The devil is in the details, especially for Donna Urban, owner of 4U Ranch.
Urban, the planner-turned-venue-owner leaves no stone unturned when it comes to hosting weddings at the 4U Ranch, a 75-acre riverside property in Peoa that Donna and her husband Gary opened last year. Top to bottom, the luxe ranch offers a riverside ceremony site, a spacious barn for parties and the it-list of vendors to hire, including Fuse Weddings & Events, Pepper Nix Photography, Culinary Crafts and Artisan Bloom.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” or in the case of this creative weekend… “When Utah brings you wind, let it lift you higher.”
Video by Jared Wortley Films
Earlier this year, a small group of creative professionals united in Kanab Utah for a weekend filled with shooting editorials and experiencing the adventure of Southern Utah at the captivating Balloons and Tunes Festival. 
With a series of shoots designed by Wedding Planner/Designer Tressa Roberts of Cultivated Events Co., the creative team went down south with a plan, but the unpredictable Utah weather had a different vision for the weekend. Rather than the shoots they had planned, this team, supported by the fearless pilots of the hot air balloons and gracious festival leadership, rallied and worked with the beautiful natural landscape to create an epic series of bridal inspiration. The wind may have made it so the balloons couldn’t fly, but the weekend of collaboration made the creativity of these professionals soar.
Scroll on through all of these magical, majestic images. Beware- breathtaking content ahead!
VENDORS
Photographer: Alice Parkinson | @aliceshootspeople
Director: Rebecca Curtis | @rebeccam.creative
Styling: Tressa Roberts | @cultivatedeventsco
Video: Jared Wortley Films | @jaredwortleyfilms
Bride: Tori Christopherson | @torichristophh
Groom: Jay Christopherson | @jay_christoph
Gowns: Harlow Brides, Jenny Yoo | @harlowbrides @jennyyoonyc
Hair: Taylor Lucas | @tayloredbridal
MUA: @chelsealindonstyles
Festival: @abra_kanabra
Leather Jacket/Hat: @alicelovesclothes
Suits: Express | @express
Rings: Wilson Diamonds | @wilsondiamonds
Balloons: @chzechitoutballoon (blue) @azairventures (Yellow)
Floral: The Potted Pansy | @thepottedpansy
Calligraphy: Made by Jen | @madebyjen_
Invites: Jeneze Designs | @jenezedesigns
Ribbon: Honey Silks Co. | @honeysilksco
Nadia & Keenan
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park City
& Blue Sky Ranch, Wanship
November 3rd, 2019
Photos by Sparkle Photography
Holladay natives Nadia and Keenan (hailing from Adams, Tennessee) met at The Westerner Club–a popular Salt Lake City bar known for country line dancing and a mechanical bull. Four and a half years later, Keenan proposed at their home on a cozy, Sunday evening.
Nadia and Keenan’s wedding weekend began with a rehearsal dinner at Grub Steak in Park City. The big day started with a traditional Mass and ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, also in Park City.
“A beautiful Catholic Church in the mountains was the perfect fit to blend together our Catholic faith and our love of the great outdoors,” Nadia explains of the service that included a dove release. Nadia’s favorite moment? “During the blessing and exchange of rings, Keenan placed the ring on my finger and looked into my eyes. I knew this is what true love felt like and how meant to be we were.” Nadia’s ring belonged to Keenan’s grandmother.
Without pause, Nadia and Keenan chose cowboy-chic for their wedding day vibe. “We met in a honky-tonk setting and both share a love of country music,” Nadia says, “We wanted our guests to feel transformed to another time and place with good food, good music, and good company. 
During the reception inside Blue Sky’s Arena, activities included a mechanical bull ride, roasting s’mores, sipping on High West Whiskey signature cocktails, playing corn hole and having photos taken in a photo booth. At the end of the evening, the newlyweds rode off in a 1964 Austin Princess Vanden Plas limousine.
“We love down-home barbecue style food and wanted to include wild game in our menu because we hunt together,” Nadia explains. “The venison was provided by Keenan’s own harvest from a deer two months prior.”
Appetizers included maple-glazed elk sausage with sweet potato skewers, honey-smoked Utah trout on corn crisp, and Chile Verde Wasatch County venison meatballs. A buffet offered Southwestern Caesar salad, braised beef brisket with a bourbon apricot glaze, High West barbecue pulled pork, rustic mashed potatoes with root vegetable confetti, roasted seasonal vegetables and green chili cornbread muffins with Utah honey butter. Vanilla bean ice cream accompanied mini mason jars of apple cobbler for dessert. For the after party, guests enjoyed Summit County grass-fed sliders alongside Yukon Gold and sweet potato fries.
