UBG Round-up: Best Barn Venues

2020 is about fresh new takes on the classics and barn weddings are no exception. 

Long gone are the days “rustic wedding” was synonymous with mason jars and burlap. The chic, country-inspired aesthetic of the barn wedding is back and better than ever. 

Here are eight of our favorite barn wedding venues in Utah.

1. River Bottoms Ranch 

Midway, Utah

Courtesy of River Bottoms Ranch 

With both indoor and an outdoor event spaces that feature farmhouse tables looking out over the dramatic peaks of Mt. Timpanogos, River Bottoms Ranch can offer you an elegant and timeless setting for your wedding, year-round. 

2. The Brigham Young Farmhouse at This is the Place Heritage Park

Salt Lake City, Utah

Courtesy of This is the Place Heritage Park,

The historic Brigham Young Farmhouse, located within This is the Place Heritage Park, sits in an elegant rural setting that makes it hard to believe you’re only five miles from the heart of Salt Lake City. Complete with a gazebo and plenty of outdoor space, it’s perfect for summer weddings, receptions, family reunions, and company parties. Click here to check out their 3D tour. 

3. Knot & Pine’s Alpine Barn

Alpine, Utah 


Courtesy of Cameron Dever Photo 

With natural wood settings, towering ceilings, windows that overlook the mountains, and breathtaking string lights that create delicate, romantic lighting, Alpine Barn feels like a fairytale. To top it all off, options for in-house floral, catering, cakes, and other event planning services are available through Knot & Pine.

4. Quiet Meadow Farm

Mapleton, Utah

 

 

Courtesy of Quiet Meadow Farms

Featuring a working farm and secluded beauty amongst the mountains as far as the eye can see, this venue is the real deal. The venue’s lush greenery, farmhouse tables, and twinkling lights create an idyllic rural escape.

5. Tag Ranch

Wanship, Utah

Courtesy of Tag Ranch

With gorgeous Australian wood stables flanked by custom birch ceilings, rustic chandeliers, vintage farm tables, reclaimed gallery walls, whiskey barrels, string lighting, and a fire pit all overlooking the picture perfect Wasatch Mountains, Tag Ranch makes the expansive feel intimate.

6. Kelley Creek Farm

Huntsville, Utah

Courtesy of Kelley Creek Farm

From breathtaking mountain views, beautiful ponds, and spacious groomed lawn areas to their historic racing horse barn, walking around Kelley Creek feels like you’re going back in time.

7. Whispering Oaks Ranch 

Moab, Utah

Courtesy of Whispering Oaks Ranch 

With 50-acres and seven luxurious cabins to choose from – each nestled in its own area of the property affording privacy and quiet – Whispering Oaks is a true respite from city life.

8. White Shanty Venue 

Provo, Utah

Photo by Mila by MaKailey

Industrial vibes, a rich history and the sliding barn doors of your dreams. What more could you ask for? White Shanty Venue in Utah Valley offers 3,500 square feet of open event space for any celebration.

See more of Utah’s best venues here! 

4 Seasons, One Shoot: Heidi & Eze’s Southern Utah Bridals

Heidi and Eze were introduced by mutual friends in Hong Kong and after a little over a year of dating, the couple decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Heidi was drawn to Eze because of his mature spirit and thoughtfulness, while Eze fell in love with Heidi by seeing how she constantly cares for the people around her. Both adventurous souls, they wanted to celebrate by taking a trip that would allow them to explore new places AND get their bridal photos taken before their wedding day.
When they first heard of the Wave near Kanab, Utah, they immediately wanted to see the beautiful rock formation for themselves. The Wave is a special location not only because of it’s rolling rock layers made of sand, but because it requires a permit with limited availability to be able to visit. Only twenty people are allowed to make the trek per day, and these twenty  people are selected by two separate lotteries: One can be accessed online by people all around the world, and the other is an in-person lottery held daily in Kanab. Ten lucky individuals are selected from each of these lotteries. People put their names in the ring for years hoping to win the chance to see this natural wonder, and it’s a great celebration if and when they are finally selected.
The couple had an early start with the help of hair and makeup artist Mikayla Brown, at 6 am to get ready for their big day. After traveling all the way from China, Heidi and Eze won the lottery for three people, themselves and their photographer, to hike out to the Wave.
After hiking three miles in thick fog and with the help of Google Maps the group found their way to the Wave and began the shoot of a lifetime. Once they finally arrived at their final shooting destination, the couple changed into their formal attire and they started shooting.
“There was no shortage of “good shots” — everywhere we turned, there were distinct wave patterns in the rock that made every frame unique. It was around 37 degrees at the location, so between shots we would take breaks and Heidi would get warm in her coat. These breaks allowed us to look around at the scenery uninhibited by the camera and sit in the moment a little bit longer,” said photographer Meghan Beatty.
The bride wore a stunning dress with a delicate low back and embellishment detailing, while the groom wore a tan suit and black bow tie. The chic attire contrasted perfectly against the red rock surroundings.
“By the end of the session, we were almost freezing cold, and so extremely happy that we had made it! The dream that Heidi and Eze had of visiting the Wave, and having their once-in-a-lifetime photos taken there, was complete! We warmed up by making the journey back to the parking lot and enjoyed the rest of the evening feeling positively content at the crazy day we had just experienced,” said Beatty.
This bridal session transcended across all seasons with the fresh, airy style in attire that are reminiscent of summer weddings, paired with a bridal bouquet filled with spring blooms. The background of snow capped bringing in the feeling of winter contrasting with the red rock and earth tones that bring thoughts of autumn into the shoot. In this once and a life time location all seasons of the year can be seen and they blend perfectly to create a picturesque setting.
To see more of Heidi and Eze’s one of a kind bridal shoot scroll down.
Vendors:
Photographer: Meghan Beatty Photography | @meghanbeattyphoto
Makeup Artist: Mikayla Brown

Meet Maddie Poole, Utah Bride & Groom’s New Editor in Chief

We are excited to introduce you to our new Utah Bride and Groom Editor, Maddie Poole. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Maddie moved out west to attend the University of Utah, where she graduated with a degree in Communications. She is a musical theater aficionado, an Oxford comma enthusiast, and a lifelong fan of weddings. She previously worked as the Communications Coordinator for Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and is currently an Event Director at Ember, located downtown SLC.

Maddie’s love for the wedding industry began at her mom’s stationery shop in Annapolis, Maryland where she spent afternoons watching her mom and soon-to-be brides pore over details from the color palette on the wedding announcement to the typeface on the thank you cards.

Feel free to reach out and introduce yourself at maddie@utahbrideandgroom.com.

7 Desert-Inspired Bouquets for the Big Day

Good morning from the desert. A gentle light creeps over the dry earth. Pinks, blues, oranges and greens blur the skyline. Stop, breathe. This is it. These are the hues your wedding bouquet is waiting for.

Photographer Heather Nan gathers her favorite florists for a day of floral fun at the Natural History Museum of Utah. “Finally, color is coming back into weddings, but they’re more muted and warm, much like a desert sunrise,” Nan says. 

Carpe Diem Floral, La Fête Floral & Events, Lizy Bowden Floral Design, Amber Reverie and Tinge Floral unveil fabulous forages—tied with hand-dyed silk ribbon from Frou Frou Chic. The result? Happy hues, all reflecting the beauty of Utah’s desert sunrise.

 

1. BISCAY GREEN

Lively green makes for a fresh and fragrant bunch of gunni eucalyptus, spirea, veronica, garden roses, jasmine. All thanks to Lizy Bowden.

Spaghetti strap, deep-back silk organza gown by Allure Bridal, $1,100, The Perfect Dress, Holladay; Roberto Coin Oro Classic Cuff in 18kt rose gold, $6,900; Roberto Coin Oro Classic Link Ring with diamonds, $4,900; Roberto Coin Concentric Earrings in 18kt rose gold, by Pomellato, $3,540, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

2. CINNAMON STICK

Full-blown dahlia and garden roses take center stage in this bouquet designed by Ashley Beyer of Tinge Floral. Celosia, hops and eucalyptus provide a harmonious backup.

Peplum gown with off-shoulder neckline I.O.P gown, NeWhite, $2,725, thenewhite.com; Roberto Coin Anello Golden Gate Ring in 18kt yellow gold, $2,400; Roberto Coin “Y” Earrings in 18kt yellow gold, $1,700, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

3. FADED DENIM

Amber Reverie agrees that dried flowers are all the rage right now. Echinops is a standout pod in the dried-bloom revolution. Here, limonium, feather grasses and begonia offer lightweight volume for a petite posy.

Hudson gown by Laudae features a sweetheart neckline, rose chantilly lace and a slit skirt, $2,330, The Bridal Studio, SLC; Sashi floral earrings, zappos.com

4. ORANGE PEEL

Finally, orange makes an appearance at the altar. Allison Baddley of La Fête Floral & Design combines all her favorite citrusy sun-up hues, including dahlias, garden roses, gomphrena, ranunculus, bittersweet and ornithogalum.

