The composition of beautiful wedding accessories bride
Your wedding day is not the time to play it safe. Lean into your bridal vision by adorning yourself in accessories that represent the most authentic version of you. Whether that item is a delicate tulle glove or a standout rhinestone sash, taking the time to choose your bridal accessories is well worth it. To help you curate a unique nuptial look, we’ve gathered 20 accessories for every type of bride.
For The Classic Bride
For brides that prefer a traditional wedding day look, sweet and simple accessories allow your gown to take the center stage. Vintage-inspired pearl shawls and intricate floral combs make the perfect addition to your classic look.
Glamazon brides know this mantra all too well: More is more. As minimalist bridal trends fade, extravagant accessories are finding their place in the limelight. So go ahead, add that glittering tiara to your perfectly-coiffed updo— it’s your time to dress like royalty!
Lunella Gosgrain Headband with Swarovski Pearl Dotted French Veiling, Markarian, $550
In a bohemian-inspired wedding, it’s all about celebrating your surroundings and connecting with Mother Nature. So it’s only natural that your bridal accessories follow suit. Choose between dried floral hat clips and subtle hair vines, or live out your barefoot bridal dreams with dainty anklets.
For brides that aren’t afraid to stray from tradition, accessorizing is an opportunity to play with color and texture. Add a touch of the unexpected with an edgy ear cuff or bold flower combs.
Ashlee Brooke has been behind the lens of cameras since she was ten years old. Somewhere between photographing her grandfather on film cameras and snapping candids of her friends for her own enjoyment, she discovered a passion for capturing the love between two people. Now, having photographed weddings for 14 years, Ashlee has curated an authentic lifestyle approach to her work and built her roster of impressive destination ceremonies and long-term clients. To celebrate her work in the industry, we chatted with Ashlee about her dream projects, editing style and making new clients comfortable.
Venue is The Lodge at Blue Sky. Dress by The Bridal Studio
UBG: Tell us about how you got started in photography. What sparked your passion?
From a young age, I always loved taking photos. I started with little 35 mm film cameras, disposable cameras as a little girl, probably 10 years old. My grandpa was one of my first models, I would walked him around the yard and we would have a little photoshoot. It just feels like it’s always been a part of me! I just loved taking photos of my friends and family and after doing a few shoots here and there for fun, people started asking me to take photos, and it just naturally progressed. Then, in 2008, someone asked me to shoot their wedding and I haven’t looked back since.
UBG: You work in many different fields: weddings, portraits, fashion and commercial. What is the full range of projects you work on?
I truly do love weddings, they are so much work, but full of so much love. One of my favorite aspects of the industry is how one-time clients develop into long term connections, and I’m so honored to photograph them as their families start to grow! Nothing feels as good as delivering a client a gallery they will treasure forever whether it be a wedding, newborn, family, couple’s shoot, etc.
Commercial and fashion projects are fun and different from weddings, obviously. I really enjoy developing relationships with different companies and models, and working with them regularly. As someone who is self employed it almost feels as if I have an occasional co-workers! I have a lot of fun working with brands, but I equally enjoy a headshot session and shooting the interior of a home. I remember early in my career people saying “You need to find your niche,” but I think you really just need to find what works for you. Truly I just love it all and I am happy and grateful for the opportunities to work in different areas.
UBG: How would you describe your brand, or your photography style?
I would say I strive for a timeless-romantic, with natural and true color! I love romantic and candid moments, beautiful landscapes, and documenting real emotion. Maybe a bit of a filmy vibe, since I began shooting on and love film. I take a lifestyle approach to family sessions by photographing authentic interaction, chemistry, and love between people. I’m also very inspired by beautiful landscapes, the outdoors and travel.
UBG: You focus on true-to-life images with light-handed editing, why are you drawn to this style?
Venue is Snowbird. Floral by Mayflowers
It just feels right to me! Anytime I have tried to apply a trendy edit or color alteration, it just never feels right. I have developed an editing style I love, that feels classic and clean. I want my skin tones true and my colors to be rich but natural. I want the photos to be beautiful and not just a trend when you look back at your wedding or session in 10 years. I love bright clean light but occasionally I love some moody settings too.
