by Val Rasmussen
Getting hitched alone or accompanied by only a few friends offers intimacy, beauty and, ultimately, a focus on what matters most: marrying the love of your life. Photographer D’Arcy Benincosa joins floral designer Sarah Winward to enlighten Utah couples on the art of eloping with unforgettable style.
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Want party design with maximum impact?
Try a minimalist approach. Rachael Affleck of Rachael Ellen Events and photographer Kenzie Victory reject the conventional overdone décor, princess gown and endless guest list. Instead, they focus on what matters most—a couple beginning its life together. Follow these five tips to harness sophisticated style for a Scandi-chic winter celebration.
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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.[vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1519270183946-35da74ab-03d9-5″ include=”13647,13648,13649,13650,13651″]
Peggy Panopoulos & John Chipian
Holy Trinity Cathedral & Grand Hall at the Union Pacific Depot
Peggy (a marketing consultant) and John (a wealth advisor) met at a Greek concert in Las Vegas when Peggy’s friend recognized John from a parody video she saw on YouTube.
Peggy’s friends partied that night with John’s friends, then, after four years of dating Peggy, John was ready for the next move. “Given that we had met at a Greek concert, I saw the perfect opportunity to fittingly propose at one,” John says. “Peggy and her girlfriends had planned a weekend getaway to Vancouver to see one of their favorite singers.
Unbeknownst to Peggy, I had notified the concert organizer of my plans to propose and was able to coordinate a moment with the musician to bring her on stage. Once she walked on, I came out with ring in hand and asked her to marry me in front of the entire audience. Amidst tears and cheers from the crowd, she said ‘yes.’”
Salt Lake City’s 100-year-old Holy Trinity Cathedral hosted Peggy and John’s traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony.
“The location was particularly meaningful to us because John’s parents and grandparents were also married there,” Peggy says. “The Greek Orthodox Sacrament of Marriage is unique in many ways, but primarily in that the ceremony has remained almost entirely unchanged since its origination centuries ago.”
Peggy created a personalized touch to the traditional ceremony by adding a sentimental inscription in John’s ring for him to discover during the ceremony.
“We opted for an elegant, black-tie affair with a neutral color palate to underscore the historic beauty of the Grand Hall,” says the bride. “In typical Greek fashion, however, our wedding was themed around one word: party!” Food action stations, custom cocktails, musical performances and traditional Greek plate-breaking amped up the celebration.
Live food stations included flaming Saganaki cheese appetizers and an ice-sculpted cocktail luge. A formal plated dinner began with spinach and arugula salad topped with tart cherries, sweet ricotta and hazelnuts tossed with a local honey vinaigrette and garnished with edible flowers. Next, caterers served chicken rotolo stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese and prosciutto or a beef tenderloin medallion with natural jus.
To top off the meal, loukoumades (Greek donut holes fried on sight and tossed in honey and powdered sugar), mini cannoli, and goat cheesecake bites with raspberry compote and chocolate bouchon were served for dessert. Late-night offerings included mini Greek gyros and mini souvlaki skewers provided by Aristo’s Greek Restaurant, movie theater popcorn, milk chocolate sea salt popcorn and chocolate chip sea salt cookies courtesy of The Blended Table.
Players:
Photography: Elisha Braithwaite Photography, SLC
Wedding planner: Fuse Weddings and Events, SLC (a UBG Vendor!)
Catering: The Blended Table, SLC
Loukoumades: GR Kitchen, Midvale
Cake: Carrie’s Cakes, Sandy
Cocktail hour appetizers and late-night snacks: Aristo’s Greek Restaurant, SLC
Ceremony site: Holy Trinity Cathedral, SLC
Reception site: The Grand Hall at the Union Pacific Depot, SLC
Flowers: Blooms & Co, SLC
Hair: Tatum Wetzel Hair
Makeup: Jill Marie Makeup
Audio Rentals: Performance Audio, SLC
Photo Booth: Piato Marketing, SLC
Rings: Hancock Jewelers, Draper
Invitations: Le Paperie & Company, Los Alamitos, California
Gown: Berta Bridal, available locally at Alta Moda Bridal, SLC
Suits: Burberry
Ceremony violin: Flavia Cervino Wood, SLC
Ceremony guitar: Michael Lucarelli, Holladay
Reception music: Oneiro Greek Band, Warren, Michigan; Otis Day and the Knights, Burbank, California; DJ V Mike Varanakis, SLC
Videography: High Tower Films, SLC
Officiants: Father Elias Koucos and Father Mario Giannopoulos
I’m head-over-heels for this beautiful styled shoot done right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Photographer Ashley Smith captures exquisite details, while the Potted Pansy’s florals add an organic textural element when paired with Betsy Couture’s gorgeous gown and model Audrey Seidel’s fierce posing game.
This shoot has ‘big city vibe’ written all over it –I feel like it’s straight out of an episode of Gossip Girl (Serena, is that you?)–and I can’t believe how lucky we are to have this much talent located right here in Utah. I’m so excited to share this with you, keep scrolling to see all of the amazing images.
Vendors
Photography Ashley Smith PhotoModel Audrey Ann SeidelFlorals The Potted PansyDress Betsy Couture
by Val Rasmussen | photos by Heather Nan
Molly McCarthey & Seth Spain – November 5
Ten months before Molly said yes, Seth met his future wife. “We were set up on a blind date by one of Molly’s friends from preschool and one of the firefighters on my crew,” says Seth, a wildland firefighter who grew up in Henniker, New Hampshire. Currently, Molly (an attorney) and Seth reside in Molly’s hometown of Salt Lake City.
Molly and Seth didn’t think twice when choosing a wedding venue. “Seth lived in Park City when he first moved to Utah, and we thought it would be nice for out of town guests to see Park City,” Molly explains.
“We visited the Montage and didn’t even visit any other potential venues.” The autumn date was a no brainer, as well. “We picked the date because I wanted a fall wedding, and Seth’s firefighting schedule ends in November.”
Fusing contemporary décor and autumnal surroundings, the duo chose a palette of aubergine, fuchsia and gold. “I knew I wanted aubergine as the base color to give it a fall feel, but we really wanted something different and memorable,” the bride says.
An ultramodern altar hosted glass towers of deconstructed floral arrangements featuring lush hydrangeas, calla lilies and phaleonopsis orchids. The drama intensified inside. An X-shaped-table layout and aubergine-hued pendants anchored the room.
Lush floral runners flowed across tabletops and floating candles sparkled inside tall glass vessels. Uplighting and plush draperies dressed the ballroom walls.
Molly and Seth kicked tradition to the curb. “We didn’t want the usual steak, salmon or chicken,” Molly says. “We really wanted a fall theme with a Utah twist.”
Sweet and savory starters included lobster corn dogs with caper aioli, rosemary panna cotta with citrus and shaved beet, scallops with prosciutto and sage, and a Camembert mousse served in cones with citrus marmalade and shaved walnuts. Waiters poured soup—a Utah trout chowder with potato fondant, celery and corn—table side “to make it feel extra special,” Molly says.
Guests had their choice of either an eggplant fritter with squash noodles, tomato coulis, arugula and shaved Parmesan (Molly doesn’t eat meat); a buffalo tenderloin (a unique option both Seth and Molly’s mom loved during the tasting) with Paris potato mash, asparagus, blistered heirloom tomatoes, sauce béarnaise; or a seared Chilean sea bass with thyme polenta, artichoke tomato succotash and beurre blanc.
The Gold Standard jazz trio played crooner covers. Molly and Seth took the dance floor as husband and wife to Zac Brown Band’s “Whatever It Is.”
“A few minutes before the ceremony started, Seth and I snuck away to read our vows and drink a little Champagne.
It was a spontaneous and emotional moment where we got to remember the reason for the day and reconnect before we became the center of attention,” Molly says.
Players:
Photography: Heather Nan, SLC
Planner, design and rentals: FUSE Weddings & Events, SLC
Venue and catering: Montage Deer Valley, Park City
Floral, design and rentals: Decoration Inc., SLC
Paper goods: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, Murray
Videographer: Elements in Motion, SLC
Handfasting officiant: Reverend Irene Bozich, Cottonwood Heights
Hair and makeup: Soula, SLC
Entertainment: Gold Standard, SLC
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens
Groom’s tuxedo: Ermenegildo Zegna at Utah Woolen Mills, SLC
Groomsmen’s tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse, SLC
Bridesmaids’ gowns: Weddington Way
Lodging: Montage Deer Valley, The Lodges at Deer Valley, Park City
Transportation: Le Bus, Diamond Limo, SLC
Rings: O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC
Our editorial team sat down for a Q&A with Squatters Pub and Brewery’s Judy Cullen to find out what it’s like to host a wedding at the local relic. Here’s what she has to say.
Let’s dive right in, can you share some background?
“As everyone knows, the craft beer industry is booming, and Squatters and Wasatch were among the first in the state of Utah to provide hand crafted brews to thirsty Utahns. As a matter of fact, Greg Schirf, the founder of Wasatch, was responsible for lobbying to get the liquor laws changed in 1986 to allow brew pubs. Both Squatters and Wasatch beers have been recognized nationwide for their beer, winning over 125 awards in total from the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup and the North American Brewers Association Beer Awards.”
Tell us a little bit about what it’s like to host a wedding at Squatters?
“Squatters and Wasatch offer an unparalleled private party experience, particularly for weddings, rehearsal dinners and receptions. Like any venue worth their salt, we provide a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, experienced and friendly service and décor to enhance your guest’s experience.
But where else but Squatters or Wasatch – Salt Lake and Park City’s original brew pubs, respectively – can your guests sample the freshest brew master seasonal ales and lagers straight off the line, brewed in-house? Looking to create an unforgettable reception or rehearsal dinner experience? Ask our Private Event Manager about adding a beer school component to your celebration.”
Can couples host a wedding at any of your locations and how many people can you accommodate?
“Squatters in downtown Salt Lake combines the charm of original, historic architecture in a contemporary urban setting. Our individual private event spaces can be customized to cater to nearly every taste.
Wasatch Sugar House is in the heart of the hip and bustling Sugar House area, and features a modern, urban feel with exposed ceilings, barn wood accents and a private bar. And of course, pouring both Wasatch and Squatters hand-crafted beers.
Wasatch Park City is located at the top of historic Main Street, with patios that overlook the energy and activity on Main Street. The Pub also features private bars, full A/V and a variety of award-winning beers from which to choose.
All 3 venues can accommodate parties of 25 – 200, with menu options to suit every taste and budget.”
As an expert in your industry, what tips of the trade or advice can you offer couples who are shopping for venues?
“There are many event venues, so you need to find something that makes you unique and stand out. We think that we have that covered in that we offer a unique product (craft beer), in very unique and beautiful settings. You also need to be flexible with regards to your clients’ needs and tastes, as they can vary widely. We are proud of how we accommodate everyone’s different tastes.”
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To learn more about weddings at Squatters, find them on our vendor listing or check out their website.
THE COUPLE
No one ever believes me but yes, I met my husband in a bar in Boston on a random Thursday night. It always happens when you least expect it! Tim and I took a last minute trip up to his family’s lake house in Wisconsin in the middle of a snow storm to get away from it all. He—alongside our dog—got down on one knee in front of the fire and he pulled the ring from our pup’s sweatshirt hoodie he was wearing. I was over the moon happy but so surprised I couldn’t get the words out to say yes.
THE RED BALLGOWN
“I never wanted to look like a “bride” with the big white dress – its just not me. Instead I wanted to go for a look that could have walked down the red carpet with the best of them. I looked at dress after dress and didn’t even want to try them on until my bridal consultant asked if I thought about wearing color? After that everything just fell into place. She pulled out three dress: red, blue, and green. I tried on the red and didn’t want to take it off. It was the first and last dress I tried on. The rest was easy. The dress was such a statement that it needed next to nothing in terms of accessories. The color was enough! I wore a fun necklace for the reception from Very Wang. It added that little bit of party sparkle.
THE WHITE TUX
It was a Tom Ford white tux jacket with black pants. I guess someone had to wear white 😉
THE FIRST LOOK
Tim and I were together before the ceremony and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. He sets my mind at ease and the minute I saw him I knew the day was going to be perfect regardless of what happened behind the scenes.
THE CEREMONY
The wedding weekend was designed to celebrate Park City and its amazing landscape. Mountain Elegance might be the best way to describe our theme. We had this big plan to get married outside on the side of the mountain and let the landscape be our backdrop but then it rained. This wasn’t a few showers here and there, this was inches of rain from dawn until dust. We quickly moved to plan B and set the ceremony inside in a perfect loft space over the reception. Our florist did an amazing job bringing the outside in by using aspen, moss, local flowers, natural wood benches and much more to our intimate space. The aisle was lit with oversized lanterns and small flower arrangements that set the perfect tone and complimented the soft rain on the windows. The view from Empire Canyon Lodge is just spectacular and the staff understands what good service truly means.
I heard the music start for the flowers girls, there was a little rustle of people in their seats turning around to look and then I heard my little niece Olivia say, “No mommy I don’t want to go down the aisle.” I started to laugh and even more so when I peeked and saw my sister swing her up in her arms and carry her down. The funniest part of the ceremony was the look on our families faces when they realized our good friend John was not just doing a reading for the ceremony but was the actual justice of the peace.
THE RECEPTION
Silver Lake Ski Lodge at Deer Valley was transformed by Tulips and Thyme into a country chic dining area with dark wooden farm tables and crisscross chairs. Reclaimed wooden chandeliers were suspended at various heights and were dressed with a multitude of candles and greenery which helped to light the room and create a soft romantic environment. The tables were decorated in shades of ivory and taupe with stunning burnt gold glass chargers, white dinner china accented with soft purple linen napkins. Each table was uniquely designed with the colors of fall – deep scarlet, reds, oranges and gold – all representing flowers and foliage celebrating the season. Included in the variety of floral arrangements were locally harvested flowers as well as garden roses, ranunculus, scabiosa pods, privet berries, cabbages and small succulents in earthen pots. Tulips and Thyme designed amazing flowers to extend over the length of the tables and cascade down the side. It was just beautiful. The inspiration for the décor was my wedding dress—romantic, sophisticated, but at the same time, a little whimsical. My bouquet was perfect. I asked that it be an assortment of ivory and soft green to set off the dress and it came out amazing.
THE PUPPY CAKE
We wanted to make Brewer (our dog) part of our wedding ceremony but since he couldn’t travel to Park City, we thought the next best thing was to have him there in spirit and in cake.
A FEW FAVORITE MEMORIES
Tim and I snuck away from cocktail hour and had a glass of Champagne in the dining room. We took a few minutes alone to take it all in and just enjoy the moment before the craziness of the reception began. We even jumped on the dance floor and did a quick practice run of our first dance to settle our nerves.
I loved spending the morning with all of the women in the family. Hair was getting done on one side of the room while make up was done on the other and food and drink was everywhere. It was a revolving door of ladies and oh so much fun.
SOMETHING OLD, NEW, BORROW, BLUE
I love this tradition: Old – I carried a silk handkerchief that has been down the aisle over 30 times from my mothers side of the family. Borrowed – the incredible tear drop diamond earrings were my mother in laws. Blue – My engagement ring is a blue sapphire.
I’m glad we had a small wedding and created that intimate feeling where everyone feels very much a part of every moment. I’m thrilled that our families and friends were willing to travel to Park City, UT and put up with that stress for the festivities. I’m also glad that Tim and I came in one day early and left one day later to relax just the two of us.
ADVICE FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
I wish I hadn’t felt rushed the day of the wedding. But there are so many moving pieces its hard to relax and enjoy it. I worried about everything. In the end the worrying didn’t help and I had hired the best team possible.
Photography: Pepper Nix
Ceremony venue: Empire Canyon Lodge, Deer Valley
Reception venue: Silver Lake Lodge, Deer Valley
Rehearsal dinner: Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge
Sunday brunch: St. Regis
Event planner: Divine Occasion
Florals: Tulips & Thyme
Entertainment: Green Light Booking
Rentals: Alpine Event Rentals
Gown and necklace: Vera Wang
Shoes: Salvatore Farragamo
Tuxedo: Tom Ford
Makeup Artist: Bratislava at Salon Seven, Park City, (435) 940-8862
Invitations: Milkfed Press
You just got engaged–Congratulations!
Now what?
First, take a deep breath. Try to relax and enjoy this wonderful moment with your future spouse. Marriage is an exciting life journey but most people dread the wedding part. Yes, it can be overwhelming, but it makes a huge difference having an experienced event planner by your side during this process. Our friends at Temple Square offer these 9 things you need to know before meeting with your event planner to help you make the best out of that first encounter.
Weather, weekday versus weekend, and time of year are just a few details that can impact your wedding date. You will want to pick a date that will work best for maximum attendance of your guests. An outdoor wedding and reception can be tricky as Mother Nature has a mind of her own! Checking the weather almanac is a great start to see the history of weather on a particular date.
Your event coordinator should be helping you with your budget. You need to make sure you state your maximum per person and in return; they should respect your wishes. But ultimately, it is your job to keep an eye on what you’re spending overall. You should budget out all aspects of your wedding from flowers, food and venue to entertainment, wedding party gifts, etc. This can add up quickly. Keep track of what you’ve committed to spending.
Have a basic idea of your guest count and realize it can and will fluctuate. Most venues have a minimum amount of food and beverage or guest counts required for their banquet space. Start compiling a list as soon as you become engaged.
Perusing websites, bride magazines, and other weddings you attend can give you an insight into what type of food and beverage you would like to see served at your special event. Although most wedding venues have set menus, many chefs respond well to custom menus. Normally these have a slight surcharge attached to them.
Do you know the Pantone color of the year or do you have a vision in your mind of your wedding and the colors you would like highlighted for your special day? Colors out of the norm will most likely have to be special ordered while popular and on-trend colors are almost always on hand at reputable venues either through the venue itself or through their outside contractors.
Will you have a live band or a DJ? Will you be showing a wedding video? Do you want specialty lighting to ‘spot’ your table centerpieces? These are all questions you will be asked (and many more) by an experienced event planner. Try to think about your special day from start to finish and take notes to ask your event coordinator.
Grooms should not be a guest at their own wedding. Today more and more grooms are actively participating in the wedding planning process. Let him express his opinions and listen to what he is saying when it comes to making the final decisions.
An experienced event coordinator has been through this many more times than they can count; glean from their wealth of knowledge and insight. They can see potential hiccups long before you can even imagine them and they’ll help you avoid all the pitfalls.
If you don’t feel a ‘connection’ to your event coordinator, don’t be afraid to request a different one. This is one of the most important days of your lives and you need to feel confidence and at ease with this person. A professional will understand if you just don’t click and won’t take it personal as they only want the best of feelings between you both.
Most importantly, be open to feedback and suggestions. Sometimes what you envisioned won’t fit your budget or your venue style, and your event planner will be ready to help you navigate that. Get wedding planning started by scheduling a free consultation with one of the event planners at Temple Square today.
by Ashley Baker
Salt Lake-based photographer Jadie Jo along with a team comprised of talented local wedding pros, used simple, organic elements to design this whimsical styled shoot. Get ready to be swept away.
Vendors
Host Jadie Jo Photography
Designer Fox Heron Collective
Makeup Artist Allie Hymas Trent
Hair Stylist Souk Mixayboua
Florist Magnolia Flower Company
Dress Maggie Sottero
Suit Mr Mac
Models (Bride) Adriann Everett (Groom) Layton Bethea
Wedding Stationary Ink Splashed
Cake Sugar House Bakes
Table & Benches Autumn Rentals
by Andrea Peterson
First it was Grace Kelly, then Princess Diana, along came Duchess Kate and now a new royal-to-be entraps the hearts of not only Britain, but everyone around the world.
American Meghan Markel is the new ‘It’ girl. She’s got brains, talent, style and a daily health routine we can all lunge for. The royal wedding is merely months away and brides alike want her fashion-forward look and her fantastically fit body.
How does she do it? The answer is simply; Peak 45. A 45 minute work out class that is meant to be a quick and efficient way to burn fat. I don’t think there isn’t a lady in the room who wouldn’t say her busy lifestyle could use a quick and efficient way to get in shape. And if you live in or near Salt Lake City, grab your sports bra, tank top and leggings and head to Peak 45 located right in the heart of downtown.
Peak 45 is a class taught by certified professionals of the Lagree method based out of L.A. Sebastien Lagree developed a full body conditioning fitness method which involves the use of the Megaformer. The exercise equipment uses spring resistance to strengthen every inch of the body targeting the slow-twitch muscle fibers. Basically “time under pressure,” says Kristen Kenny, co-founder of Peak 45 in downtown Salt Lake City.
“Each exercise will be done as slow as you can go.” Removing the speed from the equation, helps build endurance and muscle stimulation. Be warned, you will get the shakes going that slow and it has become the studio’s motto. “Embrace the Shakes.”
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Kenny says “The time under tension with zero breaks increases your heart rate and activates slow twitch muscle fibers.” Thus resulting in building endurance, burning fat, strengthen the core, creating long lean muscles, improving balance and flexibility, and developing a body that is less prone to injury.
No wonder Meghan Markel is hooked. And she is not the only major celeb who has jumped on the Megaformer; Jennifer Aniston, Lady Ga Ga, Michelle Obama and Sophia Vagara are also avid Lagree method advocates.
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All levels are welcomed at the studio. Peak 45 keeps the classes relatively small to allow the teachers hands on availability to adjust or modify for each individual in the class.
For more information and class schedules visit: peak-45.com.
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