biggest environmental issues you’ll have to contend with at a ranch venue are sun and bugs. Encourage your guests to wear long sleeves or bring something they can cover up with during the ceremony. Since you are “on the range,” consider giving everyone a wide-brimmed hat as a wedding favor. And have individual tubes of sunscreen and lotion insect repellent (no sprays) available nearby your ceremony seating.

All in the Details

If you’re going to get married in a barn, you want to have a barn dance. A couple of foot-tapping Utah-based bands in the country and bluegrass genres include Jim Fish & the Mountain Country band and The Pickpockets bluegrass band.

You’ll be the belle of your ranch wedding ball with these gorgeously hand-tooled ostrich leather boots ($2,820) from Park City’s Burns Cowboy Shop. Burns carries hundreds of other cowboy boots styles and multiple collections of customizable Western hats, the latter of which could make an ideal gift for the groom, groomsman or father of the bride.

Looking for even more country inspiration? We’ve got you covered!

Real Wedding: Never Too Late to Celebrate

April 5, 2022

Lauren and Ethan
Walker Farms, June 19th
Photography by Madison Larsen

A BELATED WEDDING BASH

After officially tying the knot in June of 2020, Lauren and Ethan decided to delay their reception until their family and friends could gather safely again. “At first, we were deeply devastated because I knew the wedding of my dreams was not going to happen,” Lauren recalls. “But the situation forced a shift in perspective that changed my life, and I realized that all that was left was all that mattered.” The couple spent an entire year happily married until they finally hosted a ring ceremony and reception that can best be described as: “One epic party.”

SUMMERTIME SOIRÉE

The couple chose Walker Farms as the venue for their summertime celebration, its rustic pavilions and plein air patios offering the perfect backdrop for their special day. Fully embracing the barnyard charm and organic simplicity of the venue, each space was adorned with bohemian doily banners, colorful wildflower arrangements and gold accents. “I knew that I wanted to do something naturally whimsical, unique and full of color.” Lauren says. ” Almost like something out of a fairytale that played off the vintage feel of the venue.”

A LESSON ON COLOR

As Lauren searched for a wedding palette that suited her and Ethan’s love story, she gravitated to the bright hues and cheerful tones. To introduce a splash of pigment, Lauren turned to fresh blooms and eclectic glassware placed throughout the dining room. “Wildflowers have a sort of effortless beauty that I knew would be an effective way to incorporate bright colors in a way that wasn’t tacky,” she explains. “My advice to brides is ‘don’t be afraid of color!’ There are so many ways to incorporate your favorite colors into your wedding day, and you can pull inspiration from your everyday life.”

SWEET TOOTH APPROVED

Early in the planning process, Lauren knew a must-have at their nuptial bash would be a dessert bar. “I have a major sweet tooth, so I made sure the dessert bar included different flavors of cake, strawberry shortcake, mini cheesecakes and peanut butter chocolate tarts,” she says. Tulie Bakery made their sweet and simple lemon wedding cake with white vanilla frosting, and live florals from Bushel and a Peck made decorative accessories. To celebrate her Mexican heritage, Lauren planned the dinner menu around delectable Mexican street food items like Elote, enchiladas, rice, beans and a salad.

VENDORS

Photography: Madison Larsen
Venue: Walker Farms
Floral: Bushel and a Peck Floral Design
Cake: Tulie Bakery
Dress: J. Noelle Design
Suit: Bespoke Custom Suits
Bride Accessories: BHLDN
Food: Shelley Moore and family friends
Dj: Rob Ferre

Explore more colorful wedding palettes here!

Into the Woods: The Hollow at Sundance

April 1, 2022

The Hollow, a one-acre event venue located a two-minute walk upstream from Sundance Mountain Resort, is pure fairy tale woodland. There, dappled sunlight filters through the forest canopy onto a grassy meadow flanked by a serene pond and the babbling North Fork of the Provo River. Hank Stewart homesteaded this dreamy setting back in the early 1900s. It’s now preserved into perpetuity as an inimitable venue where outdoors-loving couples joyfully begin their lives together.

CREATING A SECRET GARDEN

A tall stone fireplace, original to the Stewart home that once stood there, anchors this one-acre venue. Other elements include a wood-plank rope swing, rows of benches for guests to observe wedding ceremonies, long dining tables and even a zip line running the length of the space. Sophie Islip, of Florette Floral, played up the fireplace’s rustic appeal with an abundant, 11-foot installation that extended from the middle of the structure up the chimney. The same free-form clusters of greenery and flowers were used to flock the venue’s romantic rope swing. For the riverside ceremony site, Islip created an eight-foot rounded arch from free-flowing greenery, white roses, larkspur, hydrangeas and, for depth and volume, baby’s breath. She chose more delicate floral varieties—including white garden roses, scabiosas, ranunculus and majolika spray roses—for the petite arrangements placed on the dining tables. “A secret garden was the overall theme,” Islip says. “My intent was for the flowers and greenery to look like it had perhaps been left to grow naturally.”

AN INVITATION TO LINGER

A green velvet sofa accented by oversized pillows, candle-lit lanterns and large flower arrangements fostered the site’s inviting ambience. Lounge chairs and a carved wooden love seat shaped additional conversation areas near the fireplace and at other corners of the venue, inviting guests to linger and mingle with those beyond whom they were seated with for dinner. Glowing strings of globe lights crisscrossed the dining tables overhead, furthering the setting’s magical vibe.

A FOREST FEAST

Culinary Crafts is The Hollow’s preferred caterer and, for this reception, they created a menu that paid homage to both the event’s forested setting and Utah producers and purveyors. Passed appetizers included petite grilled Deer Valley Brie sandwiches and bacon wrapped dates with smoked Utah goat cheese and Slide Ridge honey. At tables set with romantic blue-tinted glass goblets and sheer white table runners, guests dined on a colorful salad of Arcadia greens tossed with berries, pears and candied almonds and a main course of grilled sea bass, beef tenderloin and vegetables, and roasted fingerling potatoes. Petite chocolate pots de crème, Dutch oven apple cobbler, gelato and a chocolate hazelnut and vanilla strawberry wedding cake rounded out the dessert menu.

A DIY WEDDING TO DIE FOR

This wedding’s bride, Marianne Liljenquist, was also the event planner. “When we got engaged,” Liljenquist says, “we didn’t really know what we wanted our wedding to look and be like. All we knew was we wanted delicious food and drink and to have our closest loved ones present.” After a couple of months of considering the options, the couple decided that a small and intimate celebration was the way to go. “We love the outdoors and nature and were lucky enough to stumble upon the most incredible venue in the mountains that felt like an enchanted forest. We used this vibe and feel through the rest of the planning process keeping things whimsical, natural, romantic and modern.”

THE DETAILS

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ashlee Brooke Photography, ashleebrooke.com
VENUE: The Hollow, Stewart Mountain Lodging
CATERING, BAR SERVICES & DAY-OF COORDINATION: Amber King, Culinary Crafts.
FLOWERS: Florette Floral
TABLE LINENS & SETTINGS: Diamond Event & Tent
FURNITURE RENTAL: Alpine Event Co.
LIGHTING: Moonlight Lighting
HAIR: Prodigy Salon
MAKEUP: Marisa Rose
WEDDING DRESS: Atelier Edwin Oudshoorn Bridal, Alta Moda Bridal
RINGS: Sierra West Jewelers

We have even more forested fairytale weddings on our blog!

Editor’s Note: Inspirations of Love and Hope

March 29, 2022

For me, editing this issue of Utah Bride & Groom magazine has truly been a gift. I was able to work with a team that included the staff at Utah Bride & Groom and some of the state’s most talented wedding photographers, planners, florists and caterers. And I was in awe of the lavish celebrations couples were able to pull off during the past year despite a laundry list of pandemic-caused challenges.

But the pleasure that stood above all was getting to hear so many love stories. I giggled along with couples as they recounted their proposals and choked back tears watching wedding video vows exchanged and toasts delivered. I was moved by how many couples infused their celebrations with homages to loved ones who’d passed on. And I felt pangs of FOMO, hearing about the over-the-top, post-ceremony shindigs (I’m looking at you, the bride and groom who pulled off a four-band reception.) Witnessing so much love and hope for the future has been, to say the least, inspiring.

