Salt Lake’s Most Chic Small Venues

November 20, 2019

Frustrated with trying to find an intimate spot for hosting a rehearsal dinner or bridal luncheon? Make like Maklemore and head downtown. Is a hip, industrial space with food options a’plenty your thing? Or do you prefer a funky restaurant with a popular five-star menu? Either way, Mara Marian of Fuse Weddings & Events reveals her top go-to petite party rooms.

Best All-White Historical Gem

Ember SLC, 623 State St., SLC, emberslc.com “Ember is a cool space that could work for a small group of around 30 people,” Marian says. Ember SLC features exposed brick, raw wood beams, a vaulted ceiling and spiral staircase. The 3,700 square foot space inhabits a 100-year-old building, but its high-gloss white walls provide a clean backdrop wide open for modern-day interpretation.

Favorite No-Nonsense Locale

Blended Table, 925 Jefferson Street West, SLC, theblendedtable.com What this light-filled concrete space lacks in frilly furnishings and overstuffed whatnot, it makes up for in bountiful buffets and artful food concoctions. Here, the focus is on the slow-food and just-like-family service, which makes sense considering it’s run by a long-time catering favorite, Blended Table. “It’s a new, cool event space in the Central Ninth neighborhood that would work for any small group.”

Best Modern-Farmhouse Vibe

Tasting Room, 357 W. 200 South #100, SLC, tastingroomslc.com If you know Culinary Crafts’ recently-retired founder Mary Crafts-Homer, you know that in addition to cherishing quality cuisine and exceptional service, she’s an avid outdoorswoman. Fortunately for the downtown scene, the ranch-gal-at-heart and her team offer the same farm-fresh, hearty menu options at this urban venue that they serve elsewhere, from Park City to Provo. Plus, Tasting Room is set inside a downtown loft flaunting exposed brick and hardwood floors. “Tasting Room also works well for closer to 30 guests,” Marian says.

Best Big-City Space

Stanza, 454 E. 300 South, SLC, stanzaslc.com If upscale and metropolitan gets you excited, consider Stanza. Walls of windows call out to guests, “Get inside!” And with a reputable menu—think tapas, pasta, duck and veal—this Italian wine bar is all about a fine dining experience. Here’s another Central City gem offering a cozy private room for 30 seated, and it boasts its own built-in bar. For a larger guest list, the upstairs Mezzanine seats 80 diners and has AV and two big-screen TVs.

Best Neighborhood Joint

Provisions, 3364 S. 2300 East, SLC, slcprovisions.com Tucked into Salt Lake’s Millcreek neighborhood, Provisions serves locally-sourced, in-season, organic cuisine. ”Provisions has this really fun orange floral wallpaper that makes the restaurant really bright and cheery,” Marian says. “They have a small private room with the same wallpaper and really cute windows that allow a lot of natural light inside. It’s a great private space for smaller gatherings of up to a couple dozen guests.”

Best Urban Patio

Current Fish & Oyster, 279 E. 300 South, SLC, currentfishandoyster.com What better way to celebrate love and adoration than dining on everyone’s favorite aphrodisiac: oysters. “Current has a very large patio that would be perfect for a larger group of 50-or-so and also a private space upstairs space inside the restaurant that can also accommodate a large group,” Marian explains. With its downtown locale and subtly-nautical historical renovation, one might think they’re in a hip coastal town like Annapolis, Maryland or Camden, Maine.

We Asked.
You Answered.

One thing we know for certain: Our readers get around. Naturally, we headed to our Instagram (@utahbridemag) friends and asked: What are your favorite small-party venues?

“Table X and Market Street at Cottonwood’s patio.” —Sarah Lyman

“The Grand America Lobby is fun for an afternoon tea.” —Amanda Hansen, Decorations Inc.

“One of my favorite spots is the grape-shaded patio at Harbor.” —Janette Eriksen, Salt Lake magazine

“I love Veneto’s outdoor patio or dining room.” —Heidi Ingham, Berkshire Hathaway

“Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House has a private room behind the balcony that is great.” —Juan Guitierrez-Naim, Estilo Salon

“My favorites are Finca, Trio at Cottonwood and Bambara.” —Nora Peterson

Midway Mystic: Tayler + Zach’s Midway, Utah Elopement

November 18, 2019

A surprise love for an AirBnb property sparked a stunning, simple, greenery-backed bohemian elopement for carefree lovebirds Tayler + Zach.

