Real Wedding: Perfectly Curated Snowpine Lodge Wedding

Childhood sweethearts Sara and Willem seal the deal in a magnificently customized Snowpine Lodge wedding, with flawless details and classic energy.

THE COUPLE 

Sara and Willem met for the first time when they were teenagers at a mutual friends party, but it wasn’t until they were running into each other all over town that sparks started to fly. Nine years later, after a magical proposal atop Rice-Eccles Stadium, the pair tied the know at a magical Snowpine Lodge wedding.

THE MOOD

The crisp white linens paired with romantic cross-back chairs and simple all-white flowers helped achieve the couples overall hope for their simplistically romantic wedding day. “We essentially looked at each element individually and choose what we both agreed upon and we think it worked out perfectly,” Sara says. From the wood mounted table numbers to the coordinated invitation suite and seating chart, a surprise from the couples wedding coordinator, each detail fit the couples individual style perfectly. “Or wedding coordinator, Ashley, spent a lot of time making sure all of the details fit our style,” the bride explained.

 

THE WEDDING

After touring many great venues, Sara and Willem found their perfect place in Snow Pine Lodge. “What really sold us was the idea of having a ceremony outside followed by an indoor reception that still had exceptional views of the mountains,” Sara explained. The couple was married by a close family friend who officiated a romantic ceremony highlighting the couple equally as partners.

The snow dusted mountains (yes even in June) visible from all the windows at the Snowpine Lodge wedding, lodging and ski stop venue make for the perfect cozy location. “Each room is perfect from the cocktail lounge and ballroom to the bridal suite,” said photographer, Zandra Barriga. The couple wanted the weekend “to feel like a big family reunion,” and with the ball pit and a karaoke room, Snow Pine Lodge checked every box.

THE MENU

Food was an essential part of Sara & Willem’s celebration. Bacon wrapped dates, strawberry rhubarb crisp and braised short rib featured on the menu, all perfectly pairing with the couple’s must-have of “good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes.” The crowning jewel of Sara and Willem’s menu though, were their individualized cocktails.

“The bar manager at Snow Pine was kind enough to work with us to create unique cocktails with each of our favorite ingredients,” Sara describes. For the bride, “Strawberry Fields” was a cocktail with gin, fresh lemon, lime St. Germaine, and a champagne floater. For the groom, “The Watson”, named after their beloved English bulldog, was a creation with whiskey, lemon juice, local honey, ginger syrup, a splash of Islay scotch, and candied ginger on top. “They turned out amazing, by far the best cocktails we’ve ever had, and our guests absolutely loved them too.”

For dessert, the couple chose a beautifully curated cake with sugar flowers matching the bridal bouquet and centerpieces.

THE PARTY

The band at the reception played four 45 minute sets, meaning almost 4 straight hours of dancing (including a few breaks for snacking and drinking obviously). The dancing crowd did not die down a bit. “One of our top priorities was to have a lot of dancing as long as possible, and we were thrilled when the majority of the attendees danced late into the night,” the bride explains. The couple shared their first dance to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison. The couple was joined by their parents, Sara by her father and Willem by his mother, and they danced to “In My Life” by The Beatles. 

Vendors:

Photographer: Zandra Barringa | @zandrabarringaphoto
MUA: Kennedy Fitzgerald | @fitzkennedy
Hair: Tabitha Walton | @wasatch_hair
Florist: Fleur and Stems | @fleurandstems 
Cake: Flour and Flourish | @flourandflourish
Dress: The Perfect Dress | @theperfectdressbridal 
Event Planner: Hoopes Weddings  & Events | @hoopesevents 
Rings: Tresor Jewelers | @tresorjewelers
Invitation Suite: Minted | @minted
Suit: HM Cole | @hmcoleclothing 

Desert Love: Inspiration Shoot

Photos by Magdeline B. Photography

From moody tones to genuine smiles, Magdeline B. Photography captures the epitome of desert romance in this stylized shoot.

