ORCHID BRIDE
PHOTOGRAPHER:JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY
model / TIFFANY PAO HIGUCHI
dress / RAW GOLDEN RENTALS
THE WEDDING OF ASHLEY & RICH
PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSIE AND DALLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / JESSIE AND DALLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
venue / OAK HILLS RECEPTION AND EVENT CENTER
dress / STRUT BRIDAL SALON
hair and makeup / HAIR BY ELYSSA
suit / MEN’S WEARHOUSE dj / UTAH JIVE
THE WEDDING OF BEN & KARI
PHOTOGRAPHER: DEVRY REEDER PHOTOGRAPHY
photographer
PREMIER VENDORS
THE WEDDING OF CAMERYN & TANIELA
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / ANGELA MARIE PHOTO venue / THE ROOFTOP IN LEHI
flowers / FAIRWOODS FLORAL BY COURTNEY WOODS cake / BAKING BLONDE CO
makeup / KAKI FINAU PUTUTAU catering / CRISP CATERING AND KNEADERS
second photographer / COURT LARSON PHOTOGRAPHY dress / THE BRIDE ROOM
videographer / SYDNEY JUNE FILMS
What a Client Needs to Know Before Booking a Cake Decorator
by Alessandra Wortmann of Cake by AlessandraMy name is Alessandra, I grew up in Brazil and I have wonderful memories of baking and cooking with my family. That is where my passion for baking started. Throughout the years, I kept the desire of learning by taking as many baking courses both nationally and internationally. I started cake decorating in 2007 as a hobby and now I own Cake by Alessandra. We specialize in wedding cakes!
We are well-known for cakes that taste as good as they look. It has always been very important for me to learn and master many different cake styles and techniques so I can provide my customers with different options to best fit their vision. We also do simple designs as well as our show-stopper masterpieces. We have won best of state since 2014 as well as many other awards throughout the years.
Having a general idea of a cake style helps to speed the process! There are so many options when it comes to cake. Different textures, different designs, sizes and etc. What kind of cake style do you like? That’s usually one of my first questions. Nowadays this is so easy, we have Google, Pinterest, Instagram which are full of pictures and ideas. I always tell my brides, “Get a couple of pictures and send them to me. That way I can guide you accordingly to what flavors would work well, pricing etc.”
Also having a budget will help us as a decorator/ designer to bring out options to fit that budget. We have basic prices, which are listed on our website and then we take a general idea (usually by pictures) of what the bride is looking for. At that point I am able to determine if that stays within our basic prices or if there are added costs.
Also, having your venue selected allows us to estimate delivery fees accurately and understand what will be necessary in order to set up your event.
What is the one piece of advice I have for every couple?
Find your vendor fit, trust them, and schedule early. There are many talented people here in Utah, we are so lucky. Select vendors that communicate well before and after booking with them and whom you enjoy working with. This is your day! Many of us dream about this day for so long. Choose someone that will help your day be even more special and have fun! Enjoy this moment. Eat Cake!!!
Photo Credit: Pepper Nix PhotographyTHE WEDDING OF KENEDEE & BERT
PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY venue / RED BUTTE GARDEN
florist / KRISTIN RUSSON wedding planner / LIFE IS A PARTY
catering / EXQUISITE AFFAIR CATERING dj / SILVER TIE SOUNDS
calligraphy and signs / TOCCI CALLIGRAPHY dress / BHLDN makeup / SAVANNAH ORME
THE WEDDING OF JEFF & KIM
PHOTOGRAPHER: MCNABB PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / MCNABB PHOTOGRAPHY venue / SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT
dress / THE BRIDES’ SHOP hair and makeup / CASS LOVELESS AND RIKKI THOMAS
floral / EVERY BLOOMING THING dj / CORNEL THOMAS, COMPLETE WEDDINGS
COPPER NICKEL EVENTS
by Brianna ChamberlainFor example, we have all been to one of those weddings where there is a basketball hoop, carpeted floor and velvet drapes in the background. No amount of decorating can hide the true nature of the structure. Or, the space is part of a multi building complex or business offices. An outdoor wedding turned into a wet soggy mess from an unexpected summer squall.
A venue should have natural beauty, character and timeless elegance at every angle. Whether you are going for a clean and minimalist look, outdoor artistry or industrial chic; look at your space as part of the decor and image which represents your style.
With the massive surge in events and bookings from 2022 into 2023, my best piece of advice is booking a venue early, even if the event is a year away. Too many people are stuck to a particular date or wait too long and then have to scramble and find a venue which usually leads to a place that was at the bottom of the list. When you walk into a space and it feels like an elegant and romantic decoration on its own; that is the right space for you.
It’s been said that, ‘Natural beauty can be captured in a glimpse, but is captivating enough to influence a lasting appreciation.’ When a place holds a beauty of its own it draws us in, somehow both soothing us and inspiring us to dance at the same time. There is no replacing it.
GET IN the KNOW
JUST GIRL STUFF
WHAT DRESSES WOULD LOOK FLATTERING ON ME?
At Just Girl Stuff, we are more than happy to pick options we think would look amazing on you! When it comes to bridal shopping, you want to feel like the most confident self in your chosen dress. Most brides will come in with ideas, and we love that, but it is also good to keep an open mind to trying on other styles because you never know! Dresses look much different on the person than they do on the hanger.
S.E.
WHERE SHOULD I SHOP FOR AN ENGAGEMENT RING—ONLINE OR IN PERSON?
Trying on engagement rings in person is a crucial step in the ring selection process, as it allows you as the brideto-be to assess the ring’s quality and authenticity. Unlike online shopping, trying on rings in person ensures you are getting exactly what you are paying for, as online vendors can be deceptive about the quality of their products. Pictures can be misleading and hide flaws that are only visible in person. Additionally, trying on rings in person allows for a personalized experience you can ask questions and get advice from a jeweler, who can provide insights into the ring’s design, materials, and craftsmanship. After all, an engagement ring is something you will wear for the rest of your life!
