Utah Valley Weddings Autumn 2022

CONTENTS

Real Weddings

ABOUT THE COVER

Photographer: Angela Marie Photo

Engagements

No ordinary venue.

We have spent years planning, preparing, and building this unique and beautiful space on land that was once farmed by our Grandpa Ted. It is full of history and charm! With wide open spaces, our venue offers breathtaking views at every turn!

Wild Acres offers space for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and also an assortment of areas to gather, play, relax…from our covered porch, to the gas fire pits, to the amazing gardens. Come enjoy!

The Gathering Room

COVER FEATURE

SARAH & DALLIN

PHOTOGRAPHER: ANGELA MARIE PHOTO

PREMIER

photographer / ANGELA MARIE PHOTO style / DALLIN & NIKKI JOHNSON dress / SOMETHING BORROWED BRIDALS floral / GOLDEN FLORAL GOODS

THE WEDDING OF HOPE & KASEN

PHOTOGRAPHER: SARAH JANE PHOTO

photographer / SARAH JANE PHOTO venue / COMMERCIAL CLUB SLC food / FORGE PIZZARIA, DUCK DONUTS floral / FOXGLOVE FLORIST dress / SOMETHING BORROWED BRIDALS

THE WEDDING OF JENN & DAREN

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHELSEY BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

PREMIER

photographer / CHELSEY BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

/ WHITE SHANTY VENUE

Advice from a Florist

by Katie Estrada of Tapestry Floral

My love affair with flowers started in my grandmother’s lush home garden. She was able to pack an unbelievable amount of life into her small plot of land in the arid Idaho desert. I spent many Autumn evenings feeding her koi among the water lilies and smelling the fragrant roses she let grow wild along her fence. I learned how to enjoy honeysuckle nectar and made clover crowns for my sister and I.

I consider floristry to be an art form. I love what I do.

I want to offer my best advice as a florist to those planning their weddings. Flowers add such a magical flair to weddings, especially when executed well. I find that I get asked the same questions over and over again and I know that many of my friends in the floral industry get these questions as well. I want to offer answers as well as some advice on how to find your perfect floral match.

Question 1: How much do flowers cost?

The short answer is that you should plan on spending 20-30% of your entire wedding budget on florals. Every couple is different, every wedding unique, so there is no one-size fits all template. My job as a florist is to bring your specific vision to life. I have chosen not to offer package pricing for several reasons. I want your florals to be unique to you and your vision. I love providing custom designs for my clients and I want every project to be unique.

Another note on costs; Since the pandemic, shortages have become the new norm. Flower costs have risen 30% since 2020 and haven’t come down. I do my best to combat the inflation by ordering locally grown flowers from Utah flower farms.

Question 2: How do I pick a florist?

The best advice I can give you is to pick someone you love. Pick someone who has created designs you would like to see on your wedding day! Most florists can do a range of styles, but usually have one they tend to stick to. Make sure that you are selecting someone who has experience doing large events such as weddings.

Photo by: @coleycookphototgraphy

Question 3: Why the cost?

Often, my clients have questions on pricing. Here is a short list of what you are paying for when you do hire a wedding florist: Planning, creating design guides, ordering, addressing ordering issues, hiring help, processing and conditioning the flowers so they stay alive, design and design experience, delivery, clean-up, website overhead, social media management, and so much more.

Question 4: How much experience do you have?

My career as a designer started in a retail floral shop in 2016. I was trained to make corsages for prom and learned how to arrange flowers for funerals. After some time spent doing simple designs, I craved creative freedom and started my own business.

After a few events and a lot of time spent on instagram and various wedding blogs, I was able to nail down the techniques I still use today. I am always striving to keep up on trends and do my best for the planet. I have developed close relationships with local Utah flower farmers and have transitioned to more eco-friendly options for mechanics in my designs. I love bringing the best and the most beautiful flowers mother nature has to offer to my clients.

Question 5: What sets you apart?

I do my best to keep sustainability in mind during every step of the flowering process. There has been a shift in recent years to do so and it’s exciting to see this transition. With international flower costs on the rise, and major shortages happening, purchasing flowers has been one of my biggest concerns. Last year as I was building my current website and re-branding my business, I set a goal to source as many flowers locally as I could, not only to save on cost but also to help lessen the environmental impact of my business.

During my research, I realized just how many micro flower farms there are in Utah and surrounding states. I source as many flowers as possible from these amazing farms. In addition to sourcing my raw material locally, I have tried other ways to make my designs more sustainable. I now rely solely on compostable or reusable products for my designs. I’ve tested alternatives to floral foam such as chicken wire, moss, water picks, recycled wool and even watermelon.

I hope answering these questions will guide you to finding your perfect match for your wedding florist. Flowers really can make or break a wedding. It is a wonderful investment that will elevate your special day. Each time I have the privilege of creating beautiful floral designs for my clients, I am transported to a plane of creativity and zen. And most of all, I get to be reminded of my sweet grandmother and her overflowing garden.

Photo by: @coleycookphototgraphy

Photo by: Hailey Wells

THE WEDDING OF ALEXIS & KAIDIN

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY

PREMIER

photographer / JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY venue / WHITE SHANTY cake / RACHEL STRINGAM videographer / THORNE FILM AND PHOTO

THE WEDDING OF KILA & TRAYCE

PHOTOGRAPHER: CARTER R. MADSEN

PREMIER

photographer / CARTER R. MADSEN dress / LATTER-DAY BRIDE ring / TAYLOR CUSTOM RINGS

Best Kept Secret in the Wedding Industry

by Savanah Searle of Heber Valley Balloons

What is the single most important part of your wedding day? Hint: it’s not your dress, your photographer, your venue, the weather, or your wedding party. The most important part of your wedding day is how you feel. As a bride, how you feel is what matters more than anything. And adding just the right luxury balloon statement piece can elevate the way your wedding day feels.

Before we dive into how a luxury balloon statement piece can elevate how your wedding day feels, let’s define what it is. A luxury balloon statement piece is a balloon garland made to fit your event. Whether you want a balloon backdrop wall for photos, a stunning balloon arch for your ceremony, or a 30 foot garland climbing up the wall of your wedding venue to create the most grand entrance and epic exit of all time- balloons can be custom made to fit YOU. These balloons are gorgeous pieces of art that make the perfect backdrop for your photos, elevate your wedding venue, and really set the vibe for a party. And did I mention they are budget friendly? Truly, balloons are the best kept secret in the wedding industry.

Now that you have an idea of what a luxury wedding balloon statement piece could be, let’s talk more about how balloons can shape the way your wedding day feels.

For starters, a balloon statement piece can be HUGE. Even in smaller venues, having a garland go up a wall and expand across the ceiling can make your event space feel grand. You and your guests will have so much fun taking pictures in front of something gorgeous (and big enough to still be seen behind group photos). Walking into your wedding venue and seeing decor that big, created just for you, will leave an impression on you and your guests that this day really is larger than life.

Another important way it impacts the way you feel on your wedding day, is by being CUSTOM. Each luxury statement piece is created to match your dream wedding. Whether that’s soft, feminine, and romantic, or bold and brilliantly lively, you and your guests will feel it as soon as you arrive and see it. No two brides are the same, so why should any wedding decor be onesize-fits-all? Knowing that you have something at your wedding that’s never been created quite like this before will add to you feeling special and celebrated, just like you should!

Things to think about before booking wedding balloons

You don’t have to know what luxury wedding balloon statement piece you want at your wedding. That is something we can create together over a free consultation call. In fact, you don’t need any experience with balloon decor at all- that’s why I’m here! Before scheduling a virtual meeting with me, you may want to consider these three things.

How do you want your wedding day to feel?

Having a moodboard, or some idea of what your dream wedding would look like will help us create something stunning to add to your dream wedding.

What is your wedding budget, and what portion of that budget are you putting towards decor?

When we schedule a free consultation call, I’ll walk you through the different packages I offer and what each one costs. Each package can be added to and adjusted to fit your event. Because of this, the prices are as custom as the luxury balloon decor itself.

What is your wedding date, and where is your wedding venue?

These logistics are important before we dive into the fun part of creating magic for your wedding day!

Email me or message me

THE WEDDING OF LEXI & JAKE PHOTOGRAPHER: LEXIE MIKAYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PREMIER VENDORS

/ HIGHLAND GARDENS

photographer

LEXIE MIKAYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Inspired by the moments that make time stand still, The Grand America Hotel is an idyllic destination for timeless ceremonies and honeymoon getaways.

A Guide to Wedding Invitations

by Rebecca Brebberman of Rose Blossom Design

Wedding invitations are often an undervalued component in the wedding planning process. To some, the invitation may be less important or low-priority.

But consider: the wedding invitation is more than just a piece of paper. It is the first impression your guest will receive of your wedding, and will set the tone and expectations for the entire event!

So what are the different print methods available?

Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Digital: this is what most people probably think of as flat printing, using traditional printers. This method offers the most color variety in a design, and is the most budget friendly.

Yes, once the wedding is over, the music ends, the flowers wilt, and the food and cake is gone. But often, the invitation will be displayed on a guest’s fridge for several months, leading up to, and even after the wedding. If you send your guests something extra special, they may even want to keep it forever, as a reminder of the memories from your special day!

These days, there is so much creativity and handmade care that goes into crafting the perfect wedding invitation, to match the personality of the couple and theme of the event. As someone who lives, breathes, and looks at pretty paper all day, I can tell you that invitations don’t have to be boring anymore! There are endless possibilities and combinations of print methods (digital, letterpress, foil, and thermography, to name a few) colors, textures and shapes. Even adding on one or two embellishments such as wax seals, ribbon, vellum, tassels, gold leaf, hand-torn edges and envelope liners can really take your invitations to the next level and add that wow-factor.

• Letterpress: uses a metal stamp, called a “die” to impress ink into a soft paper. The cost of the die, plus the hand-stamping makes letterpress a bit of a pricier process. A new die is needed for each color of ink used, so usually letterpress designs are one or two colors.

• Hot foil stamping: similar to letterpress, a die is used along with heat to press and adhere foil into the paper. Foil comes in lots of different colors and can be shiny (metallic) or matte.

• Thermography: uses a powder that melts when heated, creating a raised ink effect on the paper.

• Embossing: a bit pricier than letterpress, because it uses two dies—a die and counter die—to press into the paper from both sides. This creates a raised, three-dimensional look.

With so many options, it all can get a bit overwhelming. Consider hiring a professional wedding stationer who can help you navigate the options that are best for your style and budget, and who has experience to create something beautiful, unique, and memorable!

Photo by: Meghan Hess Photography

What is a wedding stationer?

A wedding stationer is a professional designer whose focus and expertise is on the paper goods for a wedding. A wedding stationer usually offers a wider range of high-quality papers, materials, and print methods than you might otherwise have access to. We’re always researching and learning new techniques to keep up with current trends. And since we do weddings all day, every day, we also have extensive wedding knowledge and can offer our advice on etiquette and wording. We can also do all that assembling and handmade stuff for you, if crafting and DIY isn’t your thing!

DON’T: wait until the last minute to hire a wedding stationer; ordering materials and creating handmade materials takes time! The amount of time it takes can vary greatly depending on the stationer, and several other factors, including how responsive you are to communications and how many revisions you require. But plan on anywhere between two to eight weeks. We can give you a better estimate once we know what you’re looking for!

A few invitation do’s and don’ts when working with a stationer:

DO: be up front about your budget. If your budget is very strict, or if there is some wiggle room, let the stationer know. Certain print methods, materials, and handmade items cost more than others, due to the time, difficulty, and expense that goes into it. Decide on your one or two “musthaves”, and anything else that would be nice, but not essential. If you are honest about your budget, your stationer can make suggestions and set realistic expectations that fit within that budget, or let you know if it’s not going to be a good fit.

DON’T: ask someone to copy an exact design for you. If you like a particular design, buy it from the person who created it! Pinterest can be a great place to find inspiration and ideas, but don’t show someone else’s design to a stationer and expect them to create an exact copy. It’s not fair to the original creator, not to mention against copyright. Find inspiration images and tell the stationer what you like about each one, so they can give suggestions. When choosing a designer to work with, look through their portfolio (hopefully they have a website, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and make sure you like their style to be confident they can deliver on your vision.

DO: hire the same stationer to do your invitations and wedding day items, such as menus, place cards, programs, signage, etc. so that everything goes together for a flawless, cohesive look. This isn’t always possible, as some designers might be fully booked and some might not offer day-of items, but it’s a good idea to ask!

DO: read the contract. A professional wedding stationer should have a contract for you to sign, just like any other wedding service you hire. It’s there to protect both you and the stationer. It will set up all expectations with timeline, proofs, and payments.

DON’T: put your registry info on the invitation. This is biggest faux pas I see all the time. You’ve probably seen your friends do it, and for some reason this has become very common to Utah weddings. But it’s really not good wedding etiquette to put registry, Venmo, honeymoon fund, or any other gift requests on the invitation. Instead, create a wedding website (many can be created for free) and link your registry and any other related details there. Your website address can be shared within the wedding invitation suite. Registries may also be shared by word of mouth, and it is more appropriate to share on a bridal shower invitation—that’s what the bridal shower is for! Of course, if my client insists on it, they’re the boss, but I try to steer them toward better alternatives first.

DO: have your photographer photograph a flat lay of your invitations along with your other wedding details. This is so often forgotten! You should always order a few extra invitations in case of last minute additions, but make sure to save an unused set for your photographer to style. You’ll be glad you did! Don’t forget to tag and credit your stationer when sharing photos of their work on social media!

Photo by: Meghan Hess Photography

Hidden Orchards is Utah’s newest wedding venue that offers a unique setting unlike any other in the state. With a stunning ambiance of orchard trees, you and your guests will feel like you are the only ones around as you are surrounded in our beautiful orchard. Hidden Orchards is inside of an active working orchard. This means the trees will have the most stunning blossoms in the spring, along with beautiful fruit during early fall, which absolutely adds a magical touch to any wedding!

GET IN the KNOW

HAIR & MAKEUP

• CAKE • • PHOTOGRAPHY • Karla Riffle @karlarifflemakeup

BAKE MY DAY

KARLA RIFFLE MAKEUP

For most weddings, 3 to 6 months of notice for your baker is optimal. If you are getting married during peak wedding season (JuneSeptember), it’s best to contact your baker with as much notice as possible so they can accommodate your schedule. In addition, when approaching a baker, make sure you have a good idea of what kind of cake you’re hoping for, as well as any additional information you can provide - the more information you can give your baker up front, the better! This helps with the design process, price estimates, and securing your date!

This answer depends on the artist and how long they need. Most makeup artists will tell you to block out about an hour in a half to two hours for hair and makeup. The day of the wedding can be stressful and full of chaos! Having your bridal party around, or fixing last minute things for your wedding can happen and In my experience can cut into your getting ready time! I also suggest having about an hour between the time you need to be ready by the time you need to leave in case you go over time for hair/makeup or want to take pictures before you leave! Also having a timeline of the day will help keep you on schedule, especially if you have members of the bridal party getting hair or makeup done.

Every wedding timeline looks different depending on the needs of the couple, and you should plan your wedding in a way that fits your needs! Wedding planners can help a lot with the timeline of your wedding, but it is also a really good idea to consult with your photographer. Letting your photographer know about certain events of the day, family and other group pictures that are wanted, or even some bridals during the wedding day take a certain amount of time. Be sure that you and/or your wedding planner are consulting with your photographer to allow for adequate time for the pictures you want aside from the candid event photography. It is also always smart to add some buffer time so you can have time to relax and enjoy your day. Not only is it wise to consult with your photographer about the amount of time needed, but photographers know what times are best for light at your exact venue or location. It could even be fun to break away from your reception and snag a few photos while the light is the best!

WHEN AND HOW TO BOOK YOUR WEDDING CAKE?

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW FOR HAIR AND MAKEUP?”

WHAT SHOULD MY WEDDING TIMELINE LOOK LIKE?

Makel McCracken

Sarah Jane Zenger @sarah.jane.photo

SARAH JANE PHOTO

Photo: @sarah.jane.photo

Photo: @katelynflowersphotography

Q&A from your LOCAL PROS

WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR VENUE OFFER?

Before going shopping, have an idea of what you want your wedding to look like. What kind of feel or vibe are you going for? Also, think about the most important factors for you in a dress. Is it important to be able to dance? Do you love a certain neckline or fabric? As you are shopping, reconsider all of the things that you have put on your list and more than likely one dress will fit your criteria. Once you find the dress that checks off the most important things on your list-stop looking and get it! Commit to your dress and focus on planning the rest of your wedding details.

Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding. Knowing the kinds of services the venue offers is a great head start! It’s good to ask your potential venue if they have package deals, wedding planning services, in house catering, set up/clean up, and more. This can save you time and money from coordinating multiple vendors if the venue provides some additional services. These initial questions will be the framework of a stress free planning process.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH MENU TO ORDER OFF OF?

Most catering companies will have extensive menus, far more than you’d expect from a restaurant. You can chose something casual, like Street Tacos, or elegant, like Tri Tip Steak with Pomegranate Balsamic Reduction, or Hors d’Oeuvres. Oftentimes there will be a Reception Menu, which will have a high group minimum. By cooking for large groups, they can cut their costs and this may be the best deal for you.

Dinner Menus typically include several sides, a drink, and dessert, making for a lot of bang for your buck! At the end of the day, it’s all about your vision. That’s why they call us “caterers!” We look forward to creating that for you.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I FOUND THE RIGHT DRESS?

SWEETHEART BRIDAL

WILD OAK VENUE

LANDMARK CATERING

Shelley Grose @sweetheartbridal

Johnson Family @thewildoak

Corinne Beenfield @landmarkcateringutah

Photo: @hightsphotography, @christophercook.co

Photo: @jessieanddallin

BRIDALS

BRIDALS

KAI & TRISTON

PHOTOGRAPHER: MORGAN + JOEL PHOTO

Florals: Olive and Sage Floral | Dress: Lulus

ENGAGEMENT

AUBREY & CADE

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNY PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY

Flowers: Staci’s Flower Shop | Hair: Krista VanOrden | Nails: Candace Black |

Dress: Fantasy Bridal | Groom’s suit: Amazon | Alterations: Y and Y studio | Make up: Aubrey Rhees | Rings: Jared Jewelry

ENGAGEMENT

EMMY & SAM

PHOTOGRAPHER: LOREN B PHOTOGRAPHY

Dress: @theperfectdressbridal

@cactusandtropicals

Photographer: @lorenbphotography

Rocky Mountain Jewelers

LAURYN & ZACK

PHOTOGRAPHER: LEXIE MIKAYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Ring: fortunecoin |

zazzle |

laurynmendoza44

STYLED SHOOT ANNALI & CAMERON

PHOTOGRAPHER: BRUNA VILLAGRA PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLED SHOOT

KANAB STYLED SHOOT

PHOTOGRAPHER: KAREM PRAAG PHOTOGRAPHY

Florist: Morgan Cullimore @oliveandsagefloral | Host: Rebecca E Dahl @indyraecreatives | Dress: Salt Gowns Jewelry: @lovekindlyboho | Models: Lauren Allison and Eric Bolger

STYLED SHOOT

KATIE & DYLAN

PHOTOGRAPHER: LOREN B PHOTOGRAPHY

Florist & Event Planner: @customizedbycynthia | Dress: @altamodabridal Bride & Groom: @ktjensen_ & @dylanjensen12

STYLED SHOOT

KOLBI

PHOTOGRAPHER: LOREN B PHOTOGRAPHY

Florist: @customizedbycynthia |

Photography: @lorenbphotography | Model: @kolbisamanthaa

STYLED SHOOT

MARIAH & BRIGHTON

PHOTOGRAPHER:

JO PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi! We are the Slade’s, a photo & video team. Our style is candid and inspiring, with a touch of sentimental flair. Experienced in intimate weddings, destination weddings, and elopements, we are available for world travel wherever love may take us.