Vendors:

Design: Cozy Valley Events | @cozyvalleyevents

Photography: Magdeline B. Photography | @magdeline.b

Dress: Off White Bride | @offwhitebride

MUA: Savanah Norman | @savanahnormanmua

Model: Tiffany Rasmussen | @saltykitty

Outdoor Minimony Inspiration

Tunnel Springs, Utah

Photos by: Chelsey Black Photography

This outdoor minimony inspiration editorial was influenced by a romantic fine art aesthetic and a touch of European influence. With soft and delicate floral, champagne dress, and elegant invitation suite handmade in Spain this wedding was a dream.

The images were captured with a gorgeous blend of light and airy romance. The golden sun perfectly peeking out from the soft rolling clouds created warm and beautiful highlights of the bride’s hair as she danced with her flowing champagne tulle dress through the tall grassy field. The bride and groom are a real couple who were creating their own fireworks as they kissed under the wide open sky on this top of the world landscape high above Salt Lake City.

The light and loose florals were a delicate and exquisite accent to the look. The gorgeous florals of pink, white and ivory roses, peonies, Queen Anne’s lace, sweet pea, orchids, tulips and a hint of golden cosmos. The charming table dressed with ivory chiffon cloth and carefully with white and ivory stoneware and gold lettered menus on each created a timeless tablescape.  Together each elegant detail and the soft warm colors created inspiration for the perfect summer wedding.

Photography and Design: Chelsey Black Photography chelseyblack.com | @chelseyblackphotography

Florals/Design/Rentals: Evergreen and Ivy | evergreenandivy.com | @evergreenivy

Models: Danielle and Alex Davis | @daniellehdavis_

Dress:  chelseyblack.com | @cbweddingrentals

Menu and Invitation: Lettering by GRG | @letteringbygrg

Real Wedding: Jewish Traditions and Modern Flair at Empire Canyon Lodge

Jillian & Jacob

Empire Canyon Lodge, Deer Valley 

June 30, 2019

The Couple

Jillian and Jacob met in 11th grade at Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. Years later, their journey took them to Utah where Jacob proposed to Jillian while fly fishing on the Provo River over Labor Day weekend.

The Wedding 

After a ten-year courtship, the Florida couple chose Park City for their destination wedding. Jillian’s family had been traveling to Deer Valley to ski since 2002, so once Jacob and Jillian began dating, Jacob naturally joined in. “We felt it was only perfect to share our favorite destination with all of our friends and family from Florida,” Jillian says. Jillian’s dad hosted a golf day at Promontory Ranch Club for the gents on the Friday before the wedding. Later that night, Jacob’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at High West Distillery’s Nelson Cottage. The couple married on Jillian’s parents’ wedding anniversary, which fell smack dab in the middle of Park City’s wildflower season and July 4th celebrations.

The Mood

“Empire Lodge typically looks like a ski-lunch spot, but Hoopes Events and Deer Valley transformed it into an elegant, rustic-chic environment,” Jillian says. “Most of the color came from the beautiful flowers–including eucalyptus–and the blues in the hydrangea, delphinium and thistle flowers.”

The Menu

Deer Valley offered up: charcuterie, shrimp skewers, bison empanadas and wild mushroom flatbread as appetizers; a first-course butter crunch salad with strawberries, pistachios and feta cheese; Niman Ranch tenderloin and crab-crusted Utah trout as an entree; a stacked vegetable Ratatouille as a vegetarian option; a selection of mini pastries; and grilled cheese and fries for a late-night snack.

The Party

Heartfelt toasts, a traditional Hava Nagila and a vintage VW van Photo Booth entertained the guests, as did the music. “We spent a lot of time discussing our music ideas with DJ Pauly. Everyone danced the night away, so I know it was enjoyable for all of our guests.”

The Honeymoon

Following the wedding, the newlyweds traveled to Jackson, Wyoming for a mini-moon, where they enjoyed the Grand Tetons for the first time. Later that year, they spent two weeks in New Zealand, where they road tripped, hiked, ate local cuisine, flew in a small tour plane, went offshore and enjoyed fly fishing. “We cannot wait to return to New Zealand for a future anniversary and complete our tour.”

VENDORS

Photography: Pepper Nix | @peppernix
Planning and Design: Hoopes Events@hoopesevents
Venue: Empire Canyon Lodge |
Flowers: Artisan Bloom | @artisanbloom
Videographer: Kale Fitch Films | @kalefitchfilms
Photo Booth: Photo Booth Bus | @photoboothbus
Getting-Ready Location: Montage Deer Valley | @montagedeervalley
Music: DJ Pauly | @djpaulyslc
Rentals: Rent Event Utah | @rent_event_utah
Diamond Rental | @diamondeventandtent

European-Inspired Romance at Wadley Farms

French elegance in Utah? Oui. Alexia Nilsen shows off Utah-born European flair in a styled shoot at the gorgeous Wadley Farms. 

Est-ce que to parles français? You don’t have to speak French to understand the enchanting style. No other country masters the art of understated sophistication quite like France. How exactly do the French do it? Up-and-comer photographer Alexia Nilsen instructs us how to achieve this art for the big day.

Focus on Quality 

“You don’t have to travel to Europe to achieve a stunning European wedding,” photographer Alexia Nilsen says. If there’s anything we can learn from the French, it’s to forget the fuss. Repeat after me, quality over quantity. Get to know a good tailor for all your wedding day fashion and choose natural fabrics over manufactured versions for the best fit. And while we’re on the topic of fashion, remember to allow several months to order and fit those gowns and suits.

Book a ChateauWadley farms exterior

In a state abounding with rustic farmhouses and mountain resorts, castles are a bit tough to find in Utah. Enter Wadley Farms. “Wadley Farms has so many stunning backdrops to choose from, like vineyards, stone walls, pathways, beautiful doorways and ivy-strewn gates,” Nilsen says. This Lindon property boasts a castle, a barn, and a turn-of-the-century Railway Building.

And if that weren’t enough, Wadley is a working farm that grown peaches, apples, cherries, apricots, pears, grapes, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes and corn, in addition to raising honey bees and free-range Angus cows.

Stay with a Subtle Palette

Just like black-and-white is classically French, blush is the tried-and-true hue of weddings. “Choosing subtle, elegant colors doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, sometimes going with softer tones with a modern twist really elevates your whole wedding,” Nilsen says. Here, the pink and blue make a perfect pairing when teamed with champagnes, whits, peaches and even browns. Can you spot the dark chocolate cosmos and blue tweedia in the bouquets?

Turn up the Romance

Evoking emotion is your number one goal for the big day. How do you do that? “It’s true what they say. It’s all in the details. Pick a few key sentimental details worth splurging on, like florals and invitations,” Nilsen says. Seasonal blooms tied with silk ribbons, handmade paper finished with raw edges, and lace runners topped with garden urns conjure romance at every turn.

Set Up the AmbianceWadley farms styled shoot

Sure, the big day is about commitment and love, but what about the dining experience? The French never rush a meal, so boost conversation with long farmhouse tables, low centerpieces and tapered candles. Save the buffet for casual parties and opt for the formality of a full-service instead. French flair encourages guests to linger over their cuisine, wine, conversation and music without ever leaving the comfort of their Louis cane back chairs. 

Want more bridal day inspiration? Browse more blogs here. 

VENDORS

Photography: Alexia Nilson | @alexianilsonphotography
Venue: Wadley Farms | @wadleyfarms
Paper: Sugared Fig Paperie | @sugaredfigpaperie
Gown: Mary’s Bridal | @marysbridalslc
Florals: Ivie Floral Co., | @iviefloralco
Cake: Sweet Cravings | @sweetcravings12
Hair: Elyssa Anderson | @elyssa.anderson.hair
MUA: Savanah Norman | @savanahnormanmua

4U Ranch: Modern Rustic Meets Magical

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.

www.4uranch.org

Take Me Higher – Epic Balloon Bridals in Kanab, Utah

“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

 

Real Wedding: Rustic Romance

Nadia & Keenan

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park City

& Blue Sky Ranch, Wanship

November 3rd, 2019

Photos by Sparkle Photography

The Couple

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.

The Wedding

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.

The Mood

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.

The Menu

“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 Tunes

The Mountain Country band provided live music. Nadia and Keenan danced their first dance to a song by Dustin Lynch, “Cowboys and Angels.”

The Honeymoon

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 | 

 

Rock Star Diaries

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.

Define Your 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.”

Push the Party Palette

“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.

Make A Bucket List

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.”

Pack Light

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.”

Write A One-of-a-Kind Script

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

Utah’s First DryBar Will Blow You Away

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.