Easy Love: Ingrid & Chris’s Park City Mountain Wedding

May 13, 2020

Ingrid & Chris had a rom-com worthy meet-cute: Ingrid went into OP Rockwell for a post-hike drink and struck up a conversation with the handsome bartender.

“I was not really interested in dating, and didn’t live in Utah at the time, but Chris changed my mind with his kind spirit, cute smile and killer bartending skills,” Ingrid says.

After two years of dating bliss, Ingrid won two limited permits to hike The Wave and Chris knew this was his chance. He got the blessing, the ring (which belonged to Ingrid’s grandmother) and a bottle of champagne hidden in his backpack and hiked alongside Ingrid until the two reached the perfect view. Ingrid said yes, and the duo celebrated with PB&J sandwiches and champagne.

THE WEDDING

These lovers made it official on September 28, 2019 in the perfect Utah ceremony at Rotary Park, Park City.* Beautiful mountain views and a shady grove that Ingrid called “the church of aspens” served as the backdrop for the vows and ceremony. Heather Thomas, a pastor from Missio Dei church in Salt Lake City, performed the ceremony.

Ingrid walked the aisle in a custom, Munich-made gown by Lilly Ingen Hoven Bridal and Chris wore a bespoke suit from Leone’s Custom Made.

The reception moved the party to Rockwell Listening Room on Main Street, just up the stairs from the bar where Ingrid and Chris first met. OP Rockwell brought the love-at-first-sight back to life, as the couple took bridals to reminisce the first bar meeting. The drink Ingrid first ordered from Chris – called the Foxtrot – was the signature cocktail at the reception.

*Rotary Park is not an official wedding venue. Park city residents can reserve the area for small gatherings for a fee. All décor must be packed in and removed day-of.

The Mood

Celebrating Utah easily became the theme of the event, with an autumnal palette of rich burgundy, deep blues and glittering gold.

“Many of our guests came from out of town so we wanted to show off the best that a Utah ‘mountain town’ has to offer,” says Ingrid. And with that came a relaxed, ski-town vibe that only swanky Park City can provide.

Ingrid’s line was packed with her best ladies (3 sisters and two sisters-at-heart), and Chris chose his best woman (his good friend Alex Hess), as well as a lineup of friends and cousins to back him on his big day.

THE MENU

“Our caterer (Paul Serpe, owner of Hidden Peak Dining) is a friend of Chris’ and we entrusted him with the menu,” shares Ingrid.

A focus on seasonal, local ingredients – and Chris & Ingrid’s easy-going personalities – drove the Utah-centric menu. Appetizers included burrata, vegetables and dips and olives, while dinner consisted of sprouted ancient grains, wild greens salad, local roasted veggies and a carving station with fennel roasted pork loin and marinated New York Strip steak with a chimmichurri sauce.

Consistent with the party mood, the dance party snacks were mini sub sandwiches and a late-night wing bar.

The Party

Wing-fueled guests busted their moves to songs from DJ Leo Bottrill, while the bartenders with Nice & Easy kept the Foxtrots and other liquid goodies flowing all evening long.

Chris and Ingrid shared their first dance to Louis Armstrong’s classic “La Vie en Rose,” but kept the party alive with a cut to Lizzo’s “Juice.”

Not forgetting a single element of hosting, Ingrid and Chris also included several dessert options for their guests: a small carrot cake for the couple’s cutting, larger gluten-and-dairy-free almond cake for family members with allergies and coffee service with each from La Barba. Cakes were made by Emily Carper and Becky Rosenthal of the Vintage Mixer.

See more of this laid-back, love-filled celebration:

Vendors

Photography: Darrington Weddings
Couple: Ingrid & Chris | @flyinglemming & @chris_thehuman
Venue: Rockwell Listening Room / J Go Gallery
Gown: handmade in Munich by Lilly Ingen Hoven Bridal
Jewelry: H Works jewelry
HMUA: Becca Johnson of REJ Style
Floral: Native Flower Co., Sandy Trimboe
Groom’s suit: Leone’s Custom Made
Wedding coordinator: Haley Burke of Mella SLC
DJ: Leo Bottrill
Catering: Hidden Peak Dining
Bar catering: Nice and Easy | @niceandeasy.co
Cakes: Becky Rosenthal and Emily Carper

What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting Coronavirus

May 12, 2020

We rounded up wedding professionals from all over Utah and had them break down their wedding rescheduling policies so that you don’t have to.

Like most industries, the wedding industry is feeling the weight of this pandemic. Across Utah, wedding professionals are trying to figure out how they can create magic for their clients and sidestep potential stress and financial loss for their beloved brides and grooms all while trying to keep their businesses afloat.

