Summer 2023
PRESENTING LEXIE & SAM’S WEDDING
The Winners of the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway!
Learn about the team that was involved in making it happen!
Follow Along
@utahvalleyweddings
Summer 2023
PRESENTING LEXIE & SAM’S WEDDING
The Winners of the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway!
Learn about the team that was involved in making it happen!
Follow Along
@utahvalleyweddings
PHOTOGRAPHER: NICOLE WIMMER PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIER VENDORS
photographer / NICOLE WIMMER PHOTOGRAPHY
venue/ NORTHRIDGE VALLEY EVENT CENTER hair & makeup / MINDY GRAHAM
florals / WISH BLOSSOM FLOWERS cake / GOURMANDISE
videography / KRISTEN WHITEHEAD PRODUCTIONS
Some of the sky was white, and some of it was promising blue on the morning Lexie and Sam would be married. I had woken up early and closed the door quietly behind me to not wake the kids. It was a day that many of us had anticipated for a long time.
Northridge waited, its grounds and each delicate tree branch covered in soft snow. When we’d decided on March 25th, the florist, Susie, had been pleased, “There will be blossoms!” What Lexie and Sam got instead was unexpected but no less beautiful.
As I came in, I heard laughter upstairs and found that at 7 am, the day was already well underway. Lexie sat with chin poised up, as Mindy’s brushes swept color and gentleness. Their easy talk showed the friendship that had blossomed between them, and Lexie’s mother seemed happy to just listen. To let the day that they had worked toward for so long come and unfold however it would.
Knowing my adolescent could only hold down the fort for so long, I left with Northridge looking like a fresh canvas. When I returned a few hours later, Susie had brought color and dedication to it like a work of Monet! Jessica, the owner of Northridge, bustled around with her ever present smile. I don’t think someone can imagine Jessica in their mind without that smile of hers, making everyone feel at home.
Nicole had a small wagon of camera equipment, along with a trusted sidekick, Sara Lleverino. I had not thought of the assistants that these professionals who were already giving so much would need to pay, and I was humbled again by the caliber of the people I was spending the day with. Kristen and Brandon arrived then too—just long enough to hug and thank them—before Lexie and Sam came in and the cheers from the crowd went wild.
And the guests seemed to promise back— to keep believing in good and beauty and love. How many were going through some secret heartbreak in their lives just then? And yet they danced. What could be more breathtaking than that?
As evening came, Gourmandise showed us just how a cake should taste, and as the music started, Sam did a flip then went right into the splits. No one will soon forget those details!
Yet a favorite part of the night happened when no one else but me saw, and I hope Kristen and Brandon will forgive me for sharing it. As everyone danced and they filmed, I was walking up from behind to talk to them. I could see Brandon turn with adoring eyes to Kristen and sing to her, “I think I’m going to marry you.” They’ve been married for five years.
It is worth remembering, because for all that was put into this wedding, it wasn’t the biggest day of Lexie and Sam’s life. That came the next day. The promise is lovely. But it is the fulfillment of it that is incredible.
The day was alive with sunset colors and happiness. Everyone there felt how Lexie and Sam belonged to each other now, and their happiness was there for the other person to hold. They’d found someone worthy of that trust and were unafraid.
My wedding wish for you is that years from now you are turning to each other at someone else’s wedding and still singing, “I think I’m going to marry you.” All of this is to get you there.
Thank you for having us be a part of your special day.
All the best, Cori and the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway Team
To work with these exceptional vendors, please contact:
Photography: Nicole Wimmer Photography
801–979–9946 • @nicolewimmer
Hair and Makeup: Mindy Graham 208-716-2711 • @simplymindyk
Florals: Susie with Wish Blossom Flowers
801-913-0068 • @wishblossomflowers
Cake: Gourmandise
385-387-1780 • @gourmandisethebakery
Venue: Jessica with Northridge Valley Event Center
801-573-4249 • @northridge_valley
Videography: Kristen + Brandon with Kristen Whitehead Productions 801-702-3131
@kristen_whitehead_productions
To work with Utah Valley Weddings, please contact mallorychristison@uvweddingsmag.com 702-533-3281
@utahvalleyweddings
Northridge Valley is a breathtaking new venue in Mapleton! Gorgeous fields and a mountains serve as its backdrop, and there is a historic cabin onsite that is ideal for picture taking. Huge windows replace walls and provide fabulous lighting, while native rocks from the adjacent fields give the feeling of the outdoors being pulled inside. We are honored to have them as the featured venue in our Ultimate Wedding Giveaway!
Gourmandise was opened 30 years ago by an immigrant family who wanted to bring European desserts to the city they’d made their own. Their family’s baking heritage and the belief that the modest bakery and café could become something wonderful, laid the foundation for what Gourmandise has become today.
Nicole Wimmer Photography’s goal is to deliver clean, timeless images and capture genuine moments that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come. