It’s officially Valentine’s season, and love is in the air around here! You’d think it’d be between all the happy couples, but today it’s coming straight from us to this love-day-themed shoot by Lindsay Clement. The gentle pink palette has us head over heels for these gorgeous images. When it comes to Valentine’s Day decor, we are all-in for delicates.
The palette was a large part of Clements’ inspiration for the shoot.
“I love Valentine’s Day, but I have never loved the bright red and pink color scheme that shows up in all the decorations,” she says. “My mom has always used blush pink, gold and variations of blue to decorate for the holiday… I wanted the shoot to feel classy and romantic with just a touch of whimsy, thus the large table with all kinds f colorful, sugary treats!”
But the biggest inspo for Clements, as in any wedding basics, was the gown. She saw it on the rack at Ooh La La Dress Rentals and knew she had to have it for a shoot in honor of the Saint himself.
We are always here for classy, but a touch of personality and “whimsy” as Clements calls it will win our hearts every single time. Take a scroll through the shoot with your sweetheart today, or as you plan for your Valentine’s Day decor when Prince Charming finally comes around.
How do you handle handle a cold weather wedding? With winter-wonderland style and sparkle, of course! Michelle Leo Events pulls off the ultimate December destination wedding at St. Regis Deer Valley for lovebirds Mills & Andy.
THE COUPLE
Texans Mills and Andy first met at Texas Christian University, but they didn’t get together until after graduation when they were both living in Dallas. “Two of our friends—who are now married—were dating each other at the time, so I went to meet up with them at a bar one night and Andy was there,” Mills explains. “He actually didn’t remember hitting on me until we met up again the next night. He walked up saying, ‘Oh my gosh, Mills, I haven’t seen you in three years,’ which made for a great lead for me to make fun of him for not remembering me from the night before.”
After two and half years of dating, Andy surprised Mills with a patio proposal at his parents’ home in Uptown Dallas. “When it was nice outside, we would always go up there to have wine and appetizers with them. One Friday, he told me we were going to dinner with his family—but we’d stop by their house first to have wine on the patio, like we normally did. What I didn’t know was his parents weren’t actually there, and he had set up the upstairs patio with flowers, candles and champagne. He ran up the stairs ahead of me. When I got to the top, I could see the candles and flowers. He got down on one knee and proposed.”
THE WEDDING
Mills always dreamt of having a destination wedding, so a Utah winter getaway was the perfect choice. “A destination makes it more of a vacation than just a wedding,” the bride says. Not only did Mills fall for Andy, but she had also fallen in love with Park City. While dating, the couple would often travel to the ski town to stay at Andy’s parents’ home off Main Street. “We wanted our friends and family to enjoy everything we love about Utah.”
THE MOOD
“People thought we were crazy to do an outside wedding in December in 20-degree weather,” Mills says of their winter-wonderland party that featured “soft and sweet” hues including pale pink, blue and ivory. Blue and gray blankets awaited guests on chair backs. Hotel staff served hot cider to attendees as they took their seats. Glowing lanterns lined the aisle leading to a blooming arch. “I wore my sister’s wedding veil, which was my something borrowed. I also had a blue handkerchief that belonged to my late Grandmom. It was wrapped around the bouquet and served as my something blue.” Overhead cafe lights and table candles illuminated a clear-sided reception tent on the St. Regis patio.
THE CUISINE
Hors d’oeuvres included tomato basil shooters and mini grilled cheese sandwiches, along with barbecue bacon-wrapped shrimp. “For dinner, we chose to do stations to give our guests a variety. We did a beef tenderloin station, salad station, pasta station and a mashed potatoes and grit station,” Mills says. Carrie’s Cakes provided a five-layer cake with tiers of chocolate and classic white (see the gorgeous final product below!). “The groom is not a big dessert fan, so we decided to nix the expense of a groom’s cake and do a fun bananas foster dessert station instead. It was a big hit.”
THE TUNES
“Mills and I both went crowd surfing during the middle of the reception and it was awesome,” Andy says of his most memorable moment of the evening. The newlyweds danced to “River” by Leon Bridges, who is their favorite artist and with whom they shared an unforgettable concert experience.
