Cold and refreshing orange punch cocktail with orange slice on color background. summer drink.
“Cocktail hour is all about bringing people together,” says Casey Metzger, founder of Top Shelf Services. According to Metzger, the key to creating camaraderie is giving your guests something they share in common, which is where thoughtfully personalized beverages become the stars of the show.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR COCKTAILS
“First thing’s first, consider the journey you’ve been on as a couple and work backwards from there,” Metzger says. “Where did you meet? What vacations have you been on? What’s your favorite thing to do as a pair?” Answering these questions and getting to know your bartenders will help them create your meaningful, authentic cocktail combinations. Because this process can be lengthy, Metzger offers his clients their own wedding workbook. “Couples can take this notebook with them when they go out to the bar and jot down aspects of the experience they enjoy. Then, we can use that information to create cocktails that compile their absolute favorite flavor profiles.”
BRING ON THE BEVIES
“The key is hiring bartenders with the chops to get beverages flying off the shelves,” explains Metzger. “When it comes to cocktail hour, a couples’ number one concern is that the ceremony is going to end and their guests are going to swarm the bar only to wait around empty-handed.” Promptly delivering drinks with flavors that will turn heads is essential to a remarkable guest experience. “That’s where the hours of prep work we do behind the scenes really come in handy. We’re ready to get the couple’s signature drinks in the hands of each and every attendee the moment the bride and groom exit the altar.”
MIX IT UP
From the glassware to the garnish to each cocktail’s clever name, your bar service offers limitless opportunities to put your signature on the event and leave guests reminiscing about the evening for years to come. “My advice is to enjoy the process,” says Metzger. “This is your opportunity to offer your family and friends an unforgettable evening. At the end of the day, they’re all there to celebrate you. The more personalized, the better.”
A self-described “biased historian,” wedding photographer Pepper Nix captures memories in their most ideal form. Between adjusting cakes to find just the right lighting to orchestrating intimate first looks, Nix is a perfectionist in the way you’d hope your wedding photographer would be. During her 20 years in the industry she has risen to the top of the industry as a decorated photographer and has been named Utah’s Best Wedding Photographer since 2012. Her work is regularly featured in Utah Bride and Groom, and other publications including The Luxe Pearl, Every Last Detail and Ruffled.
To celebrate her career and showcase her work in this year’s issue, we spoke with Nix about her intricate preparation process, her dedication to the craft and the evolving wedding photography industry.
Utah Bride & Groom: Tell us about how you got started in photography. What sparked your passion?
I had done photography in high school and in college, and I just had fun with it. I enjoyed having a perspective, I enjoyed being able to create art by pushing a button. I just remember being in college and someone asked me to shoot their wedding. He and his fiancee came and both proposed, they got down on their knees and said “‘please be our photographer!” The night before, I was so stressed out. I mean, this is a really big deal. If I screw this one up, like, this is really, really bad. But then I did it. And it was so great.
It was so wonderful to capture real emotion. I thought to myself, “this is what I want to do.” Maybe it just feeds my ego, because they are going to keep these photos for the rest of their life. They are going to be passed down to their grandchildren and become part of family lore. It’s very meaningful, if that makes sense.
UBG:You once dreamed of being a National Geographic photographer. What changed? And do you pursue nature photography in your free time?
Well, the National Geographic shots that I loved were never of birds and trees; they were always of people, like the famous portrait of an Afghani refugee with green eyes that just show everything she’s been through. And so everything I wanted to do with National Geographic had to do with documenting people. But what changed was when I started learning about the photographers themselves, and what it takes to get an image. They all lived in other parts of the world for years at a time and they didn’t get to see their family.
So after that first wedding photography gig, I realized I wanted to do something meaningful, and I could do that with weddings. I had this moment in college where I had to pick a discipline, and I made this declaration one day to the universe: “I am a professional wedding photographer!” It was an interesting decision, because at the time there wasn’t a place for that specific type of photography in education.
UBG: What do you mean by that?
There were no classes on wedding photography. It was all commercial based,like here’s how to photograph a tennis shoe and here’s how to photograph a watch. But I didn’t care about making a piece of steak look appetizing, I wanted to do something that was meaningful.
UBG: That’s an interesting observation, that there was really no traditional pathway. Is that something you’ve seen a shift in throughout your years in the industry?
