Minimal of color can be magical, especially when a site is dark and moody. Leslie Price of Leslie Dawn Events and photographer Alixann Loosle enter La Caille’s deep forest at dusk to create a quiet design that caresses and calms. This enchanting retreat captures the charm of a captivating storybook romance.
Head into the Woods
Lucky for Utah couples, the mountains boast sensory delights like the smell of pine, the sounds of bubbling creeks and the caress of gentle breezes. Take La Caille, for example.
“La Caille is such a sensational venue,” Leslie Price of Leslie Dawn Events says. “The grounds are truly breathtaking with the lush greenery as a backdrop. It really brought out the shades of gray in the design palette.”
Master Moody Hues
Price harnesses wedding-day fantasy with a grown-up, fairy-tale flair. Enhanced by neutral-hued florals, moody lighting and organic materials, a forest nook channels a magical moment of delight with textural shades of gray—concrete, linen and ceramic. “Additionally, I pulled in matte gray candles to bring in softness and create a dim and mysterious aesthetic.”
Think Naturally
The cool hues of texture-rich and organic materials—concrete table, marble place cards and artisanal plates—create the intrigue of a mysterious and, of course, romantic setting.
“The stone swan seats are unique and added such an unexpected element to the table design,” says Price who capitalized on the garden’s existing table and benches.
Polish the Details
Avoid a breeze sweeping away programs and place cards by opting for stone instead.
“I love the idea of incorporating marble into the place cards instead of using classic paper goods,” Price explains. “I found lovely marble coasters and Karli Noel Calligraphy expertly wrote the names on them. I felt it finished off the design with a polished feel.”
Design Toward Dusk
Waiting to party past sunset has its benefits. Evenings provide cooler temperatures, while sunset shadows deepen the textures of bark, leaves and pods. “I love florals with texture,” Price says of dahlias, eryngium, andromeda and fern. “The Potted Pansy shows off textural blooms that don’t lose the soft romance we were striving to create.”
Flowers are one of the most beautiful components in a wedding. From the bouquet to table centerpieces, flowers are key to setting the tone for the entire day. We sat down with Kellie Jackstien of Artisan Bloom to talk everything floral. Here’s what she had to say.
What are your favorite blooms in season right now?
“I’m obsessed with Hellebores right now. They have great variation of color and despite their delicate appearance, they’re a fairly hardy flower which makes them a great addition to bouquets.”
Photo Credit: Logan Walker
As we begin 2018, what do you foresee happening with future trends in floral design?
“We’re seeing a slight shift away from the wild, bohemian style. It’s still relevant and beautiful but in a much more controlled way. Bouquets will be smaller and little more structured while the softer garden style blooms layered with foliages will create that whimsy and carefree element associated with bohemian design. Think “controlled chaos.”
Sometimes overlooked, but what’s your take on boutonnieres?
“Boutonnieres are such a small detail to any wedding day, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun detail to focus on. When designing boutonnieres, it’s fun to involve the groom and incorporate his aesthetic. We often see the groom prefer really cool textures like eucalyptus pods, branches or herbs over something overly floral.
I prefer to avoid flowers that are crushable and have pollen. These flowers will not hold up throughout the day and the pollen will stain most fabrics.”
Photo Credit: Logan Walker
With brides getting married in various seasons, what types of flowers are seasonal year-round?
“More than you think. My favorites tend to be hydrangeas, roses, garden roses, lisianthus, ranunculus, and most greenery. We’re seeing more farms opening in other regions in the world to meet the demands of crops that are more seasonal, which is amazing. Good wholesalers are now sourcing peonies through the warmer summer months (as late as October) where as in years past, peony crops were limited to spring and very early summer. It’s impressive to watch these farms and wholesalers keep up the trends in with our industry.”
“Great question. A bride’s bouquet endures a lot during a wedding day. Not only is it out of water, it is picked up and put down frequently, faced with various temperature changes, and frequently crushed in loving hugs. Your bouquet needs to be able to stand up to all the stress. Some of our current favorite hardier blooms are ranunculus and garden roses.”
How do you work with people who have allergies?
“Allergens aren’t something your florist can ignore. It is one of the first questions I ask because we don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable on your wedding day. If we know in advance there are so many alternative foliages and flowers out there for us to find a similar replacement.”