THE COUPLE

Zach and Tayler got together in what they like to call a “Cinderella Story for Millenials.” They were originally introduced by mutual friends at a bonfire. They didn’t get a chance to exchange numbers that night, but luckily Tayler was able to do some social media sleuthing and find Zach. After she followed him, he slid into her DM’s and the two have been, as they say, attached at the hip ever since. Thanks, Instagram glass slipper!

The couple dated nearly three yeas before getting eng

aged, and decided to seal the deal on their three-year anniversary on the dot.

Zach proposed three weeks before the big day on a drive up to Snow Basin, on a gorgeous scenic overlook. He surprised Tayler by having one of their best friends there to capture the big moment.

THE WEDDING

Tayler and Zach booked an AirBnb in Midway for the wedding day, with the plan to hike to find a ceremony/elopement location. But when the party arrived, they fell in love with the property the lodging was on, and the host was kind enough to let the couple share their vows on-site.

The property offered countless picturesque locations, but Tayler and Zach picked an ivy-covered side building as the backdrop for their intimate ceremony. A close friend of the couple, Nathan Layton, officiated the ring ceremony in front of the parents of the bride + groom.

“[Nathan] knows us both very well, and has seen our relationship grow from the very beginning,” Tayler said of the close-knit ceremony.

Knowing she wouldn’t have much time to find a gown, Tayler decided to make her own wedding attire with the help of a talented friend: Natalie Workman of Natalie Wynn Design.

With the rushed timeframe, they chose a simple but extremely elegant bohemian design with a tight bodice and gorgeous cascading sleeves. Tayler gave it the flawlessly-fitting description of being full of “Stevie Nicks Vibes.” She topped off her bridal look with a long-stemmed craft flower bouquet arranged by her mother.

With the help of Tory Lynn Photography, this special day turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate the forever union of two best-friends-turned-lovers. Tayler and Zach’s fun-loving and carefree love is evident in each and every shot, making for a delightful, whimsical and breathtakingly beautiful elopement.

Scroll on through for more stunning photos, and don’t be ashamed if you shed a few happy tears. We certainly did!

VENDORS:

Photos: Tory Lynn Photography | @tlphotoart

Gown: Natalie Wynn Design | @nataliewynndesign

Location: Midway, Utah.

Real Weddings: Kenzie + Greg’s Cozy Knot + Pine Wedding

November 14, 2019

After a little over a year of long-distance dating, Kenzie and Greg celebrate their unbreakable love in a cozy, intimate ceremony at Knot & Pine’s perfect barn venue.

THE COUPLE

These lovebirds met through a mutual friend, and dated online and over the phone for a while before finally meeting up in person. They dated long distance for ten months, at which point Greg surprised Kenzie with a visit, and proposed on one of their favorite walks. Kenzie said yes!

THE WEDDING

Six months later, on October 4, 2019, they tied the knot with a beautifully rustic wedding at Knot & Pine. Video captured by David Whitaker.

Neither Kenzie nor Greg wanted a big wedding, and with the barn venue, they achieved the intimacy they hoped for, while still celebrating in a gorgeous venue with natural wood settings and towering ceilings and windows. Kenzie selected a rustic fall palette of olive and burgundy, with gold accents and black backdrops, adding depth and charm to the rustic mood of the celebration.

Kenzie walked down the aisle in a glittering sheath gown from David’s Bridal that glittered magnificently in the venue’s abundant natural light, and said “I Do” while backed by a custom arch hand built by her groom for the big day. The couple were flanked by a small and sweet bridal party with Kenzie’s sister and two of Greg’s best friends: one as the Best Man, and the other as the wedding’s officiant.

“It was so magical to witness Greg seeing Kenzie in her dress for the first time. You couldn’t help but tear up as he grinned from ear to ear and held back tears of his own,” said photographer Erin Shields. “They wrote beautiful vows to one another, even joking about adding more dogs to their family. Kenzie and Greg are a beautiful couple, and I am honored to have captured the love they have for one another on their perfect day!”