UBG: A lot of couples express nerves or anxiety when getting their photo taken. How do you make clients feel comfortable when working with you for the first time?
I let them know I’ve got them! If you’re working with me (or any photographer), part of our job is not only to be comfortable with the camera and techniques, but also half of it is to make you comfortable in front of the camera. I have had my photos taken a few times for headshots and whatnot, and it can be intimidating for sure. I can tell people what to do all day, but then I hop in front of the lens and I freeze!
It’s really important to be yourself as a photographer to allow clients to also be themselves! You cannot be timid as a wedding photographer, in my opinion. Being outgoing, confident in your process, and making an effort to connect with your clients will make them feel more comfortable. When posing, I always will give some direction but then coach them into candid moments. They might not even know it’s happening, and sometimes those are the best photos. I give my clients constant direction. They usually don’t need to ask me what they should be doing because I will be constantly telling them. It’s completely up to me to create a space where my clients feel comfortable and feel good about themselves. Finding the poses that you think will be flattering, and fit their personality. Coaching them into situations where they can candidly have fun, etc. It takes practice but it becomes second nature and natural after this long.
Venue is Snowbird. Floral by Mayflowers Venue is Snowbird. Floral by Mayflowers
UBG: You travel around a lot to capture life’s precious moments, what made you decide to become a destination photographer?
It kind of just happened! I’ve been really lucky to have some opportunities in different parts of the world. I traveled to multiple countries for work including Italy, Switzerland, England, Thailand and Iceland. Last year I was lucky enough to shoot a couple weddings on the island of Maui and that was incredible. I am due to shoot a wedding in Fiji next year and really looking forward to that. I am selective with how often I accept destination work (there’s just so much gear to haul around!), but when opportunities present themselves of course I am grateful and so excited. Most of my work is based in SLC and Park City, Utah and some of my favorite places to shoot are just within the Beehive state!
UBG: Do you have a dream venue to shoot for a wedding?
Well, as I said we have some amazing venues here in Utah. But probably some chateau in France, somewhere on the coast of Italy or somewhere like Lake Como…just breathtaking backdrops for a wedding, my goodness, I love Europe! It’s just so romantic and everything about those places is beautiful, timeless — all the things that inspire me. Effortlessly beautiful, almost.
Venue is Snowbird. Floral by Mayflowers
UBG: When creating unique styled shoots, what type of aesthetic do you typically aim to create?
It totally depends! I guess part of a styled shoot often times is to manifest a unique concept. Creating something that fits my own style and hopefully attracts my ideal clients. It’s a lot of work putting together a styled shoot – many little details to plan and think about and usually requires a bit of a budget. Planning something that is your own concept, vision, etc. can be a great reset and very inspiring. Sometimes if I feel in a bit of a photographic funk, styled shoots encourage a flow of creativity and result in rewarding new work I’m excited to show off.
Cake by Flour and Flourish
UBG: Do you have a favorite or most memorable project, either wedding related or not?
I have been photographing a lot more proposals lately, and those are so much fun! This past Saturday I shot a proposal on the ski slopes at Deer Valley where the groom surprised the bride at the top of a ski run. Whether it’s something like a ski proposal, sleigh ride proposal, or just a simple get down on one knee, proposals are just high energy and just really fun to be a part of. I coordinate and orchestrate plans with whoever is proposing, and then after they propose we usually have a small session afterward of more posed and candid photos. They have become one of my favorite things to photograph.
Venue is River Bottoms Ranch
UBG: What is one piece of advice you would offer an engaged couple?
Hire an experienced photographer that you love, and order a wedding album! Your big day deserves to be remembered in that way and having a beautiful heirloom book you can show guests and look at over the years is so special!
We recently featured a proposal shot by Ashlee on our blog, view the full gallery here!
Amid all the planning you’ll do for your wedding, one decision that may come up is whether or not to include a unity ceremony on your special day. A unity ceremony is a symbolic ritual included in your nuptials that represents the joining of two people into one union. They can range from traditional, religious or secular, and they can also be formatted to include family or even friends.