Photo Credit: Logan Walker
What is your best advice for brides searching for a florist?
“Find a florist that you personally identify with because you want the experience to be enjoyable. Don’t be afraid of getting to know your florist and asking questions. The relationship you create with your florist will facilitate a more collaborative experience which is always fun.
Also, don’t be afraid to give your florist some creative freedom. There may be blooms or greenery that you have never thought could be incorporated into your flowers. Trust your florist because they are experts in the industry and will put out their best work for your big day.”
Looking for a florist for your wedding? To learn more about Artisan Bloom, find them on our vendor listing or check out their website.
Scenemakers has been helping couples plan their dream weddings in Utah for over 20 years. It’s a branch of the Modern Companies which includes companies such as Modern Expo & Events, and Modern Display. Since it’s launch in the 1940’s, Modern Companies and Scenemakers continue to be a leader in the wedding and event planning industry in the Mountain West.
At the time of this writing, Karley Parker was the Account Executive of Social Events at Scenemakers. We sat down for a Q&A with her to chat about her wedding planner weapons, favorite products and projects from last year.
BIO:Parker has a background in floral design, creates art on the side and loves to bring her client’s vision to life.
UBG: What’s your favorite day-of wedding planner weapon?
PARKER: Binder, water, comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
UBG: What’s a favorite wedding of yours from the last year?
PARKER: Savannah and Bridger are an artsy young couple that wanted to keep their wedding unconventional, so they chose a private residence in Alpine for their July 1st nuptials. This wedding was a favorite for its use of fruit mixed with floral. It was a hot day in July and having the fruit incorporated made it feel lush, unique and a perfect representation of summer.”
UBG: What local products did you use or could you use?
PARKER: “We used everything in our inventory, which we do rent out.”
2018 wedding trend alert: Vintage trailers are a thing.
This year, we have been spotting mobile trailers and campers at many of our favorite outdoor receptions. With warmer weather just around the corner, trailers are becoming the go-to option for many couples looking for a way to incorporate vintage glam into their special day.
Because of their retro look, these trailers and campers are becoming increasingly popular. They provide a great photo opportunity for everyone to enjoy. These trailers are also great because they can be more than a trendy photo booth. They can be mobile bars, hip lounge spaces, food trucks, and even DJ Booths.
Photo Credit: Retro Rentals
Retro Rentals, a vintage trailer rental service, brings instant elegance and sophistication to any event with their vintage trailers. Their trailer and camper models blend gorgeous design details and craftsmanship with sensible features to fit the style and needs of any wedding reception.
“They’re small and mobile, which makes it easier for them to fit into your event whether it is at a park, reception hall, or your parent’s backyard,” said Melanie of Retro Rentals. “Our vintage trailers bring such a unique aspect to receptions because they can create a more intimate flow to weddings and get the party going.”
Photo Credit: Retro Rentals
Vintage trailers and campers are a great and easy way to make a statement at an outdoor reception. Not only do they exude an hip, effortless style, they can be as flashy or understated as a couple wants. The trailers available at Retro Rentals allow endless options to personalize your big day.
Are you looking for the perfect vintage trailer for your wedding reception or engagement party? Retro Rentals have several available models to fit your party’s needs. Check out their website for more details.
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” –Hal Borland
Brrrr…it’s cold out there. No, this isn’t the start to that famous early 2000 cheerleader romcom chant from Bring it On.
No it really it’s cold outside. We might be in the middle of a late winter, but the late season snow and below freezing temps are making up the difference. Unless you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, going outdoors for exercise between the months of November and early April is not an option.
Summer workouts are easy. Early sunrise—go for a cool run at the park. A little too hot in the afternoon—hit up the pool for laps. Long sunlit days—grab some elevation and hike around the Wasatch mountains at sunset. Winter workouts on the other hand, are hard. Let’s be real. How do you get yourself motivated when your bed is warm, the sun is still sleeping and the slippery snowy sidewalks present Mario Kart-like obstacle courses.
It really is easy to stay in shape during the winter months and be ready to rock your spring wedding.
