Real Wedding: April & Ben

March 20, 2024

La Caille, Salt Lake City

Oct. 22

THE COUPLE

April and Ben met while attending law school at Chapman Law in Orange, California, where April grew up. Now both lawyers, the pair tied the knot in a beautiful fall ceremony in Ben’s hometown of Salt Lake City. Prior to the big day, they were engaged for two years after Ben popped the question while on a hike on a trail overlooking Salt Lake’s capitol building.

THE WEDDING

The couple’s wedding day was a stunning blend of tradition and culture, classic colors and subtle nods to each of the newlyweds’ personalities. In La Caille’s atrium, Rev. Craig Gordon led a beautiful ceremony backed by an arch brimming with seasonal greenery and pristine white florals. The bride described the wedding design as a mix between the suavity of James Bond and the timeless beauty of Downton Abbey, two shows the couple enjoy. “We wanted to be true to ourselves with our design,” April said. “We put ourselves into all the little details.”

April walked down the aisle in a richly-beaded Erin Cole gown, with customized details including an oversized bow accent and trailing shoulder ribbons. The bride accessorized with Erin Cole jewelry and a shimmering coat of 24 Carat nail polish by Caronia—her late grandmother’s signature shade. Ben wore a stylish blue suit and chess-themed cufflinks (both bride and groom are avid chess players, and nods to the game made appearances throughout the event).

Following the vows, the couple also incorporated a unity veil, candle, cord and coins as part of a Filipino wedding tradition called Las Arras, in honor of April’s heritage. Selected wedding sponsors helped with every element of the unity ceremony, offering more opportunities to include special friends and family members.

THE PARTY

This wedding’s menu is proof that a celebration at La Caille is never fully dressed without a show of talent from the restaurant’s talented chefs. Once seated at candle-lit and floral-laden tables, guests enjoyed a full three-course French meal, complete with five-onion soup, New York strip with caramelized onion and au gratin potatoes, and salted caramel pot de crème for dessert. The venue also provided a classic patisserie spread, including chocolate peanut butter tarts, coconut panna cotta and lemon cream tarts. As favors, guests each received a sampling of French macarons. For the final treat of the evening, the couple cut into a crème brûlée cake adorned with sugar Sego Lilies.

Two signature drinks infused more of the couple’s personality into the festivities. A classic paloma, dubbed “The King’s Gambit,” paid homage to Ben’s favorite chess opening, while April’s drink, a sidecar called “The Twizzle,” celebrated her figure skating hobby.

To celebrate the evening, DJ Eli Fillmore brought the party with a playlist of danceable classics. The bride and groom performed their first dance (choreographed by April’s brother) to a medley of love songs: “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” by Elvis Presley; “How Deep is Your Love,” by the Bee Gees; and “La Vie En Rose,” sung by Louis Armstrong. Afterward, a montage of childhood photos played while the pair danced with their parents.

With sparklers in hand, the guests created a big exit for the newlyweds as they sent them off in style. On her way out the door, April donned a fur coat given to her by her aunt, a further nod to her heritage and loved ones. April and Ben plan to honeymoon in Europe.