Jordan and Mike’s introduction almost didn’t happen. Mike was at an event with a friend that he nearly skipped–but something internal tugged at him, urging him to go. To this day, he thinks that something was telling him he was supposed to be there. When he saw Jordan, he darted over to her–at first sight. They hit it off, got each other phone numbers, and even put her contact name in his phone as “Future Wife.”
That voice inside him urging to got that Park City event? It was right–it led him to his future wife.
But it led him to more than just that. Meeting Jordan and falling in love with her meant falling in love with her two children–and that was a piece of the puzzle that Mike was missing. Mike had always wanted to be a dad. From the start, he’s had that hands-on, fun-uncle kind of relationship with all of his nieces and nephews.
Jordan admits she didn’t expect to fall in love when she met Mike–especially with two young kids. So when she met Mike, and he jumped into the role, she realized he wasn’t just open to embracing this family; he was immediately over the moon to become part of it.
After about a year of dating, the couple knew they wanted to take this next step. Assisted by his sister, Mike put together a sentimental memory book as a gift to Jordan, and when she got to the final page she found The Question. She said yes!
THE WEDDING
Jordan and Mike’s wedding day at La Caille in Sandy, Utah, was planned with a specific goal in mind–to mirror the magical feeling of their love story. Both Jordan and Mike wanted a day that was sophisticated but fun, dazzling but down to earth, and surprising in the best ways.
With the help of their wedding planner, Irene + CO Events, they thoughtfully included vendors that would make the day feel sophisticated and seamless–like stunning florals laced into the decor and design landscape. Rich maroon and beige florals adorned every surface from altar to elegant round tables, and deep red accents added drama and sophistication to the decor.
Their photographer (a close family friend) and videographer captured their day in a documentary style, letting moments unfold as they happen and gracefully sharing the best and most candid parts of their day.
Both are from close families, and they each felt it was important to integrate their loved ones into their day–from Mike’s brother officiating to including the kids front and center during the ceremony.
As elegant and sophisticated as the day was, both Jordan and Mike wanted their day to feel fun and vibrant, too. With one-of-a-kind vendors, they brought a little extra pizzazz to their day. One of their vendors was a live painter, set up at the reception so guests could watch her recreate their first kiss moment on canvas.
Another was a content creator hired to capture the in-between and fun moments of the entire day–the candids, the cute kisses, the little seconds here and there that would otherwise be lost in time.
Jordan and Mike prioritized their idea of fun, love, and celebration on their day and seamlessly blended iconic vendors with spontaneous and trendy providers–all while focusing on their love story, their families, and their idea of a perfect day.
After the wedding, they embarked on an adventurous Hawaii “family-moon,” for some much enjoyed bonding time as a new family.
Capitalizing on the enviable summer weather abroad, a team of Utah wedding pros captures wedding elegance in Venice, Italy.
“As experienced photographers working primarily in Utah and across the U.S., we’ve built strong portfolios,” says Sadie Hawkins, photographer on this project. “But we wanted to expand our work internationally to inspire brides and show that a dream wedding abroad is not only possible but can be breathtakingly beautiful.”
Planning a destination wedding or elopement can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right team and connections, it becomes an achievable and unforgettable experience. As proof, nearly all vendors for this styled shoot were Utah-based, and worked closely to bring their vision of a romantic Venetian celebration to life.
“Our goal was to create a shoot that felt both enchanting and attainable, showcasing the city’s iconic gondolas and picturesque streets.”
Using models and makeup based in Venice, the photographers partnered with ALP Bridal in Springville, Utah design a custom couture wedding gown, full of flowing frills to match the elaborate facades of the Italian streets. Exquisite rings from Forge Jewelry Works in Provo made the journey as well, joined by a stunning bespoke invitation suite to further capture the aesthetic.
“This experience reaffirmed our belief that with the right team, a destination wedding can be as magical and effortless as you’ve always imagined,” Hawkins says.
KATIE & BRIAN February 24 Pendry Park City Planning & Design by Fuse Weddings and Events Photographs by Heather Nan
THE COUPLE
Soon after moving to Utah with her son, Katie met Brian on a dating app. After a few years of phone calls, first dates and falling in love, Katie was headed to Brian’s house for a relaxed evening of comfort and Thai food. To her surprise, she arrived to find Brian on one knee in the kitchen, playing their favorite George Strait song as he popped the question.
THE WEDDING
“The Pendry is totally cool and totally us,” says Katie of their venue. “A little minimalist, a little fancy and a lot of fun.” For their ceremony, glistening gold chairs lined Pendry’s modern ballroom, leading to a fireplace altar flanked by cascading white florals for an elegant, contemporary look. The modern minimal design continued onto candlelit, gold-edged reception tables, each with towering table arrangements dripping with orchids. Custom draping and chandeliers transformed the ballroom into an exquisite reception space.
