What inspires you? What makes you unique? The answers to these questions helps guide a wedding planner’s most important goal: creating your dream wedding. No matter what you answer, your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple and what makes your bond with each other so special.
For over a decade, the talented team at Hoopes Wedding and Events has created inimitable events. “We love discovering each couple’s vision, putting it on paper and then making it reality,” says Tonya Hoopes, owner. “We pride ourselves on our ability to create those special touches that have significance and meaning for each couple.”
Hoopes’ well-diversified planning group uses its years of industry experience to thoughtfully turn each couple’s style into the perfect wedding. “We’re approachable, fun and organized,” says Hoopes. “While we have multiple planners, each planner only assists with a few weddings a year to ensure that we don’t miss a single detail and each client enjoys superior service.”
In addition to creating custom weddings, Hoopes Events also offers packages that streamline the planning process. “We’re also certified Sandals and Beaches Wedding Specialists, so if you want that wonderful Caribbean wedding, we can make that happen,” says Hoopes. “We love all cultures and ethnicities and can help you plan any type or size of wedding anywhere in the world.”
Investing in a talented and experienced wedding planner like Hoopes Wedding and Events pays off in spades. Their enthusiastic team allows you enjoy the big day with your friends and family without worrying about the details.
“Set your budget early. Decide what the most important things are to you—food, music, flowers—anythingyou feel will remain meaningful to you for years to come. After that, compromise on other areas to trim expenses. ”
Tonya Hoopes, Owner
Ask the Expert
WHAT’S AHEAD:
More intimate weddings let people splurge on items they never thought they could afford like a special bottle of wine, a gorgeous location or a floral arrangement that would have ordinarily been outside of the wedding budget.
EXCITED ABOUT:
Bold color palettes are back and better than ever. Weaving pops of vibrant hues throughout your event can make your wedding design unique and memorable.
FRESH IDEAS:
We don’t do cookie cutter weddings. Special touches that are significant to each couple mean that every wedding is fresh and exciting. For example, we recently had a couple that loved unconventional Southwestern style, so we paired skulls from New Mexico with bright flowers and black candles to create their centerpieces.
5001 S. COMMERCE DRIVE, MURRAY | 435-414-0090 | HOOPESEVENTS.COM
Taylor and I met how most couples do now… online. We met through a dating app called Bumble. We talked for a few days and then we exchanged numbers and snapchats. We then talked all day long on Snapchat. After a few weeks of talking he finally asked me on a date. We decided on sushi. We went to a small hole in the wall sushi restaurant in the area of Uptown Charlotte. We talked for a long time. The moment I knew that Taylor was different was when we entered into the sushi restaurant he held the door open for me and let me walk in before him. He also paid for my meal, which is a rare find in today’s world. I knew that I had found the one after that.
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
THE WINTER GOWN
On a sunny day a few short weeks after we got engaged I met my parents and sister at Bridals by Lori in Atlanta, GA. I walked into a room with multiple smaller rooms filled with white dresses. They told me to go through each room and pick out dresses I liked. I had picked my wedding dress twice in different colors without knowing it. I decided on my dress because it was different. It was off white with a champagne undertone, so I knew it would be a good contrast in the snow. It had elegance, but was a bit sexy. The beading over the dress made it sparkle and shine, which would make it stand out in the snow. The buttons all the way down added that bit of southern charm as well as the lace. The lace was different though which I adored. The long sleeves went perfect with the outdoor wedding in the snow idea. I knew that everything about this dress screamed me. It would be the perfect dress for Taylor and our amazing day.
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
TASTEFUL ATTIRE
We wanted something simple. Taylor and I are not extravagant people by any means, which made us want something simple but elegant. The idea of having a black tie wedding meant that there needed to be some type of elegance throughout the night with the floral arrangements, cake, and colors. We wanted a wedding that would stand out from the rest, but would be understated at the same time. We also decided on black tie because how often do we get to dress up like that.
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers
FAIRYTALE MEMORIES
Taylor and I did not even want a wedding. We wanted to go to the courthouse to elope. My parents wanted me to have a special ceremony so that we would remember our day. My dad wanted to be able to walk me down the aisle. So we compromised and looking back we are so glad we did. We had a small family ceremony at Montage, Deer Valley and would not change a thing about it. We chose Deer Valley because this is where our family loves to come and ski. That day was the best day. It went perfectly and it was exactly what we wanted, it was a fairytale wedding. The small family oriented wedding was exactly what worked for us and it was nice because there were not a thousand people pulling us in different directions all night so we really got to enjoy the day. We remember the day vividly and we were able to spend time with the people we love most.