The Mountain Country band provided live music. Nadia and Keenan danced their first dance to a song by Dustin Lynch, “Cowboys and Angels.”
The outdoor-loving newlyweds traveled to south Texas for a Whitetail Deer Hunt with TC Outfitters.
VENDORS
Photography: Sparkle Photography | @sparkle_illuminating
Wedding Planner: Soiree Productions | @soireeproductions
Catering: Done to Your Taste | @donetoyourtaste
Ceremony Site: St. Mary’s Catholic Church |
Reception Site: Blue Sky Ranch | @blueskyutah
Flowers: Artisan Bloom | @artisanbloom
Rentals: Diamond Event and Tent | @diamondeventandtent
Groom’s Ring: Staghead Designs | @stagheaddesigns
Invitations: Weddings by Eccentricity | @weddings_by_eccentricity
Gown: Anne Barge, Alta Moda Bridal | @altamodabridal
Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Azazie | @azazieofficial
Entertainment: Mountain Country Band | @mountaincountryband
Videography: Chris McClain Films | @chrismcclainfilms
Officiant: Rev. John E. Norman, Saint Vincent Depaul Parish
Hair and Makeup: Lesley Lind | @lesleylind
Mechanical Bull: Buck Wild Bull Riding |
Photo Booth: Complete Weddings + Events | @completeweddingsutah
Restroom Trailer: Simply Privy | @simplyprivys
Cake: Flour and Flourish | @flourandflourish
Ice Sculpture: Amazing Ice Creations |
Where we’re going, there are no rules.
“Don’t be afraid of color” is the number one thing Chris Lavoie wants to tell couples. The Silver Summit Events founder teams with his favorite cast of creatives to show off the power of rich color, edgy textiles and vibrant blooms. He shares tips and tricks creating an avant-garde Utah party style.
You know all those wedding images you just pinned? Delete now. “When we start working with a bride, we have them send us images they love that are NOT weddings. I want to understand what they are drawn to aesthetically. Architecture, art, fashion and interior design help us to understand them more than seeing their Pinterest wedding boards.”
“The biggest mistake brides make is thinking that in order for their wedding to look bridal, it needs to be white, ivory or blush,” Lavoie says. “Don’t be afraid of fuchsia, purple or even black.” Enter Orchid Dynasty’s Shelly Huynh, who is a frequent guest of honor at floral shows in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Bali. Floral art is her game, so naturally Huynh infuses head wreaths, table centerpieces and bouquets with her signature lush carpet of velvety orchids–phalaenopsis, mokaras and cymbidiums.
Lavoie creates two metaphorical buckets with his clients: one a Need-to-Have and the other Nice-to-Have. If breaking the rules is desired, what traditional elements need to happen in order for this to be a wedding? “There are things that skill make it wedding-like, such as a white or ivory gown with lace. The outfits need to be special in some way,” Lavoie explains. Seating is a must, too, but also has room for interpretation.
“My clients aren’t doing sweetheart tables anymore. Coules want to mingle, so head tables are a great option. I recently did a wedding with a head table of 40 people.”
Dancing, hugging and toasting all require one thing: easy movement. Comfortable elegance can result from a cotton lace pantsuit or a well-tailored halter-top gown. While ball gowns and big bouquets are synonymous with weddings, those things can be cumbersome when it comes to party time. “No one talks about how heavy gowns are during the day. Last weekend, I had a bride who needed two people to help get in and out of her chair because he gown was so big,” Lavoie says.
Photographer Pepper Nix has experienced similar situations. “If a bride wants that big ball gown moment, she can use it for a bridal session–like Carrie Bradshaw did for a photoshoot in the Sex and the City movie–then wear it for the ceremony and change into a sleeker gown for the reception.”
Be smart about your Hollywood moment. “I don’t edit in a linear way. There’s a lot of time-shifting,” says film artist Jared Wortley, whose sensational movies require some preparation before the big day. “I base my story-driven films on two things, both captured by the microphone: the ceremony and the toasts. That’s where I get my storyline. If someone gives a roast, albeit funny, it doesn’t feed into the couple’s storyline. I also tell my couples to write their own vows. For the film, it’s so much better than watching them repeat after the officiant.”
