While guests are waiting for their meal or standing in a photo line, why not have the entertainment come to them?
Doug Roy is a mentalist who loves to be in the middle of every party. What is a mentalist, you ask? According to Roy, he focuses on “simple tricks of the mind to inspire awe and amazement—no flashy tricks or pulling rabbits out of hats.”
Photo by Cassandra Farley Photo
Roy’s brand of entertainment is not your typical staged “magic show,” nor does he aim to take away from the big day. Rather, he acts as an accent, to engage your guests when you can’t—often making for fantastic photo opps.
“Before I approach guests, they are often on their phones or in their own worlds, not chatting with the people around them,” Roy shares. “After I leave, everyone is always discussing. It’s a catalyst for social engagement, and I love creating a dynamic where guests are all interacting with each other.”
For his grand exit at the end of the evening, Roy performs a special reading for the couple, often highlighting their love story, most romantic moments and compatibility. Now that’s wedding-day magic!
This five-piece collection from Anne Barge is designed for versatility, featuring mix-and-match silhouettes, intricate lace patterns, and hand-made details that blend modern romance with timeless craftsmanship.
Dress #1: Gigi
A dramatic pleated skirt and sculpted waist bring runway-worthy volume and structure to this stunning gown that marries vintage romance with couture edge.
Dress #2: Sabrina
With its off-the-shoulder sleeves and ruched bodice, this gown evokes classic Hollywood glamour. The voluminous ballgown skirt flows into a soft train, creating a look that’s equal parts romantic and iconic.
Dress #3: Selena
This lace halter-top gown features a high neckline and a form-fitting mermaid silhouette. Paired with a cathedral-length overskirt, this dress is a perfect choice for the bride who wants to make a confident, graceful statement.
Dress #4: Benson
With its delicate lace embroidery and plunging neckline, this gown brings a touch of modern allure to a timeless silhouette. It’s a true fairytale moment for the bride who dreams of something classic with a hint of magic.
Dress #5: Dakota
Understated yet unforgettable, this dress exudes quiet drama. The gathered waistline adds just the right amount of texture, while the clean silhouette and subtle detailing on the bodice offer a fresh take on classic bridal style.
In Draper, a chic pre-wedding rehearsal dinner brings a garden party theme indoors.
In order to create a rehearsal dinner just as beautiful and fun-filled as the wedding day, one mother-of-the-groom enlisted Burton Events to transform Draper’s Siempre venue into an English garden.
The design started with a petal-patterned floral linen, which delivered the pink palette and loads of texture in one fell swoop.
“The linen let us play with bringing the floral in, in a really tasty way,” says Hollie Henderson, owner of Burton Events. “I built the floral design based off of that linen.”
A tapestry of blush, white and mauve garden blooms cover every surface, courtesy of the artist’s eye of Jolley’s Floral (with the help of meticulous color matching by Henderson.)
The groom’s family is from Las Vegas, and they wanted a party as unforgettable as their hometown. To start, they selected a variety of food stations, from crepes to brisket, and tacos to milkshakes. “You could have done a full dinner on just one station, but they went above and beyond,” says Henderson.
Then came the fun: for a groom who loves to golf, the outdoor courtyard became the ultimate mini-putt golf activity center. Guests could compete to sink shots, rock in trivia, or sip on a custom italian soda from a designer bar on the terrace.
Back inside, an expertly curated mix of table arrangements shows the craft of a wedding pro.
“I like to put the important people like the couple and their wedding party in the middle of the room, because it gives them 360-degree access to their guests,” says Henderson. “Often the bride and groom get put at the head of the room—here, they could interact with both sides of the room.”
Bridal party and guests of honor were sat at long natural wood tables down the center of the room, while the groom and bride’s sides were on either side of the space. Each table, from rounds to cocktails, was tied together in a palette of blushing pinks.
Pink goblets, mauve napkins, and delicate blush runners all contributed to the color scheme, and were all accented by luxury gold chairs and flatware.
All elements joined together for the perfect mix of feminine luxury and fun-filled personality, the ideal mix for this outgoing couple to ring in their wedding weekend.
As flowers bloom and the weather warms, spring weddings offer the perfect opportunity to embrace whimsy. These dreamy spring looks are effortlessly romantic with delicate fabrics and unique details. Whether you’re envisioning a playful dress, a chic ensemble with a fresh twist, or a garden-inspired gown, there’s a spring style for every bride.
Look #1
Our first look highlights an off-the-shoulder A-line gown with a sweet-heart neckline and shimmering silver sequins. This dress from AW Bridal combines elegance with a touch of fun, featuring delicate sheer sleeves that add a soft, ethereal feel. The accent gloves are a playful detail that add to the whimsical feel of the dress while the gown’s flowy silhouette is perfect for a spring celebration where comfort and style go hand-in-hand.
Look #2
Our second look combines simplicity and drama with a sleek fit-and-flare Luce-Sposa gown with off-the-shoulder draping. This dress is chic and timeless with a modern twist. Paired with a chapel length veil from The Bridal Studio, this look effortlessly commands attention. Perfect for a bride who wants to make a statement without excessive embellishments, this gown lets simple beauty shine, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Look #3
Our final look features a lace dress from Berta Bridal that embodies romance and sophistication. The intricate lacework creates a delicate floral pattern, giving the gown a timeless yet whimsical feel. Long off-the-shoulder sleeves lend an air of elegance and grace while retaining a modern feel. The dress flows into a dramatic train, adding an element of grandeur as it trails behind the bride. This stunning piece combines drama and softness and is perfect for a bride who wants to make a statement while staying true to classic femininity.
Floral & Stationary
To accompany these looks, the floral design drew inspiration from nature with a focus on creating contrast. Reticulated tulips were used to add warmth, hellebores for texture, and lime green Bells of Ireland were added to complement the burgundy and mauve tones in the ranunculuses and carnations. For the paper suite, the color palette was derived from the florals. Two suites from Reverie Press were chosen to reflect this flora-inspired theme. One suite incorporated dusty blue and cool sage to embrace the spring theme, while the other brought warmth through rich olive green tones.
Drawing inspiration from the ladies of Elizabeth I’s court, Idan Cohen reimagines the styles of the time through a modern lens.
Dress #1: Grace
Ethereal and timeless, this dress features delicate lace embroidery with a high neckline and a dramatic keyhole back, and is perfect for the bride who dreams of modern romance with a regal twist.
Dress #2: Alice
This gown is refined with romantic Baroque-style lace and detached sleeves that add a soft, vintage-inspired charm. A scattering of pearl-like beads along the front of the bodice serves as a subtle, luminous focal point.
Dress #3: Lady Helena
An homage to old-world romance, this gown captivates with its luxurious ballgown skirt and shimmering beadwork.
Dress #4: Countess
A vision of minimalist elegance, this sculptural off-the-shoulder gown embodies sophistication.
Dress #5: Grand
A modern take on regal elegance, this gown features a linear design with dramatic bows on the shoulders and the front of the dropped waistline to create a bold look that is perfect for any grand entrance.
From the drop waists and corset tops of the Elizabethan era to the Bridgerton-inspired empire cuts and frilled bustlines, designers are breaking out tried-and-true patterns for the 2026 bride.
Pearls have been the gem of the greats for the last several seasons of bridal couture, and based on these collections, pearl beading isn’t going anywhere. For a fresh spin in coming seasons, keep an eye out for dainty pearl drop details, oozing with art decor flair.
All-over bows, bunched rosettes and ultra-pleated blossoms: the appliques are having their moment.
Joan gown by Idan CohenJaida gown by Mira ZwillingerDuchess gown by Idan CohenEmmett gown by Sareh Nouri
Back to Backless
In homage to some of our favorite sexy bride looks, designers are going back to classic backless for the bride willing to show a bit more skin. No matter your preferred material, an open-backed gown delivers a powerful punch.
Claire gown by Idan CohenLook 03 Amour Halter, Yellow by SaharFontana gown by Hera Couture
Ombre Color
2011, is that you? Dip-dyed ombre tulles were peppered throughout the typical ivory designs on the runway this year, for a fun-loving fix of color welcomed by the nontraditional bride.
Madonna gown by Ines de Santovia Evan Hirsch
DropWaist Drama
Though highlighted in our “antique silhouettes” section, these gowns deserve a moment of their own. Infusing vitage glamour with early-2000’s chic, the drop waist is back for its closeup.
Grand gown by Idan CohenLook 06, Doroti Unfolding, Yellow by SaharSabrina gown by Lihi HodDakota gown by Anne Barge
Tiered Tulle
The ballgown is back, baby. Chunky layers of tulle-on-tulle donned hero gowns in several collections.
Look 07, Rosewood Bustier with 90 Volume Skirt, Yellow by Sahar
Lihi Hod’s Couture 2026 Collection, named after the Hebrew word for heart, “Lev,” pulls inspiration from its namesake with deeply romantic designs.
