Clink in Color: Vibrant Glasses for Summer Celebrations

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. 

Champagne Glasses, Champagne Flutes
Mille Nuits Flutissimo Set, $1,200, Baccarat, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC.

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.

Crystal Tumblers, Colored Glasses
Mosaïque 6-Piece Tumblers Set, $1,470, Baccarat, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC.

Photos courtesy Baccarat. For more wedding inspiration, click here.

Garden-Inspired Floral Design Decoded

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.

Pam Olson Floral Design
Floral designer Pam Olson’s Native Flower Company provides year-round wedding packages. Photo by Adam Finkle.

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.

Flowers are Forever

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

Light Theory: Gallery-Worthy Fashion

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.

 

Take a Supermodel Moment

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

Be the Belle

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

Flaunt Your Curves

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.

Unveil A Soft Side

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.

Jam With the Right Band

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

Get Moving

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

Embrace the Flutter

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

Bring the Drama

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

Tap Into Your Inner Goddess

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

To the Afterparty We Go

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

FUSE Events Named Best LGBTQ+ Inclusive Planner  

Mara Mazdzer, owner of FUSE Weddings & Events and winner of 2020’s Equally Wed Award, on allyship and advocacy.fuse wedding and events team

 

Mara Mazdzer’s success can be attributed to years of hard work and an uncompromising sense of dedication to her community. Her strong character and commitment to inclusivity and helping others–from clients to local non-profits to community organizations–is one of the many reasons her business is so special. 

This commitment to inclusivity landed her a gig as the planner for one of Utah’s first same-sex weddings, just before they were legalized across the country. That very couple was the first same-sex couple to be featured in a Utah bridal magazine, right here in Utah Bride & Groom. And, although Mara is proud to have been a part of that, she doesn’t see it as anything out of the ordinary. “My job is to tailor the wedding to the couple – whether they’re gay or straight – it’s a celebration of their love.”

“This wasn’t a gay wedding,” Mara explains, “it was a wedding. Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you need a gay doctor. They’re just weddings. They’re people.” As simple as you may see that statement today, it made waves in 2013. Which, in Mara’s opinion, is what being an ally is.

Mara is steadfast when it comes to creating a safe space for any and all clients, from the vendors she chooses to work with to the people she hires.

“Do you remember that cake shop in Colorado in 2012 that wouldn’t make a cake for same-sex clients?” Mara asks. “People were so shocked because it was being brought to their attention, but to be honest, that wasn’t all that unusual. I related to the couple. I’d had couples come to me claiming they’d never anticipated having a wedding planner but because they kept meeting dead-ends, they didn’t feel like they had a choice. They needed an advocate.” 

As time went on, Mara dedicated herself more and more to allyship and advocacy. “I knew that being a champion for all members of my community meant rethinking core components of my business,” she explains. “For example, when I looked at the paperwork I was having clients fill out, I started to see all of the missed opportunities for inclusivity.” Mara immediately sat down to neutralize the wording to ensure that regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, no one felt alienated or left out. 

To businesses that wish to be more inclusive, Mara suggests seeking out ways to make potential clients feel heard and accepted. “For me, being a good ally really comes down to listening. I pay attention to people that know more than me and take notes,” she says. “One of my favorite resources for that is Equally Wed.”

Clearly Mara’s listening skills have been paying off. This year, the Equally Wed Awards, which honor the best LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors and venues in the wedding industry, awarded her the top spot for the Equally Wed Award in the “ Planner Category.”

“It’s the seemingly small things like that that add up to make the difference,” Mara explains. “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being authentic.”

 

 

Photos by David Newkirk | @davidnewkirk

 

Mara Mazdzer is the owner and operator of Fuse Weddings & Events, Planned Parenthood Utah’s Gala Co-Chair and the WIPA Utah Chapter President. 

 

Equally Wed is an international online LGBTQ+ wedding magazine, book and education resource for LGBTQ+ couples and LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding professionals. “Within our inspirational content, we focus on wedding planning, real weddings and engagements, marriage equality news and spotlights gay-friendly LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding vendors.”

Shop Tour: Artisan Bloom owner Kellie Jackstien transforms a 1920s historic building into a bright, airy floral shop

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

Eat This: Family Style Reception Fare

Farm Fresh, family style meals for a party of six or 600. 

Homemade beef stew by Blended Table’s chef Alberto Aguilera.

Get moving! Family-style eating–be it from an action station or as a table centerpiece–lets guests choose their own culinary adventure. Flaming skewers? Oh boy. Local ingredients? Delightful. A passed-down family recipe? Heartwarming.

Food trends come and go, but certainly some favorites stand the test of time. On the other hand, some crazes are too piping hot to pass up Whether you choose a tried-and-true dish or one that’s all the rage, the gang from Blended Table teaches us that all parties must offer one thing for certain: the freshest ingredients from multiple local farms passed around the table with familial love.

Tried and True: Serve up a Family Recipe 

“Growing up in Mexico, it’s all about cooking and culture,” says Blended Table chef Alberto Aguilera. He grew up in Alesso, Guadalajara where his family served up savory stews for most celebrations. “I learned how to make this dish as a child,” he explains. “I use ancho chiles, guajillo chiles, garlic, roasted tomatoes, onions and seasoning. Then, I put a paste on the meat, sear it, then slow cook for four to five hours.”

Chorizos and beans round out the traditional stew. “I like refried beans, but you can do whatever you like,” he says. Aguilera sprinkles Queso fresco and cilantro on top, then serves Mexican rice and corn tortillas on the side. “Toppings can be pickled red onions, cabbage, radish, cilantro and avocado. Whatever you want, really.”

Beef stew can be served all year round! 

Tried and True: Bring a Basic Back to Life

“Nicoise salad ingredients have changed dramatically since the 1950s,” explains Blended Table co-owner Emery Lortsher, referencing her well-used edition of the Joy of Cooking cookbook. “It used to be only four or five ingredients, but today, there arriver 15 ingredients. The salad has actually been around since the early 1900s. You don’t see it a ton, but we’re getting more and more requests for it because it’s so pretty.” 

“Today, we added salmon instead of tuna. We didn’t do egg or creamy dressing here, but you can do whatever you like. It can be any flavor for anybody. You can even go vegetarian with just the potatoes and the egg,” she says. Here, the salmon is poached, so it can be easily served at room temperature for picnics or outdoor parties on a hot day.

When should I serve a Nicoise Salad? The spring and summer seasons are best. For a fall version, incorporate hearty root veggies. 

Tried and True: Modernize A Traditional Salad

Reinvent the cheese wheel. “A few years ago, Caputo’s started making burrata in-house, and we all fell in love with it. We started making a tomato and burrata salad, then later, we added grilled peaches,” Lortsher says. 

How does Caprese differ from a burrata cheese? “Burrata has a milder flavor and a softer texture. The flavor profile is a little bit sweeter. Caprese’s mozzarella is almost a flavorless cheese, whereas burrata has its own little sweetness,” she explains.

Lortsher favors a traditional dressing. “We change it up, but a classic balsamic is ideal. A lemon vinaigrette or a lemon shallot is good too, but I lean toward the classic balsamic.” Toss right before serving, Lortsher recommends. “Often we’ll toss the greens first, then lay the components on top. Sometimes hosts like the dressing and toppings served on the side.”

What about a cold-weather option? Add stone fruit–like apricots, nectarines and peaches– in the fall. For winter, a Caesar salad, with grilled potatoes and polenta, makes a great alternative to the fresh, seasonal salad. 

Unique and New: Super-Sized Charcuterie Board

Served as an appetizer or as a finale like the Europeans do, charcuterie offers an entertaining dish. The platter conveniently works as a table centerpiece, too. “It’s all very interactive. Guests like something to do and talk about while they’re sitting. It’s fun for everyone to play around and mix and match. I like this and this, but I don’t like that and that,” says Blended Table’s Rachel Astin, who likes to add local goodies including Creminelli meats, Beehive cheeses, dried fruits, figs and nuts.

Unique and New: Greek Platter

Go Greek and gather ’round the finest feta you can find. Lemon, rosemary and parsley flavor dolmades, hummus, roasted red peppers, artichokes, mini cucumbers and white beans. “For formal events plated service is great, but I think it’s on its way out. People love the more casual communal feel of a grazing board,” Astin says. Lortsher agrees. “It also gives guests an opportunity to try things that you might not try on a big plate.”

Unique and New: Grazing Asian-Style

Fire up the tabletop and turn takeout into a culinary treat. “These yakitori skewers are meant for four to six people to share and grill together. You can incorporate shrimp, chicken, or beef with different sauces,” Lortsher explains. Grilled shishito peppers, seaweed salad, black sesame mocha, pork dumplings, grilled baby boy chow, black radish, enoki mushrooms, pickled plums, chicken yakitori skewers, veggie spring rolls and peanut sauce offer assorted options for all taste buds.