THE PARTY

After the vows were complete and Greg had kissed his bride, the guests congregated in the barn for a menu packed with all of the couple’s favorite foods. Kenzie describes herself as “a sucker” for crèpes, so the main dish was a crépe bar filled with sweet and savory options. Greg apparently has a bit of a sweet tooth, so naturally the cuisine included a robust dessert bar as well. All of the food was provided by Kenzie’s aunt, a caterer and chef. The couple also served a lemon wedding cake, baked and decorated by Kenzie’s grandmother.

After dinner, the couple danced the night away with their closest friends and family, in celebration of their brand new union. Both parties love oldies music, so they curated a playlist of songs from the 50’s through the 1990s, and had their first dance to The Beatles’ “In My Life.”

Photographer Erin Shields says that capturing the dancing was her favorite part of the evening: “One of my favorite moments was when “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” came over the speakers. I was trying to capture everyone dancing with their loved ones, and caught a glimpse of Kenzie and Greg slow dancing in the center of all their guests, as if noone was around them. You could feel the love they had for each other as they looked at one another – it was truly something incredible.”

VENDORS

Photographer: Erin Shields | @shields.photoandfilm
Venue: Knot & Pine | @knotandpine
Floral: Sticks and Stems Floral | @sticks.stems
Gown: David’s Bridal | @davidsbridal
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse | @menswearhouse
Rings: Kay Jewelers | @kayjewelers
Videographer: David Whitaker | @davidwhitaker_
HMUA: Riley Whitaker | @rileyanna_21 @beautybyrii
Cake: Cheri Bentley, grandmother of the bride.
Catering: Stephanie Chischillie, aunt of the bride.

Get Wild: Garden Floral Inspiration for the Big Day

November 12, 2019

From-the-garden inspiration for the big day

No one knows Utah wildflowers better than La Fleur’s Natalie Bernhisel-Robinson. Long before brides selected wedding blooms beyond roses, this floral designer and published author of “The Living Wreath” was peddling her signature style focused on fresh-from-the-mountainside blooms. What’s her secret? “I incorporate blooms and herbs from my own garden,” Robinson says. “Not only do cut native blooms last longer than others, but they also represent Utah’s natural beauty for locals and destination brides alike.”

What’s flourishing in her designs this year? Color. And lots of it. “It’s refreshing to see couples using bright hues after years of only seeing white, green and blush. I recently had a groom wearing a bright blue suit with a flamingo-colored tie. Weddings in 2019 will be brighter.”

Don’t overlook fragrance. “Every time I pin on a boutonniere with herbs, they ask, ‘What’s that scent?’” she says. Robinson recommends floral designs incorporating a variety of herbs like rosemary and lavender in the summer or blooming mint and oregano in the fall. “These are perfect for venues like Log Haven, Deer Valley’s Empire Canyon Lodge and Sundance.”

Paper with Petal Power

Even paper gets into the blooming game. The expert stationers at Tabula Rasa take their craft seriously with lines of fine invitations and thank you cards. Let loose with these petal-printed envelope liners to delight unsuspecting recipients.

Taste the Blooms

Not literally, of course. Floral designer Natalie Robinson’s love of flowers goes even deeper with her wine selections. Both bottles showcase two of Robinson’s favorite untamed blooms: sweet peas and blooming clover.

Head Gear

Looking for a head wreath that’s more glam than gardener? Go for a gilded one, like this headpiece designed by party-planner Allison Baddley of La Fête. She worked with hair and makeup artist Lesley Lind to create a wildflower look straight off Paris Fashion Week’s runway.

Hunting for more floral design inspiration? Check out all our pretty bouquets here.

Mother Nature Inspiration at River Bottoms Ranch

November 11, 2019

Enchanting details. Exquisite style. Two goddesses of brides.

This inspirational shoot was styled to catch the eye of brides that want a modern, organic look to their wedding. According to photographer Branson Maxwell, the team utilized earthy tones and muddy textures to evoke the raw, honest style of the shoot. Simple placements of earth and floral bring natural beauty to the scene in droves, welcoming our favorite lady Mother Nature into every shot. With two bridal looks to browse, this shoot can inspire natural-look-lovers on all levels.

If you’re a nature-loving bride (or even just a stylish one) wanting each element of your wedding to match flawlessly, you are going to adore this gallery of inspo. Start scrolling for celestial beauty galore!

Want a little afterparty look to match? See this project’s corresponding boudoir shoot: Coming Soon!

Loving this gallery? Browse more of Branson Maxwell Photography’s work here!

VENDORS:

Art Direction + Floral Design: Amber Reverie | @amberreverie |
Lab Sponsor: The Find Lab | @thefindlab |
Film Sponsor: Fuji Film | @fujifilm_profilm
Workshop Host: Belle Lumiere Magazine | @BelleLumiereMagazine |
Calligraphy + Paper Goods: Plume Calligraphy | @plumecalligraphy |
Ribbon & Silks: Stella Wolfe | @stellawolfeco |
HMUA: Janelle Ingram | @janelleingram |
Location: River Bottom Ranch | @riverbottomsranch |
Gowns + Veil: Emily Riggs | @emilyriggsofficial |
Ring Boxes: The Mrs Box | @the_mrs_box |
Custom Jewelry: Allie Kirk | @stil.works |
Models: Lillian Casscells w/ Niya Model, Angelica Hedegaard | @lilpillily + @niyamodels, @angelicahedegaard

How-To: Nail the Art of Minimalist Wedding Design

November 7, 2019

Gatherist’s Emmily Jones and photographer Erin Kate offer five tips for creating uncomplicated-yet-dynamic design.

After six years of hopping cities—from Stanford University in Palo Alto where they met, to Chicago and Pittsburgh where they separated for medical school, then living apart again while she spent time in Nigeria—Liese and Jordan finally couple-matched for residency at the University of Utah. After a complex courtship, the duo opted for an uncomplicated wedding at Sundance Resort. How’d they do it? Here’s the intel.

1. Complement Mother Nature

“Once we decided we wanted to get married in Utah, we knew we wanted to do it in the mountains. We wanted an outdoor ceremony, but also wanted a venue that had beautiful rustic indoor spaces so that the reception would be beautiful as well,” Liese says. “We visited several venues near Salt Lake, and as soon as we saw Sundance, we knew this was the right place for us. It was also a fitting choice because, at the end of our first date, we watched ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.’”

2. Get Personal

“I lead a very thorough initial consultation with my wedding clients that not only dives into details about their wedding, but also their personal lives. For example, I want to know how they describe each other’s personalities, how they give gifts to each other and what are their family quirks,” Gatherist’s Emmily Jones says. “Not only is this a foundation for the overall event, it gives me the ability to create a meaningful connection with my clients which I believe lends to a more personalized and well-designed wedding (and a blossoming friendship after the big day).

3. Consider Scale

Avoid the “simple” trap. “It’s a big mistake when couples go too simple and the table and setting look empty,” says photographer Erin Kate. “I absolutely love minimal, but the scale and layering with height offer so much to the decor. Emmily and Amber (Amber Reverie) placed stones under the vases and candles to create height on the reception tables. Another great example of using height is the place card table where cards were placed on different levels using lucite boxes.,” Kate explains.

4. Go Organic

“I had always wanted a small backyard wedding, and we wanted to create a classic, intimate and rustic mood that went with the beautiful setting of Sundance and that echoed that small-wedding feel,” Liese says. “Jordan loves candles, and I wanted to include lots of natural textures like farm-wood tables and informal flower arrangements, which came together to form a classy but relaxed feel. “Our floral designer, Amber Reverie, suggested the tree branches suspended above the tables, which we adored and brought the mountains inside to the reception. The custom driftwood coasters we had made as favors were also a great extension of this theme, and our guests keep telling us they love using them even a year later.”

5. Practicality is Key

It’s worth the wait. “We picked the date because it was one of first weekends available that all the parts of the venue we wanted to use would be available,” Liese says. “This meant waiting almost two years from the time we got engaged, but it also meant we could have the wedding exactly where and how we wanted. Having extra time to plan was also a bonus with two residents’ crazy clinical schedules.”