Jenn Thalman, Utah-based wedding officiant and owner of Weddings by JennBrook, often incorporates unity ceremonies into the weddings she officiates. When she initially meets with a couple, one of the questions she asks is if there are any cultural, religious, spiritual or personal beliefs they want to incorporate into their wedding, and they go from there. Unity ceremonies offer endless creative potential for couples seeking a unique and personal experience. The most important thing is that the couple feels like the experience is perfectly fitted to them.
Jenn Thalman. Photo by Haley Nord.
One of Thalman’s top suggestions for couples is to steer away from doing something just to please their families. “I encourage couples to do what they really want,” Thalman says. ”Do what you want. Steer away from what your grandma tells you you have to do.” So, make the day your own – it belongs to you. As you think about what unity ceremony speaks to your love story, here are 11 ideas we’ve gathered, including some insight from Thalman. And don’t forget that you can think outside the box on these. “Any unity ceremony can be customized if you get creative and make it your own,” Thalman says.
1. Wish Lanterns
This unity ceremony is perfect for a nighttime wedding. Or fit it into the end of your wedding day, rather than during the ceremony. The couple releases a floating lantern into the night sky together to represent their love and wishes for their future. They may even write those wishes and sentiments on the lantern before they release it. Thalman suggests this as a great way to incorporate family and friends, giving them lanterns as well to write their wishes for the couple before sending them out into the universe.
2. Wine Blend
In this unity ceremony, the couple takes two different kinds of wine and combines them into the perfect blend. From there the two can sip on their own, make a toast or have a bottle sealed for their anniversary. This can be altered to use beer or tea, as well.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
3. Unity Candles
One of the most common unity ceremonies, lighting a unity candle represents the joining of two families as the couple take two separate candles and light a center candle at the same time. This can also incorporate family, by having the mothers of the two light the separate candles before the couple takes them to light the center. Thalman says she has also incorporated the vows from the Corpse Bride, in which lighting a candle is part of the wedding ceremony, into this unity ritual for couples who love the Tim Burton film. Or, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, you can scale up the ceremony by lighting a bonfire together, rather than a candle.
4. Lasso Ceremony
The lasso ceremony is common in Hispanic, Filipino and Latin cultures. During the wedding ceremony, the couple has a rope, flower garland or even a long rosary wrapped around their shoulders, twisted in the middle to form the shape of an infinity symbol. It can be placed by the officiant or any other pair the couple designates, like the godmother and godfather. Thalman recalled one particular wedding she officiated that applied the lasso ceremony as being particularly moving. As the bride’s family only spoke Spanish and the groom’s family spoke English, the ceremony was able to unite the two families.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
5. Planting
For this ceremony, the couple together plants a tree, a succulent or any other plant they want. The couple may also use dirt from both of their hometowns in the pot, or opt to simply water a tree together if you don’t want to risk smudging your wedding best.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
6. Handfasting
Handfasting derives from an ancient Celtic wedding tradition, where the hands of the two are bound together during the ceremony to represent their unity and the welding of two into one as they literally tie the knot. Thalman says this has been great for couples who have discovered some Celtic or Scottish heritage they feel drawn to and want to honor. But don’t be afraid to stray from tradition. “I think handfasting is one of the things that we get the most creative,” says Thalman, who included Buddhist scarves in her own handfasting ceremony to signify her and her husband’s spiritual journey. More recently, Thalman is collaborating with a vendor, Sage Adornment , to create a custom set of handfasting cords for a couple that have established a set of eight principles for their life together that align with eight chakras. Other customizations include draping the cords or scarves in a way so that when the couple pulls the ends, it forms a knot that only grows stronger with each tug.
7. Anniversary Capsule
For this unity ceremony, couples can gather mementos of their love and time together, maybe even a bottle of wine, and write love letters to each other to seal into a box that they will open on their fifth, 10th or 20th anniversary. They can also invite friends and family to contribute notes and pictures.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
8. Sand Pouring
In this unity ceremony, the couple takes turns pouring two different colored sands into a vase to represent the combining of two lives into one. “A sand ceremony is a great unity ceremony, and I love to do those when someone comes from different areas,” Thalman says. She recalls one sand pouring ceremony with a couple that met in Florida and married in Utah, using sand from the two states in the ceremony. Another variation to this ceremony is using different colors of glass crystals that can then be sent to a glass-blowing studio to be made into a unique piece of art and sent back to the couple.
