Real Wedding: Stephanie & Cole’s High Style Ogden Celebration

April 27, 2020

THE COUPLE

Photographer Kiersten Jones had shot Stephanie and Cole several times over the years, and described their love as “undeniable.”

“I love couples that are so willing to show their love right from the start, and they are one of those couples,” says Jones. “They showed their love so fast and it was beautiful.”

Three years after Stephanie and Cole’s very first shoot with Kiersten Jones, they were engaged. On August 24, 2019, the pair made it official with a sparkling and stylish ceremony at The 5th Floor Ogden.

THE WEDDING

“Stephanie is super stylish as is,” says Jones. “She has an urban vibe that I love, so I knew the wedding was going to be full of style. But she blew this one out of the water!”

Stephanie walked the aisle in an absolute dream of a gown from The Bride’s Shop, sprinkled with starlight and the perfect amount of decorative sparkle. As she walked the aisle toward her classically-clad love, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

THE MOOD

For this wedding, the key to the beauty was all in the details. The venue set the boho mood with hundreds of candles, bringing the soft light and wondrous smells that guests wouldn’t soon forget. “Most people don’t think of a scent for the wedding, but the truth is the smells are so important,” says Jones.

A palette of rich neutrals accented with striking golds and topped with table greenery was well lit with breathtaking hanging lights. Tiny details like the beautiful couple’s tiny faces on M&M candies showed Stephanie and Cole thought of every elegant and fun element to make their big day unforgettable.

“Their creative eye in designing the wedding made me want to be more creative with my shots for them,” says Jones.

“With most couples, I meet them at their engagement session a few months before the wedding and we go from there. I don’t have as much time to get to know them. But with these two, it was years in the making. To see some of your favorite clients grow over time and fall more and more in love, until they get to the point where they want to get married is the best.”

See more of this dreamy wedding celebration below:

VENDORS

Getting Pitched: Finding the Perfect Wedding Tent

April 24, 2020

What’s up with all those fancy tents? Tips and logistics for including a sensational shelter on your special day.

Utah won the lottery in landscapes, but our mountain weather is, well, a little challenging. Slush in May, record heat in July, rains in August and surprising snows in September. How does a savvy host brace for bad weather?

“Prepare for the worst,” says Meg Griggs, of Modern Expo in Salt Lake City. If any part of your wedding day is outside, this seasoned event pro says renting a tent is the best way to plan for finicky weather. “Order for the worst-case scenario. Act as if it’s a blizzard, even in June or September. Budget for the flooring, doors, walls, heaters. You can always scale back closer to the date when you get a more accurate weather forecast. Most deposits to hold require 50 percent down with the remaining due two days before your event.”

If you think shelter and shade seem simple, thing again. While tents are a sensational feature for wedding parties, they require permits, contracts, flooring, draping, chandeliers, setup and delivery–all coming at a cost, oftentimes $10K and up. Griggs gives us the low down of the high price of tenting.

1. Look Into Tent Costs Before You Contract with Your Venue

“I’ve worked with brides that get Solon a space, not thinking about the weather. It’s not until after they’ve booked and met with a rental company that they realize how much these structures cost. They eat into their wedding budget well before they even get to catering, lodging and design,” says Griggs, who recommends rental services from Diamond Event & Tent, All Out Events or Olympus Tents.

2. Prepare for Permitting.

Party hosts need to meet fire and propane regulations, height permitting and conditional-use permits. “Park City and Summit county have very strict permitting measures for these temporary structure,” Griggs says. Fortunately, venues assist brides and grooms with their permitting to ensure everything is secure two weeks before the wedding day.

3. Factor In Labor Costs

Refer to the venue’s contract to know what time the tents can be delivered, when hey need to be removed and what access is available to the locale. “Stein Eriksen requires a crane to load structures in handout of, while St. Regis necessitates parts being hand-carried up the ski hill,” Griggs explains. “A [Utah State] Capitol wedding requires same-day load in and load out for their west terrace. There, you’ll also be charged to have a federal policeman available at all times during the event.”