6. Practice Restraint

“One of my biggest design rules is restraint,” Jones says. “It’s a constant battle with myself. When styling or curating a concept, I like to put all the ideas on the table, literally and figuratively, and scale things back from there. A Dieter Rams’ quote I reference during the design process with my clients and in my personal work is ‘Good design is as little design as possible.'”

Vendors

Venue and catering: Sundance Resort, Sundance

Wedding Planner: The Gatherist, San Francisco, Calif.

Wedding Gown: Morilee by Madeline Gardner, available locally at The Brides’ Shop, SLC

Groom’s Attire: Tailor Cooperative, SLC

Bridesmaids: Azazie, azazie.com

Groomsmen: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com

Hair and makeup: Lesley Lind, Pleasant Grove

Florist: Amber Reverie, American Fork

Cake: Flour & Flourish, Orem

Favors: Studio Robazzo, robazzo.com

Invitations: Minted, minted.com

Videography: Ryan Hinman Films, Draper

DJ: Life of the Party, SLC

Photographs by:Erin Kate

Couple Bio

Liese Pruitt & Jordan Knox

Liese’s hometown: Wayland, Massachusetts

Jordan’s hometown: San Francisco, California

Currently reside: Salt Lake City, Utah

Wedding date: August 26

Photography by: Erin Kate

What do you do?

I am a general surgery resident at the University of Utah and am planning to become a pediatric surgeon. Jordan just finished family medicine residency at the University of Utah and is now a sports medicine fellow there.

How did you two meet?

We met as freshman at Stanford in a jazz dance class, but Jordan was too busy flirting with another girl to notice. We gradually became friends over the years, but we really hit it off senior year in anatomy class over dissecting a cadaver. We started dating six weeks before graduation from Stanford University.

How did he propose?

As part of our first vacation after moving to Utah, we took a camping trip to Arches National Park. It rained the first night and morning ruining Jordan’s plans to propose at Delicate Arch at sunrise. Luckily by afternoon, the skies cleared and Jordan proposed at the Arch at sunset.

Enjoy the View: Magnificent Bridals at Snowbasin Resort

November 4, 2019

Photographer Jessica Knudsen of JLKay Photography and a stellar bridal team come together on a shoot to celebrate Utah’s iconic landscapes at Snowbasin Resort.

Oh, how we love those misty mountains of Utah! And what makes them even prettier than some sparkle and a couple of beautiful people in love.

Sean and Ayesha, lovers from two different countries, took a bit of time to discover they were meant to be. They dated around in each other’s friend groups for two whole years before they finally realized they were destined for each other, and turned their friendship into a romantic adventure culminating in this pretty, fireworks-filled bridal session. (And we aren’t just talking about the sparklers!)

“The mountains have always inspired me, and this photoshoot was a combination of these mountains and a gorgeous, adventurous couple,” says photographer Jessica Knudsen. “We spent a good part of two hours exploring the gorgeous canyon at Snow Basin, lighting up sparklers and dancing in the moonlight. Ayesha and Sean were so amazing and were willing to trek around looking for those magic spots!”

Rich blooms in a magnificent bouquet by Cottage Garden Floral bring every eye right to the couple, and help the arrangement stand out against the lush green landscape. Wrap it all up in stunning fashions for both the groom and the bride, with flawless, timeless glam to complement the bride’s natural beauty, and you have a shoot for the ages. It’s not easy to show up Utah’s mountain views, but this team had it in the bag. Scroll on for more awe-inspiring magic!

VENDORS:

Photographer: J.L. Kay Photography | @jlkayphotography
HMUA: Natalie Wetzker, MUA | @nataliemay_mua
Florals: Cottage Garden Floral Design | @cottagegardenfloraldesign
Dress: The Bride’s Shop | @thebridesshop

Couple: Sean Smith & Ayesha Selway-Smith | @ayeshassdesign

Red Hot Gowns: Dalliance Bespoke Delivers Unique Bridal Style

October 30, 2019

Talk about a red hot look! Dalliance Bespoke’s rental-ready gowns bring boho charm to photo sessions around the state.

Photographer Stephanie Lorraine spotted this gown on Instagram, and immediately wanted to shoot it. Can you blame her?