Dress the Part
The worst part about the winter months is the winter weather. Be it the frigid temps or the frigid precipitation. According to lifehacker.com “dressing in layers, remembering to keep hydrated, and staying visible” are the key to a successful outdoor workout.
35° TO 45°F AND CLEAR- Wear tights or thin running pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a vest. You may also need gloves when the temp gets near 35°F.
35° TO 45°F AND RAINY- Slim-fitting tights fare better in rain since they won’t get as droopy. A wool base layer will keep you warmer than a synthetic top since it retains warmth when wet. Wear a waterproof outer layer.
10° TO 35°F AND CLEAR- Wear technical underwear under your tights or pants and a long-sleeve shirt under an insulated jacket or vest. Wear gloves or mittens and a thin beanie.
10° TO 35°F AND SLEET- Wear tights, a water-resistant jacket, and a cap. Add water-resistant mittens to keep your hands from getting damp and cold.
–10°F AND CLEAR- Wear wool underwear and thick socks, tights, and running pants. To keep your core warm, go with a long-sleeve base layer under an insulated vest and windproof jacket. Wear a beanie and mittens.
–10°F AND SNOWY- Use the same cover-everything strategy as above for the bottom half. On top, wear an insulated vest and a water-resistant or waterproof hooded jacket over your base layer. Wear water-resistant hat and gloves.
Working Out, Outdoors
Now that you’re dressed, assume the position—ready, set, WAIT! Don’t go outside just yet.
The moment that blistering wind hits your face, you’ll be back in the house and under the covers before you know it. First, get yourself warmed up and ready to take on the cold.
According to Richard Cotton, PhD, an exercise physiologist and spokesman for the American Council on Exercise “It will be easier to make yourself go outside, if you warm up inside first.” Cotton says taking five to 10 minutes to get your heart rate up and warm the body such as jogging in place or jumping jacks will help elevate the frigid temperature shock that can come with stepping outside.
There’s also great news about working out during the colder months of the year. According to the Huffington Post, “As the body works harder to regulate its core temperature among the elements, you’ll burn a few more calories during your wintry workout compared to one conducted indoors.”
Take Up a Winter Sport
Okay, you’re dressed and finally outdoors. The hard part is over. The best part about living anywhere in the Salt Lake/Provo/Park City valleys is there are plenty of winter sport options to choose from.
Starting with there are 14 ski resorts in the state of Utah all within 20mins to a 3hour drive from the Salt Lake International Airport. You can downhill ski, cross-country ski or snowboard. According to Lifestrong.com, “A person who weighs 155 pounds burns 223 calories in half an hour of downhill skiing, according to Harvard Medical School. Someone who is 185 pounds burns 266 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing.”
If strapping yourself onto a pair of toothpicks and hurling yourself down the slick side of the mountain is not the sport for you, there are still a plethora of activities from snowshoeing, hiking or simply running. According to Men’s Fitness, “David Weck, the inventor of the BOSU Balance Trainer, suggests running in the snow as an activity that will be so intense that it will wear you down quickly, give you a great workout and get you back inside before your sweat has the chance to freeze.”
Tweak Your Diet
This next tip does take a little more effort.
It is very easy to slip up on our eating regemin. Holiday snacks and sweets kick already kick off the season into a downward spiral of yummy unhealthy goodness. So without worrying too much, it’s not about changing your diet or evening creating a new one, it is simply adjust a few ingredients.
According to Fitness Magazine, “Munch on healthy carbs in the afternoon before the sun goes down to stave off a splurge.” Studies show that the winter cravings come from the lack of sunlisht during the season which makes the serotonin in the brain less active. Thus, “too little of this mood-lifting chemical leaves you feeling tired and hungry,” says Judith Wurtman, PhD, founder of Triad, a Harvard Hospital weight-management center, and coauthor of The Serotonin Power Diet.
To help brighten your mood during the dark months, Wurtman recommends eating low-fat, healthy carbs in the morning “such as sweet potatoes, oatmeal with a sprinkle of brown sugar, and cinnamon toast” and then during the afternoon try “popcorn, soy crackers, or cereal” and for dinner, “opt for roasted potatoes, whole-grain pasta, black bean soup, or vegetable stew with barley.”
