In Case You Missed It: Amangiri Dreams

November 4, 2021

As one of Utah’s top luxury resorts, Amangiri is a coveted venue for an unforgettable wedding. The otherworldly red rock landscape and infinite blue skies are ideal for creating unforgettable al fresco areas. For many, the isolated desert offers a comforting sense of silence where couples can bind themselves to each other and mother nature.

As seen in our 2021 issue, the resort offers endless opportunities for intimate ceremony spaces and dramatic photo opportunities. In case you missed it, we’re featuring even more stirring images from the feature.

At Camp Sarika, canvas-topped pavilions and inviting fire pits serve as meditative oases. Private plunge pools can be found throughout the resort, welcoming adventurous couples looking to escape the heat or enjoy a private moment.

The resort utilizes intentional architecture to highlight the sheer drama of Amangiri’s landscape. Open floor plans, wall-to-wall windows and understated décor allow the scenery to take center stage. The staggering landscape—adorned with canyons, mesas, mountains, gorges, rapids and desert—contains stories of human life that date back more than 10,000 years.

A sleek gown by Sarah Seven continues the theme of sweet simplicity. Hair stylist Tenesha Luckett pairs the looks with a slick pony tail while makeup artist Janelle Ingram applies a glowy modern look. A pop of fuschia on the lips matches the berry tones found throughout the ceremony.

The design team at Fuse Weddings and Events curated a bold palette of salmon and plum that act as a foil to the surrounding arid views. Berry-toned garden roses and feminine ranunculus dress the reception table in splendor without distracting from the organic elegance. As guests gather for an intimate dinner, they will be sure to mark the occasion is wholly authentic.

When creating the ceremony space, the team took inspiration from the expansive desert camp itself. “That’s where the ‘church of dirt’ concept came in,” says Amanda Hansen, owner of Decoration Inc. “It offers structural parallels to the surrounding mesas without detracting from them.” The effects of the simple shape is powerful, and draws a seamless connection to Amangiri’s geological wonders.

THE TEAM

PLANNER: Mara Mazdzer, Fuse Weddings and Events

TABLE RENTAL: Diamond Event & Tent

LINENS: Fuse Weddings and Events

FLORAL, CANDLES: Decoration Inc.

CHAIR RENTAL: Decoration Inc.

STATIONARY, PRINTED MATERIAL: Twelve30 Creative

CHINA, FLATWARE, GLASSWARE: Wild Event Studio

PHOTOGRAPHER: Heather Nan Photography

HAIR STYLING: Tenesha Luckett

MAKEUP ARTIST: Janelle Ingram

GOWN: Sarah Seven

JEWELRY: J. Brooks

MODEL: Sydney Williams

Find the original feature from our 2021 print issue here.

Express Yourself: Tips for Your Engagement Shoot

November 1, 2021

Before you pose for what’s sure to feel like a million photos on your wedding day, you’ll get to spend some time in front of the lens for another very important photo session: your engagement shoot. Engagement shots are the perfect keepsakes capturing your time as a pair right before marriage, and the photos can be used for everything from your wedding website to your social media feed. Making your photo shoot personal to you is key. Photographer Trevor Hooper shares his secrets for ensuring your personality shines through in your shots.

engagement shoot — Photo by Trevor Hooper

PERSONALIZE YOUR LOCALE

Location is everything when it comes to making your engagement photos unique. Consider locations where you most like to spend time with your partner. Louise and Kurt spend as much time together as possible snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors, so action shots are the perfect way to document their love. “The goal is to choose a beautiful location that speaks to you and your partner emotionally,” says Hooper. “Keep in mind professional photographers can be one of your best resources when it comes to selecting a location, so make sure you communicate with your photographer.”

KEEP IT CANDID

It’s easier said than done, but when it comes to capturing your love, candid moments make the best photos. The more at home you are in your location, the more comfortable you’ll act for your photographer. “Helping people feel at ease leads to much more natural candid images,” explains Hooper. “Remember: this is all about capturing your special connection. While there will always be some posing, candid photos are the best way to visually express your love story.”

HAVE FUN

Above all, embrace your connection as naturally as possible on camera. Your engagement shoot should translate the best parts of your relationship so that each and every photo in the gallery can be cherished for a lifetime.

Bridal photography doesn’t end after the engagement shoot, see why you should book a first look session with your photography.