Dalliance Bespoke offers flowy, dream-worthy gowns for rent to models, photoshoots, or even just an afternoon of gorgeousness. According to their site, “dalliance” means “a brief love affair,” but trust us, your obsession for these looks will be far from fleeting.

“The dresses [Dalliance] creates are gorgeous, with so much movement it’s UNREAL,” says Stephanie. Check out those skirt-twirls. We’re swooning!

For a spell of fall inspiration, she put together a team brimming with beauty and design expertise. Allie with Intertwined floral stepped up with a beautifully textured and perfectly-hued bouquet, that complemented every pattern on the gown flawlessly.

This look is absolutely perfect for a bride who wants something just a little bit different.

Scroll on for more crimson inspiration:

VENDORS:

Photography: Stephanie Lorraine Photography | @stephanielorrainephotography

Gown: Dalliance Bespoke | @dalliancebespoke

Floral: Intertwined Floral | @intertwinedfloral

Model/HMUA: Vanessa P. | @everydayglamourhood

Real Weddings: Celebrating Fall Colors at Canyons Resort

October 29, 2019

Linnea Gies & Chas Goodman

Red Pine Lodge, Canyons Park City

September 9

Photographs by Grey Giraffe

This Park City wedding doesn’t look like the others. The couple -with help from Hoopes Event- used rugs, florals and risotto to bring in all of the vibrant, late-summer colors they loved.

THE COUPLE

“We met tandem skydiving. No, just kidding,” jokes bride Linnea, who actually met her hubby Chas at Lincoln Tavern in South Boston. “I was doing a goofy dance at the bar with some friends. Chas walked over and said ‘Hi,’ mostly making fun of me. We talked for a few minutes, mostly about food, which I love.” Three years later, Chas proposed to Linnea at her family’s lake house in Wilson, New York on Memorial Day weekend surrounded by 20 family members. Linnea’s father, whom Chas asked to help with the proposal, secretly prepped the Champagne while Linnea’s mother, also in-the-know, gathered everyone on the beach for a group photo. Or tried. “I initially declined the picture invitation. After some coaxing and nearly giving Chas a heart attack, I agreed to the picture. As he revealed the ring, my response was ‘what are you doing?’ He popped the question, tears of joy followed and to this day, it’s still unclear if I actually ever said yes.”

THE WEDDING

Hiking and golf outings in Park City kicked off the weekend, followed by a Friday-night rehearsal dinner on The Bridge Cafe & Grill’s outdoor patio. “We followed this by walking to our favorite Park City bar, The Cabin, to hang with our two favorite bartenders, Sasquatch and Yeti,” Linnea says. Throughout the weekend, guests enjoyed pool time, massages and downtime at The Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort. “Chas and I, along with my mom, the second in-command, made sure our guests’ commute was easy, the food was good for everyone and the party would go as long as it could.”

THE MOOD

The Red Pine Gondola carried guests at high-speed up to Red Pine Lodge (elevation: 8,000 feet) from Park City’s Canyons Resort Village. For decor, the couple chose a vibrant, late summer palette, including gold, bronze and copper details. “There were certain things I knew I wanted: tons of colorful flowers and an aisle made up of vibrant rugs,” Linnea says.

“I wanted people to come to the wedding, and not only get the vibe and majesty of Park City in September, but also to feel like, ‘Damn, this is so Linnea and Chas!’ And people did.”

THE CUISINE

“Dinner was unique in that we did family style with a twist,” Linnea explains. “We wanted dinner to move quickly and still offer lots of options.” Chefs plated three entrees separately on large platters—for example, salmon, risotto, tomatoes together—for guests to enjoy a little from each entrée. “I love trying a little of everything, and I love eating. Chas’ family used to never order appetizers, but today they look at me every time we sit at a restaurant and say, ‘Okay, Linnea, order the apps.’ Chas and I loved everything we tried during our tasting and thought, why not do a little of everything?”

THE TUNES

Chas and Linnea couldn’t wait to get on the dance floor. “Dancing was the focal point of the night,” Linnea says. “Our band Changing Lanes crushed it.” The band kept guests on the outside dance floor below the September stars. “The cool air was refreshing as people danced the night away. And those who didn’t want to dance hung around the fire pits and made s’mores or smoked cigars.”