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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.”
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.