The Allure of Autumn

October 28, 2021

The rich colors of fall are on their way out to make room for cooler temperatures, but the waning season is still a source of inspiration for Utah creatives. The team behind this autumn bridal shoot woke at the break of dawn to capture the first few rays of morning light. After hiking to a hilltop, they arranged displays and models by the light of their car headlights. Finally, the rising sun cast a warm glow on the rust-hued scenery and set the perfect scene for an inspirational shoot.

Wild yet delicate flower arrangements by Olive and Sage floral frame the scenery, and showcase the bounty of fall’s beauty. The bride wears a backless boho gown by OffWhite Bridal featuring billowing sleeves and a simple silhouette.

VENDORS:

Photography: Darian Kaia Photography
Floral: Olive and Sage Floral

You can find more fall wedding inspiration here.

27 Gowns from New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week 2021

October 26, 2021

In early October, The Bridal Council collaborated with Pullquest to offer a virtual display of the world’s leading luxury bridal designers. In their illustrious collections, 20 designers from around the globe offered the latest and greatest in wedding fashion. From supple silk trains to blooming embroidery, to billowing skirts and figure-hugging bustiers, this year’s designers present the perfect gown for every kind of bride. Here we take a look at 27 dresses from the 2021 New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week that take our breath away.

All photos courtesy of The Bridal Council

LONG SLEEVE

As we descend into the colder season, leaders in bridal fashion offer sleeved gowns that don’t skimp on style. High-neck ball gowns and victorian-inspired silhouettes are ideal for a winter bride. For those with an eye for sparkle, shimmering sequins transform a low-neck gown into an ice princess’ dream.

New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week 2021 — Toronto; Rivini Collection by Rita Vinieris

OFF SHOULDER

Throughout the week, off shoulder gowns seemed to be having their moment. Delicate draping accentuates a feminine neckline and creates a dreamy silhouette. Off shoulder details can be added to any shape and style, here shown on embroidered mermaid gowns and paneled corsets.

SLEEK AND SIMPLE

Of course timeless designs in brilliant shades of white never lose their shine. Designers reinterpret classic shapes with elegant necklines and off-white shades of silk. Offering both figure-hugging skirts and traditional A-line shapes, a bride seeking simple gowns finds her taste well suited in this year’s collections.

FLORAL

Dresses inspired by nature’s beauty have been growing in bridal fashion for the past few seasons, and there was no sign of slowing down at the 2021 Bridal Fashion Week. Designers focused floral embellishments on sleeves for an added billowing effect. They combined exquisite beading with delicate embroidered blooms, elevating classic silhouettes to ethereal heights.

Esmerelda Style 1072; Morilee Madeline Gardner

BIG AND BOLD

For brides that lean into the spotlight, these bold gowns make a statement. Layered tulle and eye-catching material breathe personality, without overbearing those who wear them. A wedding dress should never wear the bride, afterall.

You can find more of our favorite dresses from collections in 2021 here.

Real Wedding: The Cycle of Love

October 20, 2021

Kyle and Colleen
Francis Peak, Davis County. September, 2021.
Photography by Kenna Bug Photo

THE STORY

Kyle and Colleen were together for ten years when they finally decided to tie the knot. Although their love for one another was cemented long before, it was Kyle’s recent diagnosis with a rare form of ALS that prompted them to hold an intimate outdoor ceremony. In just three weeks the pair gathered their dearest friends and family at the base a canyon in Davis County. To get to the wedding, the entire wedding group biked three hours to the top of Francis Peak.

A RACE FOR LOVE

Colleen and Kyle are avid mountain bikers, and they wanted to celebrate their story in every authentic way possible. As a testament to the power couple, every wedding guest joined in for a few hours of heart-racing fun. The unique pre-ceremony event was intimate and special, although it presented a peculiar challenge to their wedding photographer Kenna Smith. “The videographer and I had to drive past the biking group multiple times and stop on the side of the winding canyon road to get the bike shots,” she says. “I do not know how Colleen looked so stunning after riding a bike with a helmet up steep slopes for three hours, she was glowing!”

NATURAL BEAUTY

The impromptu outdoor ceremony was perfect for Kyle and Colleen, who hold a special place in their heart for the summit. To highlight the organic elegance of the setting, Smith focused on the soft palette of blues and blush found in the sky and florals. “I was more focused on the moments rather than the ‘perfect shot’ for this wedding,” she explains. The simplicity of the ceremony allowed all eyes to be on Kyle and Colleen as they vowed to stand by one another through life’s many challenges. Everyone present was touched by the couple, including Smith who recalls “I had no idea what to expect showing up to this wedding, but it ended up being one of the most incredible experiences I have ever participated in.”