Photo Courtesy of Adobe Stock.
9. Log Cutting
In this German tradition, the couple uses a two-person saw to cut a log together, representing their first trial they must overcome together.
10. Circling
Besides breaking glass, circling is another Jewish tradition that traditionally involves the bride walking around her groom seven times, a number that carries Jewish symbolism through both Biblical reference and the seven Jewish wedding blessings, though in modern times often both spouses take turns circling each other.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
11. Hand or Feet Washing
Another symbolic unity ceremony option, the couple may choose to wash each other’s hands or feet to signify respect and caring for one another and a clean start to their new married life.
Need some more wedding planning inspiration? We can help.
Winters in Utah can be harsh.But in this inspiration shoot, we are reminded that, in our mountains, the season is also synonymous with cozy fires, plush fabrics and romantic candlelit dinners. Wrap yourself in a luxurious blanket of faux fur and nestle in under a canopy of glowing globes. Sip warming drinks at a table set for 40 of your closest friends and family members. An intimate affair donning a neutral color palette is embracing, not boring, when cocooned inside a rustic, wooden barn. Lastly, go for a quick stroll through an illuminated, outdoor ice lounge and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Anything but harsh, this Utah winter weddings are warm and hospitable.
Photography by Bruce Gardner
Bouquet of champagne and cream roses, lamb’s ear and privet berries.
This winter princess dons delicate lace, a fur stole and leather gloves to endure the frosty evening. “This rough-hewn log cabin is the original Heber Valley milk depot from 1880,” says Red Cliff Ranch owner Virginia Whitby.
View of the Heber Valley from Red Cliff Ranch.Log cabin warmth and filtered lighting illuminate the intricate lace of the gown.A horse stable plays host to this candlelit dinner. Simple centerpieces of champagne roses and lamb’s ear decorate the long table. IGypsophila (yes, baby’s breath) en masse creates wow factor for the guests at this entrance. Glass orbs, hanging fabric and a manzanita chandelier make this ceiling treatment a serious statement-maker.Ice sculptures lead guests into a tented—and heated—outdoor pavilion.An illuminated “chill lounge” and firepit create a festive after-dinner lounge area. Lobster tail and a hearty soup is served.
At Utah Bride and Groom, we strive to offer a diverse and authentic representation of Utah’s wedding industry. Using our platform to uplift creatives of color is a core principle, and the Beehive state is brimming with talented individuals who are passionate about their crafts. Between masterly MUA’s, gifted fashion designers and skilled cuisiniers, these Black-owned businesses are ready to help you fashion the wedding of your dreams.
Pastel hues, sun-filled courtyards and a romantic alpine backdrop—what more could a couple want for their intimate ceremony? Setting the scene at Wadley Farms’ whimsical outdoor garden area and indoor dining rooms, a team of experts comes together to bring their bridal vision to life.
THE VENUE
Wadley Farms, a caste-like venue in Lindon Utah, provided the perfect setting for a sweet inspiration. “This shoot was hosted both inside and outside of the venue,” explains photographer Hailey Marie. “On the inside, we lined the grand staircases with florals to make the wood pop with vibrant pastel colors. When we went outside, we were able to capture shots at the venue’s front doors, and on the side of the venue where you can see the mountains peeking over the venue’s walls.”
THE INSPIRATION
“Pastel wedding color palettes are on the rise, and they are rising fast! We wanted to bring the best of both pastel worlds, and combine them to make one large pastel color palette to show future brides to not be afraid of some fun colors!” Marie says. The team enlisted the help of Dancing Daisies Floral and Diamond Event Tent and Rental to bring their pastel vision to life. They adorned the delicate tablescape with bubblegum pink, sunny yellow, and sky blue floral arrangements. “We wanted to give a soft elegance to the tablescape, while still using bold pastel colors,” says Marie.
BLUSH AND BEAUTIFUL
Soft pink garden roses and pops of glowing yellow pair perfectly with the royal-like Wadley Farms’ venue. Best explained by Marie, “The timeless wedding venue with its delicate features, intricate details, and castle-like feel made you feel like you were in an entirely different world, especially with the mountains being so prominent behind the venue, as seen in the pictures!”
We’ve all been there— rushing to the grocery store to pick up a last-minute bouquet for a loved one on Feb. 14. But if you want to gift your Valentine something that truly reflects your affection, an underwhelming bundle of wilted blooms just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, the Beehive State is brimming with gifted florists that are happy to offer their flower-friendly services to every aspiring Casanova. Here are 14 places to get flowers this Valentine’s Day.
Midvale florist Lilly and Iris incorporates the latest floral trends and best quality blooms in all their arrangements. This Valentine’s Day, they are offering their signature florist’s choice arrangements as well as all rose bouquets. Arrangements start at $60, order by Feb. 13 for next day delivery.
Native Flower Company is a full-service florist based in Salt Lake City offering uniquely-designed, custom flower arrangements delivered to your door. The theme for their Valentine’s Day line this year is UNCHAINED, inspired by the beloved UK balad “Unchained Melody.” They are also offering custom arrangements and add-ons like chocolates and small gifts. Place your order by 12 p.m. Feb. 12 and pick up by 5 p.m. Feb. 13.
Artisan Bloom is a luxury florist service that prides themselves on wowing even the most discerning clients. This year, they are offering three price points for their Valentine’s Day collection. Starting at $125, their designer arrangements are expected to sell out before the anticipated deadline of Feb. 14 at 10 a.m.
Logan-based florist The Fleur Market is offering a variety of bouquets and arrangements this Valentine’s Day. Their designer’s choice starts at $42 and is available for local same-day delivery. They also sell charcuterie baskets, chocolate boxes and live houseplants for the green-thumbed Valentine.
Twigs is a Salt Lake City florist specializing in romantic rose-filled bouquets and traditional arrangements. Their same-day delivery options ensure your gift shows up just in time for Valentine’s day.
Formerly operating as a mobile flower service, The Petal Coop is moving into their first brick-and-mortar location in the Maven District just in time for Valentine’s day weekend. Starting at $45, their lush arrangements are designed to delight in pink ceramic vases and a spring palette. Order by Feb. 7 and visit their site for available pick-up times.
Dancing Daisies Floral is a boutique studio based in Farmington. This year, they are offering a variety of rose bouquets and custom arrangements starting at $55. Their Valentine’s Day orders are available for pickup and local delivery.
Salt Lake florist Every Blooming Thing is offering their full range of custom-made arrangements as well as special Valentine’s Day options. Order by 1 p.m. for same-day delivery on Feb. 14.
With locations in Draper and Salt Lake, Cactus and Tropicals specializes in unique arrangements using local blooms, succulents and tropical flowers. Their designer’s choice starts at $50, other arrangements begin at $65. Same day delivery is available if ordered by 12 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Latina-owned Southern Utah florist Flower Creations is offering several swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day packages this year. Options to add chocolates, balloons, stuffed bears and other items. DM for pricing and delivery details.
Specializing in exotic plants and tropical bouquets, Orchid Dynasty is offering a curated Valentine’s collection this year. Wrapped arrangements start at $75.
Sticks & Stems is a Utah County-based florist offering custom arrangements starting at $65. Each design follows a pastel color palette with seasonal white, lavender, blush, yellow and green blooms. Order by Feb. 7 for local delivery on Feb. 12, or pickup on Valentine’s Day.
This year, Little Lady Floral is offering two packages for Salt Lake sweethearts. Starting at $75, each arrangement includes dusty rose blooms in a unique design. A locally-baked macaron box can be added for $15. Order by Feb. 5 to get $15 off your order.