Accompanied by her father, Katie walked down the aisle in a strapless Kelly Faetanini gown, featuring sheer back paneling and buttons from shoulder to hem. Her accessories flawlessly customized her bridal ensemble, including a pearl-lined veil, matching Jimmy Choo platforms and edgy mismatched Swarovski and pearl earrings.
At the end of the aisle, Brian waited in a sleek navy-and-black Hugo Boss suit. Brian’s daughter Paris and Katie’s son Blake acted as ring bearers when the time came, symbolizing the creation of their new family.
THE PARTY
At the reception, guests enjoyed a dinner of beef tenderloin and salmon, with fresh salad and gold-leaf macarons bookending the main course. After the ceremony, Katie changed into a gold-and-pearl-dusted mini dress by Alice + Olivia, while the bar dished out “McCoy Mules,” and Maryland-based DJ WHITE spun music effortlessly for the dance floor.
The couple performed their first dance to the same tune that accompanied their engagement: “Give It All We Got Tonight” by George Strait. Katie danced with her father to Alan Jackson’s “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” and all mothers and sons in attendance joined for a dance to “Thought You Should Know” by Morgan Wallen.
THE HONEYMOON
After the ski vacation festivities, the happy couple embarked on a honeymoon to Aruba. “We are already planning a trip back!”
To foster a totally unique wedding experience, Irene + Co Events encourages couples to infuse their personal love stories into every moment.
Weddings and their designs alike are becoming increasingly more intentional these days, and Utah’s top-notch pros are celebrating. Setting the scene at The Blake in Provo, Utah, wedding planner Irene Katzias imagines a couple’s perfectly personalized big day.
TELL YOUR STORY
Was your first date a coffee-and-macarons meetup? Present each guest with a macaron at their place setting. Did you have your engagements taken among the spring cherry blossoms? Allow that vignette to inspire your invitation suite, like this pretty-in-pink paper set by Polite Paper, which establishes a delicate floral theme echoed on the wedding-day table.
“I wanted to show couples how they can infuse their own character into every element of their day,” says Katzias. “When you put a little more detail into the design, it keeps guests more engaged. Rather than seeing the day as just an event, your wedding becomes a representation of your love story that they are invited into.”
In the case of this fantasy bride, Irene and the vendor team leaned into a contemporary garden-girl daydream, encapsulating the personality of a feminine, nature-loving gal.
MODERN FEMININITY
It all began with a vibrant palette of pastels—lavender, blush and pale blue—which floral designer Brontë Baird transformed into a glorious garden landscape.
A teardrop-shaped floral arch serves as a backdrop for the couple’s ceremony, reception, welcome and beyond. At the table, cascading petals and a whimsical rose chandelier bring the garden setting to life. Instead of the ever-popular minimal white cake, this team pushed for full-on femininity with a decadent monogrammed confection, all wrapped in an elegant bow.
Two fun-loving gowns from Boda Bridal clad this girl’s girl bride. The first is a rose-colored vision of modern romance. A tradition-bucking lace bralette teams with butterfly applique atop a multitude of tulle, creating a statement-making bridal ensemble.
“I didn’t think this bride would actually wear white,” Katzias said. “When I came across this gown, I knew it was her.”
For the fun-filled reception, she changes to floral-decked, flouncing mini dress for dancing and drinks. Both looks are accented with charm-packed shoes by She is Cheval, neither skimping on extra bling.
IMMERSE YOUR GUESTS
“I’m loving the shift toward personality and intention in wedding plans lately,” Katzias gushes, adding that intentionality only enhances the guest experience.
Speaking of reception fun, consider your bar experience. First and foremost, signature cocktails are another intuitive way to bring your own unique dynamic to your wedding activities. How do they look? What flavors resonate with you?
Here, organic accents complement both the flavor of the drinks, as well as the nature-loving vibe of this imagined bride. Similarly, the architectural structure of the bar, with green siding pulling the darker tones of the floral design, speaks to a masculine moment any groom can embrace.
Let your own interests and loves guide you to plan an enticingly personalized menu. Maybe even bring your pet into the mix with a drink tribute. At the end of the night, let that personality run wild. Let a DJ like Russ Powell bring the energy with a customizable playlist and cold sparks on the dance floor to ensure a killer after party on your special day.
A new venture by the Crafts family brings unique space and service to downtown Salt Lake City.
The historic space at 357 West 200 South got a fresh coat of paint and some new brilliant clients over the holidays. Now reopened as The Tasting Room, the unique wine bar offers a one-of-a-kind wining and dining experience.