I hope you’ll find an equal measure of inspiration for planning your own wedding. A few of the celebratory pieces we’ve compiled for this issue include “A Floral Feast,” (page 142), a vibrantly colorful and textural collection of tablescapes by local florist and foodie duos; “On Location,” (page 132), everything you need to know about planning a wedding in Utah’s mountains, desert, ranchlands and urban areas; “Making Change,” (page 44), designer dresses and accessories that allow brides to switch up their look mid-celebration without breaking the bank; and, one of our most loved sections, “Inspirations,” (page 101), a showcase of local wedding planners’ deep wells of talent. This issue also includes, of course, “Beginnings” (page 23), a compilation of nuptial news and trends; our comprehensive Utah wedding venue guide (page 154); and 10 beautiful, season-spanning “Real Weddings” (page 59).

The tips, trends, advice and resources offered by Utah Bride & Groom are not limited to these pages, however. Avrey Evans, pictured right of me, keeps her finger on Utah’s wedding-world pulse year-round as the digital editor for utahbrideandgroom.com and its accompanying social media channels, @utahbridemag, where she curates and shares the latest wedding world news from Utah and beyond.

On behalf of myself, Avrey, the rest of this magazine staff and Utah’s entire event planning family, we hope your journey of planning a wedding is as fun, rewarding and inspiring as the actual Big Day.

Cheers to beginning your happily ever after,

Utah Bride & Groom 2022 — Photography: Adam Finkle

Melissa Fields, Editor-at-Large

Featured image by Gideon Photography

The 2022 issue of Utah Bride & Groom is available on newsstands April 1! Check here to purchase the digital copy.

5 Tips to Choosing a Wedding Caterer

March 25, 2022

A good caterer can be the difference between the perfect wedding day and a disaster. If you have the right catering team at your back, you can enjoy the magic of your day while knowing that your guests will be well-fed and taken care of. But how can you choose a caterer who will take all the worries off your plate? Here’s how:

HIRE A TRUE CATERER

There’s a huge range in what people call “catering” these days. Sure, you could pay a restaurant to drop off 200 orders of Pad Thai and call that catering, but that’s a long way from what a full-service caterer does.

As any bride knows, the wedding day can be both exhilarating and exhausting. After a long, stressful day, the last thing you want to do is worry about whether the food will arrive on time, how long guests will have to wait in line, or whether there will be enough to feed everyone. A full-service caterer will be there behind the scenes maintaining the timeline and keeping traffic flowing—solving problems you won’t even see. You’ll be covered from first look to last bite, and when the day is done, let them handle clean up so that you’ll be free to go home to more important things.

SEEK ADVICE

It’s often a good idea to ask your event planner and your venue about caterers they’ve worked with before. Before you place your wedding in the hands of a caterer, ask around. Find out the caterer’s reputation for integrity, reliability, and level of service.

New couples may not realize how much is involved in orchestrating a wedding day, particularly for large numbers of guests. As you consider hiring a caterer, make sure they’ve handled events like yours before. Ask what complications they foresee and how they’ve handled similar problems in the past.

ONCE YOU’VE FOUND YOUR CATERER, TRUST THEM

It doesn’t make sense to hire a caterer for their experience and expertise, and then ignore their advice. If your caterer tells you that 200 people can’t fit in your venue, they can’t fit. If your caterer warns you that the cake is going to melt in direct sunlight, move the cake. And if they say it will take at least 30 minutes to flip the dining room into a dance floor, plan on it taking at least that long. Trusting your caterer also means being candid with them. Be upfront about your vision and priorities, as well as your budget. Some couples approach their caterers like they’re haggling with a used-car salesman, pretending that their budget is lower than it really is so that they don’t get overcharged. Couples need to understand that catering prices are set—they don’t charge one client more than another for the same services. The goal is to help make your vision happen with the best food and service possible within your budget. You’ll have the best experience if you are straight with your caterer from the beginning.