Part of Park City’s magic is its ability to meld classic with contemporary. “Embrace tradition, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box” is the top tip Meredith Parsons gives for keeping a celebration fresh within Deer Valley’s old world atmosphere. The Bluebird Event Destination Management founder teams with her favorite cast of creatives to show off local blooms, au courant hues and the alpine majesty of Silver Lake Village. She shares her secrets to creating an avant-garde Park City party.
LOOK LOCAL
For this project, Parsons places an emphasis on utilizing locally-sourced design elements that seamlessly blend into the alpine environment. For the sake of sustainability and belonging, floral designer Sarah Winward goes above and beyond to acquire local blooms. “The soul of this community is tied to the outdoors, and we set out to celebrate that,” explains Parsons. “By using tumbleweeds and foliage native to Utah, we were able to incorporate elements of the high-mountain desert that gave the overall design a sense of place.” Not only does the floral design reflect the locale, it also balances the prominent concrete architecture utilized throughout the property. “I chose these specific botanicals because of the way their structural elements complement the streamlined, angular look of the venue,” explains Parsons.
CELEBRATE YOUR SPACE
Parsons encourages couples to meld their vision with their venue by taking cues from the space. “The inspiration for this photo shoot was the venue itself,” Parsons says. “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.”
KEEP IT CURRENT
The modern, minimalistic design of the venue fosters contemporary artistic choices. For the ceremony, Parsons opts for Lucite chairs that give an of-the-minute edge to the neutral locale. The concrete wall provides sleek lines and a minimal background, which keeps the focus on the couple and the floral installation floating above them. For the table settings, Parsons chooses masculine, contemporary flatware that offers a modern flair.
CREATE CONTRAST
What is the key to making dark, moody tones work in wedding design? According to Parsons, the trick is creating balance through contrast. She builds depth and character with high-contrast hues offset with neutral tones and soft textures. “For example, 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.” Embracing negative space, Parsons allows the venue’s clean lines and bold colors to create visual interest
Breathtaking mountain views in every direction? Check. Gorgeous facilities indoors and out? Check. Exclusive access throughout your day? Flexibility on layouts and design elements? Exceptional, high-quality service? Check, check, check. River Bottoms Ranch has it all.
Located in Midway’s picturesque mountain valley, River Bottoms Ranch hosts weddings, retreats and corporate events. This secluded location is located just 15 minutes away from Park City—ideal for an unforgettable, prestigious destination event.
River Bottoms Ranch provides their clients with a team of experts that guarantee an unsurpassed celebration. From catering and entertainment to photography and florists, River Bottoms Ranch’s partners are A-list industry professionals. “We have surrounded ourselves with the most talented and amazing vendors in every line of service in the wedding industry,” says Janica Horner, owner. “We love working with our preferred vendors on a continual basis and witnessing their artistry as they apply their unique skill sets and styles to each event.”
Personal touches make the biggest impression. “Let your authentic personality shine through and create memories that make you smile,” she says. From unconventional blue wedding cakes to a groom arriving at the alter on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the ranch provides endless opportunities for couples to customize their events. “The ranch has a classic style that provides a beautiful, upscale backdrop for personalization,” says Horner.
Connections, country and comfort. River Bottoms Ranch offers an elevated location for the precious moments in your life. “We can’t wait to help you create joy,” she says.
“We see weddings becoming more intimate in nature and increasingly personalized within the details” —Janica Horner, owner
Ask the Expert
WHAT’S AHEAD:
Gathering for a wedding is one of our oldest traditions. But this year, there is so much more excitement as people look forward to being able to embrace friends and family. We foresee 2021 being a year of fresh starts and big dance parties.
EXCITED ABOUT:
We love our newly built mortise-and- tenon timber pavilion. It’s a beautiful, open-air structure that provides an additional space ideal for comfort, beauty, and accessibility and allows clients to take full advantage of the picturesque outdoor elements that surround the ranch.
FRESH IDEAS:
More clients are including their fur babies in their events and we love it. We love to see all the fresh ideas that each client brings—nothing is too far out. We’re here to help make their dreams a reality.
