The dignified nature of Park City’s alpine backdrop is enough to elevate any wedding to grandiose majesty. But when combined with the minds of skilled planners from the Bluebird Event Destination Management team, the mountain venue Goldener Hirsch is transformed into an avant-garde locale. As seen in our 2021 issue, this contemporary inspiration shoot highlights the best in local blooms, organic textures and dramatic scapes. Take a look at these never-before-seen images that prove why alpine ceremonies reign supreme for Utah brides.

The Goldener Hirsch provides multiple opportunities for stunning photo ops. The Austrian-inspired ski chalet offers both historic charm and clean backdrops ideal for creative scene makers. “We took one look at Goldener Hirsch’s expanded space, and knew we had to highlight the modern design elements of the renovation while honoring the tradition of the hotel, as it’s a real Park City staple,” says Meredith Parsons, founder of Bluebird Event Destination Management. The team took full advantage of the venue’s scenery, particularly the rooftop which offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Silver Lake Village.

The creative team hyper-focused on locally and sustainably sourced design elements, including dried flower arrangements placed throughout the venue. Floral designer Sarah Winward incorporated wild tumbleweeds and natural foliage to make a connection with the outdoors. The golden sheen of each stem reflects the natural light flooding the reception areas, and the feather-like texture offers an ethereal glow.

The bold and angular architectural elements are softened with multicolored floral arrangements and modern candle ware. Dark moody hues provide a dramatic backdrop for bridals before or after the ceremony.

The table setting continues the use of staw-coloured flowers and dried blooms, including a large installation hanging above. For tableware, Parsons chose masculine colors and shapes that compliment Goldener Hirsch’s surrounding architecture while contrasting with lighter elements. “The dark blown-glass candlesticks prop up neutral candles, while the glossy black table finds its counterpart in the fluffy, airy clematis performing as the table’s star florals,” she says.

Ann Elizabeth Print Studio created elegant stationery combining dark blue-gray tones with watercolor details. The artistic renderings of pine trees and mountain scapes offer a glimpse into the ceremony that will follow.

THE TEAM

Photographer: Heather Nan

Planner: Bluebird Event Destination Management

Rentals: Vault Event Rentals

Floral: Sarah Winward

Gown: Bitsy Bridal

Gown Designer: Kelly Faetanini

Makeup: Liz Copene, Shades of Radiance Beauty,

Hair: Tenesha Nicole Hair

Jewelry: J. Brooks Jewelers

Paper Goods: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio

Models: Oserami Williams and Del Ellington

You can find the original print feature here.

As golden hour sets on vibrant fall leaves, autumn’s magic is undeniable. The smell of crackling fires paired with crunchy crimson leaves is enough to make just about anyone long for a day on the farm. That’s why The Wild Oak—a former historic apple orchard warehouse located along a country road in Lindon—has become a beloved event space melding modernity with tradition, perfectly suited to provide fall wedding inspiration. 

FORAGE YOUR FLORALS

When it comes to floral arrangements, there’s no need to play by the rules. “Combining unexpected flower combinations is a great way to create visual interest,” explains Carly Olson, venue manager at The Wild Oak. “We wanted to create cohesiveness between the location and the decor, so we focused on utilizing locally sourced and foraged botanicals,” Olson adds. 

“We erred on the side of florals over greenery for the centerpieces and bouquets in order to build depth and texture.” She also suggests using color creatively. “Adding blueberries to the warm-colored bouquets was the perfect way to create contrast and make the combinations unique.”

BUILD OFF THE BARNYARD

The orange-hued, sun-bleached wood used for the pergola and trellis puts a spotlight on warm tones in this celebration’s overall design. “Reclaimed wood can provide a vintage feel and still appear elegant and polished when it’s formed into minimalistic structures,” Olson explains. “Simple décor at the altar places focus on the couple and allows for stellar images of your ‘I dos.’” 

SET YOUR SCENES

The key to making an event feel intimate in a large venue like The Wild Oak is to create vignettes throughout the space. “When you thoughtfully decorate and designate certain areas for different components of your celebration, you offer guests an interesting and dynamic experience that encourages them to enjoy one another’s company as well as the party itself,” Olson says. “The trick is making sure to provide your guests with clear pathways so that the event flows seamlessly from one segment to the next.”

CHOOSE YOUR HUES

Golden hour’s buttery-colored evening light provides a picture-perfect ceremony backdrop. “Autumn-inspired color schemes rely heavily on warm tones, so it’s important to create aesthetically intriguing pops, like different textures and metallic touches, so that the design doesn’t all blend together,” Olson says. “Deep shades of orange and burgundy are key when it comes to creating a cozy autumnal atmosphere.”  

VENDORS

Venue & Planning: The Wild Oak,

Photographer: Cole Hights

Makeup Artist: Lexi Harker

Hair Stylist: Studio DeVore

Food Service: Culinary Crafts

Bar Service: Tin Barrel Beverage Bar

Liquor: Holystone Distilling

Stylist: Kim Johnson

Jewelry: Tanner Trading

Suit: DC Tuxedos

Gown: Allure Bridals

Cake: Cakes by Alessandra

Models: Acia Chanthaboury and Micah J. Hannemann 

Utah’s diverse landscapes inspire creativity in the bridal community in many ways. Lush forests offer dramatic backdrops for intimate ceremonies, and vast canyons set the scene for an unforgettable engagement shoot. In this inspiring elopement, an arid Utah location is transformed into an Egyptian oasis.

Created, hosted, and designed by California-based Destination Elopement and Adventure Couple Photographer, Alexi Cox, and Utah-based Event Planner, Katie Brough, this shoot pulled inspiration from Egypt’s mesmerizing landscape, culture, and historical figure Cleopatra. They worked for months attracting and teaming up with some of Utah’s finest creatives in and out of the industry to create the elaborate, decadent and tasteful elopement. Complete with runic symbols on a copper arch, golden accents in braided hair, and six snakes, including boas and a python, they strived to convey important aspects of this beautiful culture while creating something unique and new.

In an effort to convey the importance of brides selecting a dress that reflects them and their style, the hosts decided to have their bride and groom both in black. Cox noted, “We want brides to know that they don’t need to fit a certain mold to celebrate their day of union. It should reflect who they are. Stop following trends, just be YOU!”

As the shoot was scheduled for March, the team had quite unpredictable weather conditions to battle. Snow, hail, rain, and temperatures below zero all worried the team, but since Cox was from out of town, there were no alternate available dates. “We had to stay cautiously optimistic,” Brough said. “The morning of the shoot the weather cleared up and we knew we’d have a successful, albeit chilly, styled shoot.” And chilly it was! The snakes could only be out of blankets for short periods of time, as well as the models. “We had to keep taking breaks because the sand got so cold for the models’ feet. Periodically during their breaks, I would see the models in my husband’s jackets creating friction and warmth!” Cox reflected. “Thank goodness for him!”

The team used dark, rich jewel tones in the table setting to contrast with the light sand, and a vibrant bouquet and floral arrangement that had yellow, popping accents.

“Sand is really fun to work with, because there’s so much you can do with it! The location featured a bunch of unique stacked sand structures that we had a lot of fun playing with. The textures were absolutely beautiful, and gave a lot of interest to the photos,” Cox notes. “The sand also allowed a barefoot styled elopement to still look classy and chic”

Brin Stationery designed paper goods in a similar moody palette, accenting the dark tones with reflective textures throughout. Complete with iconic hieroglyphics, the invitations allude to the eccentric Egyptian ceremony that will follow.

“The snakes were an integral part of the shoot as they tied in the Egyptian vibe, and the earrings I wanted to highlight.” Says Cox. “Both models were quite comfortable with the snakes, and they were extremely cooperative throughout the entire shoot!”

At the conclusion of the shoot, new friendships were forged (including with the reptiles!) and a stunning representation of all the hard work remains.

VENDORS:

Photography: Alexi and Morgan Cox; Paper Airplanes Photography
Host: Alexi Cox; Paper Airplanes Photography
Co-Host and Stylist: Katie Brough; Love Kate Events
Models: Leo Weffer & Mouneesha Chowdary
Stationary: Brin Stationery
Hair: Bridal by Caitlin
MUA: Savanah Norman
Earrings: Meesha Farzaneh
Cake: Cakes by Kena
Snakes: Carrie Newman
Floral: Everlasting Floral
Decor: Just One Elle
Rentals: Diamond Event and Tent & All About Your Rentals

Looking for more desert inspiration? We have even more on our blog.