Create a Simple Daily Routine
According to Fitness Magazine, “Don’t settle on your sofa until you’ve completed your workout for the day.”
This is a really good tip. I know I am the first person to get home and through on sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirts. Even though it’s only 5 p.m., the sun has already been in bed for an hour so why not join in? Instead of jumping straight into your PJ’s, create a routine of putting on your workout gear. And even if the night calls for an evening on the couch, make it an active evening on the couch.
Mike Donavanik, a celebrity trainer in Beverly Hills, encourages you to also take commercial breaks. He recommends this repeating this circuit during every commercial break:
These days, alcohol isn’t just reserved for the bar.
Wine, beer and spirits instill flavor into dishes like rosé ice cream, whiskey-infused cheese and wine-braised short rib. Spirits can be added to one item—like a bourbon-glazed sous vide pork tenderloin with grilled peaches, rosemary potatoes and baby squash—or to the entire dish—like vanilla cupcakes with red wine buttercream garnished with fresh fruit and a pipette of sangria. Seared salmon with rosé reduction, fresh grape, basil and shallot relish is another unique entree.
“Taking elements from classic cocktails and turning them into a dessert is another fun idea,” says Cuisine Unlimited’s Derek Dietsch. Here, executive chef Steve Ulibarri transforms a Pimm’s cocktail into a liqueur-spiked vanilla cake layered with cucumber, strawberry and mint buttercream, frosted with orange buttercream and garnished with fresh cucumber, strawberry, orange and mint.
After going through a thorough seven-month remodel, Talia Event Center is now back to making wedding dreams come true for brides across Utah. Our editorial team here at Utah Bride & Groom sat down with Talia Event Center’s Talia Painter to talk about what makes their venue unique and ways to make a large wedding more intimate, here’s what she had to say.
What’s it like to host a wedding at Talia Event Center?
“Once a couple has toured our facility and booked a wedding date, we will be as involved as the bride and groom wants us to be. From the wedding planner bride to the DIY couple, we make sure everything is covered and that the couple are happy with the plans we have set.”
Tell us, what makes your venue stand out from the rest?
“What’s great about Talia Event Center is that there are endless options for personalization. Weddings are such a special time and a couple really needs to be able to make this day their own. Our experienced team can help them achieve the perfect day while keeping things as easy and stress-free as possible.
We are versatile for any party! We can accommodate large and small groups, because we have multiple rooms options. Our large square footage of 19,000 square ft. makes it easy to rent out the entire building or just a room., depending on any couple’s needs. Our venue is a bar/nightclub turned event center, perfect for weddings. From features such as a custom-made chandelier, multiple bar spaces, exposed brick walls, a solarium, and more everything is new and readily available for the big day.”
What are your top tips to making a large wedding feel more intimate?
“It is all about space and décor. Make sure that every guest is appreciated by paying attention to detail. Adding small candles, name tags at seats, personalized favors, etc. goes a long way! At Talia Event Center, our space lends itself to intimate groups as well as giant parties. Our team will ensure that every small detail of your wedding is appreciated and thought through.”
What is your best venue shopping advice for couples?
“There are always some general questions to ask the venue to make sure it fits your needs for the day. Whether it’s about outside vendors or package pricing, ask lots questions. Question are key to making sure you make a well-informed decision. Also, make sure you like the venue’s customer service and willingness to help, because that will essentially make or break your experience with them. The venue is key to a great wedding reception.”
Earlier this week, I chatted about 2018 Utah wedding trends on Good Things Utah and this was one style that I couldn’t resist sharing with viewers.
Our “Less is More” feature story unveils a simple sophistication. It showcases a restraint on over-theming a party, which is easy to do when a party planner can’t contain their excitement for a specific style. Party planning tip: Balance the details and let each one shine.
Art deco hints—carnations, baby roses, crystal goblets and the groom’s classic tuxedo—balance the clean lines of a marbled cake, sculptural candleholder, and the bride’s contemporary gown.
Wedding day hair and makeup fit for a Goddess? I think yes. This team of local talent created this gorgeous shoot that shows us how to get the look.