The barrier to entry is much lower. I started in 2001, and everyone who was in the industry at the time was in their 40s, 50s or 60s and they were pretty much all men. Part of what changed is that cameras are so much lighter. Taking away that physical barrier brought so many women into the industry. Also, going digital meant that you don’t have to have professional experience or go to school for photography. With technology now, you can look at a picture that didn’t turn out so well, and examine the settings to make it better next time. And so the industry now, I think, is mostly women—young women.”
UBG: Between passionate moments shared during weddings to an up-close flower feature, you truly shoot every detail associated in a wedding. How does your approach and process differ depending on what you are shooting?
The way I’m going to approach something is always considering how the person or object will appear flattering. When it comes to brides I’m thinking “okay, the lights coming through here, I’m going to have her turn this way.” When it comes to cakes or flowers, it’s just the same thing. I’m forever rearranging things and being very hands on.
I like to think of myself as a biased historian. I don’t know what kind of drama was going on during your wedding day. I don’t know if your maid of honor was getting high in the bathroom and someone had to carry her out. Whatever’s going on that’s crazy, I don’t have to show that. I’m not a strict photojournalist, because no one really wants that—they want to have the best, most wonderful version of their wedding day, right? And when you show your great grandchildren who weren’t there, all they have to know is that everything was perfect and you were in love.
UBG: Take us through what steps you take on a typical shoot. How do you prepare beforehand? Is there a normal routine you follow on the day of?
Weddings and funerals are the time where everyone’s emotions are really heightened. And one thing I’ve found is that group family photos at these events are not a time for creativity. So before the wedding, I work with the bride and together we prepare a list of the exact family shots that she wants. I never want to have someone say “Oh, did you get a picture of me and my grandma?” and I’m like, “Who? What? You had a grandma?” So whatever is on the list I make sure to get, and the same goes for what isn’t. For example, I can work out beforehand if the bride is estranged from their dad and this is the first time they’re seeing him in 15 years, so I don’t force a photo.
UBG: I never thought about the intimate family relationships you have to navigate as a wedding photographer!
Yes, and sometimes brides will accidentally leave things off when making a shot list. So I look very closely at relationships and family dynamics. Like, maybe the bride has a second mother figure that we should plan a shot around. It’s something quite important that I’ve learned over the past two decades I’ve spent in the industry. If someone is accidentally left out of a picture, or they didn’t get a picture they wanted,it causes some hurt and resentment that just festers. So, anything I can do to make people feel loved and not feel awkward.
UBG: Do you have a favorite or most memorable project?
I gotta tell you, I love the first looks. It’s something I orchestrate, thinking about location, lighting, privacy. And wow, that moment where he sees her for the first time, it always makes me cry. It is an honor and a privilege to be there to witness this very intimate, private moment between two people who are going to be facing life together. There’s going to be layoffs and moves and all of these horrible, heartbreaking things that they are going to be facing together but they’re so ready to do it.
Planning by Michelle Leo Events.
UBG: What piece of advice would you offer for brides to be?
Know it’s not going to be perfect. No matter how much planning you do, something’s not going to be perfect, and how you respond to that will set the tone for the day. As long as you go into it with the attitude of “hey we’re gonna try and make this a perfect day, but something will go wrong and we are going to laugh when it does.” Like maybe you forget the bride’s shoes and she has to walk down the aisle barefoot. That’s hilarious!
UBG: What about advice for new photographers?
For photographers starting out, I’d say just do it. There is no degree you have to have. I mean, I was rejected several times from programs at the University,and looking back, I am the only person in my class who is a professional photographer. So when someone tells you no, do some creative thinking and get it done. Also, make friends with everyone! The people who were servers when I started are now the general managers and event coordinators. Most importantly, if you’re going to be a wedding photographer, have fun. Because you’re getting paid to go to a party!
Photographer Pepper Nix
You can find more of Nix’s work in the 2021 issue of Utah Bride and Groom Magazine. Read more photographer profiles here.
Your wedding day should symbolize who you are, which means sometimes soft neutral tones work perfectly and other times you ought to stray from the classics. Michelle Cousins, founder of Michelle Leo Events, makes the case for bright shades, vibrant hues and bold patterns, no matter the season, venue or vibe.