Jimmy’s Flowers is a family-owned company with locations in Davis and Weber counties. Their bright and fresh floral arrangements make an ideal gift for any discerning valentine. Arrangements range from $45-$180 with the option to add on balloons, chocolates, cards and candles. Ordering is available Feb. 7-14.
2735 Washington Blvd., Ogden | 2840 N. Hillfield Rd., Layton | 470 S Main St., Bountiful
In the eyes of forward-thinking creative teams and brave brides, Utah’s frosty winter season presents nothing but opportunity. Sparkling snowfields become stages for breathtaking first looks, and urban locales gain an extra touch of romance when dusted with a fresh layer of powder. This winter was no different, as hundreds of bridal experts across the state bundled up, grabbed a couple-to-be, and made magic. Here, we celebrate 12 moments straight from the gram that highlight all the best of winter nuptials.
An unforgettable wedding includes delicious food served graciously and generously. But quality catering isn’t cheap. For most couples, booking a venue and catering service are their single biggest wedding expense, accounting for about half of their total budget. Here are five ways to get the most for your catering dollars.
PrioritizeThe Catering Budget
Sit down with your planner early in the process and discuss your budget and priorities. When it comes to wedding food, there are countless options to choose from, and it can feel overwhelming. If you clarify what’s most important to you, your planner can come up with exciting, affordable ways to make your vision real.
Think Carefully About Your Guest Count
Does your mom’s hair dresser’s family really need to be at the reception? The quickest way to cut down your catering cost is to be selective with your invites. Trim your guest count and you won’t have to skimp on dinner. More and more couples are opting for micro weddings with only a small number of their closest family and friends. Besides reducing the risk of infection for your guests, a streamlined list of attendees also allows you to kick up the quality of your food and service, turning an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.
Choose Your Time and Season Wisely
The most popular time to get married is May to October; therefore it’s also the most expensive time to host a celebration. If you pick an off-season date in November, January, February or March, you may be able to score a deal, not only on your catering but on venue, photography, decor, rentals, and dresses too. Believe it or not, the time of day you host a wedding can also make a significant difference. People tend to eat more in the evening than earlier in the day, so if you plan your ceremony to serve your guests brunch or an early supper, you can trim food costs considerably.
Start With a Cocktail Hour
Drinks and butler-passed hors d’oeuvres add an element of class and are a welcome relief for hungry guests. While a cocktail hour may seem like an added expense, it can actually trim your food costs if you plan it well. Allowing guests to fill up on tasty snacks will allow you to serve smaller, less expensive dinner options.
To save money on the alcohol, restrict the choices to wine and beer and perhaps a couple of his/hers signature cocktails. Your planner can help you choose drinks that are original, fun and meaningful.
Choose Your Style
It’s not just the food you serve that affects the price; it’s also the way you have it served. Choose a service style that fits both your budget and the need of your guests.
Plated Meals
Since a wedding celebration is the most significant party they’ll ever throw, many couples opt for a formal plated meal. Plated meals are fairly expensive because they require a lot of staff and china, but that extravagance is also part of their appeal: You and your guests will gather at a table that reflects your exact vision of the meal you’ve so lovingly planned. Plus, having a trained catering staff serve each guest individually is the height of hospitality.One mistake we see many brides make is assuming that they can cut costs on plated meals by having guests choose from a pre-selected menu. In reality, a pre-selected menu generally increases the cost per plate by 10-20% as well as slowing down service. If your heart is set on a plated meal but you’re looking to save money, offer a single or dual main entrée for all guests. Also, work with your caterer to find economical selections and use local ingredients that are in season.
Family-Style
This is a very trendy style where courses are brought to the table and passed around as if you were sharing a meal at home. There are lots of advantages to this style; for example, there are no lines to wait in, guests can choose between several options and accommodate their own dietary concerns. Family-style is typically one of the most expensive serving styles because it requires more staff than any other style, but it creates a more relaxed and communal vibe. It also offers abundant food choices as well as some of the face-to-face service and hospitality of a plated experience. There are ways to adjust family-style service that affect the overall cost. Work with your caterer to find ways to bring the cost down while keeping the most important elements to you.