“For me when I heard about all the artist and makeup that was going into this shoot I instantly thought goddess and the was my inspiration throughout the whole shoot. It was a freezing day but the sun was so bright that I really wanted her to almost be one with it. To kind of tap into that inner and natural beauty that the sun offers. Every women should feel like a goddess on their wedding day! Rain or shine! And that kind of what I wanted to portray,” says photographer Kaylie Gainer.
Goddess Inspired Wedding Dress
“This dress actually has a pretty specific inspiration. I was always in love with Jenny’s wedding gown on the movie Forrest Gump. I love the causal, feminine ease of the dress, and I want to do something with a similar feel. I obviously wanted to put my own stamp on it, and design something a bit more sleek and clean to bring it into today,” says fashion designer, Janay Marie of Janay Marie Designs.
Goddess Makeup
“With the makeup, I wanted her to look like a natural, glowing goddess, who just happens to be flawless and stunning. I used a lot of luminous products with champagne and warm golden undertones to give her that “glowing from within” look. I wanted to the look to be natural and more editorial and all about her skin, so we didn’t use any mascara or lashes. She was the perfect model and I just love how everything turned out,” says makeup artist, Merrie Carson.
Bold Boho Headpiece
“This creation was a push for me to step out of my comfort zone, and I loved it. I am a strong advocate for the idea of every woman a goddess and try to reflect that in my creations. This particular crown was the perfect chance to really present that message and bring it to life,” says Aubrey Wood of Gracefully Bloomed.
Written by Val Rasmussen | Photos by pepper nix photography
After the big yes, it’s time to decide on the big where. Fortunately, Utah has many different venues—from sleek contemporary structures to rustic ranches and everything in between. But how to choose? Industry insider and photographer Pepper Nix offers a behind-the-scenes look at her favorite venues, along with expert tips and tricks for each site.
Grand America
Take a look at SLC’s downtown skyline and one hotel stands out: Grand America. “The Grand” houses regal courtyards, elegant ballrooms, Italian crystal chandeliers and rich tapestries. There’s nowhere else like it in Utah,” Nix explains. “It’s so easy to marry here. You and your bridesmaids can get ready in a spacious two-room suite with floor-to-ceiling window light. One room houses your squad and the makeup artists, while the other room performs as the bridal closet. I have enough room to shoot the ‘getting ready’ shots, while the bridesmaids drink mimosas, feast on The Grand’s gourmet cuisine and bond during hair-and-makeup time.”
The Grand ( a UBG vendor!) suits couples who love formality. In terms of photo opportunities, Nix says, “It has a very indoor studio feel with multiple backdrops, traditional furnishings and tons of gorgeous directional light.” Wintertime holiday lights and summertime formal gardens enhance stylish weddings.
Cushings’s Cabin and Empire Canyon Lodge
Deer Valley’s legend runs as deep as its roots in mining. With over 2,000 acres to choose from in Ski Magazine’s 2018 #1 ski resort, what is Nix’s preferred ceremony spot? “By far, my favorite ceremony location in Deer Valley is Cushing’s Cabin,” she says.
“The view to the west overlooking Guardsman’s Pass is breathtaking, plus the west-facing ceremony site means that the chairlift ride to Flagstaff Mountain at 9,100 feet will win over your guests. After the ceremony, you ride back down and have a fabulous reception at Empire Canyon Lodge.” Winter brides at Deer Valley also can enjoy sleigh rides and Deer Valley’s famous Fireside Dining menu.
St. Regis
This mountain contemporary resort is synonymous with comfortable luxury. With large ballrooms, spacious patios and mountain views in every direction, couples have many options. Nix’s favorite spot? “A west-facing ceremony on the Mountain Lawn provides the perfect background for your pictures.
The St. Regis (a UBG vendor!) also has an excellent flow for your guests: the ceremony on the Mountain Lawn, cocktail hour on the Mountain Terrace (with a traditional Champagne sabering performance by the wait staff), followed by an outdoor reception on the Astor Terrace. The Astor Terrace is large enough that you can tent it and still provide your guests views of the mountains well after the sun has gone down.” The funicular ride and celebrity sightings—Elvis Costello, Tori Spelling and Kim Kardashian—add to the sensational experience from dawn to dusk and beyond.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
Overlooking Bald Mountain at Deer Valley Resort, Stein Eriksen Lodge [named after the famed Olympic medalist and Utah’s favorite adopted Norwegian, Stein Eriksen] is known throughout the world for its attention to detail and world-class service. Nix’s favorite ceremony location? “You guessed it,” she says. “The west-facing Flagstaff Deck at Stein Eriksen photographs perfectly.
