Don’t dull your personality on your big day. Irene + Co Events demonstrates how to let bold color and whimsical design land gracefully with careful attention to detail.
Photographs by Morgan Leigh photography
Be Bold
For the couple with heaps of personality, why diminish it on your biggest day? “Your wedding day is the day to embrace all of the ‘muchness’ that you are,” says event planner Irene Katzias.
For this setup, Katzias lets decor get loud with unapologetic color and out-of-the-box design.
“For the ceremony arch, I wanted it to be something natural, fun and free—like it was growing right out of the ground.” And, in contrast to the modern-edged facade of The Venue at The Ranches, this organic design, bursting with pink peonies and vibrant orchid accents, is the perfect mix to add a sense of whimsy.
Inside, Katzias skipped the tabletop arrangements and instead enlisted Mille Fleur Design to custom-build a stunning tree as the centerpiece of the reception space. “I am seeing more couples embrace installations,” she says. “It’s a way to be more impactful with the budget, and allows guests to have a one-of-a-kind experience.”
In another tradition-bucking move, this team skipped the traditional handheld bouquet in favor of a modern approach that turns bridal florals into a chic accessory. Against a sleek columnar gown with pearl details, an arm-band floral arrangement hangs on with laid-back ease, acting as sculptural art while allowing the bride’s hands to be free for greetings and glass-clinking.
Set the Tone
Your wedding paper suite is the ideal opportunity to showcase your personality and unique event vision before the celebration even begins. In this collection, the colors, patterns and textures of the wedding day make a ‘sneak peek’ appearance. Vibrant fuchsia trim and print are the first introduction to the event. Inside the punchy envelopes, playful pattern teases the linens to come on the big day, and a pearl-adorned vellum overlay mimics the sleek bridal gown.
“I love playing around with texture for an elevated finish,” says Katzias. Later, those textures come back into play on the tables: rose gold flatware, and elegant-edged Eleanor plates from Indigo Event Rentals lend softness and subtle elegance atom the linen’s bold pattern.
Day to Night
The designer’s fluency in top-notch detail doesn’t just apply to paper, and comes in handy when preparing for a day-to-night event. “You have to plan ahead for the move from natural light to evening lighting,” Katzias says. “Preplanning helps curate a very intentional story with lighting, and gives your evening design so much more depth.” Rather than relying on glaring fluorescent lights after the natural sunlight fades, bring your own lighting plan to set the mood. Here, a combination of stylish table lamps, glowing orb lights and strategic spotlight and uplighting lend a formal air to the dinner setting.
Katzias also crafted an elevated experience for this event’s afterparty. Oversized metallic inflatables, a plum-colored dessert stand, a sleek light-tunnel photobooth and an innovative DJ/saxophonist combo make for an interactive and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.
Utah Wedding Vendors:
Planning & Design: Irene + Co Events, irenecoevents.com
Photography: Morgan Leigh Photography, morganleighphotography.com
Venue: The Venue at the Ranches, theranchesvenue.com
Florist: Mille Fleur Design, millefleurdesign.com
Cake: cake. By Alessandra, cakeut.com
BTS Content Creator: Reverie BTS Co., reveriebts.com
DJ: Powell Weddings & Events, powellweddingsevents.com
Saxophone: Jarom Christensen Music, @jaromchristensenmusic
Paper Goods: Polite Paper, politepaper.com
Linens: BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.com
Lighting Production: Wasatch AV, wasatchav.com
Tabletop Rentals: Indigo Event Rentals, indigoutah.com
Rentals: Summit Party Rentals, summitpartyrentals.com
HMUA: Beauty by Reese, beautybyreese.com
Models: Marin Burraston, @mamma_long_legs; and Ethan Kartchner, @ethan.kart
Gown: Versailles Atelier Bridal, va-bridal.com
Veil and earrings: Christie Lauren, @christielaurenheadpieces
Shoes: She is Cheval, @sheischeval
Suit: Suit Up, suitupcustomclothing.com
After Party Decor/Photobooth: Snap, Pop, Party, snappopparty.com
Find more wedding inspiration here.