The same applies, in real life. Mic drop. Get more inspiration here!
VENDORS
Photography: Pepper Nix | @peppernix
Planner: Silver Summit Events | @silversummitevents
Venue/Florals: Orchid Dynasty | @orchiddynasty
Video: Jared Wortley | @jaredwortleyfilms
Hair and Makeup: Looks by Diana | @looksbydiana
Rentals: In the Event | @weareintheevent
Linens: BBJ Linen | @bbjlinen
Gown: LatterDayBride | @latterdaybride
From the moment you walk into Utah’s very first DryBar, located in Sugarhouse, you can feel the positivity coming from the staff, the decor and the clients, themselves. Floating mirrors and pops of yellow and lavender are well-lit by wall-length windows that create a bright and cheerful atmosphere.
First, you pick a hairstyle from a “menu” that includes everything from sleek-and-straight to old Hollywood waves to big-and-beachy. Next, you have the option to add on moisturizing treatments, up-dos, head massages and more. After that, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the experts work their magic.
The 2,000–square foot location consists of 14 styling chairs perfect for getting glammed up alongside your bridal party for bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and weddings. There are even options to rent out the space and host your own private glam session.
Operating Partners, Heather Osmond and her daughter, Paige Osmond provide their guests a space to feel comfortable, confident and beautiful. The mother-daughter duo go above and beyond to pair the over-the-top customer service experience signature to DryBar’s brand with the warmth and enthusiasm of a true-to-Utah family-operated business.
You can check out Utah’s first DryBar on Instagram at @utahstyled or online at thedrybar.com.
Raise a glass! For a vibrant summer event, why stick with traditional, clear glasses? These champagne flutes, which come in glowing shades of blue, moss, red and amber, add lively splashes of color to any tabletop setting, including a special wedding day. Imagine them catching the sunlight while raised in a celebratory toast.
You don’t have to reserve the bright hues for the cocktails. Choosing colorful crystal tumblers may seem like a bold move, but these hand-blown Baccarat glasses are guaranteed to make anything you serve more special. Invite guests to cool down with their favorite iced drinks, or get creative: these tumblers can perform as vibrant vases for garden blooms or as chic containers for scooped ice cream.
Photos courtesy Baccarat. For more wedding inspiration, click here.
The arrangement pictured above captures the exuberance of a garden, explains Pam Olson, whose Native Flower Company is the go-to shop for those seeking one-of-a-kind floral designs, lush centerpieces and sophisticated, nature-inspired bouquets. Clients range from brides and CEOs to hostesses, event planners and those celebrating life’s special moments.
So what’s the secret behind creating this lavish arrangement? “It has an organic vibe,” she says. “It’s a garden, amplified.” Beginning with a burl bowl, the designer paired groups of sweet peas, anemones and hyacinths with others of paperwhites, amaryllis and hellebores. Then she introduced elegant lady slipper orchids. Mixing exotics with garden blooms is a signature move. “It puts the focus on texture,” she says. And the bunched blooms? “That’s the modern side of the design, the color blocking.”
As if growing in a garden, the grouped flowers mix loosely with lush sword ferns, silver dollar eucalyptus and velvety pussy willow. No fluff of filler here. “Everything has a purpose and a chance to shine.” Notably missing are the robust colors that fill many summer gardens right now. Instead, shades of green and white prevail. Olson explains: “This palette is more classic, fresh and sophisticated.”
Looking for more floral inspiration? Click here.
Abby Bengtzen, owner of Forever La Fleur on turning floral arrangements into pressed flower keepsakes.
Abby Bengtzen, owner and operator of Forever La Fleur, first started pressing flowers alongside her grandmother. In the summer months, the two would go out into the garden and create homemade bouquets before returning home to press them into cards and wall decor.
These special moments are the reason Abby turned her hobby into her career. When she looked at the art she’d received from her grandmother, she realized just how impactful a memento these forever arrangements could be.
“I don’t think I realized how much flowers meant to so many people until I started working with brides and families preserving them. Most people have some kind of memory attached to say, their mother’s rose garden, or their grandmother’s flower patch, or a funeral or wedding. Memories come and go with the seasons and each bloom,” Bengtzen explains. “Pressing and framing those plants or flowers help to keep a small part of that memory alive with a tangible memento.”