Long sleeve illusion lace gown by Justin Alexander, $2000, The Perfect Dress, Holladay; Kwiat Fidelity Hoops with diamonds in 18kt white gold, $7,900; Kwiat Starry Night Ring with diamonds in 18kt white gold, $3,750, both from O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

5. CORAL PINK

Warm and fuzzy feelings all over. Ashley Beyer of Tinge Floral breaks out all the textural options—from velvety to smooth—with bunny tails, peppergrass, garden roses and celosia.

Bow-tie top gown, NeWhite, $2,975, thenewhite.com; Roberto Coin Classica Parisienne Earrings with diamonds in 18kt yellow gold, $2,500; Sethi Couture Baguette Ring with diamonds in 18kt yellow gold, $8,800, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

6. SAFFRON

Lexie Sandberg of Carpe Diem

Floral captures yellow’s spicy break-of-day hues using football mums, coxcomb, huechera, scabiosa, echinacea, ranunculus, zinnia and date palm berries.

Modern, backless stretch crepe sheath Inis gown by Kate Mcdonald, $2,800, The Bridal Studio, SLC; Kate Spade New York Raise the Bar drop earrings, $78, Nordstrom at Fashion Place Mall, Murray

7. SUNLIGHT

What’s a  glorious dawn without puffy, white clouds to greet it? Florist Lizy Bowden pulls together anemones, cosmos, astilbes, and parrot tulips, along with bleached bunny tails, Italian Ruscus and thistle.

Ivory silk chiffon overlay dress by Leanne Marshall gown, $1,600, Alta Moda Bridal, SLC; Roberto Coin 8-row, cross-over ring with diamonds in 18kt rose and white gold, $21,000, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC

Vendors:

Photography and Styling: Heather Nan | @heathernan
Hair: Randi Hieb | Dexterity Salon
Makeup: Kristen Packard | @kristenpackardartistry 
Models: Apio B. and Ame H., Niya Models | @niyamodels
Floral:
Lizy Bowden | @lizybowden
Tinge Floral | @tingefloral
Amber Reverie | @amberreverie
La Fête Floral & Design | @lafetefloral
Carpe Diem Floral | @carpediemfloral

Ashley & Paul’s Romantic Roof Restaurant Proposal

A love story described by the couple as two people plus God’s timing finishes in a heart-melting proposal.

Ashley and Paul were the winners of our Valentine’s “Cutest Engagement” contest, so this feature was selected by you! 

Paul saw Ashley from afar at an event, and immediately was captivated by her. Though he didn’t get a chance (or muster the guts) to talk to her at the event itself, he ran into her again at a coffee shop later that day and knew this was his shot. After a bit of small talk, Paul asked for her number and if he could sit with her for the afternoon. 

The pair spent the next few weeks talking on the phone and going on dates. Their first real date was to Disneyland – how magical is that?! After one particularly romantic, hours long phone call, the pair knew they were meant to be. Paul calls Amber his ‘missing piece.’ 

“The five hour call flew by,” says Ashley. “We connected on a lot of levels, and our communication styles were direct and similar. It was almost like a business call. But we loved being around each other, and that call just sealed the deal!”

“The more i got to know her, the more I fell in love with her,” says Paul. Her intelligence, her beauty, her walk with God and her genuineness are just a few of the many things that take my breath away.” 

After a blissful period of true love, closely followed by Ashley’s followers on Instagram, Paul popped the question in one of the most romantic proposals we’ve seen yet!

The evening before Paul was scheduled to fly to Utah and visit Ashley in Utah, he told her he had a headache and wanted to rest before his night of traveling. Feeling worried for him, Ashley went to her brother’s birthday dinner at the roof without hearing from Paul. Or so she thought. 

She arrived on the 10th floor at The Roof restaurant, and was surprised to see not her brother but her favorite photographer. Soon after, Paul emerged from the restaurant with 50 red roses and his guitar. 

“It is very difficult to take me by surprise. Paul loves this shot, because he knows he got me!”

Paul led Ashley to the view laden windows, and sang her a song he wrote for her. Ashley held back tears as he got on one knee. She said yes! 

Ashley’s engagement ring was a magical moment in itself. Like most brides-to-be, Ashley had her dream ring all planned out. Luckily, Paul was on it. He worked with the jewelers at Raven Fine Jewelers to create the perfect, sparkle-studded oval ring for his future fiancée.

We are head over heels for this heart-melting moment, so we thank our fans for choosing this for us to feature! Ashley and Paul will be married on August 29th, 2020. Keep an eye out, perhaps we’ll feature the wedding, too!