Dress #1: White Lotus
From the lace corset bodice to the full silk skirt, this ballgown is rich with passion. Bushels of silk create a dramatic shape, while the lace bodice keeps the design grounded in romanticism.
Dress #2: Sienna
This dress evokes a timeless charm with a sleek silhouette and flowing silk train. Off-the-shoulder sleeves and bedazzled sheer gloves make this dress truly one of a kind.
Dress #3: Sabrina
From the large frontal bow to the button-down back, dramatic details set this dress apart from the other gowns in this collection.
Dress #4: Seychelles
The lace pattern on this dress creates dimension with an eye-catching floral pattern, while the exaggerated mermaid cut adds shape and volume.
Dress #5: Perla
Form fitting with clean lines, this dress is sleek, sensual and sophisticated with a touch of modern elegance.
Dress #6: Lev
This beaded ivory gown, with its sculpted bodice and hourglass silhouette, marries elegance with extravagance for a stunning final look.
Dress #7: Layla
Sharp lines and a voluminous skirt create an alluring design that is equal parts enchanting and glamorous.
Foliage is having its major bridal moment this season, bringing sublime height and texture to wedding-day floral designs around the state. At Twenty & Creek, florist and master planner Allison Baddley of La Fête Floral & Events employs locally foraged Indian hemp alongside a warm palette of blooms from Artisanal Blooms farm to create a fabulous fall-wedding vignette.
Jane & Thomas Private Residence, Midway August 12 Planning & Design by La FÊte Floral & Events Photographs by Mikki Platt
THE COUPLE
Jane and Thomas’s love story began with a meet-cute in elementary school, continuing all the way to “I Do” many years later. In adulthood, in the same finance program at the University of Utah, the spark officially began to grow.
Jane told Thomas if he were to propose, she wanted to be surprised. Around Easter 2021, Thomas invited her on a special date to Montage Deer Valley, where she predicted he would propose. But prior to the dinner date, the couple had a quiet afternoon participating in Easter activities with Thomas’s family. While counting Easter eggs, an unsuspecting Jane felt a tap on her shoulder, and turned to find Thomas on one knee. Delighted to have gotten her surprise proposal, she said an enthusiastic “yes.”
THE WEDDING
Following a sealing ceremony at the Draper LDS temple, the party moved to Jane’s family cabin in Midway. “[The cabin] is where we went on many of our dates, and where my parents got married,” says Jane, describing the sentimental venue. Jane walked down the aisle in a puff-sleeved Sarah Seven gown from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, accented by a pearl-studded veil, pearl choker and blue heels. The ring ceremony was officiated by Thomas’s former rugby coach, flanked by a large bridal party, with each bridesmaid clad in a colorful floral gown.
A disco garden theme and a lively color palette drove the day’s design, stemming from Jane’s love of the color orange. “I just wanted bright, fun summer colors,” the bride says. Brilliantly-hued bohemian lanterns dangled above vintage lounge furniture and a mix of yellow and blue-striped tables, each topped with a color-bursting bouquet and bounty of fruit. Nearby, party-ready rainbow fringe and disco balls floated over a classic checkered dance floor, where Metro Music Club kept the dance floor moving with classic covers for the first dance and beyond.
Come dessert, Thomas and Jane dove into a funfetti cake and a rugby-themed groom’s cake. They made their exit through a cloud of sparklers, on their way to a Laguna Beach honeymoon.
UTAH WEDDDING VENDORS
Planning And Floral Design: La Fête Floral & Events,lafetefloral.com
When it comes to capturing love, the perfect location can make all the difference and there’s one iconic spot in Utah that truly embodies the magic. With its stunning sunsets and rich history, The Great Saltair offers a unique experience that can only be found in Utah. For couple Rylee and Isaac, this memorable setting served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate their love and mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
The Couple:
Rylee and Isaac first met on a group date at BYU, and after learning that they had a few classes together, the soon-to-be couple decided to go on their own first date. Rylee and Isaac love being outdoors. Whether it’s going camping, boating, or playing pickleball, you can catch this adventurous duo making the most of Utah’s beautiful landscapes.
The Proposal:
The proposal was a perfect surprise for Rylee. Isaac had told her they had dinner plans with his family at Sundance. Little did she know he was about to propose with a display of flowers, candles, and pictures of the two of them. According to Rylee, “Everything about that day was perfect.”