OPT FOR LOCAL AND FRESH

One of the best ways to guarantee that you serve the most delicious meal for the lowest price is by using fresh, local ingredients. It makes sense to pick a caterer who specializes in fresh, local foods. If they have connections with local growers, they can hook you up with great deals on foods that are in season, and they can help you create menus around those ingredients. When it comes to planning your wedding menu, using local, fresh ingredients straight from the source will be one of the biggest factors to your meal’s success.

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE CATERING FOR

In one sense, of course, your caterer is there for you, to make your day go smoothly. But they are also there to take care of your guests, and it’s important to think of them in your planning. Do any of your guests have food allergies or sensitivities, dietary restrictions, or other food-related concerns? Will any of them need wheelchair access or other accommodations? How will you handle Covid concerns? Work with your caterer to anticipate your guests’ needs and make sure they will feel comfortable and cared for.

Your caterer can also help you find the balance between making your wedding reflect your own personality and style and, at the same time, accommodating your guests. We once had a bride who’d been allergic to onions all her life, so she didn’t want onions in any of the dishes she planned to serve. It took some convincing to help her realize that what tasted “normal” to her would seem bland to everyone else. While we want to help you personalize your day in every way, we’ll also remind you who the catering is for.

Discover more tasty tips for your wedding menu here!

Sunset at the Salt Flats

March 23, 2022

Dramatic, other-worldly, boundless—these are some of the words used to describe Utah’s iconic Bonneville Salt Flats locale. The sweeping salt pan is a beloved spot for photographers across the state, and even draws visitors from around the country to witness its rare beauty. For couples, the Salt Flats offers the perfect backdrop for a bold engagement shoot, especially during the sunset golden hours. Take this session, where photographer Valen Lee takes full advantage of the sensational landscape and subtle details highlight all the best of the scene’s natural beauty.

THE INSPIRATION

Like many Utahn’s, the couple was well aware of the Salt Flats’ scenery, but had never had the chance to visit themselves. When choosing the backdrop for their loved-up photos, Lee just knew they had to visit the vast location. “We loved the limitless feeling of the area,” Lee says. “We liked that we could still keep the focus on the couple and have the landscape compliment them.” To compliment the scenery, the team chose an organic color palette and dried florals that didn’t overpower the landscape. Using a drone, Lee was able to capture the contrast of the bride’s textured gown and the Salt Flats’ unique patterns.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Despite the effortless bohemian photos, the team faced the telltale challenges of Utah in early spring—braving 15 mph winds and a bone-chilling temperature of 34 degrees. “We were so cold and we had to navigate the wind so as to not let it affect the photos!” Lee says with a laugh. In between taking breaks to warm up the bride and settle their wispy hair, the group were able to execute a beautiful shoot that is intimate, raw and dreamy.

THE TEAM

Photographer: Valen Lee Photography
Floral: Olive and Sage Floral
Gown: Rue De Seine, Dalliance Gown Rentals
Hair and MUA: Daisy Kay Beauty
Models: Trev & Kaylin Jones

You can find even more dreamy Salt Flats bridals here!

30 of Our Favorite Bridal Veils in 2022

March 17, 2022

Creating a flawless bridal look doesn’t end once you’ve said “yes” to the dress. Pairing the gown with just the right accessories, shoes and hair is a fundamental step in completing the look. And, of course, any fashionable bride understands the importance of a veil.

First worn by Roman brides to disguise themselves as they walked down the aisle, the veil was thought to ward off evil spirits who might hinder their happiness in marriage. The accessory later became a status symbol in the Victorian era—the length, weight and quality of the veil indicating the bride’s social position. Now, contemporary brides around the world still view veils as a symbol of purity and innocence, while many simply consider the garment a nuptial accessory that conveys their personality and style. Regardless of the veil’s meaning to you, your wedding is likely the only opportunity you will have to wear such a unique item, so you want to get it right. From billowing cathedral veils to vintage-inspired birdcage styles, these 30 veils complete any bridal vision.

CATHEDRAL VEILS

Elegant, sophisticated and regal, cathedral veils are defined by their sweeping trains which vary from nine to 25 feet in length. As its name suggests, a cathedral veil is meant to be worn in grand settings where wide and long aisles allow the garment to be on full display. Although mountaintop weddings and fairytale forest ceremonies can certainly set a romantic backdrop for a trailing veil, you’ll want to ensure your venue can accommodate the accessory. Don’t forget to inform your hairstylist of your veil length and style, as the accessory will need to be securely attached to your head as you float down the aisle.

30 bridal veils — NEOM Snowflake Veil, Gibson Bespoke, $589

Evangeline Speckled Veli, Hushed Commotion, $415

BIRDCAGE VEILS

For brides with a wistfully nostalgic wedding concept, birdcage veils are a beloved accessory. The petite veil originated in the 1940s when a shortage of fabric due to WWII caused brides to scale back. Now, birdcage veils are viewed as an informal yet modern option for the nontraditional bride. The distinct style and shape of this veil pairs wonderfully with edgy wedding gowns or short dresses, and can be worn at an angle for a face-framing effect.

FINGERTIP VEILS

Arguably the most popular veil style, fingertip veils are mid-length and versatile enough to suit both formal gowns and casual bridal looks. Although the exact length of the veil varies with each bride’s height, the edge of the accessory should reach the edges of (you guessed it) fingertips when arms are relaxed. The classic design offers plenty of opportunity for beaded embellishment or intricate embroidery, and allows freedom of movement during both your ceremony and reception.

TWO TIER VEILS

Instead of a singe tier oval-cut piece of fabric, called a drop veil, a two tier veil features a gather that gives the appearance of multiple layers of fabric. The shorter layer, or the blusher, falls just below the bust and can be pulled over the head to drape the face. Cascading down the back, the longer layers can be any length to either trail behind the dress or simply add volume to the gown. One detail brides should consider when choosing a length of two tier veil is how they’d like to carry a bouquet. If you don’t mind cloaking the bouquet in a translucent veil, a longer blusher layer is suitable, while those brides that wish to put vibrant florals on full display should opt for a shorter tier.

Scattered Stardust Veil, Twigs & Honey, $320

Hepburn Veil with Bows, Tania Maras, $435

Still not sure how to choose your perfect veil style? We’ve got you covered with tips from the experts.

14 Wedding Palettes for a Spring Ceremony

March 14, 2022

March marks the end of the wedding off-season, and couples around the state are gearing up for their sweet spring ceremonies! Warming mountain meadows and awakening blooms offer plenty of inspiration for a spring wedding palette. Here, we offer 14 ideas pulled from real weddings and inspiration shoots we’ve featured over the years!

Photography by Pepper Nix. Planning by Marae Events. Floral by Decoration Inc. Stationary by Anne Elizabeth Print Studio. Styling by Saucy and Kitsch

Put a fresh spin on traditional spring colors with pops of vibrant peach and orange. In this al fresco tablescape, asymmetrical floral arrangements placed in rustic ceramic pots evoke classic European charm, while fresh kumquats add a touch of whimsy. “We opted for predominantly delicate tones,” explains wedding planner Sarah Tucker. “Then, we used unexpected shades like black, orange and yellow for vibrant pops that provided contrast in the styling.”

Spring wedding palette — Photo by Erin Kate Photography. Planning by Gatherist. Florals by Soil & Stem.

The warming Wasatch Range is a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding. Make the most of Utah’s wild beauty with a natural palette of evergreens and soft corals. The organic hues pair effortlessly with natural wood textures, as seen here in a springtime ceremony.

Soft blush florals and earthy sage hues gain an elegant quality when contrasted with rose gold finishes. When asked about her design choices, the bride of this Deer Valley wedding said ““The décor was garden-inspired—a bit wild and ethereal. It turned out very magical.”

Photography by Heather Nan. Styling, Planning and Florals by La Fete Floral.

The iconic black and white duo never fail to impress as a wedding palette. For a fresh interpretation, stylist Allison Baddley of La Fete suggests mixing matte finishes with shimmering metallics and sultry shapes. “I’d call this look: Blanc Noir,” she says. The stylist also opted to forgo the classic white roses for atypical beauties like luminaria, astilbe, fuzzy grasses and skeleton fern.

Lean into a warm springtime palette with pops of fuchsia and peach. These arrangements are bursting with garden roses, essential spring tulips, and texture from delicate Japanese Andromeda and hanging amaranthus. Throw it all on a modern-chic hoop arrangement, and you have florals fit for any pink-loving bride.