Angela and Steven St. Regis, Deer Valley. June 22 Photography by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
A DM DEBUT A mutual friend introduced Angela and Steven at City Creek Center, and when the two parted ways, Steven couldn’t get Angela out of his head. Later that evening—in keeping with millennials everywhere—Steven made his move by following Angela on Twitter and sliding into her DMs. Two-and-a-half years later, Angela was nearly finished unwrapping gifts at the couple’s baby shower. When she opened up the final present, she was shocked to discover her dream ring inside. Angela looked up to see her beau on one knee, asking her to be his wife.
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
MOUNTAIN AMOUR When Angela started planning her wedding, she considered a beachfront affair in her home state of California. After giving it more thought, she realized that everybody takes trips to the beach; it’s much less common to travel to the mountains. Angela wanted to give her friends and family a unique opportunity, so she decided on Park City and chose the St. Regis for its lift rides, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
Photo by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
A PEARL-TONED PARTY When Angela sat down with Mara Mazdzer, owner of Fuse Weddings and Events, she knew she wanted an all-white wedding. Together, the pair collaborated to create an event that checked all of Angela’s boxes: simple, glamorous, moody, romantic and monochromatic. The duo added contrast with hints of gold that elevated the celebration’s feeling of sophistication.
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
HOME SWEET HOME Angela and Steven are both Utah transplants, so they chose to honor their birthplaces by bringing elements from each location into the ceremony. Angela purchased a dress and veil from California because she was born and raised in Los Angeles, while Steven chose the couple’s rings from a local business in Kansas City. Incorporating references of their hometowns into their nuptials helped personalize the celebration and make it unique to the pair.
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
A GRAND ENTRANCE Angela decided against first-look photos, instead allowing Steven to view his bride for the first time—along with everyone else—as Angela’s mother walked her down the aisle. Before creating that special moment between the couple, the pair made sure to give their one-and-a-half-year-old son his own opportunity to shine. Performing as his dad’s best man, the toddler made his way down the aisle in a toy Bentley operated by his grandfather.
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
Photos by Morgan Olsen at In Frames Photography
TOUCHING TUNES The first time Angela flew to Missouri to meet Steven’s family and friends, her future hubby treated her to his own rendition of “Stingy” by Ginuwine. Naturally, the two felt it was a fitting choice for the soundtrack to their first dance. Later, during the reception, Angela opted out of a father-daughter dance and instead chose to pay homage to her culture by performing a traditional dance with her El Salvadorian mother to upbeat cumbia music.
Photographer Heather Nan has built a reputation as one of Utah’s most sought-after wedding photographers. Nan’s wide range of photographic interests means she is always taking on a new project: during our interview, in fact, Nan was scouting the Great Salt Lake Marina—with kids and a dog in tow—for an upcoming “just-for-fun” shoot in the rain. Before her photography career, Nan studied anthropology in college, and that same interest in people animates her work, whether she’s capturing a vibrant wedding celebration or the perfect living room.
Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Kinfolk Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Inside Weddings and our magazine. Her photos are featured on the newest covers of both Utah Style & Design and our sister publication Utah Bride & Groom. Beyond weddings, her portfolio includes portrait, fashion and commercial photography, including home design.
To celebrate our brand new issues of Utah Style & Design and Utah Bride & Groom, we talked with Nan about her inspirations, favorite locations and why she says good wedding photographers are actually seven different photographers in one.
UBG: Tell us about how you got started in photography.
I have always done some photography. I even shot a couple of weddings randomly in college, because that’s what you do when everyone’s poor. Until my daughter was born, I only had a 35mm film camera. Then my husband bought me a point and shoot, and when you’re home alone with your child, they just become their little muse. I just needed a creative outlet. I’ve always been somewhat of an artist: I was a big ceramist all through high school and college. When my daughter turned two, I got my first real digital camera, and then I knew that I wanted to do it as a business. I spent a year interning with a couple of photographers, knowing that I wanted to go into weddings. I spent that year shooting with them and doing some creative projects on my own, one of which actually got picked up by Utah Bride & Groom. I had 12 pages of editorial work and I hadn’t even shot my own wedding yet. That was definitely a massive platform for me, because I had this instant credibility of being published. Then, I started my business and never looked back.
UBG: You work in many different fields: weddings, portraits, families, commercial and editorial. What is the full range of projects you work on?