Can Utah’s most rustic venues handle an Asian style? “Absolutely,” Lortsher says. “We’d alter a few items and the way they’re presented, but it definitely works.” 

Want more food inspiration? Check our archives here! 

Neha & AJ’s Traditional Sikh Wedding

Neha & AJ

Sikh Temple of Utah

Photos by Branson Maxwell

Seven years ago, AJ graduated high school and got a job at a local 7-11. Because his new boss owned multiple locations, he couldn’t train AJ himself so he asked his daughter, Neha to step in and train his newest employee. Neha trained AJ and worked alongside him and before long sparks were flying between the two. Neha agreed to go on a date with AJ and five years later, AJ got down on one knee in a time-honored Sikh ring ceremony and popped the question. 

Last summer, after a year-long engagement, Neha and AJ assembled 200 guests from all around the world and embarked on a traditional five-day-long Sikh wedding celebration. 

The pair had pre-wedding celebrations at Fountain View Event Center and held their reception at Talia Event Center, but when it came to the ceremony itself, Neha and AJ kept it traditional and got married at the Sikh Temple of Utah. “That is where we both attend weekly church,” Neha explained, “and where we feel closest to our religion and our community.”

Neha and AJ chose to hold a traditional Sikh wedding and selected red and gold for their clothing and decor because of the time-honored cultural significance the colors hold. 

The menu included what Neha considers “must-haves for Indian weddings” such as butter chicken, gol gappe and mango lassi.

And on the agenda, “plenty of dancing,” Neha explained. “If there’s one thing about Punjabi culture, [it’s that] we definitely get down and dance all night long. We are known across India for our dancing, drinking and partying it up.”

Once the wedding ceremony was over, Neha, AJ and their guests were ready to do just that! “Our first dance was to a romantic love song and then we quickly switched over to Punjabi dance music and our families joined us on the dance floor,” Neha said. 

Vendors:

Decor: Event Masters Decor | @event_masters_decor

Wedding Venue: Sikh Temple of Utah 

Event Venue: Fountain View Event Center | @fountainvieweventvenue

Reception Venue: Talia Event Center | @taliaeventcenter

Photographer: Branson Maxwell | @bransonmaxwell.photo

Videographer: Michele Cozzens | @michele.cozzens

Engagement Party Catering: Red Iguana 

Event Catering: Famous Dave’s | @famousdaves

Reception Catering: India House 

Rock, Paper, Delivers: Utah-Inspired Wedding Paper Suites

Utah landscapes–born from sand, stone and salt–inspire noteworthy, minimal suites sure to delight your guests. 

Life truly is elevated in Utah. No other state can brag about its slot canyons, arches, salt flats and mountains like we can. Utahns are surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty that inspires party scenes big and small. 

But with so much inspiration, how can a party host cut through all that inspirational clutter? Allison Baddley of La Fête Floral & Events says to keep it minimal.

“Abundance is out,” Baddley says. “It is easy to go overboard and weave too many thematic elements into the big day. Don’t try to cram everything onto your stationery because it will detract from the important information. Timeless and simple always wins.” So, let’s tidy-up like Marie Kondo does and focus on only things that spark passion.

Embrace Organic Hues

“This invitation marries blush, Burt Sienna, black and natural white to create an earthy palette,” says Ann Jager with Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, a one-of-its-kind boutique in Murray that houses both digital and traditional printing presses. “We chose modern typefaces to reflect the contemporary mood of the color palette and to reflect the style of this lovely couple.” 

Jäger recommends ordering five to ten percent more invitations than you think you will need to avoid the expense of printing a second batch. Additionally, to conserve budget, not all pieces require expensive printing methods. “For instance, use offset or digital printing for your RSVP card and splurge for letterpress on the invitations.”

Q: In addition to the invitation and RSVP card, what else do I need to complete the suite?

A: “Creating a customized postage stamp can add a lot of personality and style,” Jager says. “If you have the budget for it, a map of the area or illustration of the venue is a memorable design element.”

Layer for Minimalist Luxury

“Inspired by the crunch of the salt beneath your feet and the mountains on the horizon, this invitation suite captures the beauty of Utah’s salt flats through layers of texture and a soft color palette,” says Kacey Lauchnor of Twelve 30 Creative. 

“The modern laser cut monogram on the invitation allows the flowing lines of the Thai-marbled paper liner to show through, providing a shifting cameo as it is removed from the envelope. The cards layer over the invitation, mimicking the way the mountains rise over the salt.”

Q: How can we control the guest list?

