Local visionaries transforming the wedding scene, locally and beyond. 

SHRED TO WED

“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.”

KINGS OF RINGS

Enso Ring co-founder Brighton Jones almost broke his ring finger during a rock-climbing excursion when a small body shift caused his metal wedding band to catch on a rock. “Fortunately, my ring broke off a piece of rock, instead of my entire finger,” Jones says.

He studied various ring materials during global travels. Soon after, Brighton partnered with his childhood buddy Aaron Daly to design and sell comfortable, fashionable and affordable silicone rings, ideal for guys and gals with an active lifestyle. The concept was so exciting, that even entrepreneurial reality show “Shark Tank” gave the Lehi-based boutique their seal of approval.

Aside from being easy on the newlywed pocketbook ($25-$35 each), the rings appeal extends beyond your wedding celebration. Their Ring for a Reason offers a portion of ring proceeds to health and humanitarian programs including Global Citizen and Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC). ensorings.com

Say “I do” with a precious-metal-infused ring or customize a thank you gift for your wedding party that includes stackable rings and bracelets in your wedding hues.

THIS HONEYMOON AIN’T OVER

“The heart of Albion has always been a love story. One of a boy and girl who met at work, became best friends and got married,” says Liz Findlay, who opened the Albion Fit’s flagship at City Creek Mall in 2012 with her husband and she hasn’t looked back once.

What began inside her family’s Guatemalan factory years ago is now an athleisure-wear giant with four brick-and-mortars (in SLC, Dallas, Scottsdale and Dallas), alongside a behemoth online presence that flaunts bubbly—and often, tan—adventure seekers.

It’s been quite the adventure for the Findlays, as well. “Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity be a part of our customers’ adventures, and yes, their love stories, too,” Findlay says of Albion’s user-generated honeymoon content appearing on social media. “It’s a privilege to be a part of so many women’s most treasured memories. It’s the best part of what we do.” albiontfit.com

Our friends at Snowbasin Resort released an exciting announcement earlier this month: Their venue was selected as one of The Knot’s Best of Weddings for 2020! All their brides left such rave reviews on The Knot and Wedding Wire that they launched up to the top of the rankings, as part of only five percent of national venues to get the honor! 

“These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique wedding,” explains The Knot’s site. And who can blame the brides for choosing these views? Last year, we featured Ayesha & Sean’s epic mountain bridals, taken at (you guessed it) one of Snowbasin’s lovely meadow venues! 

Tonja Hanson, Executive Director of Sales at Snowbasin Resort shares, “Snowbasin Resort is thrilled to be recognized by the Knot as a top wedding venue across America. Snowbasin Resort offers a custom individualized approach for every bride and groom; from their personalized venue tour, hands on detailed planning process, and the meticulous assistance on their special day. With engagement season in full bloom and Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Snowbasin would love the opportunity to work with couples near and far to create their perfect day.”

You can tour their venues on their site here, or you can simply enjoy the scenery by browsing the rest of Ayesha and Sean’s meadow-magic bridal session!