Owners Ryan and Kaleb Crafts (of Culinary Crafts fame) envisioned turning the space into the kind of bar they’d always wished they could find in the city.
“I love to go out, but I don’t love the ‘party’ scene you find at many bars. I want energy and excitement, sure, but I also want to be able to hear the table conversation. I want to be able to relax in a private nook with friends or meet total strangers at a communal table. When I go out, sometimes I just want to enjoy my favorite drinks and dishes, but other times I want to be introduced to something amazing and new. I want it all, basically. The Tasting Room is a wine bar for people like me who want to enjoy their olive oil cake (with caramel sabayon and poached pear) and eat it too.”
Ryan Crafts, The Tasting Room
With the added expertise of co-owners Liz Frome and Terry Lyman, the Crafts brothers set out to bring that dream atmosphere to life. The fully renovated Tasting Room will feature an extensive wine list with over 200 vintages, including some selections that can’t be found anywhere else in the state, as well as a few blends made exclusively for the Tasting Room. The carefully curated offerings include a wide array of wines from all over the globe, at varying price points, for diverse tastes, and available by the flight, glass, or bottle.
If wine is not your mood, you can always enjoy the custom cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, coffees, teas, or local Utah beers. The menu features elevated bar snacks and high-end small plates, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Desserts include such sweet surprises as a red wine milkshake or a hazelnut coffee cream chocolate tart. The food is sophisticated and luxurious but decidedly unfussy. A unique floor layout allows patrons to choose their own experience, from a secluded room or booth to an open bar or a communal table.
The Tasting Room will be open from 3 pm to 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 4 pm to midnight all other days. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome.
If you’re reading this, you are likely recently engaged. Congratulations! We are thrilled to be part of your experience. Within this magazine, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of wedding inspiration galleries. Some will make the girl’s girl bride’s dreams come to life, full of delicate colors and princess-gown magic (Happily Ever After) while others celebrate adventurous couples by drawing on unrivaled views (Monochrome Magic) and venues within Utah’s unique and unforgettable landscapes (Mountain Majesty).
Photo by Elisha BraithwaitePhoto by Ashlee Brooke PhotographyPhoto by Megan Robinson Photography
For the high-style bride, a selection of spotlight-ready gowns awaits (Leading Lady). And if the menu is front of mind for you and your love, prepare to amaze with an unforgettable wedding cake (Sweet Sensations).
Whatever stage of planning you’re in, join us as we explore the talent, beauty and expertise that Utah’s wedding industry has to offer. Get a digital version of the issue here!
Above: Editor Megan Bartholomew (Right) pictured with Associate Editor Avrey Evans (Left.) Photo by Ashlee Brooke Photography.
Confidently step into your wedding day spotlight wearing a Hollywood-worthy designer gown. Photographs by Blake Hogge.
HIT THE LIGHTS
Yards and yards of bridal beauty are pleated up in this gossamer silk gown by Sarah Seven.
Gown #8, SEPT by Sarah Seven; O.C. Tanner Collection Round Eternity diamond band; O.C. Tanner Collection Estella diamond ring; Sethi Couture diamond eternity band; Sethi Couture Round diamond eternity band; Earrings via The Bridal Studio.
GLORIOUS GLAMOUR
Hip-hugging satin screams both starlet and stunning bride when paired with striking red lips and dripping jewels from Vivienne Westwood.
Sethi Couture Emma Princess Cut band; Rahaminov Emerald Cut diamond ring with halo; Sethi Couture Pave diamond band; Sethi Couture Heritage diamond bandJC gown by Katherine TashVivienne Westwood necklaces and earrings via The Bridal Studio.
DOUBLE DUTY
The overskirt is the ultimate bridal tool to maximize the wow-power of your trousseau. Go full drama with a flowing skirt for the vows, then shed the outer layers and let lace loose for reception festivities.
Torrens gown, Chosen by Kyha; Kwiat Cushion diamond band; Kwiat Five Stone Ashoka diamond ring; Earrings via The Bridal Studio.
LARGER THAN LIFE
A princess-primed ballgown is just the ticket for a show-stopping bridal ensemble. Here, luxurious taffeta erupts from the ever-regal basque waist of the Miles gown designed by Chosen by Kyha.
Miles gown, Chosen by Kyha; Rahaminov Emerald Cut diamond ring, Sethi Couture Heritage diamond band; Pearl studs via The Bridal Studio.
WAIST DEEP
Sarah Seven’s SEPT Gown #2 certainly makes a statement — sturdy boning and a sculptural waist accentuate the figure in magnificent form.
Rahaminov Emerald Cut diamond ring; Sethi Couture Heritage diamond band; Studs and bracelets via The Bridal Studio.Floral by Merci FloralGown #2, SEPT by Sarah Seven
When it comes to managing musicians and entertainers in the Beehive state, Utah Live Bands is the premier choice for event planners looking to elevate their clients’ experiences through exceptional music.
With roots in Utah’s music scene extending back to his college days, owner Michael Tobian has curated an impressive repertoire of diverse musicians-for-hire over nearly twenty years.
Knowing what it takes to bring a wedding to life, Tobian has been chosen as the 2024 President of the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), a tremendous industry stamp of approval for clients searching for professional musicians.
While they might be located locally, Utah Live Bands’ musicians are a sought-after choice for celebrity and luxury weddings spanning the globe.
As the winner of 49 Best of State Awards, their reputation is founded on unparalleled quality. Still, their in-state competitive pricing model is a standout feature.
Tobian’s expertise is recognized within the entrepreneurial sector. He has been honored by Utah Business Magazine as one of the ‘40 under 40 Utah Business Leaders’ for several businesses and attributes Utah Live Bands’ continued success to exceptional customer support.
“We have excellent customer service! We typically provide our clients a quote within an hour of inquiry and we are kind and helpful to them through the process. We work regularly with all the planners and venues in Utah and really care deeply about the success of the event. If you read through our many Google reviews, you will see that our customer service is a huge testament to our longevity of being in business for nearly twenty years,” Tobian remarks.
“The nice thing for our clients in Utah is that they are getting world-class, national bands for around half the price they’d normally charge because, being based in Utah, the events are in their backyard.”
Michael Tobian, Owner
Ask the Expert
What’s Ahead:
We’re in the midst of a significant growth phase. We just finished building our new offices and showroom and are also expanding the level of service we offer at each wedding. These days, in addition to entertainment, we often provide staging, pipe and drape, AV, lighting, videography services, ceremony live streaming and some decor elements. This allows us to add to our client’s experiences, making things easier for our clients and planners alike, as they can rely on a single vendor with whom they have a high level of trust and are able to provide many of the services that would otherwise require a lot of coordination between multiple companies.
Excited About:
Helping to elevate the quality of events in Utah. We have excellent planners, vendors and talent in this state. We are just thrilled each time we get to be a part of a successful and well-executed event!
Fresh Ideas:
Don’t underestimate the value of choosing the very best wedding professionals to work with on your big day! Your wedding will be one of the few most memorable moments of your life and at the end of your event, you want to be able to tell yourself that you were so glad you chose who you did to pull it off!
Emma & Lane took to Bellissimo Garden and Cottonwood Country club for a wedding celebration full of personality and surprises.
THE COUPLE
Orem native Lane and England-hailing Emma first connected online, and met up for a (very successful) first date. “We had such a good time, we closed down the restaurant,” shares Emma.
While Emma knew she had just found the best tour guide for her (relatively new) home of SLC, Lane was head over heels and was determined to show her he was also her best tour guide for a happy life. After two years of dating, Lane took Emma back to the speakeasy where they first met up, then on a stroll through downtown’s library plaza. While reminiscing about their first date, Lane got on one knee and proposed with Emma’s grandmother’s ring. As no surprise – she said yes!
THE WEDDING
During their courtship, Emma and Lane frequently dined together at Tuscany restaurant. “[The location holds] many happy memories for us,” says Emma. “The setting is beautiful and the food, delicious.”
Opting for a classic black and white color palette, the couple made the focus of their big day all about the entertainment of their guests.
Emma arrived to their garden ceremony in a ruby-red vintage fire engine, flanked by both her parents in cream attire. With help from a friend, Emma had selected a stunning strapless wedding gown, accessorized with sheer gloves, a claddagh necklace from family in Ireland, with earrings and a hand-made veil, both gifts from her mother.
The bride followed a bridal party of two little flower girls and three page boys (a product of their blended families) down the aisle. At the altar, she met Lane and began their vows with Rev. Anita Gordon. After the ceremony, an intimate friends-and-family dinner took place on the Tuscany restaurant patio, fulled with elegant greenery. After a luxurious meal, guests enjoyed a German chocolate cake made by the mother of the groom.
The following day, guests and family joined at the Cottonwood Country Club patio for a classic summer menu, followed by a gelato bar and cocktails.
Wedding planner Irene + Co paired elegant floral linens with billowing tented fabric to keep guests shaded throughout the evening. Everyone was greeted by acrobatic performers throughout the event space. Later, wedding band Sonic Chic brought the life to the party for the reception where guests sipped on Pineapple martinis, Maple Whiskey and various mocktails as they enjoyed the celebration.