International Bridal Phenomenon: Chantel Lauren Designs

Coloring outside state lines. 

It all began with one blue gown. In a world where white rules the roost, painting—as in hand-painting with acrylic paints—a blue gown may seem outrageous, but Chantel and Tyler Galloway nail it every time.

Photo courtesy of Chantel Lauren

Pink, grey and rainbow work, too. From their flagship location in Salt Lake’s hip 9th South District, the duo sells a perfect package. Creative genius, entrepreneurial gumption, precise craftsmanship and down-to-earth personalities come together to create an artful line of gowns, robes and jewelry.

Not all gowns are painted, but all the dresses are from-scratch silk constructs sold in 13 other cities, including stockists in Canada and the UK. “It’s cool to see what appeals to different cities. Some cities are drawn to one style and price point, while others are drawn to something completely different.” chantellauren.com

All Dressed in White

A vision in white, today’s plaster-and-gesso-finished pieces deliver a fresh, hand-molded look to newlyweds’ nests of all styles.

1. Alberto small single tier chandelier by Visual Comfort

$1,835, Glass House SLC

2. Truro wall mirror

$998 Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com

3. Plaster No. 1 small pendant light by Hudson Valley

$550, Elume Distinctive Lighting, Park City

4. Greta drinks table by Currey & Co 

curreyandcompany.com/ See website for local vendor.

5. Fresco table lamp by Palacek

palacek.com/ See website for local vendor.

6. Faline bench by Oly

starts at $950, Alice Lane Home Collection, SLC

7. Bronte wall light by Porta Romana

to the trade, John Brooks Inc., SLC

8. Faux Bois floor lamp by Global Views

$3,748, San Francisco Design, SLC

 

See more home inspiration here, or check with our sister publication, Utah Style and Design. 

Indoor Magic: Stunning Bridals at Studio Noire Noir

You know what’s underrated? Indoor, studio bridal shoots. Don’t get us wrong, we adore every single one of the majestic and magical natural backdrops that Utah has to offer, but there’s something breathtaking that can come from the natural light and creative energies photographers and stylists can unleash on a studio space. 

Case in point: this stunning session from Emli Photography. Emma Thongrin, the creative vision behind the shoot, was inspired by the modern style of Studio Noire Noir. She brought a truly modern bride’s beauty look to the shoot with a touch of bold color in the wildflower installments by Lush Floral Company, a statement-making sequin gown by Jessica and a classic gold makeup look by the bride herself. 

Using a mirror and dark backdrops, this fashion team brought all the magic of a moonlight pond rendezvous right to a Utah county studio space. How magical is that?!

Scroll on through for more of this amazing, swoon-worthy shoot. 

VENDORS

Photographer: Emma from Emli Photography  | @emli.photography 
Models: @xoxobrialee @spencernelson317
Dress designer: Jessica from JNoelle Design | @jnoelle.design
Florist:  McKenzie from Lush Floral Company | @lushfloralco 
Studio: Studio Noire Noir | @studionoirenoir  

Game Changers: Shred to Wed at Shred415

“C’mon now, you can do anything for 30 seconds!” Christopher Olsen shouts into his mobile mic over the sounds of dance-club beats and blasting fans. If you’re looking to crush your big-day fitness goals (and max out calories on your smartwatch), meet Shred415.

Olsen and his BFF-turned-business-partner Adria Swindle knew Shred415 was a perfect fit for Salt Lake. “We both love to travel and enjoy trying new fitness studios when we travel. When we took our first Shred415 class in Chicago, we were immediately sold and knew that we needed to bring this concept to the Salt Lake fitness community,” Swindle says.

Skull crushers, anyone? Every Shred415 workout incorporates 4 intervals of 15-minute rounds (hence, the “415”) between cardio on Woodway treadmills and strength exercises on “decks” that include burpees, hammer curls, jumping squats, up-downs, mountain climbers, skaters and so on. The Millcreek space is purposely small, but packs a punch as the lights go dim and the music pumps.

“Shred415 is more than a workout. We welcome and encourage people of all fitness levels. Lights are dimmed, music is loud and our certified instructors are there to motivate and help clients achieve their individual fitness goals,” Olsen says. “We also offer childcare, towel service and many more amenities to make your workout experience enjoyable.” shred415.com

How to SHRED for the Big Day:

Shred to WEd is a program that brides and grooms can experience for the three months leading up t their wedding day. The program is $139 for each of the three months. “This is a great discount from our regular unlimited monthly membership,” Swindle explains. Brides and grooms can ‘shred’ as many times as they want before the big day.”