A: Be specific when addressing the envelope. “Don’t address the invitation to ‘The Howells’ if you only wish for ‘Mr. and Mrs. Howell’ to attend,” says Lauchnor, who also recommends creating a spreadsheet. “It allows you to track how many invitations you will need so you can order appropriately.”

Give Them a Geography Lesson

“This invitation suite was inspired by Utah’s diverse landscape, specifically the red rocks of Southern Utah,” says Mikyla Marie Manu of Ink and Press Co. of her textural paper play. “This suite features a minimal design with a highlight on typography. The minimalist design emphasizes the mix of texture used with the invitation suite cards and envelopes.” 

Q: Where do we put our registry info?

A: “There are really only two places that are acceptable: your bridal shower invitation and your wedding website,” Marie Manu says. She also recommends paying a few extra dollars for a self-hosted domain. “That way, you don’t have to include square space.com or theknot.com.”

See more invitation inspiration here.

Congratulating Utah’s Wedding Best of State Winners

As the wedding players in Utah’s 2020 Best of State Winners are celebrating their wins in quarantine, they also await word on whether or not their annual Best of State Gala will proceed as planned for July 2020.

Congratulations, all! We can’t wait until we get to celebrate you in person.

So, without further ado here are Utah’s 2020 Best of State Wedding Winners:

Pepper Nix Photography : Winner, Wedding Photographers

Pepper is one of our favorite photographers, with her crisp, bright style gracing the pages of Utah Bride & Groom over several seasons.

About Pepper, as told by Logan Walker, second shooter: “Pepper founded her company as a hungry college student hoping to earn enough to pay for film, paper and ramen noodles. Fast forward now to almost 800 weddings later, a dozen Utah, National, and international awards, and loving every minute of it! She is a brilliant business woman, a massively talented photographer, a mover and shaker in the wedding industry community and THE BEST BOSS EVER!”

Contact Pepper for booking here! 

Grand America Hotel: Winner; Day Spas, Hotels, convention & Meeting Facilities, Buffet Brunch

The Grand houses so many of our favorite things in Salt Lake City: treats, relaxation and gorgeous spaces! We are so thrilled that they were given accolades in not one – but FOUR – categories this year!

“As you would expect, The Grand America’s wedding professionals are on hand to help oversee every detail of this memorable day, and we are more than ready to assist with floral decor, romantic lighting, entertainment and photo and video services. From planning a day of pampering for the bridal party in our Grand Spa to orchestrating a dazzling reception in the Grand Salon, our wedding professionals are dedicated to making your dream a reality of elegance, imagination and style.”

Talk to the team at The Grand about hosting your perfect wedding!

Culinary Crafts: Winner, Caterers

From industry galas to real weddings, local markets and our very own White Party, the menus from Culinary Crafts never fail to take an event to the next level. Their Best of State titles now number in the 20s: We love seeing them winning their well deserved accolades yet again!

“A 20+ time Best of State winner, Culinary Crafts is a food driven, full service, custom event catering company, striving to make Utah an outstanding place to celebrate. With our planner and catering team by your side, you can relax, indulge, and truly enjoy your wedding. Check out our website, peruse our online reviews, and please give us a call. We’d love to talk with you!”

Contact Culinary Crafts to schedule your event.

Carrie’s Cakes: Winner, Event Cakes/Confections

Many a real wedding feature includes a breathtaking pastry by Ale at Carrie’s Cakes! Always the towering floral masterpiece, no wedding is complete without a Carrie’s Cakes finish, if you ask us!

“Ale grew up in Brazil. She has fond memories of baking and cooking with her mom. She has kept the desire of learning by taking many baking courses throughout the years both nationally and internationally. She started cake decorating in 2007 as a hobby. Since then, she has joined her love for baking with decorating which brought her to work with Carrie (the founder) in a profession she loves. Together they’ve worked on a wide array of cake projects. Ale’s passion is shown through her work by having her cakes taste as good as they look.”

Take a look at Carrie’s Cakes pricing here. 

River Bottoms Ranch: Winner, Wedding Venues

Have you ever seen a prettier barn property? As one of the newest venues in the state, River Bottoms Ranch has certainly made its mark as a must-have party location. We are in love!

“The barn at River Bottoms Ranch is nestled along the Provo River corridor surrounded by incredible mountain views in every direction.  Our newly built white gambrel barn offers a one of a kind combination of luxury and timeless style creating the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration.  RBR has a long list of amenities to heighten your wedding experience including our gorgeous bridal suite, grand staircase, rustic grooms room and lodging. Enjoy an unforgettable day or live the RBR experience for an entire weekend with friends and family gathered round.”