And, we get it – everything feels complicated right now – so we’re going to keep this simple.

Part 1: Breaking down two common themes across reschedule policies

Part 2: Advice from wedding professionals

Part 3: Round-up of simplified reschedule policies from wedding professionals across Utah

Part 4: Commentary from real 2020 brides who rescheduled to weekdays in 2021

PART ONE: COMMON THEMES

Theme 1: In 2021, weekdays will be the new Saturdays.

Many businesses are transferring retainers paid for 2020 weddings to 2021 weddings scheduled for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at no additional charge.

Hot take: Saturday weddings might be overrated. Thursday and Friday offer you extra days with your out-of-town guests and Sundays offer you peace and quiet.

Pro-tip: Don’t forget about holidays. Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day basically provide bonus Saturdays.

Theme 2: If at all possible, try to keep your wedding in 2020.

Many businesses are offering to transfer retainers paid for 2020 weddings to later dates in 2020 with no additional fees.

TL;DR: For the most part, you’ll only pay an additional retainer if you move your 2020 wedding to a Saturday in 2021.

PART TWO: ADVICE FROM WEDDING PROS

“Maybe it’s time to bring back the reception line? 6 feet apart and no shaking hands, but imagine how the bride and groom will get to see every guest. We have the room here to have a line of couples 6 feet apart snaking around the property! A masked catering staff can tray serve them a beverage while they’re standing in line.” -Donna Urban, 4U Ranch

“We have worked with some couples to decrease the guest list and add back in items that had been eliminated based on cost to truly give them their dream wedding.” Tonya Hoopes, Hoopes Events

“On the day couples originally planned to get married, they can plan an elopement with a few friends and family members. Then they can have the real celebration with all of their friends and family in 2021.” -Elise DeLeon and Sarah Tucker, Marae Events

“Be flexible. Understand things have changed for everyone. I can’t think of anyone in the wedding business here in Utah trying to be opportunistic, so just be quick to communicate and change and you’ll have much more positive outcomes.” Ryan Hinman, Ryan Hinman Films

“Embrace new dates.” -Jocelyn Giles, Culinary Crafts

PART THREE: POLICY ROUND-UP

Vendors across the state are adjusting their Utah wedding rescheduling policies to accommodate couples impacted by Coronavirus. Scroll through our list to see what your vendors are offering:

Michelle Leo Events: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 OR any day of the week November – April will not be charged any additional fees. 2020 pricing will be honored in 2021. May – October Saturdays in 2021 will incur additional fees but 2020 pricing will be honored. | @michelleleoevents

4U Ranch: 2020 couples can reschedule without paying a rescheduling fee and will pay the 2020 rate in 2021. | @4uranchevents

River Bottoms Ranch: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Thursday in 2021 will not be charged any additional fees. | @riverbottomsranch

Kristen Packard Artistry: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 will not be charged any additional fees. 2020 pricing will be honored in 2021. | @kristenpackardartistry

Pepper Nix: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 OR any day of the week November – April will not be charged any additional fees. May 31 – October 11 Saturdays in 2021 will incur additional fees but 2020 pricing will be honored. | @peppernix

Hoopes Events: Anyone that postpones has two years from their original date to rebook. As long as a member of the team is available, they will move a wedding date to any day of the week at no additional charge. | @hoopesevents

Ryan Hinman Films: For April – December weddings, retainers will be moved to Sundays – Fridays and non-holiday weekends at no additional charge. For January – March weddings, retainers will be moved regardless of the day of the week. | @ryanhinmanfilms

Utah Live Bands: Couples can push their retainer to available dates in 2020 OR weekdays (Sunday – Thursday) in 2021 with no additional charge. Fridays and Saturdays in 2021 will incur a new retainer. | @utahlivebands

Marae Events: To the end of December 2021, whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, Marae Events will not be charging additional fees for rescheduling. | @maraeevents

Culinary Crafts: As a larger company, Culinary Crafts can take multiple events in a day, so as of right now they are allowing clients to reschedule to a later date without any penalty. The retainer clients have paid is going to carry over to a later date with them. | @culinarycrafts

Cactus & Tropicals (venues): Offering refunds to everyone who wants a refund. Clients may re-book based on availability of the venue. Note: Refund is paid in three installments. | @cactusandtropicals

Nice & Easy: Whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, Nice & Easy will not be charging additional fees for rescheduling. | @niceandeasy.co

Ember SLC: 2020 couples can change their wedding date with no additional fee as long as the new date is within 12 months of the original. If a couple chooses to postpone/reschedule then they will receive credit for everything paid so far. Cancellations will be given a 50% refund. | @emberslc