When asked about what keeps her passionate about the art form, Bengtzen explains that she’s a lover of vintage, “Clothes, decor, manners, books, everything you can think of. Organic and natural art used to be a staple in decor, and I love that I can bring a bit of that back while still making the frames modern as well as timeless.”
Photos courtesy of Abby Bengtzen Forever La Fleur | @forever_la_fleur
Photographer: Mandi Clarke | @mandiraephoto
Florist: Stem + Bloem by Lexi Eichers | @stemandbloem
The spotlight is on and you’re the crown jewel.
It’s opening night at the museum. contemporary art comes alive in the form of chic sheaths, bleached-out blooms and high-low pairings of jewels. In a Fashion Week replay, photographer Jacque Lynn and stylist Erica Kopp highlight wedding looks that are sleek, sophisticated and aisle-ready. The latest big-day fashions? We’ve got ’em.
This Bitsy Bridal gown ($2,500) by Watters is powered by a corset-inspired body and pleated ballgown with soft, dotted netting.
Get the Look:
Faux perlassent petals, $12, Borcik Jewelry
Floral crown made of bleached and dried ruscus, starting at $80, Urban Chateau Floral
Jade Trau Selma Ring with pear shape center diamond, set in platinum and 18kt yellow gold, $25,730, O.C. Tanner Jewelers SLC
Voluminous dry silk radiates from this Harlow Brides gown ($1,400) by Jenny Yoo. Illusion mesh tulle provides peek-a-boo panels on the bodice. 
Get the Look:
Fresh Phalaenopsis orchid floral crown, starting at $175, Urban Chateau Floral
Roberto Coin Diamond Symphony bangle in 18kt rose gold, $4,600; .56. ctw in 18kt rose gold, $5,140, O.C. Tanner Jewelers
This high-neck crepe fit-and-flare gown ($2,500) is reserved for the ultra-modern bride. The chic ensemble by Justin Alexander Signature at Pritchett Bridal flaunts a chapel-length train and low-open back. 
Get the Look:
Stiff Straw Pork Pie Hat, $78, GiGi Pip, SLC.
Delicate trim tailors soft lace that’s tucked into a sheer waistband enriched with fine pearl detailing, ideal for the refined boho bride. This Bodhi by Jane Hill gown ($4,000) from The Bridal Studio makes a statement when topped with a simple tulle veil. 
Get the Look:
JL Johnson cathedral-length veil, $110, Harlow Brides, SLC.
Calla lily, anthurium and rose bouquet, $200 and up, Urban Chateau Floral.
Sure, single diamonds are sensational, but a band of multiple stones are out of this world. This rose gold ring pairs perfectly with a ladylike, beaded lace Vicki by Truvelle gown ($2,100) from The Bridal Studio. 
Get the Look:
Pearl cluster hoops, $32, Borcik Jewelry
Rahaminov baguette diamond band in 18kt rose gold, $16,700, O.C. Tanner Jewelers
This flow frock and overskirt ($2,500) from Bitsy Bridal boasts an easy-to-dance-in cut. Bonus points for an overskirt that can change your look from ceremony to reception. 
Get the Look:
Geometric metal earrings, $75, Stil Works Studio
Big sleeves are hot, and this fit-and-flare crepe number adds all-season demure. Plunging neckline and back add interest to this Lilian West gown ($1,200) offered by Pritchett Bridal, Orem. 
Get the Look:
Dropping by pearl dangle earrings, $34, Borcik Jewelry, SLC
Lazaro’s proprietary sparkle illuminates the A-line skirt of this Bitsy Bridal gown (Left, $3,600). Delicate, jeweled straps fasted the drop-waist, bias-cut bodice made of tulle. 
Embroidered lace rosettes embellished with clear sequins adorn this Chantel Lauren tulle sheath (Right, $3,000). An open back gives way to a curve-hugging, fit-and-flare skirt with asymmetrical hemline and godet train.
Get the Look:
Serene organic pearl statement bridal earrings, $145, Borcik Jewelry
This mermaid-fit gown ($1,505) by Beautiful by Enzoani and available at The Bridal Studio, is seductive and alluring. A one-shoulder bow neckline accentuates the soft, stretch georgette. 
Get the Look:
Geometric metal earrings, $75, Stil Works Studio
Bree straw hat, $72, Gigi Pip
Roberto Coin Obelisco bracelet with diamonds in 18kt yellow gold, $16,500, O.C. Tanner Jewelers
One-shoulder, ruffles AND a pantsuit? You bet. Get more bang for your buck with three trends in one. For the dance party, jump into this most comfortable –and affordable– trend ($127) from ASOS online shop. 