Book a tour of River Bottoms Ranch here!

Utah Live Bands: Winner, Convention & Meeting Services, Artistic Talent Representation & Talent Agency

If you need a get-on-your-feet or a classy soiree wedding, look no further than Utah Live Bands! Representing over 30 wedding musicians, they are sure to have a mood that is just right for you. We are so excited for their three Best of State 2020 titles.

“As Utah musicians ourselves, we know the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.  Utah Live Bands serves Utah and the surrounding states in your entertainment needs including corporate events and Utah Weddings.  We have produced huge multi-million dollar events all over the world as then turned right around and provided a small wedding band in Utah.  Large or small, Utah Live Bands means experience and reliability.  By hiring us, you can rest assured that the entertainment, audio-visual and production portion of the evening will be executed just the way you intended.”

Find your wedding band here.

Rob Ferre, Life of the Party DJs: Winner, Event DJs

Get your guests up and ready to party with the best DJ in the state this year! We always look forward to events hosted by Rob- they are sure to be a hoot (exhibit A: Kali Chris and Allison Baddley’s dance-party enthusiasm above.)

“We give you the personalized service you deserve for your wedding celebration event, including providing free consultations prior to signing any contracts. Every couple is unique, which is why we meet with you in person to review your wedding event vision. Our trained MC DJs help keep the evening flowing smoothly and keep you concentrating on the most important detail – having the time of your life!”

Find your perfect mix with Life of the Party’s Playlist Planner tool!

Chris McClain: Winner, Wedding Videographer

Photo via chrismcclainfilms.com

Chris has captured countless real weddings and industry events during our runs, and we always love the perfect moments he puts to film. Congratulations!

“I specialize in documenting once in a lifetime events. Your wedding day is something that will be one of the days in your life that you remember for a long time to come. We can all look back and pick out certain days, when something happened, and we remember it like it was yesterday. Your wedding day is one of those days.”

Browse Chris McClain’s portfolio.

La Caille: Winner, Best Classical French Restaurant

La Caille is undeniably one of the most stunning restaurants in the state- which makes it perfect for a luxury wedding! The grounds, the property, the greenhouse; we love every inch, and every item on their classic menu.

“Located on 20 elegant acres at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, La Caille offers an unmatched experience and atmosphere. The restaurant, Grand Pavilion, and gardens all provide spectacular settings for your dinner or private party. Stroll through the three-acre vineyard, enjoy a canyon breeze on the patio, host an unforgettable event – La Caille is your perfect place.”

Book your La Caille event here!

Four Seasons Transportation: Winner, Ground Transportation

Get your guests home safe and sound with these pros! We are so proud of them for all they do to provide for the industry and our state’s wedding community!

“Four Seasons Concierge isn’t just another Park City transportation company — we are so much more! The transportation industry has been saturated with an abundance of third-party businesses that claim to be first-class and reliable. Stick to the fact and ride with Four Seasons Concierge, Park City’s “Highest Rated” and “Most Reviewed” transport service. Our elite drivers take getting from point “A” to point “B” to a whole different level of service. Let us help you experience Utah and most importantly — make your visit stress free.”

Pick your wedding transportation!

Michelle Leo Events: Winners Event Planner, Bridal and Wedding Services

One of Utah’s event masters. We have worked with Michelle Cousins on real weddings and styled shoots alike for years, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Utah Bride & Groom’s pages wouldn’t be the same without her creativity, detail-driven design and show-stopping ideas. We love you, Michelle!

“Michelle Leo Events is an award-winning event design and planning firm specializing in local and destination events, providing services for a myriad of events including but not limited to:
-weddings
-social soirees
-corporate events
-private parties
-editorial styling

Whether you live in Utah, are planning a destination event here, or plan to celebrate in another great location, MLE is dedicated to providing a custom, personalized experience that delivers unforgettable and memorable results.”

Contact Michelle and start planning your dream wedding!

Thanksgiving Point: Winner, Event/Performance Venue

We are head over heels for Thanksgiving Point’s lush garden backdrops. We couldn’t agree with this award more!

“Whether you’ve dreamt of a grand affair or an intimate gathering, your special day at Thanksgiving Point will be enchanting, unforgettable, and one-of-a-kind. Choose from a variety of beautifully appointed rooms with sweeping garden views or create the garden party of your dreams.”

Take a look at all their venue spaces today!

 

Congratulations to all these wonderful winners. Looking for more wedding pros for your big day? Check out some of our favorites here.