Weddings are the primary side of my business right now. I feel like I’ll probably do weddings for a long time, but I really love commercial work. I love the idea of getting together and collaborating on a project. I also love design, whether it’s clothing, architecture or interiors.
I really wanted to get into interior work because there’s a lot of great designers in Utah. I photographed a bride who worked with Hillary Taylor, and I mentioned to her, “Think of me if you ever need a photographer.” When COVID hit last year, Hillary was wanting to try out a local photographer. She took a little chance on me, and we spent last May shooting her home. Then, we worked on other projects, including photos for her furniture line which was featured on the cover.
I feel like as wedding photographers you tend to be seven different types of photographers in one. You have to be able to shoot people, do portraits, take candids and photograph details in the whole scope of the day. People who have done wedding photography a long time have the skills to stretch into other areas.
UBG: Last year, COVID interrupted the traditional wedding season. Did this inspire you to try some new things?
For sure. COVID gave me the space to tackle new projects, because sometimes it takes courage and bravery to make space for something else. I’ve established my wedding business for over 10 years, but creatively, I love the diversity of being able to work on different projects. I enjoy, too, the collaboration of coming together, supporting different points of view and supporting others’ creative outlook on their own art. Weddings, even though you’re surrounded by a ton of people, can be a lonely place, because you’re a sole person working with a small team or by yourself.
UBG: A lot of your wedding photos pay particular attention to vignettes: shots of flowers, architecture and landscapes. Has this translated to other areas of your work?
100%. In wedding photography, you get a taste of all those things. You are thinking of showing the whole scope of a wedding day, because many brides spend a year and a half on the design of their wedding, so it’s as important to capture aspects of the design as the celebration.
UBG: What is your favorite local spot for taking wedding photos?
Amangiri is where my heart is. The Utah Bride cover story was my first time shooting there, and it had always been a bucket list place for me to shoot. It’s very much my aesthetic: I love clean lines, I love interesting light and I love photos that mesh with the environment rather than competing with it. I love the lighter yellow desert in that area, as opposed to the red rocks in the Southwest.
Clients ask me all the time what my favorite venue is. For me so much of it comes down to the light. River Bottoms Ranch was really thoughtful in the way they approached it. It was built to be a wedding venue, so they were very conscious of the flow of the day, and they even did a light study on the property, which I totally give them big gold stars for. With that said, when places do have difficult light, it forces me to think in different ways and I tend to be a little more creative.
UBG: Do you have a dream venue to shoot for a wedding?
I don’t know about any venues specifically. I’ve never travelled to Japan, and that’s definitely a place I would love to shoot creatively. I respond to the more minimalist approach to styling and life in general.
UBG: Do you have a favorite photographer who inspires your work?
Do they have to be alive?
UBG: No!
Okay! When I started my business about 11 or 12 years ago, there was a push for photos to be more organic and free. But I always had an incessant need to clean things up—not necessarily physically, but compositionally, and to be really thoughtful in that way. I struggled, because when you’re starting out, and you’re looking around and seeing what’s going on, you tend to overthink what you’re doing. Then I discovered Rodney Smith, who passed away a couple years ago. He was a commercial and editorial photographer from New York—you should look him up. With his work, you could just tell he was just super anal, which sounds so funny. (Laughs.) But when I discovered his work, even though stylistically it’s different from what I do, I felt more okay about what I was doing. I love his work. I love that he probably overthought so many things in his process.
UBG: I feel like when you see an artist in any medium who is particular about their craft, it’s inspiring to see the thought that’s put into it.
Totally. Admittedly, it can be a detriment. Sometimes I have to step back. When it comes to emotion, I tend to let things happen. Sometimes when it comes to editorial work, things just happen that can surprise you, and it can be better than the picture you had in your head. So I’ve tried to learn throughout my time to step back and let things land as they will. I feel like I’m talking to my therapist! (Laughs.)
UBG: I’d love to talk more about the shoots featured on the covers of Utah Bride & Groom and Utah Style & Design. They are very different projects with distinct aesthetics.
For the shoot at Amangiri, I called dibs on the model, I pulled the gowns and directed the hair and makeup. I wanted to make it minimal, sleek and elevated. I like fashion that is clean aesthetically but has an element of surprise.