VENDORS

Photographer: Kenna Smith
Videography: Meg Lyon Cook
Venue: Francis Peak, Davis County (9524 ft elevation)
Floral: Diamond tip events
Catering: Crumbl Cookies

For more inspiring Real Weddings, click here. You can find our entire 2021 issue here.

Real Wedding: Mountain Memories

October 15, 2021

Jenny and Ian
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah. June 18th.
Photography by Grey Giraffe Photography

A CONVENIENT CONVERSATION

Ian and Jenny attended the same college in Indiana during their freshmen year, they shared several mutual friends but didn’t connect until the end of the year. Fate finally brought the pair together in a friendly neighborhood convenience store. Sitting on opposite ends of the table, Jenny was animatedly telling a story that involved an old dog and a mysterious deli meat when Ian’s interest grew. After that intriguing conversation, it seems the connection finally clicked and the rest is history.

A PROPOSAL IN PHILLY

After eight years together, Jenny was more than ready for an engagement. “I was a ‘little’ neurotic about when the proposal would be, and was constantly trying to ruin my own surprise,” she says. Ian knew how important it was for her family to be present during the big moment, and found it a challenge to coordinate her Chicago relatives a trip to Philadelphia without Jenny catching wind of the plan. “I thought it would happen on a Friday, and every weekend that passed I thought to myself it would be the next one,” says Jenny. To throw her off, Ian ended up popping the question on a Saturday during a nonchalant stroll through a charming Philly neighborhood.

“Neither Ian or I really wanted a city wedding, and we both loved the idea of being in the mountains,” says Jenny.

THE BIG DAY

After a 16 month engagement, Jenny and Ian tied the knot on June 19th at Blue Sky. The Philly residents chose the Beehive state for their ceremony based on their love of the outdoors. The serene mountains set the ideal backdrop for their elegant microwedding, and Jenny wanted to celebrate the natural beauty in her wedding details. “We wanted to let the outdoor location speak for itself and go with an ethereal nature theme.” The pair curated their wedding palette to match the al fresco location with organic green hues and subtle pops of blue.

We are big Reese’s fans, so our cake flavors contained two layers of creme brûlée and one peanut butter chocolate.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

To make the most of their destination wedding, Jenny and Ian wanted to incorporate their inner circle whenever possible. To officiate their joining, the pair chose one of their best friends from Philadelphia. “We have an amazing and loving friendship with him, and he has a stage presences that we just knew would make him perfect for the job,” Jenny recalls. The couple also asked their wedding party to join during their first dance. After Jenny and Ian danced to “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson, their friends and family jumped in on the last verse to celebrate the newlyweds.

VENDORS

Photographer: Grey Giraffe Photography
Planner: Bluebird Events
Venue and Catering: The Lodge at Blue Sky
Floral: Artisan Bloom
Gown: Ultimate Bride
Suit: Suit Supply
Cake: Flour and Flourish
Hair and Makeup: Lesley Lind

You can find more stunning Real Weddings here.

Lessons In Love

October 12, 2021

On the subject of a modern, masculine wedding, Mara Mazdzer takes us to school. In the heart of Park City, Washington School House Hotel offers a stylized backdrop, equal parts polished and mountain-apropos. In her design, Mazdzer—founder of Fuse Weddings and Events—offers an inspiring crash course in melding form and function.

CREATE CONTEMPO

When it comes to pairing modernity with a masculine wedding, contemporizing your space is key. Refreshingly out-of-the-box elements such as live, cloud-like cotton, twigs and branches offer foliage options far from traditional florals. For the tablescape, Mazdzer combines au courant flatware with lacquered cement-style china, adding refinement to the minimalistic place settings. The paper goods and monogram offer more modern, personalized touches through the simplicity and style of their graphic designs.

SET THE TONE

According to Mazdzer, the key to personalizing a color palette is not overcomplicating it. Your palette helps determine the overall feel of your event, and it should reflect you and the space you’re in. The trick is to not take that too literally. “You should define your color scheme, but you should also feel comfortable straying from it,” Mazdzer explains. “Consider the way that hues can be translated and the impact you want them to have on your venue. For example, one or two shades of each color in your palette should be used to either warm or cool the design.”

ACCOMMODATE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

“When a venue is designed as beautifully as Washington School House Hotel, the last thing we want to do is work against the styling of the space,” says Mazdzer. Her trick to ensuring harmony between your event and your location? Familiarity. “When working with a curated locale, the key is to incorporate what is provided and then work backwards,” says Mazdzer. “Then, once you’ve established your foundation, you can begin to layer on personalized elements. Consider factors like what you want your guests to experience and characteristics that define you and your partner.” For example, this venue’s furnishings provide gray, blue and gold embellishments that serve as a luxe backdrop for design elements including the tablescape and bar.