Wed Pro Tips for Hosting a Swanky Mountain Party

 written by Val Rasmussen

photos by Pepper Nix and Logan Walker

There’s a new group of wedding professionals polishing off their resumes. Engaged couples, say hello to WIPA-Utah.

Why do you need to know about WIPA-Utah? Well, dear brides and grooms, they are the year-and-half old Utah chapter of the Wedding Industry Professionals of America, a national organization that began in 2008. Noting the lack of formal certification or degree to qualify vendors to run a wedding, WIPA founders saw a need to protect the consumer—yeah, that’s you—and elevate the industry.

All members are vetted, requiring at least three years of wedding industry experience and proof of liability insurance. Once they become WIPA members, the individual must maintain a membership in good standing by paying their dues and offering the highest standards of service.

Need proof of these high standards? Look no further than WIPA-Utah’s first annual Gala at Kimball Terrace on Park City’s Main Street. This Gala showcased hearty cuisine, action-packed entertainment and mountain-elegant decor, all by the best in the biz.

So, if you’re looking to add swanky-mountain-party wow-factor to your wedding festivities, here’s your checklist.

A swanky wedding venue: Kimball Terrace’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Park City’s Main Street from its second-story locale.

Places to hang: Lounge seating by Diamond Event & Tent offers rooftop enjoyment of Park City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A spectacular cocktail bar: Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Tracy Friedman Selman enjoys a custom ice luge. 

A killer tablescape and fresh floral canopy: The Artisan Bloom team displays luxury linens, ghost chairs, floating candles, tapered candles and hundreds of bud vases filled with peonies, astilbe and garden roses. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Themed table numbers and menus: Ann Elizabeth’s custom design—and famed printing press—provides mountain-elegant displays.

Flavorful of-the-season cuisine: Culinary Crafts delights every taste bud with Truffle vichyssoise, butter dipped radish; Snuck Farm rainbow chard, roasted delicata squash, apple, toasted hazelnut, burrata, and Slide Ridge honey citrus vinaigrette; sear-roasted pork tenderloin, pumpkin risotto, crispy Brussel sprouts with fried shallots, pomegranate gastrique; and salted caramel choux au craquelin.

Ample entertainment: Gold Standard Music plays jazzy tunes and Clementine Photo Booths lures guests into their slow-motion photo booth. 

Don’t forget the after-party: Hairstylist Kali Chris and LaFete’s Allison Baddley enjoy some after-party dancing at Downstairs Park City.

Specify a gala-worthy dress code: The “black-tie invited” memo produced formal attire from all guests.

Kristen Spear of Soiree Productions and photographer Pepper Nix
Chris Lavoie of Silver Summit Events and Mara Marian of Fuse Weddings and Events
Amanda Hansen of Decorations Inc. (Allison Baddley of La Fete and photographer Heather Nan in the background)
L to R: Meg Griggs Orsini of Modern Expo, Kellie Jackstien of Artisan Bloom, Jennie Peterson of Grand America, Ann Jager of Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, Mara Marian of Fuse Weddings & Events, Kathy Romero of Kathy Romero Weddings & Events, Chris Lavoie of Silver Summit Events, photographer Pepper Nix, Val Rasmussen of Utah Bride & Groom, Jocelyn Gillies of Culinary Crafts and Rachael Masten of Silver Summit Events
Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events and Christina Mytinger of St. Regis Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carey Arnell Drisdom Jr of Changing Lanes Entertainment Group, Kathy Romero of Kathy Romero Events, DJ Juone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WIPA Utah Gala Partners⁠
Host: @wipautah @wipa_org ⁠
Speaker: @kathyromero ⁠
Venue: @kimballterrace
Caterer: @culinarycrafts ⁠
Florist and Design: @artisanbloom ⁠
Rentals: @diamondeventandtent ⁠
Linens: @bbjlinen ⁠
Videographer: @jaredwortleyfilms
Photographer: @loganwalkerphoto @peppernix
MC: @Robferre
DJ: @lifeofthepartyDJ
Cocktail hour music: @goldstandardmusic ⁠
Photobooth: @ClementinePhotoBooths
Invitations/ Menus/ Signage: @annelizabethprintstudio
Lighting: @moonlightutah
Bartender service: @topshelfutah ⁠
After party location: @downstairsparkcity ⁠
Ice sculpture: Chadtheiceguy ⁠
Host lodging: @stregisdv ⁠
Four Seasons Concierge Transportation: @fsparkcity