Fuse Weddings & Events: 2020 couples who reschedule to later dates in 2020 OR Sunday – Friday in 2021 OR any day of the week January – May 1 and October 17 – December 31 will not be charged any additional fees. Clients who choose Saturdays May 1 – October 16 2021 will forfeit their 2020 retainer. @fuseweddingsandevents

Chantel Lauren Bridal: Chantel Lauren Bridal is waiving all rush fees on made-to-order wedding gowns for 2020 brides. In addition, Chantel Lauren will be selling off-the-rack samples for under $1000. Alterations on Chantel Lauren gowns will also be completed on a “need to wear” basis to ensure brides get their dream gown fitting perfectly for their wedding in a timely manner with no additional fees. | @chantellaurendesigns

If you are a wedding vendor and would like your policy to be included in this round-up, please email me at maddie@utahbrideandgroom.com.

PART FOUR: REAL BRIDES

“We really appreciate the clients who have chosen to take advantage of the no-cost options MLE has provided. By booking a weekday or Sunday, our clients enable us to keep prime booking dates available for new business in 2021 which is vital to our survival of this pandemic. The clients don’t pay anything extra by selecting a weekday or Sunday date, and we can remain available for new business making it a win/win for all involved.” -Michelle Cousins, Michelle Leo Events

One of Michelle’s 2020 brides, Alexia, postponed her wedding to a Friday in 2021, which meant that not only did she not have to pay additional fees, she was also able to keep all of her vendors! “There is always a silver lining,” Alexia says. “The pandemic has become part of our love-story, so experiencing our big day after everything that has happened will be that much more special.”

And, we have to mention Kristen Packard who got married on a Thursday and says it was the best decision she’s ever made. She picked Pioneer Day which landed her a few extra days with all of her out of town guests and fireworks every year on her anniversary.

Photos by Kenzie Victory | @kenzievictory

Celeste & Sterling’s Spring Bridals at Garden Park Ward

May 6, 2020

Celeste & Sterling

Garden Park Ward, Salt Lake City

Photos by Huoy Chen & Sarah Harris

Springtime in Utah means birds are chirping, cherry blossoms are in bloom and wedding bells are in the air. We’ll admit, spring feels a little different this year from the confines of our homes, so we’re talking a walk down memory lane to remind us not of what we’re missing, but of what’s to come.

In 2014, Celeste walked into her college dorm room to find Sterling sitting on her couch chatting with one of her roommates. Little did she know, the two would reconnect three years later over commonalities including knee surgeries and soccer. The friendship turned into romance and nine months later, the couple hiked up to a waterfall with Celeste’s parents where Sterling got down on one knee (insert knee surgery pun here). The pair is coming up on their two year anniversary this summer.

When photographers Huoy and Sarah spotted Salt Lake City’s cherry blossoms on a trip across Utah, they knew they had found the perfect backdrop for a sweet, romantic shoot. “The Garden Park Ward provided the perfect intimate setting with beautiful cherry blossom trees that surrounded our couple,” Huoy explained. Celeste couldn’t agree more. She described the venue as “a little piece of heaven right here in Salt Lake City.”

“The fluffy soft pink stems inspired us to create wedding inspiration with that same softness and romance. To highlight the cherry blossoms, we decided on a palette of peach and blush with soft styling touches including delicate lace on the wedding dress’s bodice and a loose chignon and flowy ribbon on the bouquet,” Huoy said.

The timeless watercolor aesthetic of this shoot was achieved by photographing the session entirely on film. According to Huoy, “We chose to shoot this entire session in film because we knew that it would capture the tones of the cherry blossom perfectly.”

VENDORS:

Photographers: Huoy Chen | @huoychen & Sarah Harris | @sarahharrisphoto

Wedding Planner and Designer: Emily Muddiman of Flora and Whim | @floraandwhim

Floral Design: Mille Fleur Design | @millefleurdesign

Hair and Makeup: Janelle Ingram | @janelleingram

Cake: Flour and Flourish | @flourandflourish

Invitations and Calligraphy: Lettering by GRG | @letteringbygrg

Wedding Dress: Lovely Bride | @lovelybride

Film Lab: The Find Lab | @thefindlab

Suit: Men’s Wearhouse | @menswearhouse

Real Wedding: Angelique and Michael

May 5, 2020

Holy Trinity Cathedral & Natural History Museum of Utah, SLC

September 21, 2019

Photos by Jacque Lynn

The Couple

Michael asked Angelique to dance at a mutual friend’s engagement party at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago. Angelique was living in New York City at the time, and Michael was residing in Chicago. They bonded over their mutual love for cooking, hiking, traveling and the beauty of their home state – Utah!