The Hillary Taylor shoot for the furniture line she designed for The CEH. That came together on a second day of shooting: we shot all of the products the day before. The CEH wanted to include portraits of her, and we wanted to incorporate the products with the little garden behind her house. We met at 6 in the morning while Hillary was getting ready with her assistants, and we wanted to highlight the little shed in the garden. We actually brought in a ton of plants because it was shot in the fall, and all of that greenery along the path was added to fill in the space. Then, we brought the screen and table out, envisioning our own Martha Stewart moment: a little editorial in the garden.
There was a shoot of Catherine O’Hara in Vanity Fair last year that was very high fashion, but she was in her garden. There’s a shot of her all dressed up with trimming shears by a hedge. That was a little bit of the inspo: we wanted to glam her up a little bit but play off of her working in the garden.
UBG: Do you have projects that stand out as particular favorites?
Working with Hillary was definitely a highlight. She was someone who believed in my skill, and her style is so different from mine, but I really appreciate what she does. Man, she’s so good at mixing textures and patterns together in a light and happy way. It was something different and it came out of a moment of darkness in the world in general.
When it comes to editorial work, there was a shoot I did actually for Utah Bride & Groom in 2016 at Little Sahara. It was of one of my bigger shoots I did logistically: we basically built a whole massive scene out in the middle of the desert, there was a storm coming in and there was a lot riding on the lines logistically, so it was really stressful. But the end result was just so beautiful, and it was one of the first times that I dug my hand really deep into the art direction side of things. So that was a lot of fun.
They work in different ways. I get the collaboration of working with people when I do interior and commercial work, versus portrait work, where I get to work with people too. I don’t know if I can say I like one over the other. If I’m shooting more of one, the other is more appealing, because I like variety in my work. It keeps me fresh.
It’s the people aspect that I love. I love being able to highlight people’s creative work, but I also like to be creative with people.
Brand new issues of Utah Style & Design and Utah Bride & Groom are available on newsstands now. Look for more of Heather Nan’s photos on our website this Spring.
An invitation sets the tone for the celebration. It whets your appetite and elevates anticipation. And when it’s handcrafted by experts, it’s a gesture of love you can hold in your hand. The artists at Ann Elizabeth Print Studio create meaningful invitations.
“We work to learn everything we can about our clients, from their likes and dislikes, to their pets’ names and how they organize their spice drawers,” says Ann Jager, owner. “Every detail matters when it comes to designing their custom suites.” Once the product is approved and ready for production, a printing specialist works closely with the design team to make sure everything is perfect. Then, every single piece goes through a rigorous quality check.
“We’re very hands-on throughout the entire process,” says Jager. “This may sound crazy, but humans are actually operating the machines The design team touches, feels and visually approves every piece. Printing is truly a craft.”
Jager wants her clients to truly enjoy the tactile experience. “Paper is made from all types of fibers including cotton, wood, bamboo and plants,” says Jenner Lehr, customer service specialist and director of digital marketing. “Some particles will leave uneven bumps or leftover specks.” Jager encourages her clients to embrace the imperfections.
Planning an event can be stressful, so the team does everything they can to make the design experience seamless, easy and fun. “Our customer service specialists are warm and responsive,” says Lehr. “Our clients feel like friends by the end of the process.” If you want to make a statement for your next gathering, begin with a customized invitation.
Photos courtesy of Ann Elizabeth Print Studio.
“The overall impression makes an invitation special—how the guests receive it, open it and thumb through each piece. That’s why we’re so particular about pairing the right paper with the right printing method.” — Ann Jager, Owner
Ask the Expert
What’s Ahead:
Textured invitation suites. Whether the texture is a result of paper itself, dimensional printing methods—thermography (raised ink), letterpress (pressed ink), embossing (raised impressions without ink, or debossing (pressed impressions without ink)—or adding a dripped wax seal, twine or vellum to the final invite, texture and tactile sensation are important.
Excited About:
Since custom postage is no longer a thing, we’re really excited to see more clients using vintage postage stamps as an alternative. Vintage postage stamps are the perfect way to add a personal touch to a paper suite, giving an envelope character and surprise.
Fresh Ideas:
Design trends continue to ebb and flow, so save or pin what you love online. For example, a traditional-style invitation could be refreshed with modern typography or, instead of the traditional natural white paper with colored ink, try using colored paper.
Photos courtesy of Ann Elizabeth Print Studio.
4970 S. 900 East, Suite F-105, SLC | 801-262-3605 | annelizabeth.com