Photography by Heather Nan. Planning by Fuse Weddings and Events. Floral by The Petal Coop. Rentals by Modern Display.

To compliment the natural scenery of this Blue Sky ranch wedding, the couple chose a color scheme of sky blue and navy. “Sky blue perfectly mirrored the beautiful, picturesque clouds and navy felt like such an elegant addition,” the bride explains. The couple added personal touches like crystal and horseshoes to curate the overall feeling of laid back elegance.

Utah-Wedding-Photography — Photography by Hailey Marie Photo. Planning by Heather Benge. Host is Styled Shoot Across America.

Celebrate freshly bloomed flowers and the pastel hues of Easter with delicate yellows and powder blues. Pair soft floral arrangements with bubblegum pink linens and embellished chinaware for a princess-meets-pixie vibe.

Adorn a canvas-covered reception with pale blues and dried arrangements for the ultimate bohemian vibe. To create even more depth and visual interest, mixed wicker basket pendants are hung at various length. The overall palette is modern yet relaxed.

Sophisticated gold accents and royal blue hues are a match made in nuptial heaven. Add rustic white linens and natural greens found in eucalyptus to ground the palette in a warm foundation.

Photography by Heather Nan. Planning by Fuse Weddings and Events. Floral by Decoration Inc. Rentals by Diamond Event and Tent. Stationary by Twelve30 Creative.

Draw inspiration from Utah’s many desert venues, where sunsets display hues of vermilion, salmon and plum. In this stunning Amangiri ceremony, wedding planner Mara Mazder mimicked those very tones at the rehearsal table, where colors shine bright against the neutral backdrop.

Bring pieces of the outdoors inside your wedding venue with a lush display of greenery. Mix muted green ivy with more vibrant verdant shades of myrtle, lemon leaf and grevillea. Don’t be afraid to add a few pops of color, as shown here with soft coral and blush roses.

In an urban environment, vibrant colors and unexpected florals breathe life into the space. “People tend to shy away from tones like black and yellow because they’re not necessarily traditional,” planner Michelle Cousins explains, “but when you showcase them in a form that complements your venue, they create a memorable aesthetic that’s sure to make your wedding stand out.” Bring that same outside-the-box perspective when choosing your florals, opting for the type of foliage that frequents downtown locales like potted plants.

Photo by Love Brittny Photography. Floral by Wish Blossom Flowers.

Emerald green has taken the wedding community by storm this season. Incorporate jewel-tones in paper goods and bouquets for a glamorous touch.

Photography by Hailey Marie Photo. Planning by Heather Benge. Host is Styled Shoot Across America. Floral by Mille Fleur Design. Stationary by Rose and Cotton.

Purple had its moment in wedding palettes a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean sweet lilac tones don’t belong in present-day celebrations! Set your tablescape with shades of mauve and lavender, and balance the deep shades with bright florals.

Psst… We are getting ready to launch our 2022 issue on April 1st! Follow our socials to stay up to date with all Utah Bride and Groom happenings.

Garden Party Inspiration

March 9, 2022

Here, a team of experts gather at the illustrious garden grounds at Wadley Farms to offer a sweet wedding inspiration to new brides. Using a neutral palette and plenty of organic ease, this garden party-style ceremony has us itching for spring.

THE VENUE

Wadley Farms, a caste-like venue in Lindon Utah, provided the perfect setting for a garden party inspiration. The team set up the plein air dining area and flower installations toward the back of the property near the greenhouse, vineyard and willow tree. “We liked this spot for this specific scene because we were able to utilize the sophisticated vineyard and billowing willow tree for our table setup!” Explains photographer Hailey Marie.

THE INSPIRATION

To compliment the simplistic beauty of the outdoor setting, the team decided to focus on a classic neutral palette. “We wanted to included gorgeous neutral tones in every detail from the florals, to the tablescape,” says Marie. “We chose colors that blended perfectly with the natural greens surrounding the venue.”