4. Consider Flooring

La Fete Floral & Events‘ Allison Badly rented this Tidewater Sailcloth Tent from Diamond Rental turning this backyard into a fairytale wedding venue.

technically speaking, sub-flooring includes the plywood below a dance floor or carpet. Logistically speaking, it’s key to your tent rental contract. “One bride I worked with refused the extra cost of a sub-flooring, but on the wedding day, rain pooled up from the cobblestone and her gown got soaked. Her aunt–whose daughter’s wedding we were contracted to do the following month–called me the very next day to be sure sub-flooring was included in her costs,” Griggs says.

5. Don’t Forget About Heating or Air

“Clear-sided tents can act as greenhouses in the summertime. Your guests are like ants in a magnifying glass. They definitely need a cooling component,” says Griggs. Meanwhile, clear-glass walls risk shattering in the winter. “You can’t have clear vinyl without heat. It has to be kept above 52 degrees, otherwise, the chemical makeup of it freezes and shatters. You must pay for heat form the inception in order to be safe.”

Now, the good news: All these venues and their rental partners are experts int he intricacies of tent installation. That sail cloth or clear-sided tent you’ve been eyeing can be yours, as long as you factor it in your budget from the get-go.

Operation Wedding: Mark & Brad’s Backyard Ceremony

April 20, 2020

Mark & Brad

Photos by Branson Maxwell

Mark and Brad met online and dated four years before getting engaged. According to Mark, one weekend he “had an epiphany” while the two were discussing their future. He realized just how sure he was that he wanted to marry Brad, so he went out and bought a ring the very next day.

The following weekend, the two headed down to a cabin in Colorado with some friends and commenced what Mark and his accomplices referred to as “Operation Question.” Mark and his co-conspirators staged a hike along a nearby lake. The group stopped to take photos and that’s when Mark dropped down onto one knee, pulled out a ring and popped the question. Brad said yes, or – to be exact – “YES, YES, YES!” and the two headed back to the cabin where they spent the evening calling family members and telling them the good news.

According to Mark, the pair chose to get married in their backyard because they love hosting and felt it was the perfect setting to share their space with all of their favorite people. To achieve the modern industrial look they were going for, the couple chose a color palette of copper, green, gray and navy.

Because of the intimate nature of the wedding, Mark and Brad wanted to ensure that the event was a largely mingling affair. “We didn’t want a dinner hour where people were sitting in a chair not socializing,” Mark explained, “so we provided one long table along the back yard with no seating assignment. The caterers served the entire meal on trays and brought them around to everyone. Most people were mingling and talking with new people while eating which is exactly what we wanted.”

Mark and Brad each selected a personal favorite cocktail to serve to their guests alongside custom wine made with labels that donned the same art as their invitations.

The pair had their first dance to Adele’s Make You Feel My Love before they invited both of their moms to the dance floor for Your Song by Elton John. Then the music picked up and they finished off the evening dancing alongside their family and friends.

Vendors:

Suits and Cufflinks: Tailor Cooperative | @tailorcooperative

Wedding Planner: Braelynn with Belle Bodas | @bellebodas

Florist: Jenevieve with Beehive Floral | @beehivefloralco

Photographer: Branson Maxwell | @bransonmaxwell.photo

Videographer: Michele Cozzens | @michele.cozzens

Rentals: All Out Rentals | @allouteventrental

DJ/MC: Cooper Brown with One Above Entertainment | @oneaboveentertainment

Pianist/singer: Eduardo Alencar

Catering: Magleby’s Catering | @maglebys_catering

Cake: Flour and Flourish | @flourandflourish

Bar Service: Copa Bar Service | @copabarservice

Dessert: Cinnaholic | @cinnaholic

Invitations: Michelle Richardson Design | @michellerichardson_art

Wedding Signage: Megan Snyder

Valerie Rasmussen’s Contemporary Farewell Soirée at Blended Table

April 17, 2020

After nine years of beautiful events, stunning spreads and fashion pioneering, Utah Bride and Groom magazine said farewell to our editor, Valerie Rasmussen, and the event pros at Decoration, Inc., Fuse Weddings & Events and Blended Table made certain she went out with a bang.

February 27, 2020
Blended Table

At this soirée, the guest of honor was the theme. With a background in floral, event design and wedding editorial production, Val has seen it all.

“There’s not much that is going to blow Val away,” says floral designer Amanda Hansen of Decoration, Inc. “So we kept it simple and classic, as she would like it – cocktail party vibes to celebrate a wonderful friend and her career.”

Hansen brought airy spring beauty to Blended Table’s industrial, raw space, but stayed true the location’s modern mood. Subtle hues graced her floral arrangements packed with texture: parrot tulips, butterfly ranunculus, and garden roses on beds of skeleton leaves and bleached ferns.

The star décor brought the personality and sentiment to the party: a giant gallery wall featuring headshots of Val for every year she spent perfecting the magazine. The display was framed by a striking floral arrangement in an ombre blend to highlight every perfect bloom. “A full blend of the florals would have masked all those textures and delicate hues,” says Hansen. Paired with Blended Table’s velvet aqua linens, the palette was perfectly contemporary for celebrating a modern boss woman.

Simple blooms and a springy palette served as the ideal backdrop for Blended Table’s knockout new menu tested for the event. “Emery’s food is so strong that we didn’t need a lot of décor to boost it up,” says Hansen. “Each dish is delicious and beautifully plated. It speaks for itself.”

“When we heard Val was leaving the magazine, I immediately texted Amanda and Mara to se if they would be willing to co-host an event with us at our space,” says Emery Lorshter, owner/head chef at Blended Table. “Val has always been a huge supporter of our small business and we wanted to not only thank her, but also give her a lovely send off.”

Lorshter and her team had been working on a few new items to add to their rotation, and found the perfect time to taste test the dishes in this event.

Guests were greeted at the door with a choice of various wines or beautifully garnished infused botanical water. When dining time arrived, each guest got a miniature portion of every new menu item: poached black cod with caper berry fennel relish and gold beet puree, red wine braised beef short rib with mascarpone mashed potatoes and gremolata, composed ash chèvre with slow roasted beets, baby greens, pistachios and champagne vinaigrette.

And for dessert? Herb-packed olive oil poundcake with fruit compote and chamomile crumble, and mini pavlovas with fresh blueberries, whipped cream, blueberries and lemon zest.

Packed with wonderful contemporary florals, a too-pretty-to-eat menu and a Mara Marian curated guest list full of wedding pros and friends who love Val as much as we do, this celebration was a night to remember.

Christa & David’s Alpine Resort, Park City Ceremony

April 13, 2020

Christa & David

Park City Ski Resort

September 12th

Photos by Perrywinkle Photography

THE COUPLE

When a friend of David’s met Christa at a party, he knew she and David would be perfect for each other. Initially, Christa wasn’t as sure, so David got creative. He told Christa, who had just gotten her real estate license, that he was looking to buy a home. David was a little more interested in his realtor than the real estate and after their third date, the feeling was more than mutual.

After two years together, David surprised Christa with a trip somewhere very close to his heart, Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. The two hiked to a lookout spot where Christa stood in awe of the view and David set up a GoPro, claiming he wanted to take a picture of the two against the iconic turquoise lakes. When Christa turned around, David was on one knee.

Soon after, David and Christa had the rustic elegant wedding of their dreams.

THE WEDDING

“Our ceremony was held in the Alpine Meadow at Park City Resort and our reception was in his parents’ backyard in Park City,” Christa explains. From the awe-inspiring elegance of their open-air mountain wedding to the effortlessly romantic outdoor reception at David’s parents’ Park City home, David and Christa expressed themselves and what makes their love so special to family and friends. “We both love to ski and snowboard and the resort where we first skied together was Park City Resort.”

With a color palate of navy, wine, and dusty blue, punctuated by elaborate green and white floral arrangements provided by L Floral Studio, David and Christa looked radiant against the sprawling Park City landscape. At the alter with them as officiant was Christa’s brother-in-law, who took his own unique approach to marriage counseling and mentored the couple at a mindfulness and meditation workshop the month before their nuptials.

