Real Wedding: Historic Beauty at the Utah State Capitol Building

Catherine
& Branden

Provo City Temple, Provo + Utah State Capitol Building, SLC

January 19th

Photos by Jacque Lynn Photography 

THE COUPLE

A matchmaker introduced the two executives (Catherine is a Chief Product Officer and EVP of Engineering at Domo, and Branden is the CEO for Gear.com). Four months in, Branden and Catherine headed to St. George for Thanksgiving weekend where Branden enlisted the help of his four children—ages 9, 10, 10, and 15—to help with a proposal inside Snow Canyon State Park. One hundred feet below an overlook where Branden and Catherine stood, the pint-sized foursome held a 30-foot sign that read, “We love you, Catherine. Will you marry our dad?”

THE WEDDING

Catherine and Branden chose the Provo City Temple because of its historic beauty. “We were privileged to have a friend of the family and General Authority Seventy, Elder Kim B. Clark, perform the ceremony,” Catherine says. A ring ceremony and reception at the Utah State Capitol followed. “A big reason for doing the ring ceremony and reception was to give the children an experience that would help mark the start for us as a blended family.”

 

THE MOOD

“With the grand backdrop of the historic Rotunda at the Utah State Capitol Building, we wanted a refined yet jubilant mood. We wanted our closest friends and family to feel the emotions and the love that we had experienced in our relationship with each other as we became a blended family with Branden’s children,” Catherine says. “We took our cues from the Rotunda, selecting florals in fuchsias and magentas. These colors contrasted beautifully with navy—navy velvet tablecloths, navy invitations and prints, all with touches of gold.”

 

THE MENU

Catherine and Branden drew menu inspiration from Germany, as both of them had served missions there for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brats and pretzel bites started the meal, a winter salad followed, and entrees included Cabernet-braised short ribs with creamy polenta or chicken breast Marsala with artichokes and capers.

 

THE PARTY

The newlyweds kicked off festivities at the end of the ring ceremony. A gospel choir surprised guests by following the bridal party and singing “All You Need Is Love” while descending from the rotunda staircases. Later, Catherine offered a musical performance to the children: “Lighthouse,” an original composition written by Catherine and performed by a family friend Natalie Hill Jensen, accompanied by Catherine on the grand piano. “At night, when I would listen to the children’s prayers, they would always pray to not have bad dreams,” Catherine explains. “These children had lost their mother to cancer, and their tender prayers at night touched my heart. Because I have always composed music, I felt one of the most personal gifts I could give them at the wedding would be a lullaby, one they could listen to at night.”

“The lullaby was the most memorable moment for me,” Branden adds. “I had seen the incredible effort Catherine put into writing and refining the song, but to hear it in person, sung by Broadway singer Natalie Hill Jensen, brought tears to my eyes. It’s a gift to the family that we will treasure forever.”

 

THE HONEYMOON

Catherine and Branden celebrated their honeymoon with a trip around the world:
Hong Kong, Rome, Naples, New York and
the Bahamas. 

Scroll on for more classic details from Catherine & Brandon’s big day:

 

VENDORS:

Photography: Jacque Lynn Photography, Sandy | @jacquelynnphoto
Wedding planner: Fuse Weddings & Events, SLC  | @fuseweddingsandevents
Catering: Culinary Crafts, SLC | @culinarycrafts
Ceremony site: Provo City Center Temple, Provo
Reception site: Utah State Capitol building, SLC | @utstatecapitol
Flowers: Decoration Inc., SLC | @decorationinc
Rentals: Diamond Rental, SLC; Performance Audio, SLC | @diamondeventandtent @performanceaudio
Linens: La Tavola | @latavolalinen
Bride’s ring: Innovative Custom Jewelry, Heber City   | @innovativecustomjewelry 
Groom’s ring: Sierra West, Orem | @sierrawestjewelers
Invitations: Fuse Weddings & Events, SLC | @fuseweddingsandevents
Ceremony gown: Alyssa Kristin via Alta Moda Bridal, SLC | @alyssakristinbridal via @altamodabridal
Reception gown: Yolan Cris via Alta Moda, SLC | @yolancrisbridal @altamodabridal
Flower girl dresses: Etsy
String quartet: String Quartet Utah, SLC |
Gospel choir: Unity Gospel Choir, SLC
DJ: DJ Elliott, SLC
Videography: Chris McClain, SLC | @chrismcclainfilms
Photo booth: Couth Booth, SLC | @couthbooth

Snowbasin Resort Named Winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2020

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! 

Real Wedding: Alec & Blake’s Masculine Meadow Wedding

Two dapper grooms come together in an epic-views, modern-lined and masculine meadow ceremony at Park City Mountain Resort.

THE COUPLE

Alec (an athletic event producer from Orem) & Blake (a commercial real estate pro from Sandy) met online in a modern fairytale, and dated for 18 months before Blake pulled off an epic surprise proposal, complete with the pair’s dogs, hundreds of memories in photos hung from trees, and a classic, one-knee question. Alec said yes!

THE WEDDING

After a bachelor party at the HardRock in Las Vegas, Alec & Blake tied the knot on June 8th, 2019 in a elegant, masculine, mountain-view-laden ceremony with fun-loving twists for a fun-loving couple. The wedding party and guests traveled up a ski lift to a sprawling meadow at the top of Park City Mountain Resort, where a peaceful setting and a driftwood backdrop waited for the vows. After the “I Do’s,” guests returned to the reception at Legacy Lodge via the Alpine Slide. Each guest was given a custom-embroidered handkerchief for their “Tears of Joy” during the ceremony, featuring the logo of Alec & Blake’s big day. Talk about a production!

Blake’s brother provided festive background music for the aisle procession and post-vows, honoring the family’s Scottish heritage with traditional bagpipe melodies.

“We both love being outdoors, and since we both find so much peace in the mountains, we thought it would be the perfect place to get married,” says Blake. For the dinner and reception, the Lodge was decked out in brilliantly layered succulents, modern-lined driftwood centerpieces and burgundy accents, which the couple selected to bring a more masculine mood to the event. Set against a simple palette of black and cream, the deep red and gold certainly got the job done, including in the velvet smoker jackets the grooms wore for their first dance and afterparty.

THE MENU

The grooms and their guests enjoyed an epic menu by Park City Resort, which included Red Wine Tenderloin, impressive charcuterie spreads, Utah-sourced salads, and selections of pesto salmon with Champagne citrus butter sauce and pancetta chicken with Pine nut and chevre stuffing and balsamic pomodoro dressing.

Later in the evening, guests also enjoyed bits of the couple’s three-layer, rainbow-dyed and succulent draped wedding cake, and snacked on soft pretzel bites.

THE PARTY

Alec and Blake describe their big day as a night full of “love, more love and acceptance.” During toasts, the fathers of the grooms gave toasts, which the couple and the guests claim were the best wedding toasts ever given, full of love and joy for the union of their sons. After dinner, the party continued as guests danced away to a playlist of 2000’s dance hits and oldies, and wiped their happy tears while watching Alec & Blake perform their first dance to “Wasn’t Expecting That” by Jamie Lawson. Alec surprised Blake by recreating the dance between David & Patrick on “Schitt’s Creek,” a favorite show of the couple.

 

The couple now reside in their new home together in Riverton, and though they went to Scotland just before the big day, hope to return to Europe soon for a honeymoon!

Scroll on for more of Alec & Blake’s elegant wedding day.

 

VENDORS

Photography: Heather Nan | @heathernan
Venue/Catering: Park City Mountain Resort |  @pcski
Planning/Rentals/Signage: Fuse Weddings & Events | @fuseweddingsandevents
Floral: Decoration, Inc. | @decorationinc
Cake: Flour & Flourish | @flourandflourish
DJ: DJ Joune | @djjoune
Rentals: Diamond Event & Tent | @diamondeventandtent
Suits: Black Tux | @theblacktux
Boutonniere Pins: Hook and Albert | @hookandalbert
Shoes: Nordstrom | @nordstrom
Officiant: Laura Bailey
Velvet Smoker Jackets: ASOS | @asos 
Paper Goods: Print Mark, Provo |
Handkerchiefs: Shurtz

Heading North: Woodland-Foraged Wedding Florals in Tamarack, Idaho

Sarah & Tyler
August 31, 2019 
Private Residence
Tamarack, ID
After a sealing at the Meridian Idaho Temple, Sarah and Tyler celebrated with a dreamy, meadow-magic ceremony at a private residence in Tamarack, ID. Bubbling over with elegant, organic and nearly whimsical  foraged wedding floral placements, the berry-accented décor immediately draws the eye.

THE DÉCOR

The largely Utah-based party pro team (including Kindred Rising Events, Alice Shoots People and The Potted Pansy) worked closely with the mother of the bride to bring the natural foliage around the beautiful home venue into the design. Upon visiting the home, the designers were immediately inspired by the forest paradise, lined with aspens and meadow grasses. Taking full advantage, they created a palette of foraged wedding florals like we’ve never seen before. 
To make the wooded oasis a little more bridal, bride Sarah knew they would need to add a bit more sparkle. That’s where Idaho Tents & Events came in: the planners erected a clear tend in a clearing to give the guests a view of the trees and lakeside as they dined with the couple, and Idaho Tents & Events delivered the stars. They strung over 12,000 lights in the tent!
The surrounding fauna also contributed to the decor within the tent. Not wanting the interior décor to distract from the exterior clearing’s beauty, Mandy Ogaz with Potted Pansy foraged for natural elements such as berries, wildflowers and aspen trunks from around the family’s property, and used the logs to house her incredible, ruffled-rose laden arrangements. Varied sizes of containers added interest and texture to each tabletop, with just a few traditional brass vases and candlesticks to add height and dimension, as well as catch the light from the “stars.”
Delicate, intricate wildflower fronds also themed in each bouquet, perfectly matching the huckleberries scattered among the tablescapes for yet another whimsically natural touch. Wooden boxes from Sage & Thistle tied the natural to the glamorous as the centerpiece of each setting. 

Each personal setting was accented with an intricate violet goblet, to further incorporate the color of the huckleberries, and added a delicious pop of color. The wedding was held during huckleberry season, so those rich berry hues couldn’t be resisted. Custom sage linen and gold chargers accented china plates, but each table had something unique: each was named for a different mountain in Idaho, or that had significance to the bride and groom.

“They were a fun conversation starter, and added a personal touch to each table,” says Erica Paine, of Kindred Rising Events.

THE CEREMONY

For the ring ceremony, Sarah and her family knew they wanted to have it in a particular grove of aspen trees that had a view of the lake.

“We didn’t need to do much to this area because it was already so beautiful and peaceful, but we definitely wanted to add an arch to back the beautiful union,” says Erica. “Mandy Ogaz of the Potted Pansy created the most beautiful arch, full of aspens, greenery, flowers, and other plants they foraged from the property.”

The arch itself is indeed so perfectly natural, it almost looks as though it sprang up from the ground, ready to provide the ideal backdrop for these lovers, their friends and many nieces, cousins and nephews.

THE PARTY

The team brought the meadow back to the house for the dinner, with simplified centerpieces on round tables. A dance floor at the back of the house was backed by a larger-than-life banner of Sarah & Tyler at their bridal shoot by Alex Colberg, and flanked by large aspen trunk stools and slabs of wood with living edges, of course foraged from the property. The wood serves as tables for dessert and seating for those needing a break from the dancing. 

“It was a beautiful and perfect night. Alice Cannon from Alice Shoots People captured the beauty and love shared that day through her incredible photography. The guests danced the night away, and we sent off the bride and groom with love, laughter, and through a cloud of bubbles.”

Scroll on to see every last perfectly matched detail of Sarah & Tyler’s big day!

VENDORS

Design, Planning, and Coordination: Kindred Rising Events & Design | @kindredrising
Photography: Alice Shoots People | @aliceshootspeople
Bridals/Banner: Alex Colberg | @alexcolberg
Florals: The Potted Pansy | @thepottedpansy
Furniture & Tent Rentals, Lighting: Idaho Tents & Events | @idahotentsandevents
Decor Rentals: Kindred Rising and Sage and Thistle Events | @sageandthistleevents
Flatware & China Rentals: Event Rent Idaho | @eventrentidaho
Catering: Remington’s, Cascade, ID

 

Harlie & Tanner’s Desert Rustic Wedding at White Shanty

Harlie & Tanner
September 20, 2019
White Shanty Venue 

Two swing-dancing lovers tie the knot in the rustic-chic wedding of the decade at White Shanty wedding venue.

THE COUPLE 

In a romantic twist of fate, Harlie and Tanner met swing dancing in Provo, Utah in November of 2017. Harlie was supposed to be on a blind date, but her date canceled, and Tanner had traveled in on a whim from Richmond on the perfect night. Two years later, Tanner surprised Harlie again in January of 2019, when he got down on one knee at the Provo City Center temple.

“It ended up being a super memorable and special moment for us both,” says Harlie. “Nobody was there but him and I – I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!”

THE WEDDING 

In September, Harlie and Tanner were married in the Payson, Utah temple, and celebrated at the White Shanty venue, a space that fit the couple’s unique style perfectly. With a country-vintage vibe and a stunningly rustic palette (think lush greens, rich mauve and berry hues, and a spectrum of neutrals), the evening was packed with ideal fall party needs. 

Harlie sealed the deal in a fun, flirty and fabulously feathered lace-sheath from J. Noelle Design, with illusion sleeves and a dream-come-true cathedral-length train. Tanner completed their unique cowboy-bridal look with a near-rose suit jacket from JC Penny, and of course a cowboy hat and impressive belt buckle. The bridal party kept it sleek and simple in white shirts and dresses, with pink floral accents.

The day’s décor was peppered with dripping greenery, and naturally textured floral. Harlie’s bouquet flawlessly complements her unique gown, with its accessories of bleached greenery, feathers and the smallest petals on the biggest blooms for an even deeper “feathered” look. 

Macrame hangings bring rustic style to the venue’s walls, teepee photobooth and even to the cake. 

Deep red florals and ruffled ribbons carry the desert palette throughout the wedding design, all anchored by those richly textured greens and scattered succulents. The couple’s unique ranch-chic style was solidified with cowhide rugs and antlers anchoring the other, more traditional elements of the day’s decorating. The reception also featured matching game and activity tables, keeping everyone from grandpa to the youngest niece or nephew entertained for the whole party.

THE MENU

Copper Grill Catering brought the autumn favorites in full swing, with a variety of hearty appetizers and small bites and a fully-stocked pie bar. Other crowd favorites included spice cake donuts, a whole palette of jams and apple cider slushies to wash it all down. 

The wedding cake (created by Sky Smith of Pomelo Cakes) was a simple vanilla cake, with coconut and cookie butter fillings.

“Cutting the cake was pretty funny,” Harlie shares. “We both got each other real good with our cake slices!” 

THE PARTY 

Of course dancing was involved in the big day, since it was what brought the happy couple together. Harlie and Tanner had their first dance and husband and wife to “Dance With Me” by Morgan Evans and Kelsie Ballerini.

“Since dancing was kind of how it all started we really tried to get everyone involved in enjoying ending the night in how all this came to be. ”

Harlie & Tanner took a twist on tradition with their pre-dance-party activity: the bouquet/garter toss. Traditionally, we all know who throws what: these lovebirds decided to mix it up! Harlie slingshotted the garter (that she pulled from Tanner’s leg) and Tanner tossed the florals into a sea of eager groomsmen. Two of Harlie’s young cousins caught the items, making a fun and laughable memory for everyone in attendance! 

“Seriously, the most perfect day, in my book. I will forever cherish the moments and pictures that I received from our wedding day. There is nothing we would change about this day. Everything turned out exactly how we wanted it!” 

See more of Harlie and Tanner’s perfect day:

Suit coat is from JCPenny 


VENDORS

Photography: Mila by Makaily | @milabymakaily
Gown: J. Noelle Designs | @jnoelle.design
Suit: J.C. Penny | @jcpenney
Floral: MDG Floral | @myfloralhobby
Cake: Pomelo Cakes | @pomelo.cakes
Venue: White Shanty | @whiteshantyvenue
MUA: Katie Livingston | @katielivingston1
Couple: @T_crooked_e @harliem
Photobooth: @teepee_photo_booth
Catering: Copper Grill Catering

Real Wedding: Old-School Meets Whimsical Wedding at Castle Park

A Utah Valley florist designs her own wedding with a whimsical take on old-world classics. 

Jenessa & Parker

April 20, 2019

Provo City Center Temple & Castle Park Events

THE COUPLE

Parker pulled out all the Prince Charming stops when it came to proposing to Jenessa, his girlfriend of seven months. He arranged in secret with the bride-to-be’s best friend to gift the pair false tickets to The Nutcracker, but when he came to pick her up from her job at Springville Museum of Art (also the location of their first date at a service event), it became clear that Parker had an entirely different plan in mind. A friend handed Jenessa a letter as she headed out of her office, and she immediately knew something was up. The letter led her on a little tour of the museum, where all the galleries were lit up with candles, small gifts and love notes detailing all of Parker’s favorite moments in their relationship. In the final gallery, she found Parker on one knee. She said yes!

They had a relatively quick engagement, because Parker’s sister, who plays professional soccer, was only going to be in town a few weeks out of the year, and the couple wanted to be sure everyone they loved could be involved.

THE WEDDING

Jenessa and Parker were sealed in the Provo City Center Temple, on April 20, and had a ring ceremony and reception at The Lower Ballroom at Castle Park. “The venue had the amenities I wanted, but also a little bit of visual interest with the stone floors and arched ceilings that we could work with creatively. I had a vision for having crawling vines and the columns and backdrop at the venue provided the perfect canvas to bring that vision to life

Jenessa is a masterful florist (and co-owner of Bloom Girls Floral based in Provo), so naturally the floral palette came first and foremost in the wedding plans. She owns the company with a friend from the Museum world, and they specialize in luxurious, spunky arrangements.

“Inspired by the Dutch floral paintings of Art History, we are drawn to whimsical, lush, and spontaneous arrangements. You know those gorgeous moody blooms from 17th Century art? Our work draws from those bold and luxurious combinations, but we aim to add a fresh and modern twist to the classics.”

She went with a fresh and bright palette driven by coral hues (hello, Pantone color of the year!).

“It is so cliché, but coral was a driving color because of my love for Juliet garden roses and Clooney ranunculus,” says Jenessa. The bride used her favorite blooms, teamed with luscious, clean cut greenery and a singular, romantic style to create an event packed to the edges with natural beauty and what Jenessa calls “old world Italian influence.”

THE MENU

Marvellous Catering brought the class with a menu full of finger foods both sweet and savory: prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, tomato-basil soup shots with grilled cheese sliders, Italian wedding cookies and strawberry-balsamic panna cotta featured among the favorite dishes.

The bride’s cousin, Janell Peay, provided an eye-popping tower of a cake in three tiers. One layer was chocolate for the bride, another vanilla + lemon compote for the groom, and the final layer was a surprise, waiting for the couple to sample on their first anniversary. What could it be?

Jenessa added cascading florals to the cake, for an effortlessly elegant, show-stopping display. “As a florist, I’ve placed flowers on many many cakes, but it was such a small joy to be able to decorate my own!”

 

THE CELEBRATION

After the intimate ceremonies and reception snacking, Jenessa and Parker spent their evening dancing with all of their closes family and friends. The couple’s first dance was to “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis. “It’s a beautiful duet that we felt captured our feelings for each other.” Parker is an excellent Latin dancer, so naturally the traditional first slow dance was followed by several latin numbers.

Jenessa and her father have a special bond, and both are all about appreciating the beauty in life. They shared a father-daughter dance to Rod Stewart’s “What a Wonderful World,” which proved to be one of the most special moments of the day.

Browse on to appreciate more of the beauty of Jenessa and Parker’s elegant & perfectly whimsical big day!

VENDORS

Photography: Erin Elizabeth Photography | erin.elizabethphoto
Gown: Pritchett Bridal | @pritchettbridal
Floral: Bloom Girls Floral | @bloomgirlsfloral
Ribbon: Tono &  Co | @tonoandco
HMUA: Jessie Van Buren, Liv Salons | @livsalons
Venue: Lower Ballroom, Castle Park | @castleparkweddings
Catering: Marvellous Catering | @marvellouscatering
Cake: Janell Peay |
Rings: Andrew Beesley Studio | @andrewbeesleystudio
Custom Wax Seals: Artisaire | @artisaire
Band: The Pocket Trio | @thepockettrio

2019 Top 10 Bride Favorites from Utah Bride and Groom

2019 may have been our best year yet. Packed with chic, local, bright-eyed inspiration, our online features got mounds of love from Utah’s wedding community and from you lovely brides!

To celebrate a brand new year full of pretty pictures and dream weddings, we gathered our top 10 blogs of 2019, as curated by YOU!

1. Sydney + Elliot’s Ultra-Modern Hangar Wedding

We adore a princess wedding just as much as the next girl, but nothing beats a modern, contemporary wedding feel, especially when it is as spectacularly executed as this one-of-a-kind wedding in a private airplane hangar. Can you picture a more perfect modern celebration? 

More of Sydney + Elliot’ epic details here. 

Photography: Braden Young | @littlebrades
Florist: Pam Roberts
Gown: Vera Wang | @verawanggang
Groom’s Suit: Balenciaga | @balenciaga
Groom’s Accessories: Tommaso Cardullo | @tomassocardullo
Invitations, Signage: Color Quick Printing, Provo | @colorquickprinting

2. Snowboard Bridals at Snowbird Resort

Ruby and John are the definition of “mountain folk.”

No, really: The couple was engaged at the top of Purgatory Mountain in Durango, CO, and two weeks later decided to elope to that very spot. Every year, they take a family trip to the peaks of Utah to bond over their favorite hobby: snowboarding.  This past March, they took their annual winter getaway at Snowbird Ski Resort, and sent it. 

See the most fun, classy and carefree vow renewal in the resort’s stunning event spaces here!

Suits: ASOS | @asos
HMUA: Ann Tran, Houston | @anntran

3. Classic Daydream: Timeless Bridal Inspiration

Taylor Swift’s “Style” gets stuck in our heads every single time we view this gallery, because a timeless bridal silhouette never ever goes out of style, in our book!

This bride went for a much more traditional beauty look: cute-as-a-button natural glow, and an eyeshadow with just a touch of drama. Perfectly suited to her wildflower-orange bouquet, no? Put it all together, and you get the ultimate set of classic bridal statements.

Photo: Megan Robinson | @meganrobinsonphoto
Floral: Fox Glove Flowers | @foxgloveutah
Makeup: Anya Makeup | @anyabz
Gown: Off White Bridal | @offwhitebride
Scans: Find Lab | @thefindlab

4. Winter Florals Wonderland

Raise your hand if your Christmas decorations are still up, and it’s January! (Guilty as charged).

Let me guess:  you have the hardest time letting go of the holidays every year. Same! So, we’re trying to keep the cheer in this chilly winter weather with this festive bridal shoot by Jackie Siggard photography.

The best way to chase away the blues in the winter, in our opinion, is to add a pop of color to your day. Whether it be a fancy cake (this one by Madeline Richardson), a bold lip (see Sarah Hicken’s deep palette) or an all-out crimson bouquet like this one by Emily White at Pear Blossom, the grey will be gone for good once those bright hues arrive on scene.

Photographer: Jackie Siggard Photo + Video | @jackiesiggardphotovideo
Location : D & E Beck Christmas Tree Farm | @beckchristmastrees
Flowers : Emily White | @emily_pearblossom
Models : Ryan & Tia Moe | @ryanallenmoe | @tiarosephoto
Dress/Veil : Elizabeth Cooper Design | @elizabethcooperdesign 
Hair : Amy van Biljon | @amyupdodesign
Makeup:  Sarah Hicken Artistry | @sarahhickenartistry
Invitation Suite: Katie Blakeley Creative Studios | @katieblakeleyphoto.design
Cake : Madeline Richardson | @cakebymadeline

5. Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch: 2019 Fashion Feature

It’s no wonder explorers have a love affair with the mountain west.

As we say goodbye to the 2019 issue, take a final stroll through the defining feature of this UBG era: the fashion feature. Utah seduces outdoor romantics with its easy breezes, mountain sunshine and majestic wildlife. But it takes a strong-willed adventurer to really conquer the rough habitat. Need tips on how to win over the West? We say, hats off—or in this case on—to prairie-inspired fashion and unfussy beauty.

 

Photography: Heather Nan
Styling: Erica Kopp, Stay Co.
Locale: River Bottom Ranch, Midway
Makeup: Kristen Packard
Hair: Kali Wengreen
Models: Kennedy Shaver, Hailey Beth, McCarty’s Talent Agency

6. To Simpler Times

 

 

Photographer Chelsea Shattuck works with a team of free-spirited wedding pros to create this boho-chic inspiration shoot, to help every hippie in love with planning for her perfect, playful wedding day.

Van: Photoboothbus | @photoboothbus
Furniture: Evergreen and Ivy Rentals | @ei_rentals 
Gown: Something Borrowed Bridals | @somethingborrowedbridals
HMUA: Marisa Rose | @marisarosemph 
Cake: Crystal Smith | @the_crystal_cupcakery
Floral Cookies: Loria Stern | @loriastern
Ring Box: Beloved Fine Jewels | @belovedfinejewels
Models:  Ruby Ann and Sterling  | @rubyann.ect and @ssmusic21
Photography/Planning: Chelsea Captures | @chelsea.ariane.photo

7. Jared & Eden’s Classic French Blue Wedding

Simple, classic and elegant – all perfectly describe this day of love and romance.French blue wedding

With a fresh, modern take on a traditional style, this backyard bash combined outdoor florals with detailed French décor to create the perfect summer wedding. These images got so much love on our Instagram and Pinterest accounts, it was unreal! But we can’t say we blame you – look at those details!  French blue wedding

French blue wedding

French blue wedding

French blue wedding

French blue wedding

Gown: Customized and created personally by Amber Pratt at ALP Bridal | @ALPbridalsalon
Photo: Jordynn Christensen | @jordybphoto
Floral: Aleesha Emery | @alittleflowerfloraldesign

8. How To: Plan an Unforgettable Gal-Pal Party

Editor-turned-stylist Tessa Woolf has been a long-time fixture of the Utah wedding scene since 2006 when she started as an editorial intern for Utah Bride & Groom magazine.

 Woolf harnesses a zeal for style, travel, writing and rosé. After years of scribing other people’s wedding stories, she is now penning her own love story. But before she said “I do,” her tribe of creative friends (Mara Marian of Fuse Events, Decoration Inc.’s Amanda Hansen and Blended Table’s Emery Lortscher) threw her a bridal brunch that was purely Tessa. 

Photos: Elisha Braithwaite
Event Design: Fuse Weddings & Events
Floral: Decoration, Inc.
Catering: The Blended Table

9. Feminine Details: Summer Wedding at Red Cliffs Ranch

A summer destination wedding at Red Cliff Ranch in Heber, Utah shows just how magical a pop of colorful delicate details can be.

Jamie and Zach met as college athletes at the University of Utah, Zach on the baseball team and Jamie as a gymnast. They dated for 8 years, traveling, surviving a year of long distance and finally buying a condo together! When they moved in, Zach decided it was time to make a big move. He proposed at their new house, and the rest is history! Browse every last detail of their gorgeous, bright summer wedding here!  Photography: Ashley DeHart | @ashleydehartphotography
Florist: Five Penny Floral | @fivepennyfloral
Bridesmaids Attire: Socialite | @socialiteclothing
Venue: Red Cliff Ranch
Lighting:  Moonlight Utah | @moonlightutah

10. Real Wedding: Ashley & Staley

Ashley and Staley Havili met on Bumble and it was love at first click. After 18 months of chatting and dating, they were engaged! The proposal was sweet and simple: After spending the day at Sundance, Staley popped the question on the Alpine Loop.  Three months later – on September 15, 2018 – they were married in the Salt Lake Temple!

Gown/Veil: Anne Barge Designs at Alta Moda Bridal

Groom’s suit: H.M. Cole

Floral/Decor: Every Blooming Thing

Photography: Travis J Photography

Planning Assistance: www.littlebirdeventsbyabh.com

Venue: The Grand America Hotel

Cake: Posies for You

 

Thanks for tuning into our top stories from last year! Subscribe to our ENewsletter for more inspiration throughout 2020:

Welcome to the ’20s: Art Deco Inspired Bridal Fashion

Welcome to 2020! Utah vendors bring 1920’s fashion to 2020 weddings with timeless style and modern accents. 
Photographer Megan McDonald has always loved anything to do with the Flapper Era: the fringed and sparkling fashion, the luxurious parties, and the sheer elegance of it all. “As a photographer, I wanted to use this session to celebrate our modernized version of the 20’s, 100 years later.” 
Models Dani and Walker ring in the new year in impressive retro-inspired getup. This sparkle-infused sheath dress from Mary’s Bridal is equal parts flapper-chic and aisle-ready-bride, with the perfect touch of art-deco lines (perfectly matched to an incredibly iced cake by VENDOR)  edging the breathtaking train. Walker puts a clean, modern spin on a mobster-classic look with an all-black sleek suit and a chic skinny tie. 
Dani’s sweeping hairstyle and deep-hued makeup look round out the perfect Golden Era bridal look.
Ready to bring this high fashion back for the new decade? Scroll on for more timeless ’20s inspiration:

VENDORS

The Modern Bride’s Dream Shoot at The Oculus, NYC

Leave those princess ballgowns and soft lines behind: this session is for the bold and modern bride. 

When most think of a bridal “look,” they think of European-inspired flowing gowns, soft pink florals and sweeping updos. Not anymore. Photographer Michael Cozzens and Stylist Britt Warnick teamed up on this shoot to create something different.

“By playing with stark contrast, we were able to achieve a modern and contemporary but still luxurious look.”

Utah Wedding Photography Salt Lake City

Warnick selected a sleek and angular gown from The One Bridal in New York City, to encapsulate a contemporary flair that comes with modern design territory. The negative space of the cutouts mirrored the sharp edges of the Oculus architecture framing the model.

And forget the blonde updos and blushing makeup. For this look, Allie Laree Beauty took natural beauty at a whole new face value: periwinkle petals adorn the model’s braids (aligned in spectacular rows full of sparkle, the perfect inspiration for the natural-haired fiancée), eyelashes and fingertips alongside minamalist-mesmerizing Vanessa Lianne rings and As One Weds bracelets for a bold, stunning array of colors to contrast the whites of both the gown and the backdrops.
Scroll on for more epic inspiration!

VENDORS:

Real Wedding: Alexa & Jared’s Classic Palette, Sleepy Ridge Weddings

Two adventurous families come together from around the globe for a classic, simply elegant celebration at Sleepy Ridge Wedding venue. 

THE COUPLE

Adventure-lovers Jared and Alexa met at a birthday celebration, and immediately hit it off. The pair were inseparable for 11 months, until Jared finally decided to make things ring-official. He proposed after a frolicking mountain adventure (of course) at a lookout point with a gorgeous ring and a box of Alexa’s favorite cookies. Who could ask for a more perfect afternoon? 

THE WEDDING 

After a four-month engagement, the two were married in the Draper, Utah temple on October 4, 2019 by Jared’s grandfather, who flew in from Australia for the occasion. The wedding brought family and friends together from Australia and Boston, as well! After the ceremony and photoshoots showing off the day’s elegant rose and sage green palette, the party headed to Sleepy Ridge in Orem for a reception. 

Alexa arrived in a form-hugging lace gown from Sweetheart Bridal, featuring a satin-shine and voluminous trumpet skirt, while Jared wore a clean-cut Peter Jackson suit, vintage-esque vest and a sage green necktie. The bridal party contributed to the color scheme with gowns and ties in a rainbow of green shades, rose florals in tow. 

Among the lush greenery, flowing willows and intricately hung tea lights at Sleepy Ridge, the couple celebrated with an equally elegant reception. Delicate florals and glittering candlelight added simple beauty to the décor, and the flow of family and friends made for the party of a lifetime as Alexa and Jared danced the night away and frolicked in the venue’s stunning, hilly grounds.

THE MENU 

Jared + Alexa chose Roll Up Crepes to cater their big day, with three different flavors both sweet and savory. Guests also snacked on cheese and crackers, sipped refreshing mango lemonade and indulged in the luxurious vanilla bean wedding cake.

Scroll on for every breathtaking detail of Alexa + Jared’s big day, from the temple walks to the sparkler sendoff! 

VENDORS

Photographer: Quincy Lee | @quincyleephotography
Gown: Sweetheart Bridal | @sweetheartbridal
Venue: Sleepy Ridge Weddings, Orem | @sleepyridgeweddings
Floral: M. Floral Co. | @m.floral
Catering: Roll Up Crepes | @rollupcrepes
Photobooth: Utah Jive | @utahjive
Videographer: Captured by Court | @capturedbycourt

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