Photo by Megan Robinson
CUE YOUR HUES The first step to choosing a color scheme for your nuptials is factoring in the celebration’s star: you. “Evaluate who you are as a person and who you are as a couple,” Cousins says. “Ask yourself how your family and friends would describe you, then determine how you want your colors to make everyone in attendance feel.” Your palette plays an important role in setting the mood of your party, so consider the style and atmosphere you’re hoping to accomplish, as well as tones that help tell the story of your relationship.
Photo by Megan Robinson
DO OR DON’T: TONAL TRENDS Everyone has a Pinterest board, so it’s easy to get carried away with ideas you see in other weddings. But just because you love a fresh or unexpected idea online doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your wedding. “You want your color palette to reflect who you are, not what year you got married,” Cousins says. “You’re going to spend the rest of your life with these photos. It’s one thing to be inspired by art and design; it’s another to base decisions solely on of-the-moment aesthetics.” Ask what colors make you happy, and go from there.
Photo by Heather Nan
MIX AND MATCH If you find a venue that you love, but it clashes with your colors, you can either switch up a hue or two in your palette or neutralize the venue. “There are many ways to counterbalance unwanted elements in a venue,” explains Cousins. “From draping the perimeter of the room with minimalistic, natural linens to providing soft lighting in neutral tones, there are always ways to customize a venue and make it work for you.”
Photo by Betsy Newman
PICK A PLACE “Once we determine in which season the wedding will take place, we can start curating the vibe and the venue,” explains Cousins. When couples begin the planning process with specific designs in mind but with no place to put them, Cousins uses their wish list to perfectly pair them with an event space. “For example, if a couple knows they want adventurous pops of color in their palette, I might suggest 4U Ranch (pictured) or River Bottoms Ranch because their neutral color schemes provide a blank slate that won’t compete with stand-out hues.”
Photo by Pepper Nix
MAKE UP YOUR MIND “The final decisions on your big day should all come down to who you are as an individual and as a couple,” says Cousins. “If a bride describes herself and her husband as happy, bold, quirky or lively, in my experience they tend to be drawn to the warmer, bolder, ‘happier’ tones,” Cousins explains. “Wherein the couple who describes their dream wedding as something timeless and romantic tends to be drawn toward cooler, moodier tones with an abundance of classic whites.” And remember, there are no “right” hues—the best picks will be the ones that excite you most.
Chari and CJ River Bottoms Ranch, Midway. Sept. 27 Photography by Branson Maxwell
Photography by Branson Maxwell
TEAMING UP
Chari, a track and field Olympian who competes for Team USA in the heptathlon, and CJ, who works for Booster Fuels—a gas and oil company—met in college as fellow athletes on the Utah State University track and field team. The two became best friends and, after spending so much time together, fell in love. The couple has been together ever since.
Photography by Branson Maxwell
Photography by Branson Maxwell
DINNER, DRINKS & I DO
After seven years together, CJ decided it was finally time to pop the question. The couple was dating long distance at the time, and they decided to meet up in Utah. They went to La Caille for dinner, and when they stepped outdoors after their meal, Chari was greeted by a camera crew outside the restaurant. As the pair walked toward the garden’s bridge, Chari could hear a musician playing one of the duo’s favorite songs, and CJ asked his future wife to dance. Their last stop was at the gazebo, where the pair kept dancing before Chari noticed rose petals falling all around her. When she turned around, she realized that she was surrounded by her friends and family, who looked on as CJ got down on one knee and proposed. After Chari said yes, the pair—accompanied by their nearest and dearest—headed back to La Caille, where they shared drinks and desserts and celebrated their engagement.
Photography by Branson Maxwell
Photography by Branson Maxwell
THE BIG DAY
The pair became smitten with the venue, River Bottoms Ranch, at first sight. “We loved it the second we saw it,” Chari says. “Everything was perfect, from the inside of the barn to the incredible scenery outside.” In order to achieve the intimate, romantic and mountain-inspired wedding of their dreams, they chose hues of blush, taupe, champagne, ivory and sage to give the celebration a natural, light and romantic aesthetic. One of the most memorable inclusions for Chari was John Beck, the couple’s officiant. “He’s one of our all-time favorite people and has been in CJ’s life since he was ten years old,” says Chari. “He’s been there for us throughout our entire relationship and was the perfect person to marry us.”