Get the Look:
Roberto Coin Primavera Bracelet in 18kt yellow gold, $2,750, O.C. Tanner Jewelers
VENDORS:
Photography: Jacque Lynn Photography | @jacquelynnphoto
Styling: Erica Kopp, Stay Co | @stay__co
Hair: Steven Robertson | @stevenrobertsonhair
MUA: Kristen Packard | @kristenpackardartistry
Venue: Studio Elevn, SLC | @studioelevn
Art: Annie Pugmire | @annies.c.a.k.e.s
Flowers: Urban Chateau | @urbanchateaufloral
Film: Allison Michelle, Provo | @stil.works
Models: Rebecca Lima | @niyamodels, @beccaa.lima
Miranda Porter | @mirandaprtr
Against all odds, Artisan Bloom‘s new brick-and-mortar opened during COVID-19.
Luckily, Kellie Jackstein is no stranger to running a successful floral business. For 20 years, she’s been making a splash at luxury venues with her signature lush blossoms, dramatic ceiling treatments, romantic tablescapes and petal-carpeted aisles. It’s no wonder that two years ago, Jackstien was outgrowing her workshop and began planting new seeds for growth.
UB&G: What made you decide that Artisan Bloom was ready for a change?
Jackstien: I began searching for a design space for Artisan Bloom kind of on a whim. I knew I wanted to expand my company and felt like a beautiful, creative space for my designers to create and my clients to gather would add to the design experience synonymous to the Artisan Bloom brand. I wanted something that reflected my passion of transforming spaces. We do this all the time with our weddings, but transforming a design space was really exciting for me.
UB&G: How did you decide on the location for the new shop?
Jackstien: I purchased the building in December of 2018. I was looking for a true fixer upper. I love transforming a space and was excited to find something with great bones in an up and coming area. I was drawn to Old Town Midvale because I truly saw so much potential on this little tree-lined street. It’s quirky and charming. Enter 7573 S Main Street. Built in 1920, this building was NOT cute when I found it. Like, not at all. My friends and family thought I was crazy, but I saw potential and I knew given the era it was built, I might find some unique original details.
UB&G: Obviously, you know design. How did you narrow in on a renovation plan?
Jackstien: I had a killer Pinterest board that I was determined to execute in this renovation. We began renovation in August 2019. When we stripped the interior down to the four exterior walls, we discovered century-old brick, stick framing and duct work which I was thrilled to expose and incorporate into the overall design. Influenced by the 1920s era, we restored two original radiators and incorporated penny tile, marble top tables, bold brick and natural wood tones, layering in sparkling crystal chandeliers. Thank you Roaring 20s for that contribution to design! After blowing the budget (a lot) and timeline (a little), we happily moved in December 2019 and prepared for our glorious 2020 wedding season to begin.
UB&G: Boom! COVID-19 had other plans. How did you handle COVID-19 postponing your spring and summer weddings?
Jackstien: Within days of the announcement of a global pandemic, we learned that wedding season was put on hold indefinitely. It was a frightening prospect. With a design studio waiting for flowers and talented designers anxious to create, we brainstormed, googled Shopify coding, designed, developed and shot content. With herculean efforts from our team, we opened an online shop featuring gorgeous, luxe floral designs worthy of gifting just in time for Mothers Day.
UB&G: What makes Artisan Bloom’s floral designs so unique?
Jackstien: Everything we do is elevated, from our bloom selection and color stories, to our signature branded wraps and beautiful wax-seal enclosure cards, we want gifting to truly be an experience. We carefully curate seasonal collections, incorporating the most beautiful blooms. Everything we source is local, whether it’s from local farms or supporting local wholesalers. When launching this project, it was especially important to us that we support small local businesses impacted by Covid-19.
UB&G: How did this “pandemic pivot” work for your business?
Jackstien: We had a tremendous response to our online shop and on opening weekend, with the loving support of our loyal clients, our dear friends and excited industry partners, we sold out every design! We were so excited. The Artisan Bloom shop is here to stay. It’s been a creative haven in an uncertain time and we are truly grateful to our supportive community for believing in us. We continue to develop new designs that are striking and anything but basic. While we can’t wait to get back to weddings and events, we sure love the side venture of the Artisan Bloom Shop.
BEFORE
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