THE MENU

For dinner, Christa and David chose Wallaby’s Smokehouse. Local to Utah, Wallaby’s Smokehouse prides itself on its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. To kick off the meal, guests were served fresh garden salads with rolls and cinnamon butter. Vegan guests then enjoyed jack fruit salads and baked beans while other guests chose between hand-pulled honey pork, tri-tip steak, and lemon chicken, with sides of mac-and-cheese, and coleslaw. To top it all off, Sweet Cravings by Marcia made their wedding cake as playful as it was delicious, with a bottom layer of red velvet, a middle layer of Cinnabon, and the top made of caramel apple crunch.

THE MOOD

From the engagement to the wedding, Christa and David made sure to include their families in every step. Before even asking Christa to be his wife, David asked Christa’s father and each of her siblings for their blessing. So, it’s no surprise that the wedding party was composed of siblings, cousins, and long-time friends. The duo threw a family-oriented, fun-filled event that delighted guests from all walks of life.

THE PARTY

Once the ceremony had ended, Christa changed out of her elegant Netta BenShabu wedding dress and into an all white, strapless jumpsuit that would allow her to dance the night away with her new husband and their guests. From games provided by Utah Wedding Games, to a full-sized donut wall, Christa and David hosted a night of laughs, dance moves, and the limbo.

THE TUNES

The pair chose “More than Life” by Whitley as their first dance song because of the special place it holds in their hearts. Christa had loved the song for a long time but never mentioned it to David until one day, early on in the relationship, when he picked up his guitar and played it for Christa. From that point on, the two considered it “their song” and the wedding wouldn’t have been complete without it.

Vendors:

Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography | @perrywinklephoto

Videographer: Luke Porter Films | @lukeporterfilms

DJ: DJ Alive | @_djalive_

Wedding Dress: Netta BenShabu | @nettabenshabu.official

Wedding Veil: Toni Federici | @tonifederici

Wedding Ring: Shane Co. | @shanecompany

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff | @billlevkoff

Mother of the Bride Dress: Macy’s | @macys

Groom and Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux | @theblacktux

Venue: Park City Ski Resort | @pcski

Wedding Ceremony Arch: Harvest Moon Events | @harvestmoonevents

Bagpipers: Michael Gibbs

Cake: Sweet Cravings by Marcia | @sweetcravings12

Cake Topper: Called and Chosen | @calledandchosencrafts

Donuts for Donut Wall: Fresh Market Park City | @freshmarketparkcity

Flowers: L Floral Studio | @lfloralstudio

Food: Wallaby’s Smokehouse | @wallabyssmokehouse

Dinner Hosts and Bus Service: 501 on Main | @501main

Party Favors: Eagle Eye Promotions | @eagle_eye_promotions

Games: Utah Wedding Games | @utahweddinggames

Bridal Party Hotel: Marriott’s Mountainside | @marriotthotels

Hair and Makeup Artist: Shawny Bate | @beautybyshawnyb

Bride’s Nails: The Kura Door | @thekuradoor

Getting Ready Robes: Pretty Robes | @pretty_robes

Wedding Night Hotel: Montage Deer Valley | @montagedeervalley

Grand Exit Car: Antique Limo of Utah | @antiquelimoofutah

Wedding Invitations: Beautiful Wedding Announcements | @beautifulweddingannouncements

Wild Hearts & Modern Love: Melissa & KB’s Anniversary Shoot

April 8, 2020

Melissa & KB

UltraViolet Studios, Ogden

Photos by Michael Cozzens

Melissa and KB met at a party when Melissa was a freshman in college. Two years later, KB popped the question and the two have been partying side-by-side ever since.

As it turns out, this union is the gift that keeps on giving. After almost three years, Melissa and KB chose to grace us with a fresh new take on their nuptials.

“I think it’s important to do anniversary sessions, to remind each other of our vows and to reflect back on the most important day of our lives together.” Because the couple’s Atrium Gardens wedding had been neutral and elegant, Melissa wanted to make this shoot wild, modern and fun with twists on their chic style. UltraViolet Studios was the perfect fit, offering a simple background that would make these new, vibrant and vibing aesthetics pop.

The duo’s wedding colors were gold, lavender and burgundy, so Melissa chose brighter, more lively versions for this shoot: bright oranges and violets electrified her bouquet and KB’s salmon-colored suit brought a touch of modern flair. Melissa’s jumpsuit is a contemporary, runway-ready take on her wedding gown.