Photography by Branson Maxwell
Photography by Branson Maxwell
THE FIRST DANCE
“Our first dance was to ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran,” Chari says. The pair added a personal touch to the performance by choreographing the dance themselves, and they had so much fun creating that special moment. “The dance was simple and wonderful, and we still do it every single time that song comes on. It’s such a sweet song, and it illustrated our relationship so perfectly.”
Photography by Branson Maxwell
Photography by Branson Maxwell
SPECIAL MOMENTS
After 11 years together, the pair wanted to create a story that felt unique and personal to them, so they included special, personalized touches. They served Aggie Ice Cream—a fan favorite at their alma mater, Utah State. The bride also attached her garter to a football, which she threw across the room to her groom. They also added a fun experience by trading in traditional ring bearers for “ring security,” fully equipped with sunglasses, earpieces and personalized name tags.
Eli, an attorney, and Skylar, a med student, experienced a very modern meet-cute on Tinder. “Skylar was on a one-hour layover at the Salt Lake City airport when we matched,” Eli explains. After spending days chatting with one another online, the pair decided it was finally time to meet in person, so they made the leap and flew out to meet each another. After that, the pair’s first official date was in Cleveland, where they met up to attend a wedding. Little did they know, they’d soon be hosting nuptials of their own.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
After three years of dating, Eli decided it was time to tie the knot. “Eli left ‘12 Days of Christmas’ gifts on my porch and acted like he had no idea who was delivering these mysterious packages. He even pretended like he was helping me figure out who the anonymous gifter was,” recalls Skylar. But, by the twelfth day, the charade was up—the final gift was a ring.
MOUNTAIN MIMOSAS
“We wanted to have a brunch wedding at a venue where we could show off the mountains to our out-of-town guests,” Eli says. Because the two chose to tie the knot outdoors at Log Haven in order to capture Utah’s fall beauty, they chose subtle tones for their color palette in order to add to—rather than distract from—the autumn hues. They created a classic, minimalist atmosphere by cloaking the event in shades of black, white and antique gold.
THE AFTER PARTY
“We held a reception in the evening, and some friends who run a catering business called Island Hopper catered the celebration as a wedding gift,” Eli says. To keep the party going, the pair also served drinks crafted by Copa Bar Service. In the end, the couple enjoyed planning their celebration and hosting friends, but according to Eli, all of that faded away when he looked at his new groom. “Skylar is the best person I know and the best person I could have ever dreamed of meeting. The only thing I really remember with much clarity from that day is how lucky I felt that it was happening at all.”
STATIONERY CHECKLIST Most couples know the recognizable elements of a paper suite, such as invitations and thank you cards, but sometimes the smaller details that can set a celebration apart get overlooked. The following paper goods checklist will have you covered, from engagement to honeymoon.
BEFORE THE WEDDING ■ Engagement party invitation ■ Save-the-date card ■ Bridal shower invitation ■ Bridal shower thank you cards ■ Bachelor and bachelorette party invitations ■ Rehearsal dinner invitation ■ Welcome dinner invitation
THE WEDDING INVITATION ■ Outer envelope ■ Inner envelope ■ Invitation card ■ Website enclosure ■ Reception card (if held at a different location than the ceremony) ■ Directions/map card ■ Response card and self-addressed stamped envelope ■ Hotel accommodations card
AT THE WEDDING ■ Welcome basket tag ■ Ceremony program ■ Escort cards ■ Place cards ■ Table number cards ■ Menu cards ■ Favor tags
AFTER THE WEDDING ■ Thank you cards ■ Announcement
Releasing a lantern decorated with hopes, dreams and wishes into the sky is an age-old custom that celebrates life and evokes feelings of renewal and inspiration. This timeless tradition, experienced alongside your love and your loved ones, creates an undeniably profound and unforgettable experience.
When it comes to using bold geometric shapes, striking tones and daring details to create an unforgettable design, the team at Michelle Leo Events believes the sky is the limit. Their leader, Michelle Cousins, shares her tips and tricks for creating an out-of-the-box celebration sure to be the talk of the town.