NORTHERN UTAH WEDDINGS
SHOULD I PLAN A DAY TRIP WITH MY MOM & GROOM TO FIND WEDDING VENDORS?
Having run this magazine and Utah Valley Weddings for years I have come to know the quality of hundreds of Utah vendors. And I have learned this: Northern Utah can hold its own. It used to be that this area was farmland so brides had to go south to find their wedding professionals. But that mentality is outdated by about two decades! We have photographers that are being flown out to California, cakes that could make a 5-star chef weep, and venues that will drop your jaw. Brides—grasp what is right in front of you!
Q&A from your LOCAL PROS
WHY HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?
When getting married, we somehow expect two people who’ve never planned a wedding before to plan the “perfect day”. Unfortunately, this isn’t always as easy as it seems. As a team of wedding planners, we are all about you. We guide you through the process and coordinate the day so it goes off without a hitch. We take the guesswork out of planning and are there to be your biggest cheerleaders and advocates. And when the wedding day arrived, all you need to do is be present and CELEBRATE!
HOW DO I WORK WITH MY MUSICIANS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CEREMONY MUSIC?
Begin by explaining your vision. Do you want it to be elevated, classy, and traditional or do you want some spunk and panache? Be prepared to tell them about: Your wedding party! Is it several of your closest friends or just your children and dog? Your officiant. Have you hired a pastor or is it your brother who has never officiated a wedding before (but will definitely have the best jokes!) And your love story. How you met, your family backgrounds, and your guests. With this information, your musicians will be able to give you specialized recommendations of songs that will beautifully accompany the moment and will also work best with their instrumentation.
JEREMIAH’S LODGE AND GARDEN
WHAT IS TYPICALLY INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL? ARE THERE VENUES THAT OFFER ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTIONS?
Some offer an array of rental options that include venue space, decor, catering, staffing, and many more items. For example, our venue includes, tables, chairs, auto, video system, and various decor options. We also have an award-winning catering staff on hand to help create your dream wedding menu, but not all venues offer the same. To ensure that from the beginning to the end of your wedding day runs smoothly it is important to know what is included and offered. Ask questions about the setup and breakdown of the space. If you book an all-inclusive venue, they are generally in charge of setting up and breakdown of the event. However if you will be bringing in any outside vendors or doing most of the coordination yourself, this is something you may have to take on. Ask tons of questions before the wedding—that way you have no surprises!
FOR MORE EXPERT ADVICE for planning your wedding, visit northernutahweddings.com
THE WEDDING OF KAIT & DEREK
PHOTOGRAPHER: MIRANDA’S PHOTOGRAPHY
photographer
flowers /
PREMIER VENDORS
THE WEDDING OF LEXI & TYLER
PHOTOGRAPHER: MCNABB PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / MCNABB PHOTOGRAPHY venue & floral / CACTUS AND TROPICALS
dress / DAVID’S BRIDAL cake / CITY CAKES & CAFE stylist / BEAUTY BY BRIELLE
catering / GOURMANDISE hair & makeup / AMBER RENEE SALON
dj / COMPLETE WEDDINGS
photobooth / COMPLETE WEDDINGS
videographer / COMPLETE WEDDINGS + EVENTS (ADAM SHIGLEY)
THE WEDDING OF LOREN & JAREN
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / PAIGE MCKENZI PHOTO dress / THE BRIDAL STUDIO
venue photographer / AUBREE BELLE PHOTOGRAPHY hair / SYDNEY CUTLER
makeup / MORGAN FAY wedding ring / FRAMEWORK JEWELERS
florist, planner, officiant / CYNTHIA THORSEN catering / CRAVINGS CATERING
dj / DJ C CHANZ soda bar / THE SODA BAR love letters / UTAH WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
THE WEDDING OF OLIVIA & BREVAN
PHOTOGRAPHER: SAMMIE JO PHOTOGRAPHY
THE WEDDING OF MEGAN & KEITH
PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSIE AND DALLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / JESSIE AND DALLIN PHOTOGRAPHY venue / ELDREDGE MANOR
hair and makeup / MAKEUP AND HAIR BY MICHELLE dress / MARY’S BRIDAL
videography / KENZLIE TODD suit / JOS. A. BANK
ENGAGEMENTS // BRIDALS
KENZIE & PARKER
BRIDALS SHELBY
PHOTOGRAPHER: BELLA ALDER PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY
Venues: Utah State Capital & Memory Grove Park | Florist: Premier Events
ENGAGEMENT
COURTNEY & TAYLOR
PHOTOGRAPHER: SHANNON VOLMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
STYLED SHOOT
URBAN ROOTS FLORAL
PHOTOGRAPHER: CARLI BETH BRIDAL
Mountain Donuts mountaindonuts.com
801-686-3681
Cactus & Tropicals
kendyl@cactusandtropicals.com cactusandtropicals.com
preferred vendors
City Cakes & Cafe
davidw@citycakescafe.com
citycakescafe.com
Teresa Rose Beauty teresarosebeautyMUA@gmail.com
teresarosebeauty.com
Oak Hills Reception & Event Center
marshall@oakhillsutah.com oakhillsutah.com
Copper Nickel Events
brianna@coppernickel.com coppernickelevents.com
The Bride Room
utahbrideroom@gmail.com
utahbrideroom.com
Vault Event Rentals
nate@vaulteventrentals.com
vaulteventrentals.com
artful floral design - memorable greenhouse celebrations
Mention Northern Utah Weddings to receive $100 off our greenhouse venue rental