NEUTRAL, BUT NEVER BORING

Soft pink garden roses and pops of glowing yellow pair perfectly with the royal-like Wadley Farms’ venue. “We wanted our colors to be simple, but still make a statement,” Marie explains. “To accomplish this, we created a grand floral arch that emulated the classic white and pink bouquet held by the bride!”

THE TEAM

Photographer: Hailey Marie Photography
Host: Styled Shoots Across America
Concept & Planning: Heather Benge
Venue: Wadley Farms
Hair & Makeup: SunKissed and Makeup
Stationery: Green Mango Kraft
Floral Design: Flower Bar Co.
Cake: Maile Cake Design
Rentals: Diamond Event and Tent
Men’s Wear: The Modern Groom
Gowns: Styled Gowns
Bridal Accessories: @janicetan_co
Styling Surfaces: Replica Surfaces
Ring Boxes: Lovely Ring Boxes
Models: Madilyn Hansen & Ethan Hansen

Feeling inspired? Check out even more fresh wedding ideas here!

Real Wedding: #LoveYouMoreToday

March 7, 2022

Tyler and Juan
Wadley Farms, September 8th
Photography by Vphotography

THE BEGINNING

Juan and Tyler met through Tinder in 2019. They spent their first date enjoying downtown Salt Lake, starting with lunch at the Italian eatery Caffe Molise and afterward spent hours getting to know each other at Memorial Grove Park. When Juan made the first move with a kiss, he wasn’t sure Tyler felt the same way. “We ended the date sitting on the steps of the State Capital Building,” Tyler recalls. “I confirmed I was interested by leaning in for a second smooch.”

FREE FALLING INTO LOVE

After dating for seven months and traveling through Utah’s many National Parks, Juan decided he would make things official with a grand gesture. He surprised Tyler with a spontaneous skydiving adventure, and prepared an intricate proposal with the staff. Tyler was taken completely off guard by the expedition “I didn’t even know we would be jumping out of a plane until an hour before take off!” he recalls. At the last second, Juan told Tyler they wouldn’t be able to go up in the same plane and would have to jump separately. When Juan took off first, Tyler waited in nervous anticipation until it was his time. When his turn finally came, Tyler sailed through the sky toward the landing space where Juan would ask him to spend their lives together. “I could see a sign from the sky reading ‘Will You Marry Me?'” Tyler says.

THE VENUE

The pair tied the knot 11 months later at the elegant Lindon venue, Wadley Farms. “Juan had attending a wedding as a bartender there and always said one day he would get married there,” says Tyler. “And for obvious reasons—it is STUNNING!” The royal-like building didn’t require further adornment, so the grooms opted to keep decor simple and rustic. The aisle was lined with oversized vases filled with pampas grass and dried eucalyptus strands. A pair of contemporary triangle arches anchored the space, and a palette of maroon and dark teal was repeated throughout the venue.

THE WEDDING PARTY

Tyler and Juan’s wedding party was a mixture of close family and friends. Juans’ groomsladies including his friends Kelly, Rose and Adriana, while Tyler’s groomsladies were his friend Hannah, sister Brittany and sister-in-law Ashley. They gave one of the most important roles, the ring security title, to Tyler’s nephew Collin. Officiating their wedding was Melani Glassman, who has since gone on to marry many more couples. The grooms’ close circle helped bring their wedding visions to life from the beginning, as they helped with several of the DIY decor pieces for the ceremony and reception.

SIGNATURE DETAIL

To further document their special day, Juan and Tyler made a love hashtag that would link every post made by friends and family. “We chose #LYMT which means Love You More Today,” Tyler explains. “Because everyday spent together we love each other more and more.”

VENDORS

Photographer: Veronica Lybbert
Venue: Wadley Farms
Catering: Utah Custom Catering
DJ: Eddy Valencia
Tuxedo Rentals: Men’s Wearhouse
Bar: Flannagan’s on Main

Browse even more weddings at Wadley Farms here!

The Criticbook & movie reviews

Utah Bride & Groom MagazineUtah\'s Leading Source for Bridal Inspiration

Real Wedding: Makayla and Karsten’s Summer Garden Celebration

Real Wedding: A True Aggie Union in the Grand Tetons

Where to Buy Flowers for Valentine’s Day

Love on the Edge at the Bonneville Salt Flats