From there, your guests walk along a flower-lined pathway to the new Stein Eriksen ballroom with an entire wall of windows that faces west, so, during dinner, your guests can enjoy the sunset.” Celebrity sightings include Conan O’Brien, Earth Wind and Fire and Summit County resident Katherine Heigl.
La Caille
The French restaurant nestled at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon is the perfect marriage of savory food and botanical delight. The in-the-know photographer’s fave spot for a ceremony at La Caille (a UBG vendor!) is on the lush green lawn next to the vineyard.
“La Caille has the best view of Little Cottonwood, and the east-facing ceremony overlooking the canyon is a pretty spectacular backdrop for your photos.” From the vineyard ceremony, guests walk to an upper patio for cocktail hour to enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres in the shade of magnificent trees, all the while enveloped in the canyon’s magnificent views. La Caille’s Grand Pavilion is the stage for a grand reception celebration. “The grounds are so extensive and varied that I could shoot here for 12 hours straight and not shoot the same thing twice. Plan on extra time for portraits in all the locales.”
Montage
As one of Deer Valley’s newest mountain resort venues, Montage flaunts ski-in, ski-out access, the largest spa in Utah and five—yes, five—dining options, including a pub with its own bowling alley (ideal for a late night after party). Nix’s favorite ceremony hub at Montage is the Grand Lawn overlooking Park City that centers around a fire pit.
If a ballroom isn’t your thing, a reception inside the Vista Lounge restaurant offers cozy furnishings, high ceilings and roaring fireplaces. “The custom chandeliers were designed to make it feel homey and cozy, which is incredible considering the 20-foot ceilings,” Nix says. Celebrity sightings include Justin Bieber and Mitt Romney.
Log Haven
Generations of Utah fine diners call Log Haven their go-to spot for celebrations. Surrounded by Millcreek Canyon’s wildflowers and waterfalls, this rustic-yet-refined log mansion has been honored by national news sources, including Forbes and USA Today. But what hits home for the local crowd is Log Haven’s induction into Salt Lake magazine’s 2017 Hall of Fame.
“It’s only 15 minutes from downtown,” Nix explains. “I adore the images I capture of the west-facing meadow overlooking the pond. It has incredible light, ducks in the pond and picturesque pathways leading to the ceremony.”
Blue Sky Ranch
As I-80 West winds beyond the Park City turnoff, one may think they’re driving into unknown wilderness. The hamlet of Wanship—15 minutes east of Kimball Junction—hides a 3,500-acre wooded paradise with lodging, barns, a whiskey distillery and dramatic landscapes.
Blue Sky Ranch (a UBG Vendor!) is a western-inspired getaway for the cowboy, yogi, fly fisherman, equestrian or sports shooter. Nix says, “Yet again, I gravitate to the west-facing ceremony site on their outside patio. What I love about Blue Sky is how the inside of the barn is authentic and Western. I love the rustic hardwood floor and the rope chandeliers. It’s on private land so the band can, and does, play until midnight. They only do one event per weekend, so it is very exclusive. You can do anything here from black tie to mountain chic to cowboy casual.”
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For more of the best Utah wedding venues, check out our list!
Take a look at SLC’s downtown skyline and one hotel stands out: 
Deer Valley’s legend runs as deep as its roots in mining. With over 2,000 acres to choose from in Ski Magazine’s 2018 #1 ski resort, what is Nix’s preferred ceremony spot? “By far, my favorite ceremony location in 
This mountain contemporary resort is synonymous with comfortable luxury. With large ballrooms, spacious patios and mountain views in every direction, couples have many options. Nix’s favorite spot? “A west-facing ceremony on the Mountain Lawn provides the perfect background for your pictures. 
As one of Deer Valley’s newest mountain resort venues, Montage flaunts ski-in, ski-out access, the largest spa in Utah and five—yes, five—dining options, including a pub with its own bowling alley (ideal for a late night after party). Nix’s favorite ceremony hub at 