Have you ever wondered what it takes to create your dream wedding floral landscape? The pros at Artisan Bloom have stunning design down to a science.
While the team is well versed in all styles of floral design, brides seeking the most show-stopping florals in the state turn to Artisan Bloom for their signature “Artisan Style,” featuring lush, heirloom-style blooms layered with summer foliage in truly breathtaking designs. With their impressive team of designers, Artisan Bloom’s design capability is quite diverse, always delivered with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship.
“We only source the best product—we are picky,” says owner and creative director Kellie Jackstien. Once curated and delivered, every stem is meticulously cut, hydrated and allowed to open throughout the week to get them to the perfect stage of ‘open’ before they’re utilized in each unique design.
Artisan’s floral arrangements and installations have quite the journey before reaching wedding day: processing, cleaning and preparing inventory like vases and candles, last-minute sourcing, designing, night installations and of course the wedding day setup and takedown. When combined with inspiration calls and day-of work, that’s over 430 labor hours per event. When producing 3-4 weddings per week, that’s a lot of hours. That’s a lot of Artisans. But with over 20 years of experience, the Artisan Bloom team is positioned to execute each event with professionalism and style.
Top Tips
What’s Ahead
We’ve seen a shift in the last ocuple of years into bright, vibrant color—and we think a modern, monochrome wave is coming.
Excited About
Impressive installations are transforming venues into immersive floral experiences. With the right balance, these are turning into fabulous wedding-day focal points.
Fresh Ideas
Your events should be magical, memorable and personal. Don’t waste your energy on DIY—hire a professional and spend your valuable time enjoying with your loved ones.
This season, we celebrate a return to the eye-catching wedding cake. Let these sweet sculptures inspire you to make your menu’s finale an absolute showstopper.
SLEEK AND SIMPLE (Pictured Above)
Towering branches and a minimal acrylic stand offer a beautifully stark contrast to classic white tiers. Design by Cake by Alessandra.
KEEP IT CLASSIC
Victorian brides, welcome! All the vintage vibes of whimsical wedding dreams are swept up in this cake’s tradition-celebrating piping and subtle color, accented by a burst of magenta florals and fruit accessories.
Cake by Salt Cake City.
BRIDAL WHITES
A petaled halo of luxurious white roses marries beautifully with hand-piped rosettes. Cake by Cake by Alessandra.
CENTERPIECE
Too often is the wedding cake delegated to an obscure corner away from the action. Bring it center stage with a family-style sheet cake, adorned with pressed florals to match any flower arrangements. Cake by Salt Cake City.
PETAL PERFECT
Let your last bite lean into your wedding day design, and incorporate all the colors, textures and florals that grace your tables, attire and beyond. Cake by Salt Cake City.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Embrace the cool colors and subtle sparkle of a winter wedding palette with a pretty powder-blue pastry accented with frosty foliage. Cake by Salt Cake City.
GARDEN AROMA
The smell of fresh herbs fills the air around this cottage-chic design from Cake by Alessandra. Deep red tomatoes accent palette-knife petals, for garden-inspired goodness from every angle.
MEADOW MOMENT
Give your dessert the backdrop it deserves: an explosion of florals and foliage accents a sleek design by Flour and Flourish.
ALL THE STOPS
Nothing truly says “dessert” quite like seven tiers of wedding cake magic. Fondant tufting, hand-piped details and layers of glitter deliver all the glitz to this design by Cake by Alessandra.
FEMININE GLOW
Bring on the ruffles—rice paper pleats adorn this stunningly modern design, fit for a garden reception, statehouse ceremony and everything in between. Cake by Cake by Alessandra.
GILDED AGE
Embrace a caramel glow with a gold-brushed design for added color and glamor to your wedding design. This cake by Cake by Alessandra delivers elegance in spades.
A WORK OF ART
Rice paper sails and gold leaf add sculptural flair to a gallery-worthy cake by Salt Cake City.
Emily and Andrew embrace classic style as a backdrop for their celebration full of new traditions.
THE COUPLE
Private pilot Andrew first met his future wife in a bold introduction at a sunset market in California. Emily, a video game designer, was walking the pier when Andrew approached with a casual “Hey, What’s Up?”
The pair walked the entire market talking the night away. At the end of the night, they exchanged numbers (and a cheeky kiss), and the rest was history.
A few years of love later, the couple had rented a small plane to do some exploring on vacation in Midway, Utah. While making their final lap, Andrew gave Emily specific instructions on where to turn. To her surprise upon landing, she had created a heart with their flight path, which invited her beau to pop the question. She said yes!
THE WEDDING
A focal point of that fateful flight was a sprawling white barn property in Midway. When browsing Utah-based venues, Emily and Andrew were delighted to discover that the barn they circled was the stunning River Bottoms Ranch venue. “It was truly fate,” Emily says.
The couple planned a laid-back, family-centered celebration with elegant blues and greens to accent the beautiful setting.
The big day began with a sunny ceremony, flanked by arches of brilliant white florals. Emily walked the aisle in a flowing floral ballgown from Alta Moda Bridal, accented with pearls and a gemstone brooch. Her mother composed the ceremony music, playing an arrangement of “Ave Maria” and “Married Life.” Drawing from traditional vow exchanges and hand-tying, Emily and Andrew added their own spin by making a ceremonial PB&J to seal the deal—a nod to their favorite adventure snack. The pair also exchanged hand-written vows, penned on sticky notes in homage to a love-note tradition in their home.
The ceremony was full of family blessings, including a few moments shared with the couple’s dog Nalu, who also made an appearance in effigy on the groom’s cufflinks.
THE PARTY
Elegant blues and greens were the focal point of the reception within RBR’s barn space. Powder-blue linens stood beneath an impressive chandelier of greenery, peppered with white florals for texture throughout.
Self-proclaimed foodies, the couple were very intentional with their reception menu. Coconut shrimp, bao buns, focaccia and caprese skewer appetizers honored the couple’s love of travel. For the main course, guests chose between teriyaki glazed salmon, a flame seared beef tenderloin with an herb compound butter, or butternut squash ravioli with browned sage butter.
Fun-filled extras also popped up throughout the party, including a gelato cart, pretzel samplers, and traditional Ukrainian wedding bread. In Ukrainian tradition, presenting the bride and groom with bread and salt is a symbolic gesture that signifies hospitality, abundance, and the welcoming of the newlyweds into their new life together. During this ceremony, Emily’s parents offered bread and salt to us while her mother, Michelle, spoke the following words in Ukrainian: “With bread and salt, we place great hope in your future. May the Lord bless you, grant you health, happiness, and a long life, and may your love be as strong as this bread and salt.”
Two custom-crafted cocktails set the mood in high spirits, showcased on a menu hand-painted by the groom. Dancing commenced, with a first dance to Allen Shore, a bridal party choreography extravaganza and various other performances from family.
At the end of the evening, per Italian tradition, Andrew’s grandmother put together a sweet bag of 5 colored chocolate covered almonds to signify five wishes for a future together- health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.
After the celebrations and send off parties, Emily and Andrew embarked on a month-long honeymoon on Kauai.
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.