Now that the holiday season is behind us, there’s a new one dawning: engagement season. If you had some holiday fun with your significant other, and they survived the family test, chances are you’ve started talking about the next step. And that would be in the direction of a jewelry store. Might we suggest one? J. Brooks Jewelers, with locations in Lehi and Murray.
We got the whole engagement ring run-down from the experts at J. Brooks, on the top things you need to consider when choosing a forever engagement ring.
Price & Shape
“As far as price, round brilliant diamonds are typically the most expensive shape due to the high global demand,” says Victoria Angulo, the Marketing & E-Commerce specialist for J. Brooks. She then shared a list of high-to-low price shaped diamonds.
Style
Guys, keep this in mind when shopping for your lady.
“She will be wearing this ring for life, so you want to be sure the ring coincides with her style (not yours).” Angulo says. One of the examples they give when helping men choose jewelry for their wives is, “What does her living room look like? Does the sofa match the chair or is everything a different color or pattern?” This small example can help decide if she has more of a simple or eclectic taste, and determine whether you should go traditional or add some shape & texture to the wedding set.
Quality
There are a variety of certificates to help you determine stone quality.When looking at diamonds, those with a GIA or AGS certificate have the highest value. Be aware – other certificates are not of the same standard as GIA or AGS.
“Also, the opinion of a jeweler can be very valuable, but a grade given by a GIA certified jeweler does not necessarily mean it is comparable to an official GIA certificate.” said Angulo.
The ring should ALWAYS sparkle. A good-quality diamond will look just as dazzling fresh out of the store as when it is a little dirty from the hectic lives we all tend to live. For a ring that will always have that ‘WOW-factor,’ find stones that are high-ranking in the 4 C’s: color, cut, clarity and carat weight.
The 4 C’s
“Each of the 4 C’s will affect the price of the diamond. You must then determine which of the 4 C’s are the most important to you. You will be able to easily decide what your eye is most sensitive to once you start comparing diamonds in person under a loop,” Angulo says.
Color
Angulo advises that Color is measured on a scale from D to Z, D being the highest and Z the lowest. D-F is considered “colorless,”and G-J is considered “near colorless”. Z diamonds have the most “yellow,” or presence of color. Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye, but these differences can make a very distinct change in quality & price
Cut
“Cut, in our opinion, is the most important aspect of diamonds,” Angulo says. “We often think the ‘cut’ of a diamond refers to its shape; round, pear and so on. However, the cut grade determines how well the stone unleashes light. Precisely cutting a stone requires its proportions, symmetry & polish to reflect light to its highest capability. Being the most complex quality of diamonds to analyze, this aspect is crucial to the diamonds beauty and value. Cut is measured on a scale from Excellent to Poor.”
Clarity
Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions & blemishes within the stone. A “flawless” stone, or one that does not possess any inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification, is relatively rare to find and expensive. On the opposite end of the scale“Included” stone decreases the value immensely. This means there are obviously imperfections under 10x magnification (and sometimes visible to the naked eye) that may affect the brilliance & transparency of the stone.
Clarity is measured on a scale from FL – I3. FL being “Flawless”, and I3 being in “Included”.
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Carat Weight
Most shoppers are already familiar with carat weight, which refers to the size of the stone and tends to have one of the greatest affects on diamond pricing.
“Carat weight is measured in a 100 ‘points’ scale. For example, .25ct is a quarter carat, or a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ A 1.50ct, or a carat and a half would be called ‘one point fifty carats,’ colloquially.
Once you hit the next tier of size, whole carats, the price will notably increase. If you’re on a budget, Angulo suggests purchasing a .98ct rather than a 1.01ct stone, which usually look about the same in size, depending on the cut.
Trend Watch
Rose Gold
J. Brooks thinks rose gold has officially made it as one of the classic metal colors, and don’t see its popularity fading anytime soon. Whether it be as the entire ring’s metal color or simply an accent, rose gold is simply the perfect color for those with a rosey pink skin tone.
From 2018 to 2019
“In 2018, our most popular diamond shapes were round, oval & cushion diamonds. A rose or yellow gold oval halo was the most popular style of 2018,” says Angulo. “Along with that, we saw solitaires make a very real impression, as well as an upswing geometric shape bands.”
The J. Brooks team anticipates fancy shape center stones, 3 stone rings and distinctive halos to be the next engagement ring trends. As for jewelry in general, keep your eyes peeled for all things delicate & stacking.
Bottom line: there’s a lot to consider when it comes to ring shopping, but with the right knowledge, it will be a breeze!
For the ladies: try on a lot of rings to figure out what you like! There are a lot of options, but you’ll get a feeling for which styles, colors, and settings that speak to you as you go.
For the guys: Be observant. If your significant other knows what she likes, she’ll drop hints. Remember – the perfect ring can get you an exuberant yes. No pressure, right?
We would love to see your bling! Tag us in engagement and jewelry photos: @utahbridemag
Cuckoo for country chic?
Photographer Jessica White solidified her place in the “modern farmhouse” movement when she converted a 100-year-old Lehi railroad mill into a photography studio and event space. Today, White showcases a new kind of rustic charm using punches of color, feminine botanicals and opulent gems. Here’s how to get the look.
Factor in the Farmhouse
Thanks to Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame, shiplap is now a term with which most laypersons are familiar. Farmhouse style broke free from hidden, countryside barns years ago. Now, the cozy and charming look has infiltrated city lofts, suburban ranch homes, mountain lodges and beach bungalows all over the country. White’s loft captures all of these, creating the perfect backdrop with sliding barnwood doors, painted exposed beams, worn wood floors, and—you guessed it—shiplap walls.
Highlight a Glam Collection
Superstar design is all about the perfect balance. “With so many feminine weddings dressed in pink, we suggest alternative colors like aubergine and lilac,” White explains. Here, the team pairs barnwoods with luxe accents including geodes, raw silk ribbon and polished flatware. “By bringing in gemstones like amethyst on the table or in the bride’s jewelry, you can introduce surprise luxury to an otherwise rustic scheme.”
Get Back to Basics
Move over gray. As with many design trends emerging from fashion, beige tones—think Caramel, Fawn, Mushroom, Sand and Cafe Au Lait—step in again as fan favorites. “It sets the perfect earthy foundation to our color scheme,” White says. “We recommend silver accents because gold is getting tired. Silver naturally flows with the cool tones of the bride’s gown and the stones.”
Don Flashy Fashion
From her hand-dyed gown to his custom suit, formal farmhouse fashion steps it up. “Often the groom gets overlooked and doesn’t get a chance to play up his personality with his suit on the wedding day. This aubergine sports coat was just the ticket to a high-fashion statement without going overboard or overshadowing the bride,” White says. “Fashion is a sure-fire way of expressing who you are.”
Go Wild with Botanicals
Goodbye mason-jar centerpieces. These days, wedding flowers are everywhere. So much so that florists have become architects using teams to construct chandeliers, table runners, entryway vignettes, photo backdrops and more, all from fresh-cut blooms. If you can dream it, they will build it. “It’s all about bringing the outdoors in,” says florist Mandy Ogaz of The Potted Pansy.
Play Up the Pastries
Today’s desserts must look as delicious as they taste. For proof, check out this spotlight pastry. “I worked with Cassidy of Flour & Flourish to create a cake that mimics the watercolor pattern of the gown. She artfully constructed a unique jagged edge to complement all the gemstones and their angular properties,” White says.
A summer destination wedding at Red Cliff Ranch in Heber, Utah shows just how magical a pop of colorful delicate details can be.
THE COUPLE
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.
“We dated for so long that I didn’t think he would be able to surprise me with a proposal, but he managed to pull off a genuine surprise,” Jamie says.
While on a holiday trip to Philadelphia visiting Jamie’s relatives, the couple went to an ice skating rink with the whole family. About 15 minutes in, Zach decided to show off and do some tricks for Jamie. Mid-twirl, he fell and shouted in pain so loudly that the staff quickly skated over to see what was wrong. As soon as Jamie made it to his side, however, he swung around on one knee with a ring ready in hand.
“At first, I couldn’t believe it!” Jamie says. “All I could say was ‘Is this real? Are you serious?'” The couple shared that Zach was actually so shocked that his prank worked that he forgot to ask the question for a few moments. Luckily, he remembered his words and Jamie realized he was, in fact, serious. Jamie loved every bit of the proposal, saying “It was one of the most romantic fairytale moments I’ve ever had.”
Jamie & Zach were married six months later at the Red Cliff Ranch in Heber on July 14, 2018.
THE MOOD
Although the pair chose a ranch setting for their venue, they prefer artsy, vibrant city life to rustic ranch living. So, they decided to transform their event into a feminine, shabby-chic styled event. Using delicate details like lace, gold accents, candles and bright florals, they were able to put the perfect edge on the design. The bold floral arrangements by Five Penny Floral added a pop of color and personality that can’t be overlooked. On the patio where florals were less abundant, Jamie and her mother added cheery (and fabulous) floral pillows to the pavilion couches for an extra eye-catching setting.
Jamie was super hands-on when it came to wedding decor, creating signs, menu cards and other unique items to make the space reflect their relationship. “It was the most fun part of wedding planning for me!”
THE WEDDING
“We couldn’t have asked for anything more picturesque.”
Meadows at Red Cliff ranch provided the perfect setting for Jamie’s dream shabby-chic ceremony. Decor included a simple white drape over a rustic backdrop, grounded with bursts of blooms at the edges, delicate paper fans for guests and delicate floral accents throughout the area. The bridesmaids wore simple off-white lace dresses and carried vibrant bouquets, while the guys wore grey slacks with black suspenders and floral accents. Zach arrived in a 3 piece off-white sit, and Jamie wrapped up the procession in a striking lace ivory gown from Country Bride & Gent in Pennsylvania,with just the right amount of sparkle. Anita Gordon officiated the wedding, and her southern charm made the couple’s perfect day shine.
“She was straight-forward, funny, genuine and truly cared about getting to know us as a couple,” Jamie says. “Once the big day arrived, Anita took care of everything ceremony-related and put us completely at ease. She was incredible!”
THE MENU
While waiting for the happy couple to return from their bridal shoot, guests were treated to a cocktail hour, serving delicious summer welcome drinks and personal pizzas named in honor of the parents. Jamie and Zach each chose a signature cocktail to add a personal touch to the refreshments: an “Ice Ice Jamie” lemon vodka cocktail and a classic “Zach & Coke” for the groom.
The wedding dinner was an incredibly locally sourced buffett by Lori Tolbert Catering, and included Utah-grown elements in each dish. The summer berry salad used produce from Liberty Heights Market; Lori’s homemade Beer Bread was infused with Wasatch Brewery drafts; the BBQ beef tri tip came from Utah ranches.
“We wanted the menu to feel classy with a taste of summer,” Jamie says. “I really love the salad and homemade bread. Zach’s a meat guy, so as soon as Lori described the BBQ Plum Chicken and Tri-Tip Beef, all the bells went off!”
Dessert had yet another personal infusion, in the form of Zach & Jamie’s invention, the “S’more-e-o, served in a gorgeous arrangement and toasted over a custom-built open fire bar.
“First, you take a thin Oreo. Then, you roast the Mallow. You put the mallow on the oreo and add a Mr. Goodbar. Top it all off with another thin Oreo, then you stuff it in your mouth!”
They nearly skipped on the cake tradition, but after seeing the work of Happy Tiers cakes, they couldn’t resist! The dessert table ended up with three beautiful cakes: A giant fun-fetti cake for Jamie, a carrot cake for Zach and a pure double-chocolate pastry to top it all off, all displayed with gold accent and marble of course!
THE TUNES
Burgess Weddings sure have dancing, and a lot of it! Moonlight Utah installed strings of lights to the outdoor pavilion fr a romantic and whimsical dancing setting, and the party sure took advantage. Zach & Jamie danced their first “Rumba” to ‘I Like Me Better’ by Lauv. Jamie says: “For how much we practiced, I think it turned out great!”
And then as soon as they opened the dance floor to everyone, there was no turning back. Zach’s mom’s side is Greek, so the party started it off with a big and inclusive Greek Zorba dance that had everyone holding hands and jumping around in circles. Followed by hip-hop and wedding classics that got everyone out on the dance floor (and we mean everyone. Grandparents, nephews and everyone in between!). We’ve never seen such a fun-loving couple, or a more enthusiastic party!
Ashley Dehart, the photographer, shared that the party was the most welcoming and genuine wedding she had experienced in a long time.
“One of my favorite things was that Zach had so many funny ideas for his groomsmen photos! Usually the groom/groomsmen don’t care too much about photos, but he had so many ideas and it made everyone laugh and have fun,” DeHart says. “Another special moment was when I asked Jamie to get into her dress on the porch for better lighting, and she was surrounded by all her bridesmaids and her mother, just oohing and aahing over what a gorgeous bride she was! It was so special and tender!”
Scroll on through for more images from Ashley, and to see the joy from the happiest couple!
But first, here’s a darling video of Jamie + Zach’s wedding day by Jocelyn DeHart.
We have a theory that nothing packs a punch quite like an industry professional designing for her own wedding, and Haylee Rothschild is just another living proof of it! Owner and principal designer at Juniper Rose Floral Co., Haylee curated all of her own décor and arrangements using items and plants from her grandparents’ nursery.
“My favorite arrangement was probably the arch we had our ring ceremony under,” Haylee says. “It turned out amazing, but the bouquet for my bridals was probably a close second.”
Between the greenery hoops, the incredible hanging chandelier piece and the simple blooms on the tables of their reception at The Startup Building, we can’t choose a single favorite arrangement, so we’ll let you be the judge! Keep reading to learn all about Haylee and her husband Jonny’s love story, or scroll straight on through to the details – they’re waiting for you!
The Couple
Jonny & Haylee met about 3 years ago, when Jonny visited Haylee’s childhood home in Anacortes, Washington as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The pair became good friends while Jonny served in the area, but lost contact when Haylee graduated from high school and moved to Utah. While passing through his hometown on a road trip, Haylee thought it would be funny to email him a photo of herself in his favorite places. That email sparked a flood of friendship and correspondence until Jonny returned from his mission in August of 2017 and asked Haylee on their first official date.
“That night he took me to a bridge near his house and we held hands while we watched the sunset,” Haylee says. “A week later, he kissed me on the same bridge and 6 months later he proposed in the exact same spot!”
Jonny proposed to Haylee while “geocaching” to their iconic first date bridge, having her dig around until she found a bag buried in the snow. Inside was a picture book of all the memories from when they met, through their friendship and relationship until that moment.
“He got down on one knee, pulled out the most beautiful ring and told me he wanted to make memories to go in that book forever” Haylee says. “It was the most intimate and sweet proposal, I loved that it was just the two of us and our love for each other. I cried!”
The Wedding
6 months after that romantic moment, and a year and a half after he showed up on her doorstep on a cold November day in Washington, Haylee’s grandfather married them in the Payson, Utah temple on August 2, 2018.
An intimate ceremony followed, officiated by Kevin Beenfield, a dear family friend of Jonny.
The Mood
The wedding incorporated all of nature’s bright colors, implementing a rustic, industrial vibe cemented by a reception and ceremony at The Startup Building in Provo, Utah. The StartUp Building is a stunningly hip venue in Provo, including everything a modern couple could hope for in a rustic wedding space.
“We loved the ambiance of the building with the wooden beams, exposed bring and cafe lights,” said Haylee, and we must say we give a big “AMEN” to all that love!
Chicken and spinach salad were the main courses for their luncheon, and assorted desserts from Michi’s catering & Cheesecakes made an appearance for reception guests. Provo Bakery whipped up their chocolate and bavarian cream wedding cake, and the darling decor came from, you guessed it, Haylee’s creative genius!
The couple ended the celebrations dancing to “Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
“We felt like this song reflected our relationship, because everything has changed for us since we first met as friends!”
Keep on Scrolling to see all of the gorgeous details that Haylee curated for her big day! Trust us: You don’t want to miss this!
It’s no wonder explorers have a love affair with the mountain west. 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.
Photos by Heather Nan
HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT
Sun protection never looked so good, especially when paired with a couture gown handmade in Israel by celebrity designer Danny Mizrachi, sold exclusively byPark City Bridal (prices range from $4,500 to $9,000). The deep-V is sheer genius and deepens the connection between a gal and her groom.
Tiered tulle skirt? Check. Beaded bodice? Check. Embroidery and lace-up tasseled front? Oh yes. This sensuous number from Latter Day Bride ($1,100) is perfect for prairie patrol.
Gwen wide brim sun hat, $64, Gigi Pip, SLC; Gossamer tulle drape veil, $160, Danani Handmade, SLC; Oversized tassel earrings, $45, StilWorksStudio, Provo; Rahaminov ring in 18K white gold with oval center diamond and diamond halo, $13,300, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC
FORAGE FRESHIES
Amber Reveriehas all the right flower picks. “Yellow is up-and-coming,” Amber Dickson says of the muddy-toned blooms she aptly coordinates with Emily Riggs’ two-piece ensemble ($8,000). A French-colored v-neck bodice fashioned with a fully covered back, gathered waistline and a long train tops dark champagne Italian crepe and satin.
Bre stiff straw pork pie hat, $64, Gigi Pip, SLC
GIDDY UP
Runaway bride or runway beauty? LeeAnn Marshall’s Georgine($3,588) is all about comfort and decadence, an ideal combo for a galloping entrance on a horse. Long sleeves accompany a v-neck bodice and open back. Silk and cotton-dotted chiffon construct the entire gown. The skirt flaunts a silk waistline band, silk lining and pockets.
Not all ranch hands appreciate a ballgown, but here’s one that will turn heads in an “Oh heck ya, that’s stunning” kind of way. An A-line taffeta ball gown is a little more introverted than your average showy frock, as isCarpe Diem’sgathered posy of dahlias and roses. The sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps and twisted detailing make this Nouvelle Amsale from Bitsy Bridal gown ($2,700) sing and dance.
Memoire Margarita diamond necklace in 18K rose gold, $1,430 and Suna Brothers diamond huggie hoop earrings in 20K rose gold, $4,200; O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC
TAKE IT EASY
Mountain gals are known to be unfussy, outdoorsy types, so for them, this Tadashi Shoji gown ($800) by Harlow Bridesis spot-on. The dress boasts an allover-embroidered-dot pattern that’s as easy to wear as it is to love. A sheer overlay covers the plunging neckline and ruffled sleeves expose sun-kissed shoulders. Hair by Kali Wengreen is casually tousled and the makeup by Kristen Packard is warm and effortless.
Hand-dyed silk ribbon, $36,Frou Frou Chic,; bouquet by Amber Reverie
STAND TALL, Y’ALL
At River Bottoms Ranch, you’ll never be mistaken for a country bumpkin. To boot, the heavy crepe of this Kelly Faetanini spaghetti-strap gown ($2,275) by Bitsy Bridal drapes in all the right places for a fit that’s statuesque and alluring.
KEEP IT FRESH
Show some skin without revealing too much. This illusion neckline plummets down the decolletage to a handmade Israeli lace sheath. Muse by Berta gown (price range $8,000-$10,000) from Park City Bridal comes with a detachable tulle train. Talk about a two-for-one.
Fred Leighton leaf motif earrings in 18K rose gold with rose cut diamonds, $38,500; Rahaminov ring in 18K white gold with oval center diamond and diamond halo, $13,300, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC
LAYER UP
Layering up—long sleeves, high neckline and a veil, for example—is a prairie gal’s best strategy. She never knows what the weather will bring. Park City Bridal thinks outside of the typical wedding-dress box with this Berta chiffon and embroidered-lace gown (prices range from $4,500 to $9,000). And a dramatic red lip by Kristen Packard never hurt anyone, either.
Point d’esprit polka dot drop veil, $160, Danani Handmade, SLC
HEAD WEST
Adventure awaits, so be ready. Set yourself up in this deep-V sheath ($1,650) from Latter Day Bride with a unique full-lace pattern. Messy hair? No problem, according to hairstylist Kali Wengreen who offers a new take on braids. This braided halo, courtesy of added hair extensions, would make Laura Ingalls Wilder jealous.
Fringe and wooden earrings, $35, StilWorksStudio, Provo
PACK A BLANKET
…or several. Gathre crafts and sells soft, bonded leather goods including play mats, tablecloths and multi-purpose mats that are rollable for picnicking on the go. For extra comfort—and glam—choose a chic sheath like Latter Day Bride’s Cardinal gown ($900). This frock flaunts a high neck, an open back with lace over English netting and a stretch lining.
Maxi square mats, $120 each, Gathre, Provo; The Armando Hat, $75, Clay LA, clay.la; Woven earrings, $15, StilWorksStudio, Provo
EMBRACE THE MOMENT
The devil is in the details. Intricately hand-beaded mums offer dimension to a sheer nude top, and elbow-length sleeves keep it classy. This Rebecca Shoneveld gown ($2,200) from Bitsy Bridal pairs well with its rose gold and diamond ring counterpart.
O.C. Tanner Collection Isadora light ring in 18K rose gold with .40 carat center diamond and pavé diamonds in double halo and shank, $5,500, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC
Raise your hand if your Christmas decorations are still up, and it’s January! (Guilty as charged).
If you’re anything like us, you have the hardest time letting go of the holidays every year. 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. We are loving the woodland Queen-worthy lace covering on the lovely bride by Elizabeth Cooper Design, and especially how Mother Nature added a little extra sparkle to the regal updo by Amy van Biljon.
Scroll on through for more winter-beauty magic with paper by Katie Blakely, jewelry by Stag Head Designs and oh so much more.
Emery and Marc love the outdoors, Jeep rides and adventures, so they knew right off the bat that they wanted a different kind of wedding.
The Couple
The couple met through mutual friends in high school, though they were dating other people at the time. Their first date was over Emery’s first Christmas break home from college nearly 7 years ago, and two have been inseparable ever since. Pennsylvania-native and fun-loving as can be, the two got engaged after a long day of learning how to dirtbike, then met Marc’s family for dinner and drinks.
The Wedding
Before they selected their location, Marc went to Moab on a Jeeping trip, and suggested Utah to Emery as soon as he returned. “I thought it was perfect,” Emery says. “For destination weddings, everyone goes to the beach or somewhere tropical. I wanted something a little more ‘me.’ Here, we see Pennsylvania beauty every day- down in the desert, it’s a different kind of beautiful.”
The couple didn’t actually see Dead Horse Point in person until the morning of their wedding. They had been researching ceremony spots in Arches and among the red rock elsewhere, but enough people in Land Management suggested the Point that Emery and Marc just went for it.
After a ceremony at the edge of the point, the newlyweds hosted a dinner and reception at Sunset Grill.
The Mood
Emery and Marc were married in the bright sun, red sand and surrounded by loved ones dressed in desert rose hues. This included Emery’s niece, Jenna, in a gorgeous lilac bridesmaid’s gown. “I tried to coordinate fall colors, because these schemes are my favorite,” Emery says. The entire mood was set to mirror the desert setting of the wedding, from Emery’s Aztec-embroidered gown to the succulents adorning her bridal bouquet.
The Cuisine and The Tunes
To end the night, the wedding party enjoyed a classic filet mignon and chicken (but honey-pecan, which sounds amazing) dinner at the Sunset Grill, complete with cake cutting and dancing. Emery danced with her father to “Just Fishing” by Trace Atkins, while Marc and his mom grooved to a Celine Dion classic. The couple made their debut to the tune of “Yours” by Russell Dickerson.
“I think my favorite part of the day was simply being able to finally call him my husband,” Emery says. “We’ve been together for so long, it felt so good to finally seal the deal. It was the perfect day.”
Isn’t that what we all want? We’re all editors when it comes to party planning. We research, create, edit, then execute, but often the process is not so fun.
End the analysis paralysis right here, right now. We’ve researched hundreds of local wedding ideas and curated our favorites in the following pages. We did some gown shopping for “Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch” (page 148), threw a bridal shower for “Rosé for the Big Day” (page 168) and interviewed brides, grooms, mothers, wedding planners, stylists and stationers. Plus, we offer inspiration—as well asvenues—for every style: elegant ranch, luxe resort, industrial downtown, historic charmer, desert garden and minimal mountain.
Need more? Hit us up on social media@utahbridemag or email me at editor@utahbrideandgroom.com. Next, it’s up to you to edit your own list and execute. Oh, and have fun along the way!
But the biggest inspo for Clements, as in any wedding basics, was the gown. She saw it on the rack at Ooh La La Dress Rentals and knew she had to have it for a shoot in honor of the Saint himself.
Vendors
Move over gray. As with many design trends emerging from fashion, beige tones—think Caramel, Fawn, Mushroom, Sand and Cafe Au Lait—step in again as fan favorites. “It sets the perfect earthy foundation to our color scheme,” White says. “We recommend silver accents because gold is getting tired. Silver naturally flows with the cool tones of the bride’s gown and the stones.” 
HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT
