Originally from Michigan, Natalie and Tom are college sweethearts who have been inseparable since their days at Michigan State. The pair have lived all over the country together, but most recently settled in the great state of Utah.
3-4 months before popping the question, Tom planned a special day for Natalie. The couple had previously modeled for local styled shoots, so Tom reached out to photographers Jenna Roden and Shannon Ferrell to set up a mock styled shoot to set the mood.
The photographers set up a picturesque scene: a picnic shoot on the glorious grounds of La Caille restaurant, nestled among the canyon views in Sandy. Natalie’s sister flew into town under the radar, and purchased the perfect outfit for the day.
After a few minutes of posed shooting, Tom dropped to one knee, and Natalie quickly realized that she was experiencing the real deal. From that point, the shoot turned to a day of joy and celebration surrounding the happy couple.
At the helm of Utah’s thriving foodie scene, Culinary Crafts remains the beacon of exceptional dining experiences across the state. Approaching its fourth decade in business, its continued success is rooted in an unwavering commitment to using fresh ingredients and made à la minute cuisine.
As second-generation proprietors, Ryan and Kaleb Crafts carry forward their family’s legacy by preserving what they refer to as “culinary romance.” Prioritizing ambiance alongside taste, they’re willing to make extraordinary excursions to bring their clients’ dream events to life.
Crafts takes pride in elevating the romantic aspects of dining by curating eclectic experiences, such as serving guests entrées in the middle of a lavender field or perhaps within one of Utah’s enchanting national forests.
While many catering companies are available for on-site setup, it’s a select few who are as dedicated as Culinary Crafts to fulfill a client’s vision.
Regardless of the occasion, whether it’s a wedding or social soirée, Culinary Crafts understands that food is the ultimate social linchpin. Guests generally attend events for specific purposes, but when quality cuisine is paired with memorable atmospheres, it allows guests to have a wonderful time while creating unique and delicious memories.
Culinary Crafts welcomes their clients’ ideas and has the experience to make most a reality. Moreover, their skilled team understands the intricate nuances to bring even the wildest ideas to fruition.
“As long as we can get our trucks and equipment to the location, we’re in!
Food is why we gather, so why not dine in settings as stunning as the cuisine?”
Ryan and Kaleb Crafts, Catering Savants
Ask the Experts
What’s Ahead:
We’re growing like crazy! This year, in addition to celebrating our fortieth year in business, we’re opening a wine-tasting bar and venue right downtown in SLC. Beyond that, one of our favorite aspects of this business is that we don’t always know what’s ahead! We wait to see what our clients are interested in so we can turn their ideas into a reality.
Excited About:
We’ll always be excited about the cuisine and you can taste the passion in our food. Still, what we look forward to most is trying something we haven’t yet done before. We love the ideas our clients bring and we can’t wait to see where and what we’ll be cooking next!
Fresh Ideas:
Don’t assume something isn’t possible. If you have an idea for a location or a meal, we’ll work with you to see what we can create. As the trendsetters of cuisine across Utah, our innovative team has the expertise and vision you need to execute your meal to the highest standards.
Old world fashion meets crisp, contemporary photography for a breathtaking bridal session in Utah’s capitol city.
When it comes to the wedding day, nothing sets the tone of your personal wedding vibe quite like the bridal fashion, and this classically stylish couple is the ideal example. Couple Alyssa and Colton braved the early morning chill with photographer Amy South (Amy Elizabeth Photo) to show off their one-of-a-kind wedding day ensembles at the crack of dawn at one of Utah’s most beautiful spring venues: the blossom-laden grounds of the Utah State Capitol Building.
Alyssa arrived on scene in a Regency-ball-worthy, off-the-shoulder satin gown with elegant ruffle details from shoulder to waist, found at Alta Moda Bridal. Her groom, Colton, sported a custom suit jacket in creamy white with black piping from Logan’s Kater Shop. Hiding within, a colorful custom paisley liner brings his personality to every detail.
Alyssa’s bridal ensemble was accented by a charming parasol, perfectly pastel bouquet and delicate lace shoes. Her ring, befitted with swirling loops of equal regency flair, add the ideal dose of sparkle alongside blue drop earrings.
See more of this dreamy bridal session:
Photographer: Amy South/Amy Elizabeth Photo IG handle: @amyelizabeth.photo Website: https://amyelizabeth.photo/
Cake meadows are the latest trend in dessert decor. Rather than choosing a simple cake stand and ribbon, brides are decking their cake tables with full-force florals. After all, why shouldn’t your dessert be a feast for the eyes, too?
A romantic shoot with bold color captures the essence of a timeless union between a bride and groom, marking the beginning of a new family affair.
A gloriously sunny day, buttery yellow florals, and a sweeter-than honey “something blue.” What more could a wedding need?
This marvelously inspirational styled shoot from Ruby Jane Events captures a “vision of sophistication,” the ultimate goal of Ruby Jane planner Julie Walker. The upscale inspiration begins with the setting, one of the valley’s most picturesque venues, Twenty & Creek, which contributed endless beauty to the big day with its natural light and neutral canvas as a foundation for the team’s chosen palette of blues and golds. “These colors were carefully curated to reflect the couple’s classic style while infusing a sense of joy and brightness into the atmosphere,” Walker says.
When imagining this dream couple, the vendors decided on an upscale pair, with a love to travel. Details including dainty botanical paper elements, classic floral shapes and a hand-crafted macaron tower reflect a love of Paris’s high style and infinite elegance.
The floral elements of the day equally conveyed elegance, from the delicate floral detailing on the bride’s gown and billowing veil to the simple bouquets of yellow garden roses and blue delphinium scattered throughout the event’s design. On the tables, sleek modern tableware and knotted napkins add further refinement. The masterpiece wedding cake showcased subtle texture and airy cosmos, tying the day’s theme together.
“What truly set this photo shoot apart was the inclusion of the couple’s young daughter, who stole the show with her adorable presence,” Walker says. “The little one wore a navy blue lace dress, complete with a dainty crown and satin ivory shoes. The family’s connection was palpable, and every frame captured the genuine love and happiness they share.”
Get inspired on how to best announce your wedding with these five equally-glorious engagement sessions.
1. Old World Glamor in Downtown SLC
This shoot by Lovely Day Lens embraces all of the best parts of that “Old Money” aesthetic: effortless beauty, sophistication, and elegance, from the backdrops to the style.
Ornate clocks, gilded doors and historic buildings (here, the Boston and Newhouse Buildings downtown) offer the perfect facades for this gorgeous couple to show off their love.
To wrap up the evening, the lovebirds climbed to the top of Exchange Place to get breathtaking shots with Salt Lake City’s unforgettable skyline.
2. Rustic Romance at Tunnel Springs Park
Photographer Jackie Siggard captures all the simple vibes of true love at Tunnel Springs, with darling couple Abby & Jackson. Abby’s free-flowing style and cascading hairdo both contribute to the shoot’s rustic air, while the coveted florals and backdrops at Tunnel Springs bring that Utah Country feel to every shot.
3. Classic Elegance at Utah State Capitol
Clarissa and Ted took on all the best elements of a classic engagement shoot, and let them shine at this iconic Utah venue. The casual white dress moment, classic groom’s outfit, and timeless in-love poses all show: this couple is ready to take on marriage in high style. Photos by Branson Maxwell.
4. Fairytale Engagements at Wadley Farms
Can you say “happily ever after?” Charity and Spencer picked the perfect venue to kick off their forever fantasy, with the castle-like magic happening around every corner at Wadley Farms. A pair of flowing floral gowns fit for a modern princess bring Charity’s royal vision to the contemporary age, and very bridge, gate and parapet stands ready to host this couple’s overflowing affection. Photos by Jackie Siggard.
5. A Surprise Proposal at La Caille
After living around the country together, Natalie and Tom finally settled in the great state of Utah. What began as a styled shoot at the stunning, French countryside-inspired grounds of La Caille restaurant in Sandy turned into the ultimate surprise proposal for Natalie.
Yeah Natalie and Tom are from Michigan and have been together since Natalie was in highschool. Her and Tom started dating early years of college at Michigan State and have been inseparable ever since. They lived in a few different states together and ended up settling in Utah. Tom planned this proposal 3-4 months in advance, Natalie had a hunch but played along with it. Her older sister Christine flew from Michigan to surprise her, hiding her location from her sister. Her sister even bought her this dress and we used it as a prop. We (me and Shannon Ferrell Photography) initially planned the proposal as a ‘styled shoot’ then it became the real thing. Afterwards they celebrated (I tagged along) to Ivy and Varley for champagne and dinner.
Sleeves of every style are gracing the season’s most memorable bridal ensembles. Get inspired by a few timeless looks:
1 BISHOP. Effortless glamor and easy demure exude from the simple coverage of a bishop sleeve, able to deliver flair to any style of gown.
Clara charmeuse gown by Watters, available at Mary’s Bridal, SLC.
2BILLOW. Embrace your new-wave fantasies with a playful puff sleeve, full of structure for a one-of-a-kind look.
The Mayce gown with detachable puff sleeve by Cinq Bridal, available at Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Orem.
3BUILT-IN. Select a classic sheer long-sleeved gown to elongate and emphasize the femininity of both the modern and classic bride.
Dietrich gown by Pronovias, available at Mary’s Bridal, SLC.
4BELL. Whether you lean toward elegant fairytale or hippie-chic, the ever-versatile bell sleeve brings dimension to your bridal silhouette.
The Elizabeth gown with detachable bell gloves by Cinq Bridal, available at Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Orem.
5BESPOKE. Deliver versatility to your bridal attire with detachable sleeves, to give your guests a surprise revamp for cocktails, reception and beyond.
Eileen gown with statement sleeve by Christie Nicole Bridal, available at Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Orem.
Jon & Tito first met in 2009, as friends while in separate relationships. “We stayed in touch throughout the years, even when Tito relocated to Los Angeles for work.” Nearly a decade after their initial friendship, Tito (newly single) moved to NYC to take a new job with L’Oreal. Jon’s late husband had passed away that summer, and the pair decided to reconnect over a friendly dinner. That dinner quickly turned into a first date, leading them through deep discussions well into the night.
In August 2020, to celebrate Tito’s 37th birthday, Jon arranged a beautiful starlit dinner for 20 of their closest friends at the couple’s New Jersey home. After dinner, Jon gave a champagne birthday toast to Tito that stretched into a profession of love and desire to spend the rest of their lives together. He produced a surprise ring from his pocket—and without a dry eye in sight, Tito gave Jon a big hug and immediately accepted the proposal.
THE WEDDING
These two stylish grooms knew they wanted a venue that could be dressed up and dressed down simultaneously, and Wanship’s Blue Sky Lodge was the perfect choice.
The couple’s pasture-view outdoor ceremony was held on the lawn and featured exquisitely minimalist florals and decor. Elongated gold vessels lined both aisle and altar, presenting elegantly draped monochrome calla lily bouquets, backed by bunches of dense greenery. Guests looked on, seated in sleek black chairs. Jon and Tito were each escorted down the aisle by their mothers, and were married by Jon’s brother, Steven, with rings presented by the couple’s dog, Chloe, who arrived on-scene decked in burgundy florals and white tulle frills. Both Tito and John sported custom midnight blue tuxedos. For the reception, they swapped their classic black ties for feathered ones, and Jon donned suspenders patterned with the scales of justice, gifted to him by his parents when he entered law school.
The stately, masculine decor continued at the reception. “We wanted a masculine, dark and sexy vibe for our wedding that also respected the natural scenery of the mountains.”
Within Blue Sky’s barn venue, neutral tones accented by burgundy blooms and details enrich every surface. Rich, leather-like browns stand out against matte-black and metallic foundations, with every detail glittering under the venue’s strings of lights. The room’s centerpiece was a branch chandelier, dripping with brilliant white orchids.
THE PARTY
A plated dinner for all 110 guests awaited beyond the barn doors. The menu’s Utah trout and bison nodded to the rustic venue, while late-night burgers and fries coupled with dancing in true party style. The couple chose a unique all-black cake accented with violet figs to foster their sleek, minimal vibe, and inside was a surprising chocolate and peanut butter dessert. Led by DJ Chu, Tito and Jon danced the night away with their family and friends, sipping signature cocktails named for the couple’s Asbury Park, Chelsea, and Park City homes. Their first slow dance was to “Stand by Me” by Skylar Grey, immediately followed by an upbeat Puerto Rican salsa to “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo, in honor of Tito’s Caribbean heritage.
THE HONEYMOON
Jon and Tito enjoyed three days at the Bulgari Hotel in Dubai exploring the city and adventuring on dune buggies. They followed it with a St. Regis stay in the Maldives, snorkeling and diving in the crystal blue waters.
Michajah and McCabe met in the design program of their college in St. George Utah. The pair, along with Michajah’s best friend and roommate Nayvi, became fast friends through the duration of their college experience. After graduating in May 2021 and breaking off a long-term relationship, Michajah discovered possible feelings for her former college friend McCabe. After reconnecting, McCabe eventually admitted he had had feelings for her for a long time. “Everyone but me seemed to know about it, and I was somehow the last person to figure it out,” laughs Michajah. “After it all came out, I realized he was my best friend and that I wanted his love forever.”
That July, the pair became an official couple, and by September McCabe had bought a ring. He held onto the bling until May 2022 so that he could propose in Bear Lake where he first asked Michajah to be his girlfriend. In Michajah’s words, “It was an obvious yes.”
THE WEDDING
Just a couple of months later, the couple sealed the deal with the ultimate vintage-chic ceremony on a family friend’s Salt Lake City estate. As the director of a Makerspace for Utah Tech University, Michajah had all the resources she needed to design her own custom wedding. It began with the stationery: Armed with a pattern from an heirloom handkerchief, a simply-chic palette of black, white and brass and a monogram that she dreamed up herself, this bride hand-picked and laser-cut each piece of the invitation suite, complete with ticket stubs to introduce their “Rock Meets Royal” theme. “The vibe suited us so well,” says the bride. “At a glance, McCabe and I appear to be exact opposites but we just work together so well.”
From there, Michajah added her signature flair to every table with handmade and vintage decor items that she meticulously sourced to fit their desired vibe. Crystal mugs, hand-cut and lettered signage, thrifted teapots and retro cherubs were the highlights of the design, “I was loving anything eclectic with ornate details,” Michajah says. Amid it all, a romantic and whimsical spread of colorful florals brought the classic and cool fairytale event to life. “Having a beautiful space ensured our wedding would feel like a fairytale.”
Michajah walked down the aisle to a quartet rendition of “Something Just Like This.” She was draped in a long-sleeved satin gown, complete with an elegant plunge front, open back and oversized bow to bring her signature edge to the look. Waiting for her under a be-floraled iron arch, McCabe stood in a classic black tuxedo. After a laugnter-and-love-filled ceremony perfomed by minister Greg Jorgenson, the couple returned down the aisle, this time as husband and wife.
THE PARTY
Soon after the ceremony and cocktails, the couple shed their bridal attire in favor of a cutoff denim jacket for McCabe and a lace corset for Michajah, to join their guests for the wedding party of the century. Following a meal of salmon and prime rib and an afternoon of lawn games and disposable-camera selfies, the groom jumped on stage to join his bandmates as their group NVM performed a full rock show that guests danced along to. “It was the first time our family members from out of town were able to see McCabe play live,” Michajah explains. The band played “Fade Into You,” by Inhaler for the couple’s first dance, and served as the soundtrack to a truly rock and roll evening.
At the end of the evening, Michajah and McCabe cut into a stunningly elaborate, six-tier cake, adorned with decadent fondant swirls and vintage Wilton cherub pillars, reminiscent of the iconic Grace Kelly confection. The flavors included gluten-free tiramisu, chocolate caramel and white-chocolate raspberry.
Throughout the event, guests had a ball applying custom, temporary tattoos drawn by the groom, and curating their own “ink” to match McCabe’s impressive sleeves.
THE HONEYMOON
Continuing the celebration after their big day, the couple spent the following days at the Little America, staycationing and brunching with their closest friends.
Weddings deserve a visual treat as enchanting as the show-stopping bride. At Cake by Alessandra, each creation features top-quality ingredients, exceptional design, and a personal touch reflecting the couple’s unique love story.
Since 2007, owner Alessandra Wortmann has captivated her clients through superior design and flavor, a skill formed and nurtured throughout her childhood in the family kitchen where she honed her culinary skills.
“Many of my best memories center around growing up in Brazil, and I believe that’s where my passion for baking cakes began,” Wortmann explains.
Beneath the surface of her captivating visual aesthetic lies a taste equivalent to her artistry, making her cakes an exquisite treat for her clients.
While Wortmann is recognized as a chef-d’oeuvre in her own right, she also understands minimalistic and understated design, offering customers a variety of options to make their vision–and budget–a reality.
“It’s important for clients to have a general idea or cake style before their consultation,” Wortmann states. “I need a general idea of what they want, then I transform their ideas into a culinary vision.”
While Cake has continued as a front-runner in the wedding cake business, Wortmann understands that each client has specific needs and should choose professionals with aligning visions. “We are so lucky to have so many talented vendors in Utah. Choose someone you connect with to help turn your special day into a reality.”
“Something that has always set us apart is that our cakes taste even better than they look.”
Alessandra Wortmann, Owner
Ask the Expert
Advice for Couples:
In addition to the overall design and flavor, clients should understand their budget ahead of the designing process, allowing Alessandra to provide options to best fit the needs of each couple. Besides choosing the perfect cake, Alessandra’s best advice to couples is to choose vendors early, scheduling with her as soon as possible.