GO BIG
“Colors, shapes and patterns can breathe life into your events,” says Cousins. “It’s your day, so don’t be afraid to express yourself.” For this party, Cousins opts for unexpected wedding hues, a choice that she says can pay off in a major way. “People tend to shy away from tones like black and yellow because they’re not necessarily traditional,” 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.”
Photo by Michele Cozzens
START STRONG
“An invitation suite is your guests’ first impression of your event, so it’s important for it to speak volumes far beyond the written details,” Cousins says. She encourages clients to work with a graphic designer to incorporate the overall mood of their celebration into the look and feel of the paper goods. For this celebration, Cousins worked with Twelve30 Creative to compose modern-contemporary imagery, from the stationery to the monogram. “We took inspiration for the monogram from the venue’s logo, which plays a prominent role in the architecture of the space.”
Photo by Michele Cozzens
Photo by Michele Cozzens
FAVOR FAR-OUT FASHION
“You shouldn’t have to pull back on certain elements simply because you opted to be adventurous in other areas,” Cousins explains. “When done correctly, bold pieces complement one another.” The chartreuse pantsuit by JXA Fashion is a stand-out, but it elevates, not overshadows, surrounding elements.
Photo by Michele Cozzens
SET YOUR SITE
The key to creating a city-chic style is finding the balance between masculine and feminine shapes then using them to reflect the urban elements of your chosen venue. The architectural elements of the Hardware Apartments’ rooftop—such as the arched floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for an expansive view of the city’s skyline—form the inspiration for Cousins’ use of angular components like the ceremony benches.
Photo by Michele Cozzens
Photo by Michele Cozzens
Photo by Michele Cozzens
BRING IN BOTANICALS
Rather than opting for traditional florals, Cousins works alongside Artisan Bloom to err on the side of foliage that has a sense of belonging in a downtown locale. “Think about what you’d expect to see in a metropolitan space,” Cousins explains. “You’re much more likely to see a potted plant in green or other neutral shades being used to brighten up an urban environment.” To create a dynamic tablescape, she shines the spotlight directly on the floral design as it floats high above the place settings, providing contrast against the sharp lines of pink rocks chosen to mimic stones found in nearby fire pits.
Allie and Rhett Walker Farms, Lindon, October 13 Photographs by Heather Nan
Photo by Heather Nan
A LONG TIME COMING Allie, a master esthetician, and Rhett, a manager for Craig Peay Construction, first met when they were only 15 years old. Rhett was close friends with Allie’s cousin and the two became friends, but wound up parting ways until they reconnected at age 18. Once the pair rekindled their friendship, they started dating and have been together ever since. Rhett took Allie to a music festival for their first date. According to Allie, it was the best first date she’d ever had. “No wonder I married him,” she says.
Photo by Heather Nan
Photo by Heather Nan
BBQ BLISS After five-and-a-half years together, Rhett decided it was finally time for the duo to seal the deal. On May 24, 2020—at a barbecue hosted by Allie’s family—Rhett got down on one knee and popped the question in front of an audience of his soon-to-be bride’s entire family.
Photo by Heather Nan
Photo by Heather Nan
THE BIG DAY After a four-month engagement, Allie and Rhett tied the knot at Walker Farms in Lindon. “I knew it was the perfect place right when I walked in,” says Allie. “I looked up and saw the most beautiful chandelier.” Her favorite part of the venue? “Definitely the bridal room,” she responds. “It has the most gorgeous pink touches.” In order to achieve the boho, moody atmosphere the couple wanted for their nuptials, the pair chose champagne, soft pink and burnt orange for their wedding day color scheme.
Photo by Heather Nan
ALL IN THE DETAILS Allie worked with florist Artisan Bloom to make sure that the design details incorporated aspects of the couple’s relationship journey throughout the celebration. She added her favorite personal touch by incorporating pheasant feathers into the floral design. “My family is made up of hunting enthusiasts,” she explains, “so that was a nice way of including them on our wedding day, just like Rhett included them the day he proposed.”
Photo by Heather Nan
MENU MUST-HAVES “One of our favorite aspects of our menu was the steak served by Magleby’s Catering,” says Allie. “We also had beef medallions, mashed potatoes and sugared carrots, which were delicious.” The couple selected a bourbon vanilla cake from Carrie’s Cakes to top it all off.
