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!”
Alicia & Sean Weddings at the Villa, Cedar Hills, Sept. 4 Photography by Grey Giraffe Collective
A CAFFEINATED MEET-CUTE
Alicia and Sean were introduced serendipitously through a mutual friend at a local Starbucks. Alicia was there for a quick caffeine fix, but she ended up leaving with so much more. Unbeknownst to their shared buddy, introducing the two was just the beginning of an extraordinary romance. The pair are still sipping coffee together nine years later.
CHECKING-IN FOR LOVE
After nearly a decade together, Sean decided to make things official. He planned a romantic staycation at one of Alicia’s favorite hotels, the trip was spontaneous yet sentimental—perfect for commemorating the big moment. “I walked into the room to find it covered in rose petals,” Alicia recalls. “He popped the question right then and there, and we celebrated with dinner and massages the next morning!”
OWLS IN ITALY
The couple was engaged for two years until they landed on the charming tuscan-like venue to host their intimate ceremony. Set in a historic pear orchard in Cedar Hills, The Villa offered stunning alfresco spaces and quaint terracotta cottages. “The cherry on top was when the venue owner told us owls come to nest during the spring,” Alicia says. “Sean is a huge owl lover, enough so to have an owl tattoo on his side. We were sold once we hear that.”
PIZZA IN THE GARDEN
To complement the venue’s natural beauty and organic theme, Alicia chose a palette of Ivory, butter, peach, blush, french blue and garden green. The outdoor dining area was dressed in simple white cloth and understated tableware to achieve the “whimsical garden villa” atmosphere that the couple desired. For the wedding menu, Alicia and Sean wanted to ensure a variety of options to meet their guest’s dietary preferences. Catering by Fiore Pizza Truck and Sobe Eats provided several pizza options, including vegan slices, two salad options, a full tostada bar, and a mocktail bar serving mojitos and sangria.
We can’t help but applaud those that go big. The dreamers and creators that take their visions to the limit, and then one step further. Whether it’s working off a bold color scheme or a shooting at fairytale-like location, executing an inspirational styled shoot is what the bridal community does best. Here, a team of experts come together at the castle-esque venue Wadley Farms to tell a story of splendor, whimsy and red hot romance.
To achieve the storybook wedding feel the team wanted, Wadley Farms provided multiple charming indoor and outdoor areas, something photographer Hailey Marie was adamant about. “We chose to host the styled shoot at Wadley Farms because the style of the shoot was classic and timeless, mixed in with modern romance, which is exactly what Wadley Farms provides!” Hailey says. Throughout the day, the team created beautiful scenes in the courtyard, indoor ceremony area and front entrance. “We wanted to make sure we incorporated as much as we could at each station in order to ensure the best content” explains Hailey.
Stepping outside of the typical wedding color schemes, the team of vendors challenged themselves to use bright shades of red. “Red is not a common theme when it comes to weddings,” says Hailey. “We wanted to challenge ourselves to do something bold and different, while still being romantic and timeless.”
To contrast with the muted natural tones of the indoor ceremony, the talented team incorporated bright pops of red in floral arrangements and tableware. “We used rich shades of red paired with the classic light pink to offset the reds with our florals, table set-ups, and cake!,” says Hailey. The result is a stunning photoshoot that proves bold reds and storybook romance never go out of style.
Utah is experiencing a culinary renaissance. From world-class chocolatiers to renowned artisanal cheesemakers, this state has developed a food landscape that’s as unique and diverse as its famous parks and recreational areas. Your Utah wedding is a chance to show out-of-state guests that this is the place…for fantastic food. Here’s how.
As your guests arrive, you’ll want to make sure they have some nibbles and drinks to enjoy before dinner begins. A charcuterie board featuring Utah fruits, meats, and cheeses is a fantastic option. Utah boasts several cheese-makers that rival the best cheeses made anywhere, including Rockhill Creamery, Heber Valley Cheese, and Beehive Cheese. Sample a variety to find what you like. Among our favorites include Honey Lavender Cheddar (made by Heber Valley) and Aggiano, Barely Buzzed, and 2021 winner Red Butte Hatch Chili (all made by Beehive).
If you’re also going to offer alcohol, why not give your guests a taste of something unique and local? You may want to work with your planner or caterer to customize your own signature cocktail utilizing Utah’s finest spirits like Beehive Distilling’s Jack Rabbit Gin, High West or Black Feather Whiskey, or Distillery 36’s internationally acclaimed “Brigham Rum.” It’s also a good idea to have an assortment of local beers on hand from Epic, Uintah, or Squatters.
Interesting fact: The name “Brigham Rum” is a nod to Mormon leader Brigham Young who commissioned Utah’s first alcohol distillery in the 1860s and controlled the production and distribution of “spirituous liquors” in the state. After Prohibition, production of any kind of alcohol was illegal in Utah until 2006 when High West Distillery opened in Park City. Since then, Utah’s spirit industry has been has been thriving. (Photo Courtesy of Culinary Crafts)
For the non-drinkers on your guest list, you can offer a fun soda bar, boba teas, or “mocktail” versions of your signature drink.
Utah is an agricultural state, and one way we really shine is with our year-round production of local greens. Start dinner with a selection of legumes from Utah’s excellent traditional or hydroponic producers including Bangerter Farms, Snuck Farms, or Brickhouse Growers.
Entrées offer lots of enticing ways to feature locally sourced foods, but a perennial Western favorite is fresh trout.