On the third anniversary of their first meeting, Michael asked Angelique to dance in an empty ballroom at the Peninsula Hotel to their favorite song, “Misty” by Mark Maxwell. He got down on one knew and asked Angelique to be his wife.

The Wedding

“We knew we wanted to get married in Salt Lake. Although neither of us had lived in Utah for years, we both consider it our home,” Angelique says. “Holy Trinity is very special to Michael, and his Greek immigrant grandparents were heavily involved in building the church which was completed in 1923.”

The Mood

Ghost chairs, dramatic uplighting, all-white flowers and acrylic signage delivered a sleek sophisticated mood and complemented NHMU’s vaulted ceiling, cement walls and bold architecture. Angelique’s gown–a strapless corseted bodice gown made of Mikado silk with an architecturally draped skirt–complemented the wedding aesthetic.

The Cuisine

“Over half of our guests were from out of town, and we really wanted to showcase fresh and local ingredients and of course, lamb, because we are Greek,” Angelique says. For the main entree, guests chose from Idaho steelhead trout fillet, red wine braised lamb shanks or quinoa and stuffed squash medallions with roasted vegetables and baby potatoes. “We also served local spirits including Three Wives Vodka, Beehive Gin, High West Whiskey and Squatters Beers. Our signature cocktail was a classic greyhound cocktail with grapefruit juice and vodka garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

The Party

“Ultimately, we just wanted to show our loved ones a good time. To us, that meant cocktails on the museum balcony overlooking Salt Lae City, heartfelt speeches, Greek flavors and late-night dancing. We are boo Greek Orthodox, and it was important for us to include elements of the Greek culture into our wedding day.”

VENDORS

Photography: Jacque Lynn Photography | @jacquelynnphoto
Gown: Anne Barge via Mira Couture, Chicago | @annebarge via @miracouture
Suit: Hugo Boss | @Hugo_official
Planner: Silver Summit Event Design | @silversummitevents
Caterer: Blended Table | @blendedtable
Flowers: Artisan Bloom | @artisanbloom
Band: Metro Music Club | @metromusicclub
Wedding Jewelry: AAA Jewelers | @aaajewelers
Stationary: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio | @annelizabethprintstudio
Late Night Greek Food: GR Kitchen |
Cake: Flour & Flourish | @flourandflourish
Videographer: Jared Wortley | @jaredwortleyfilms

What Now? Stationery Edition

May 1, 2020

Invitation expert Mikayla Marie Manu of Ink & Press Co gives advice for couples whose canceled weddings have made planning paper suites difficult.

Listen, we’re big fans of planning… we’re in the wedding industry for goodness’ sake! But these days, we’re getting a deeper understanding of that Robert Burns quote: “The best laid plans of mice and men go often askew.” So, we called upon local wedding expert, Mikyla Manu of Ink & Press Co. to get some advice for all the brides-and-grooms-to-be whose big days are eliciting some big Qs!

Q: What is the first thing I should do when postponing my wedding?

According to Manu, the first thing you’re going to want to do is send out a digital announcement. “I would send a digital announcement because, depending on your timeline, you probably need to get that info out as soon as possible,” she said. “And there is a shortage right now in getting products, so it’s tough to know a timeline on product turnaround for physical paper products.”

If you need help getting this done, we recommend reaching out to Mikyla at hello@inkandpressco.com; she is offering digital design services, regardless of whether or not you worked with her on your original stationery.

Q: Should I send out another printed invitation suite?

Manu has a few items you’ll need to take into consideration on this front.

Have you picked a new date?

If so, how soon is that new date?

“As your new date gets closer, I would consider sending out an updated RSVP card alone, or send out an entirely new invitation altogether,” Mikyla said. We recommend mailing these updates out six weeks in advance of your new date.

Q: What if my wedding is changing seasons?

Some couples who may need to change the season their wedding will take place in.

“I think that depends on the couple and how far along they are in the process,” Manu explained. “If they have their heart set on a May wedding, I’d advise them to just shift their wedding to May 2021.”

If a couple is going to change the season, they’re likely looking at an entire change in aesthetic, so it would be best to do that if you haven’t already been through the designing and printing process for your wedding stationery.

Q: How else can I keep my guests up to date?

Manu recommends either keeping your already existing wedding website as up to date as possible, or creating one if you don’t have one already. Keep on your digital announcement so you can keep your invitees in the loop dream up with the perfect solution to your wedding postponement.

Mikyla Manu is the founder, owner and designer of Ink & Press Co. in Utah. Along with Utah Bride & Groom magazine, her work has been featured in Vogue, BRIDES, Martha Stewart and more. You can find her on instagram at @inkandpressco and online at https://inkandpressco.com/.

All images were designed, styled and photographed by Mikyla Manu.

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.