The pair finished off the shoot smiling ear-to-ear as confetti rained down above them.

“The confetti was my favorite part of the session because we were genuinely laughing and having fun,” Melissa explained. “For me, there’s no better way to capture memories than documenting each anniversary we celebrate through photos together. And, when the photos are this good, we couldn’t agree more!

Vendors:

Photographer: Michele Cozzens | @michele.cozzens

Florist: Harper Florals | @harperflorals

Venue: UltraViolet Studios | @thatsultraviolet

Jumpsuit: Lulus | @lulusweddings

Suit: Kenneth Boggs | @mr.kennethboggs

Crown: Natalie Wynn Designs | @nataliewynndesign

P.S. I Love You: Liz & Will Say “I Do” at The Bridge, Park City

April 6, 2020

Liz & Will

The Bridge Cafe & Grill, Park City

September 8th

Photos by Heather Nan

THE COUPLE

After eight years of dating, Ireland’s fairy-tale landscape set the tone for Will’s sensational proposal to Liz. The Salt Lakers—who had met in high school—joined friends in Dublin for a three-day road trip. The first day, they drove to Ashford Castle, where Will snuck Emily away from their friends to propose inside the Queen’s Carpet Garden. “Although I knew the proposal was coming, Will managed to still surprise me by popping the question somewhere I wasn’t expecting,” Liz says. “Later that day, we visited the iconic Cliffs of Moher and celebrated our engagement in a small town, Miltown Malbay, at an Irish pub with live music. All in all, he nailed it.”

THE WEDDING

Liz and Will—an avid Park City snowboarder—set their sights on Park City’s Main Street (and The Bridge Cafe & Grill) for their wedding. “It has the perfect mix of mountainside and city vibes. We also love the weather and changing colors of the trees in September,” Liz says. Pine trees became a symbol for the day. “Pine trees remind me of my dad, and since he is no longer with us, it was important for me to have a piece of him there with us. I had pine sprigs in my bouquet, in all floral arrangements and even had our officiant incorporate a message about what trees can teach us, during our ceremony.”

THE MOOD

The duo chose a classic mountain vibe with a palette that included white, grey, green, navy and rose gold. Wood-patterned marble tiles served as plate chargers, lush greenery decorated the scene and woodsy floral arrangements stood on tables. “Ambiance was very important, and we lit up our dance floor with bistro lights and our tables with taper and tea-light candles,” Liz says.

THE MENU

A mountain-greens-and-organic-grain salad kicked off the meal. Vegetarian guests enjoyed a chef’s selection of local grilled vegetables and quinoa topped with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. Other guests chose between a roasted chicken breast (with mashed sweet potatoes and fresh herbs, broccolini and a rosemary glaze) or a grilled sirloin steak (mashed sweet potatoes, asparagus and a mushroom demi-glaze). Flour & Flourish provided sea-salt and chocolate chip cookies paired with the crème brûlée wedding cake.

THE PARTY

The bar was a favorite feature of the reception. “We have two dogs and while they weren’t able to join us for the wedding, we named our signature cocktails after each of them. Our whiskey-and-lemonade cocktail was named ‘The Remy’ while our mint-mojito cocktail was ‘The Aspen.’” Custom signs and cocktail napkins included watercolor illustrations of the dogs too. Liz and Will will always remember their first dance. “Will and I choreographed a dance to “Call Me” by one of our favorite bands, St. Paul and the Broken Bones. The band played the song a little different than the version we were used to, so we got a little mixed up and confused. At one point, I accidentally backed into one of our poles that were supporting the bistro lights! After regaining my balance, I couldn’t stop laughing for the rest of the dance.”