KEEP IT CLOSE

Pulling off the perfect party in a boutique hotel is all about constructing intimacy. According to Mazdzer, that intimacy relies on two key factors: a pared down guest list and romantic lighting. “When it comes to designing your wedding, what will ultimately create your perfect venue is the lighting,” Mazdzer explains. “From making your space picture-perfect to keeping the party going, the celebration’s illumination determines so much of the overall feel of the event.” For this occasion, the tall toffee-toned taper candles paired with the natural light from the hotel’s towering windows aggrandize a limited ceremony space.

THE TEAM
Photographer: Elisha Braithwaite Photography
Planning and Design: Mara Mazdzer, Fuse Weddings and Events
Venue: Washington School House Hotel
Florist: Artisan Bloom
Hair & Makeup: Reese Stockman
Cake: Flour & Flourish
China & flatware: Wild Event Studio
Rentals: SceneMakers by Modern Display
Linens: Fuse Weddings and Events
Wardrobe: Tuxedo Junction
Stationery: Twelve30 Creative
Flower Girls Dresses: Chantel Lauren Designs
Jewelry: O.C. Tanner Jewelers
Models: Joel Paris and Michael Cozzens

Looking for more inspiration? Start here.

Real Wedding: Mountain Micro Wedding

October 5, 2021

Elizabeth and Mike
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Wanship, Sept. 26
Photography by Heather Nan

FROM HINGE TO HITCHED

In Elizabeth’s own words, the pair met “how all the kids are meeting these days:” on the dating app Hinge. The duo matched in 2018, but didn’t make it official for a full year after they made the connection. Elizabeth and Mike’s first date was in their home state of Illinois at a cozy speakeasy-style bar in Chicago.

A VERY PARK CITY PROPOSAL

On a ski trip to Park City, during breakfast the morning of a spa day Mike had planned at the St. Regis, Elizabeth mentioned, not so subtly, that “Park City would be the best place to get engaged.” They’d already been on the vacation for a couple of days, and she figured if he’d been planning to pop the question, he would have done so already. Little did she know he’d saved the best for last. The pair got massages and then headed to the Mountain Terrace to grab a drink. There, to Elizabeth’s surprise, Mike got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She, of course, said yes.

TRADING UP

As all 2020 brides know, the year was a period of planning and re-planning weddings, and Elizabeth and Mike’s nuptials were no exception. “We had planned a November wedding in Detroit with 350 people and clearly that wasn’t going to happen,” Elizabeth says. With the help of Rachael Mayo, owner of Rachael Ellen Events, the duo regrouped and opted to scrap it all and invite only their nearest and dearest to the Utah Mountains for a micro destination wedding. According to Mayo, “They swapped their plans and traded them in for an unforgettable mountain experience. Their guests enjoyed a weekend of horseback riding, fly fishing and hiking followed by a cowboy Yurt rehearsal dinner and a romantic mountain wedding celebration.” Elizabeth was over-the-moon with the results. “This ended up feeling like Plan A, even though it was our COVID Plan B,” she says.

ALPINE I DOS

The pair’s micro destination wedding took place at the Blue Sky Tavern, a beautiful secluded ranch offering the mountains’ changing fall foliage as an unforgettable backdrop. “We created a romantic floral aisle and birch arch for their religious ceremony, complete with a live string quartet,” says Mayo. “Then, the guests moved down to the Arena Stable for signature cocktails, axe throwing and hors d’oeuvres. Elizabeth and Mike were welcomed to cocktail hour, when they danced for the first time as husband and wife before celebrating with their guests. A multicourse meal followed, during which their friends and family toasted the newlywed couple.”

DESIGN DETAILS

For the table design, Elizabeth and Mike kept everything romantic with only a hint of rustic notes. They chose modern glassware and flatware, a romantic lace design charger plate, blue napkins and a beautiful classic crest menu card in a monochrome blue shade. These modern yet classic elements balanced an organic, romantic floral garland runner and taper candles.

SOURCES

Wedding Planning and Design: Rachael Mayo, Rachael Ellen Events

Ceremony and Reception: Blue Sky Ranch

Catering: Blue Sky Ranch

Photography: Heather Nan Photography

Videography: Killer Creations

Makeup: Janelle Ingram

Floral: Rachael Ellen Events

Jazz Trio: Jacob Khalil

Ceremony Music: Maywood String Quartet

Cake: Lustr Creative

Lighting: Moonlight Utah

Lounge: Vault Rentals

Paper Goods: Samantha Meyer Studio

Rentals: Wild Event Studios and Diamond Event & Tent

Shuttles: Snow Country Limousine

You can more fall real weddings here.

In Case You Missed It: Italian Inspiration

October 1, 2021

In our 2021 print issue, we featured a romantic al fresco wedding in River Bottoms Ranch. Sarah Tucker of Marae Events curated each detail to highlight the beauty of Utah’s mountains, and we can’t get enough of the dreamy shots. To spread our love for this feature, we’re offering even more never-before-seen photos that make our hearts flutter.

An off-shoulder gown designed by Lian Rokman features a fitted bodice and flowing skirt to offer a playful yet sophisticated look. Detailed floral embroidery evokes an organic elegance, and compliments River Bottoms’ natural scenery.

Inspired by the refined yet relaxed visions of Tuscany, florist Amanda Hansen of Decoration Inc. created playful arrangements throughout the venue. To emulate the effortless blend of formal and casual, Hansen began with Utah blooms like cosmos, chamomile blooms and scabiosa. To balance the leggy flowers, she included elegant tulips, garden roses and ranunculus. In the bridal bouquet, Hansen opted for an organic palette of off-whites and vibrant greens. Draping ivy adds a sense of carefree whimsy to the arrangement, while complimenting the floral embroidery of the gown. “This arrangement is untamed yet delicate, which is all flowers are really,” says Hansen.

Tucker takes advantage of River Bottoms’ many al fresco entertainment spaces by incorporating welcoming furnishings throughout. The reception area is located on the barn’s patio, where contemporary details elevate the sitting room and timeless lanterns add farmhouse charm. Near a serene water feature, Tucker creates a picturesque scene complete with European details. “When you thoughtfully create each scene, your guests will be able to discern where they should be and when, and they will enjoy the time spent at each individual locale,” says Tucker.

Ann Elizabeth Print Studio pairs an off white linen paper with a metallic wax seal for a memorable yet classic contrast.

The outdoor tablescape is dressed with lace table linens and crystal glassware to create an air of elegance. Hansen thoughtfully places asymmetrical floral arrangements in rustic ceramic vases to provide visual interest and root the scene in tradition. Throughout tableware and floral pieces, unexpected pops of vibrant orange in garden roses and kumquats draw from surrounding autumn vistas.

THE TEAM

Venue: River Bottoms Ranch
Photography: Pepper Nix and Logan Walker
Videography: Jared Wortley Films
Planning & Design: Marae Events
Florist: Decoration Inc.
Tabletop: Wild Event Studio
Linens: Marae Events
Lounge Rentals: Vault Event Rentals
Chair Rentals: Modern Display
Cake & Cheeseboard: The Blended Table
Hair & MakeUp: Janelle Ingram
Gown: The Bridal Studio
Gown Designer: Lian Rokman
Jewelry: O.C. Tanner Jewelers
Groom’s Suit: The Ritz Tuxedos
Paper Goods: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio
Detail Styling: Saucy and Kitsch
Models: Shelby H., Miles F., NIYA Models

You can find the full inspiration shoot featured in our 2021 issue here.

Learn more about River Bottoms Ranch on our site.

Past Meets Present: Greek Inspiration Shoot

September 29, 2021

A styled shoot combines classic greek motifs with a sleek industrial setting for an artistic ambiance. Inspired by timeless East Coast weddings, photographer Paige McKenzi chose Studio Elevn as their venue. “We wanted something artistic, but still lasting through trends that come and go.” McKenzi adorned the contemporary setting with flickering candles and striking Greek statue planters for an added layer of romance.

Greek Inspiration Shoot — Photography by Paige McKenzi

“We were going for a classic, artistic aesthetic,” says Mckenzi. Focused colors of white, blacks and greens were used to channel a timeless feel.

Over 50 white candles added an air of charm to the sleek shoot, although they also presented a unique challenge to both models and the photographer. “We were a bit worried about the candles. Would it be too hot for the couple to be by? Would they stay lit with the constant AC blowing on them?” Mckenzie says. Luckily, the flickering lights cooperated throughout and delivered the perfect amount of classic charm to the shoot.

“My favorite aspect of this setting was the industrial yet classic vibe,” says McKenzie. “The candles and Greek heads were so classical and clean, yet the venue itself was industrial with polished concrete floors and exposed interiors.” Combining elements of the past with a present-day creates a unique contrast that will never go out of style.