If fish isn’t your thing, Morgan Valley lamb and Moroni turkey are two great Beehive state alternatives. Red Bird chicken and Snake River beef and pork are also very popular in Utah, especially the American Wagyu beef. You can even go a little more “wild” with local buffalo, deer, or elk!
For more localized wedding menu inspiration, click here!
‘Tis the season for hot cocoa by the fire, holiday celebrations with loved ones, and yes, of course, engagements. December is the most popular month for proposals, with almost 20% of couples popping the question. It’s no surprise, after all, what better Christmas gift than the promise of forever?
For wedding photographers, capturing an intimate proposal moment requires patience, intuition and stealth. Picture, hiding-in-the-bushes-stealth until he/she finally lowers onto one knee for the big moment. In this sweet Grand America proposal, Ashlee Brooke Photography perfectly captures the magic of the occasion and the spirit of Christmas.
Christmastime at the Grand America is a fondly held memory for many Utahns, their seasonal window displays and lit-up gardens making for the perfect holiday activity. This stunning photo session takes place in the Grand’s center courtyard, where bubbling fountains and a 20 ft tree set the scene for a memorable proposal. The team at Belle Bodas Events helped the future groom bring his vision to life with classic flickering candles in glass vases. The scene is simple yet elegant, ideally suited to the grandeur of the venue.
The future bride wears an emerald velvet gown by local dressmaker Natalie Wynn Design. The flattering silhouette features puffed long sleeves and a keyhole cutout on the back, perfect for keeping warm in Utah’s chilly season. She pairs the look with gold drop pendant earrings and an emerald-cut diamond by June Rings.
Our favorite thing about this proposal is the theme of purposeful simplicity. Don’t get us wrong, we love a fairytale engagement as much as the next girl, but there is something to be said about letting love between two people take center stage. Of course, you shouldn’t need to embellish a venue like the Grand America anyway. To schedule your own photoshoot, visit the Grand America website to make an appointment.
What began as a strong friendship between Kendall and Brian naturally evolved into love after spending a winter skiing together. Those that play together stay together, right? Breathe in the scent of pine and let the snowfall tickle your cheeks in this warm-your-soul wedding at Sundance Resort.
After the reception, luminaries led guests to the Redford Center for an after party where late night desserts were served and the dancing continued into the wee hours.
OCCUPATIONS
Kendall is an employment specialist at Montage Deer Valley, and Brian is a sales engineer at Technoform Glass Insulation. They currently reside in Park City.
HOW THEY MET
Brian and Kendall met their freshman year at the University of Colorado at Brian’s fraternity party. They noticed each other from across the room, and Brian asked Kendall to dance. Following an evening of dancing and foosball, Brian walked her back to her dorm and asked for her number. After several weeks of hanging out as friends, he asked her out for a real date on her birthday. “He showed up with flowers and a wonderfully written card,” Kendall recalls. “I knew there was something there.” They fell in love the following winter in 2003 while skiing and spending time in the mountains together.
THE MOMENT THEY KNEW THEY FOUND “THE ONE”
Brian knew when living in Beaver Creek and “life together seemed so perfect and easy,” he says. Kendall says she knew, “When we were living in different states, and all I wanted was for us to be together. At that time I realized I could never imagine being with anyone else.”
In lieu of a guestbook, friends and familysigned these antique skis after the photographer captures them in the newly fallen snow. No need for blooms in this fragrant boutonnière tied with hemp.
THE PROPOSAL
On a Thanksgiving trip to Pennsylvania with Kendall’s family, the couple made plans to attend a Penn State football game. Kendall’s dad was a quarterback for Penn State, and the campus was where her parents met, making it a special place for the entire family. Early that morning, Brian and Kendall met her family on the field for what she thought was a Christmas photo of the family.
A fresh blanket of Utah snow falls for the lucky couple.
After a few photos, Brian asked Kendall to walk with him down the field to the end zone. “I began to shake when he started talking about how I was the love of his life and that this was an amazing trip he would never forget,” she says. “He said he never wanted to live without me, and before I knew it, he was pulling a little box out of his pocket and bending down on one knee. ”
Ecstatic and surprised, Kendall said yes. Despite the cold weather, Kendall eagerly threw off her glove and put the ring on.They celebrated after the game with Kendall’s entire family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
MENU
Caesar salad, blackened salmon and pork, roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Chartreuse—a unique winter choice of color-—was repeated throughout the ski-centric wedding, from the groomsmen’s ties to the candlelit tables.
WEDDING SONG
“Someone Like You” by Van Morrison.
Ski pass escort cards led guests to tables named after ski resorts Kendall and Brian have visited together.
UNIQUE ELEMENT OF THE DAY
Instead of a traditional father-daughter and mother-son dance, “We organized a dance medley with a number of family members that made the biggest impact in our lives in the order they came into our lives,” Kendall says. First, the couple danced together. Next, Kendall danced with her mom and Brian with his mom. Then Kendall danced with her brother and Brian danced with his grandmother, and after that, Kendall danced with her stepfather and Brian danced with his stepmother. Finally, Kendall and Brian came back together to dance to Kendall’s favorite country song “Crazy” by Pat Green.
Their monogrammed logo was used throughout the wedding day.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Bride’s: “Listening to my husband say his vows and knowing the love we felt for each other. Then, of course, the music and the dancing that followed.”
Birch-wrapped candles line the aisle.
Groom’s: “Dancing with my friends, family and my lovely bride to the amazing music played by the band.”
Tiny details like a mossy flower girl basket, the couple’s flower-clad dog, Izzy, and cowboy boots help define the rustic yet elegant mood.