VENDORS:

Photography: Heather Nan | @heathernan

Wedding planner: Michelle Leo Events, Sandy | @michelleleoevents

Venue and catering: The Bridge Café & Grill, Park City | @thebridgecafeandgrill

Flowers: Amber Reverie Design, American Fork | @amberreverie

Rentals: Diamond Rental Events, Murray | @diamondeventandtent

Bride’s rings: Shane Co, SLC | @shanecompany

Groom’s ring: Staghead Designs, stagheaddesigns.com | @stagheaddesigns

Invitations: Amy Ann Bespoke, Helsinki, Finland | @amyannbespoke

Gown: Sarah Seven, The Dress Theory, Seattle | @sarahseven + @thedresstheory

Suits: Menguin | @menguintux

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Show Me Your Mumu| @showmeyourmumu

Entertainment: Metro Music Club, SLC | @metromusicclub

2020’s Most Popular Wedding Registry Item

April 2, 2020

Out with the boring and in with the bold!

You asked, (let’s be real, you googled) and as usual data analysis has answered. Zola, the internet’s wedding registry mecca has pored over their internal data to answer the age-old question: what’s the best gift to bring to a wedding?

We know what you may be thinking… you’re close friends with the couple. You know them. You’re absolutely, 100 percent, sure they’re going to do backflips over that gigantic Live, Laugh, Love canvas that you just can’t seem to find a place for in your own home.

But, hear me out because this year’s picks check all the boxes… they’re handy, they’re enduring, they’re personal, they’re… colorful kitchen items!

No matter the couple’s skill set – from Instapot connoisseurs to Top Chef nominees – we’ve got you covered with a gift they’ll love… in every price range.

As always, all items listed can be bought locally but we also included the links to order online for all you procrastinators out there.

These teakettles come in three piping hot colors (aqua: $54.99, yellow: $43.99, and cherry: $54.99). Orson Gygi, SLC

And, once the tea is ready, the lovebirds can let it cool off in this refreshing Peppermint Green Teapot. $31.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

This vibrant Baccarat Mosiaque tumbler set is a crisp new spin on a crystal glassware classic. $1,470, O.C. Tanner, SLC

This KitchenAid Artisan 5 Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in the color Bird of Paradise is certain to mix it up in more ways than one. $379.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

These colorful French Ovens are so fun and functional, you’ll want them as a countertop staple in blue: $274.99, yellow: $390, indigo: $299, or aqua: $299.99. Orson Gygi, SLC

These red and blue cast iron skillets are sure to liven up even the blandest of veggies! $45.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

These Le Creuset Enamel-Coated Stockpots come in four steamy colors (red, yellow, blue, and orange). $79.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

The bride and groom will love this aquamarine French Press a latte. $57.95, Hip & Humble, SLC

This Fiery Orange Ceramic Loaf Pan is certain to give any kitchen a dash of brilliant color. $11.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

This Kate Spade seersucker dining set is a fresh take on southern hospitality. Dinner plate: $22, Salad Plate: $19, Soup/Cereal Bowl: $20, New Orientation, SLC

Grab the newlyweds an Olive Oil Cruet in a color they’ll o-love. (Also comes in blue, orange, and sea salt gray!) $18.95, Hip & Humble, SLC Tina Frey’s hand-crafted crimson pieces bring a bold new look to her iconically sleek designs. Bowls: $50/each, Cups: $170/set of four, O.C. Tanner, SLC

This navy blue Covered Roaster Pan will have the couple prepared – and excited – to host their first Thanksgiving. Pro tip: the lid can be used for additional pan! $179.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

Spice up the couple’s spice rack with yellow ($39.99) and poppy red ($41.99) pepper mills. Orson Gygi, SLC

This terracotta tangerine cloche is a modern take on a kitchen classic. $87, Glass House, SLC

This cherry red canning kit might just score you some jams and jellies from the newlyweds this spring! $11.99, Orson Gygi, SLC

These Dutch Ovens will make the newlyweds’ kitchen look as good as it smells in indigo: $299, red: $174.99, and blue: $73.99. (They also come in multiple sizes!) Orson Gygi, SLC

And, last but not least, these Kate Spade Deco Dot Serve + Store containers make leftovers a whole lot more fun. $50, Orson Gygi, SLC

Mountain Mayhem

March 31, 2020

Shotskis, video booths, cornhole games, afterparties? These days, weddings are so much more than dinner and dancing. Three experts weigh in on how to keep your guests on their toes all night long.