Photo by Angela Howard PhotographyPhoto by Angela Howard Photography
Chef Action Stations
One of our favorite ways to serve (especially with large guest counts) is interactive stations where food is cooked live right in front of your guests. This crowd-appealing tapas style of service gives our chefs a chance to share their passion for gastronomy. A meal is even more enjoyable when guests appreciate the story behind the cuisine, and our chefs love sharing their expertise as they set a whole wheel of cheese on fire, carve a whole baron of beef with torched garlic compound butter, or spill the secrets of homemade pho. Action stations are a great way to keep guests on their feet and mingling, and it’s always a show! You’ll pay a little extra for the staff required, but they’re generally a less expensive option than family-style or plated meals.
Buffet
With our hearts and minds still recovering from the pandemic, buffets have become less popular over the last two years, but they remain one of the least expensive forms of service. There are many great ways to trim costs with a buffet, from food to serviceware options. The number of servers you’ll need for a buffet is substantially less than a plated meal. Just make sure to confirm with your planner or catering manager to safely and timely excuse tables and socially distance your guests.
Dessert
In Utah, where dessert is king, it’s worth asking whether you even need to serve a meal at all. If you’re catering budget is low, offering a tantalizing dessert bar may be all you need! Either butler-passed or self-served, a selection of dessert will cost a lot less than a full meal. The down side, of course, is that it encourages guests to eat and leave, so if you want your guests to dance, socialize, watch the cake cutting, etc. it’s best to offer a full meal.
Need help picking your signature wedding cocktail? Read our top tips from local spirits experts here!
Amelia and Alex Sundance Resort, July 10 Photography by Jordan Bree
ENGINEERED FOR EACH OTHER
Amelia, a chemical engineer, and Alex, a civil engineer, met at a fundraiser for the University of Louisville’s engineering school. The STEM couple were seemingly made for one another, and after 8 years of dating they decided to make it official. Alex, who also goes by the nickname ‘Fro’ popped the question in September of 2020 during a family trip to Arizona.
A SUNDANCE CEREMONY
After an 11 month engagement, Alex and Amelia tied the knot on July 10th, 2021. Despite the increase in pandemic-paused weddings, the couple were able to secure their dream venue on their preferred date. “We selected Sundance because we’d been going for years and absolutely love the area in the summer,” Amelia recalls. “It’s a very calming retreat type of place.” The resort’s lush forested surroundings and charming wood cabins set the perfect scene for a nature-inspired ceremony.
Sundance Resort Wedding
AN EYE FOR ART
As much as it was a celebration of their commitment, Alex and Amelia’s wedding was also an opportunity to gather friends and family that hadn’t seen one another in years. “This was the first big trip for many of our guests since COVID,” Amelia says. “We wanted folks to feel safe and comfortable, and Sundance felt very spacious and magical.” To compliment the scenery and add ambiance to plein air spaces, the couple incorporated mixed art mediums throughout. “We had artist themed tables, dancers from SALT Contemporary Dance Studio, a poem commissioned by Elisa Gonzalez, and a special artist flown in from Phoenix, Cassidy Hilgers.”
SOUTHERN CHARM
For their menu, the couple took advantage of Sundance Resort’s in house catering. Amelia insisted on a smoky short rib instead of a traditional steak option, along with tasty summertime hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Their cake was similarly inspired by southern tastes, with a base layer of decadent bourbon vanilla to pay homage to Alex’s Kentucky roots. Designed by Cakes by Alessandra, the three layered cake was left semi-naked, “to reflect the birch tree around us,” Amelia notes.
A MOUNTAIN AFFAIR
To take full advantage of their alpine wedding, Alex and Amelia planned several events for them and their guests to enjoy. Sundance Resort’s private lodges and mountaintop cabins provided the perfect spaces for a welcome party and rehearsal dinner. The wedding group even took a ski lift to a Sundance’s Bearclaw Cabin, a remote lodge with stunning views of the Wasatch back and several dining options. “We fell in love with the Foundry Grill, especially their breakfast which we made sure to have the morning ahead of the wedding festivities,” says Amelia. “Don’t skip breakfast on your wedding day!”
