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

Melissa & KB

UltraViolet Studios, Ogden

Photos by Michael Cozzens

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vendors:

Photographer: Michele Cozzens | @michele.cozzens

Florist: Harper Florals | @harperflorals

Venue: UltraViolet Studios | @thatsultraviolet

Jumpsuit: Lulus | @lulusweddings

Suit: Kenneth Boggs | @mr.kennethboggs

Crown: Natalie Wynn Designs | @nataliewynndesign

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

Liz & Will

The Bridge Cafe & Grill, Park City

September 8th

Photos by Heather Nan

THE COUPLE

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

THE WEDDING

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

THE MOOD

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

THE MENU

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

THE PARTY

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

 

VENDORS:

Photography: Heather Nan | @heathernan

Wedding planner: Michelle Leo Events, Sandy | @michelleleoevents

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

Flowers: Amber Reverie Design, American Fork | @amberreverie

Rentals: Diamond Rental Events, Murray | @diamondeventandtent

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

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

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

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

Suits: Menguin | @menguintux

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Show Me Your Mumu| @showmeyourmumu

Entertainment: Metro Music Club, SLC | @metromusicclub 

2020’s Most Popular Wedding Registry Item

Out with the boring and in with the bold!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mountain Mayhem

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOANN & MCKAY 
Sundance Resort
June 8, 2019

THE COUPLE 

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

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

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

 

THE WEDDING

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


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

THE MOOD

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

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

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


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

 

THE MENU

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

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

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

THE PARTY 

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

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

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

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

Scroll on for more classic inspiration:


VENDORS

Location: Sundance’s Redford Center | @sundanceresort

Bridal Shoot Location: Utah State Capitol |

Photography: Mikki Platt | @mikkiplatt

Videography: Kennidy Hassell | @kennidynicole

Gown: Bijou Bridal , New Jersey | @bijoubridal

Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | @badgleymischka

Groom’s Suit: The Black Tux | @theblacktux

Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey | @birdygrey

Floral: Bloom Girls Floral  | @bloomgirlsfloral

Makeup: Jessica Craig | @jessicamariemakeup 

Hair: Calee Kay Naylor | @caleekayhairdesign 

Cake: Rylie Lansford |  @bakedbyrylie 

Rings: Custom Ring Design 

Rentals: Alpine Event Co  | @alpinevent.co

Invites – Paper Suite: Bjorn Press | @bjornpress

Ceremony Program: GeorgiaBlueDesignCo – Etsy | @georgiabluedesignco

Dinner Menu: MarryMePaperBoutique – Etsy | @marrymepaperboutique

Officiant: Douglas R. Bethers

Event Coordinator: Cassidy Kiser

Ceremony Musicians: Ryan Bond Band 

Mariachi Band: Trio Los Charros

Reception Music: Luis Castro – DJ Azuquita

Spray Tan: Alexis Nielsen | @spraytansbyalexis 

 

Wedding Video – 

See here for our wedding video 

Taylor & Dallon Swiped Right & Swapped Rings

Taylor & Dallon

Bonneville Salt Flats | The Vista at Cedar Hills Gold Club

Photos by Bri Vail

Taylor and Dallon are modern romance personified. When the two matched on Tinder last year, they went on their first date the very next day. And, when they knew, they knew. The couple was engaged four months later. 

When the two had just started dating, they spent a Sunday at the playground with Dallon’s little sister. Something about that day stuck in Dallon’s mind as the day he knew Taylor was the one.

Months later, Taylor brought Dallon back to that same playground, but this time when Dallon walked up he could hear the couple’s favorite song playing and saw that the park was covered in photos of the pair. Taylor had brought Dallon back to the place where he first knew he was in love and popped the question, and Dallon said yes! “Some boys pretend that they’ll get engaged on the playground,” Dallon explained, “but it actually happened for us!”

Six months later, Taylor and Dallon got married at The Vista at Cedar Hills. According to Dallon, they chose that venue because “it had great indoor and outdoor space [and] a beautiful view overlooking Utah Lake.” They chose a simple and elegant color scheme of blue accented with white, gold, and green and topped it all off with pink and white flowers punctuated with eucalyptus leaves by Nannette York.

One of the most important aspects of the event for the couple was inclusivity. They wanted their space to feel inviting and their family and friends to feel welcome. One of the most special components of the ceremony itself was their officiant, Taylor’s father. Taylor’s dad approached the couple and asked if he could perform the ceremony which meant the world to the couple. “Both of our families are both very strong believers in the LDS faith,” Dallon explained, “Taylor’s dad was a former bishop and we never expected him to offer [to officiate] or to be able to. We couldn’t be more grateful for supportive, loving families.”

Taylor and Dallon wrapped up the festivities with a full night of dancing alongside their guests. According to Dallon, it was the best part of the wedding. “We hired a DJ and danced for over two hours,” he said, “everyone got down on the dance floor! Taylor and I had our first dance to I Will Always Be Yours by Ben Rector and ended the night with a slow dance to Lover by Taylor Swift.

Vendors:

Florist: Nannette York | @nannetteyorkfloral

Tuxedos: The Black Tuxedo | @theblacktux 

Photographer: Bri Vail | @hellobrivail

Venue: The Vista at Cedar Hills | @vistacedarhills

Cake: Jessica Olsen, LUSTR | @lustr.creative_

Caterer: Caley’s Catering | @caleyscatering

Lighting: Moon Light Holiday Lighting | @moonlightutah

DJ: Life of the Party | @lifeofthepartydj

4 Simple Wedding Hairstyles for A Customized Bridal Look

Photographer Kristina Curtis and a team of beauty pros curate 4 simple wedding hairstyles for every style of bride. 

Every detail matters when it comes to the perfect wedding. From the place cards to the shade of your nails, every bride wants the details to match her dream vision and mood for the big day. Whether you’re an easy, casual bride or an elegant minimalist, your hairstyle should match your wedding board just as much as the floral and the gown.

In this caramel-colored inspiration shoot, Kristina Curtis Photography and a team of beauty pros including Ashley Johnson and Marisa Rose showcase 4 simple wedding hairstyles to accentuate your natural bridal beauty and highlight the style of your big day.

To set the tone: a blend of ivory andromeda and tulips join ranks with blushing roses and fiery ranunculus in a breathtaking bouquet that perfectly matches the romantic vibes coming from the bride’s striking Janay Marie gown.

Though the gown already makes quite a statement with its flutter sleeves and princess-worthy climbing lace collar, there is still plenty of room for a bride to make it all her own with a unique twist and curl of her locks. From elegant to one-of-a-kind, here are 4 simple wedding hairstyles to show off your style on your big day!

1. Romantic Loose Updo

Keep things traditional and dreamy with a bridal classic. This textbook chignon is the ideal do for a bride wanting a romantic, fairytale princess look on her wedding day.

2. Elegant Pony

For the more modern bride, craving clean lines and runway chic flair, a sleek ponytail is in order. Keep things architectural with a stick-straight style, or add a few curls for a softer, elegant take as styled by Ashley Johnson, here.

3. Flirtatious Twist

Simple, casual and perfect for frolicking, this gorgeous twist is the best pick for a bride primed to celebrate by dancing the night away with her love and her dearest friends.

4. Whimsical Waves

Bold. Unique. Breathtaking. A show-stopping style for the bride who isn’t afraid to make a statement. Fairy vibes galore!

Scroll on to browse more sparkling inspiration from this whimsical studio session:

VENDORS:

Photos: Kristina Curtis Photography | @kristinacurtisphotography
Florals: Blooms and Branches | @bloomsandbranches
Dress: Janay Marie | @janay.marie
Makeup: Marisa Rose |  @marisarosemph
Hair: Ashley Johnson | @blonde_rehab
Studio: Studio 1062 |  @studio_1062
Model: Bailey Shuman | @baileycshuman

Music to My Ears: DJ Pauly

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

DJPauly has been on the radio since he was a teen. “I love music. At the of age 15, I started my first on-air job in radio.” He’s been making music magic ever since, but he says there’s much more to manning weddings than pressing play. What question should couples ask every DJ they interview?

“Have you had any formal MC or DJ training?” DJPauly says. “Anybody can buy a laptop and some big speakers and call themselves a wedding DJ, but a true Master of Ceremonies will do so much more than playing your favorite jams. Make sure your DJ has enough training or real event experience to read and truly engage with your guests. Request a meeting or video chat with them before you book to see if they’ll be a good fit personality-wise.” djpaulyweddings.com

Pearls and Pearly Whites: Rin & Jackson’s Utah Lake Bridals

Rin and Jackson have known one another since high school and patiently waited for each other while they served their LDS missions: Rin in Arizona and Jackson in Taiwan. Once the two were back in Utah, Jackson decided it was time for the duo to seal the deal. He chose to pop the question at the lantern festival but didn’t even get the chance to finish the question before Rin said “yes!” The pair got married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 28 and celebrated with friends and family at Ember, downtown Salt Lake City.
Photographer Jessa Etheridge of Jessa E Photos had originally planned to shoot the couple at the Great Salt Lake, but when the day of the shoot arrived, there was so much smog that no one could see a thing. Because Rin had expressed a clear vision for the photos to Jessa from day one, Jessa understood the importance of making her client’s ideas come to life. So, a few days after their first attempt, Rin and Jackson donned their nuptial attire once again, Jessa packed up her bags, and the three of them headed to Utah Lake. And we are so glad they did!
From the color of Jackson’s suit mirrored by the blue-gray water to Rin’s rose, blush, and white bouquet echoed by the rosy sunset, Utah Lake flawlessly embodied the color palate chosen by the couple.
Rin’s gown, customized by OffWhite Bride, was a modern take on a classic shape. The addition of a billowing sheer statement sleeve adorned with pearls added a breezy, ethereal element to an otherwise simple gown.
“Rin and Jackson’s bridal session at Utah Lake has become an all time favorite of mine” Jessa says. “I always joke with Rin and Jackson that they have the world’s most perfect smiles. They make my job so easy.”

Vendors:

Suit: ASOS | @asos

Sam & Emmalee’s Big Cottonwood Romance

A bit of snow-dusted romance brings the magic to Sam & Emmalee’s big day. 

Photos by Jacque S. Photography

Sam and Emmalee met through Emmalee’s best friend who happened to marry Sam’s cousin. Shortly after they met, Sam and Emmalee went on a double date with the newlyweds and hit it off. The two have been inseparable ever since. 

Eight months later, Sam took his love up into the mountains for a date. When they arrived, Emmalee looked up and saw that Sam had set up twinkly lights and a candle lit dinner in the snow just for the two of them. After dinner, Sam got down on one knee and asked Emmalee to be his wife and she said yes!

Right before their sealing ceremony, Sam and Emmalee went up to Big Cottonwood Canyon to take their bridal photos. They chose the mountains because they reminded Emmalee of that snowy day in January when Sam proposed.

Afterward, the two were sealed in the Provo Temple in an intimate ceremony accompanied by their closest family and friends.

Vendors:

Photographer: Jacque S. Photography | @photosbyjacque

Florist: Courtney with Posies Floral Design | @posiesfloral 

Dress: Latter-day Bride | @latterdaybride 

Suit: Macy’s | @macys

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