Wedding planner Kristen Spear of Soirée Productions orchestrates the most luxe events for clients from New York, Texas and California. When there’s Park City wedding action, Spear’s typically behind it.

“My favorite indoor activity for wedding guests was a mechanical bull we had at Blue Sky Ranch,” she says. “I also like the new interactive photo booths. They now all connect to the Internet so guests can share on social media immediately.”

“My favorite outdoor activity for wedding guests is corn hole or s’more stations. Guests often receive a personalized corn hole game as a shower gift, so we use that for wedding-day lawn games,” Spear says. “S’mores in the winter are so fun. We place Adirondack chairs around a fire pit and style them with fun buffalo check blankets.” Shotskis, live paintings, whiskey tasting stations, margarita bike blenders, horseshoes, caricature artists and astrology readings spice up a party, too. soireeproductions.com

Real Wedding: Joann & McKay’s Timeless Celebration at Sundance Resort

March 30, 2020

Two best friends-turned-lovebirds tie the knot in an intimate and multicultural ceremony at Provo’s Sundance Resort.

JOANN & MCKAY
Sundance Resort
June 8, 2019

THE COUPLE

Joann & McKay started out as close friends while attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After graduation, Joann moved to NYC, where the pair’s paths crossed again and they began a long distance relationship.

“We were best friends, both too nervous to admit the deeper feelings we felt for one another,” Joann says. “When we reconnected, our feelings were just as strong as ever! Long distance dating made us cherish our moments together and helped us realize we didn’t want to live apart.

After four years of friendship and 18 months of dating, McKay proposed at a New Year’s celebration atop the Rockefeller Center in NYC.

THE WEDDING

Joann and McKay tied the knot on June 8, 2019, in a rose-laden at Sundance Resort’s Redford Center. Joann had never considered doing a Utah destination wedding until she saw Sundance resort int he summer. The bright greenery and secluded beauty was perfect for the couple’s ideal classic, intimate wedding.

Family and friends traveled from all over the world (from Norway to Ecuador) for a party-filled weekend to celebrate Joann & McKay, and all stayed in the luxurious suites and cabins across the Sundance Resort. The cabins were also utilized as a bridal suite for Joann and her bridesmaids.

THE MOOD

Joann designed her dream tradition-twist wedding with a deep emphasis on florals and elegant details. At the ceremony, a breathtaking floral arch by Bloom Girls Floral backed the vows. White and soft pink roses nestled in a mountain of greenery for the perfect romantic backdrop.

Joann walked the aisle in an open-baked lace beauty from Bijou Bridal in NJ, and McKay kept things classic in a dapper black tuxedo.

“I always knew I wanted to go all out with my wedding dress, and when I saw this princess style train and delicate beadwork, I knew it was the one!”

The romance continued into the reception with candlelit dining tables and elegant calligraphy on each place card, where the palette of wintery greens and delicate pale florals continued with added hints of dusty blue and gold. Bistro lights brought a cozy, intimate feeling to the afterparty.

THE MENU

The couple took full advantage of all the talent at Sundance, particularly in the catering department.

Their event had a cocktail hour with hosted bar and passed platters, a plated dinner and a double-fire-pit s’more’s station! Guests got to choose between dishes of moroccan chicken with spiced jus, vegetables and couscous, or a New York steak topped with tomato chimichurry and paired with fried Brussels sprouts, red potatoes and caramelized onions.

The desserts included double chocolate mousse bomb’s, white chocolate fudge and a Royal Wedding-inspired lemon and elderflower wedding cake with a salted caramel layer in the middle.

THE PARTY

One of the most important parts of the wedding celebration for this couple were the traditions.

“Our wedding was a melting pot of religions, traditions and cultures, but enjoying a good party runs deep in all of our veins,” says Joann. “It represented so many cultures coming together as one, and it was an evening we will never forget.”

The bride comes from a Hispanic and Jewish family and the groom has a strong American background. The party shook the whole Redford Center with their traditional Jewish dance, the Hora, as well as the traditional cumbia, which got every guest on the dance floor to groove to the Spanish tunes.

Joann & McKay shared their first dance to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. “It embodied everything about that day and the reason why McKay and I were celebrating our love.”

Scroll on for more classic inspiration: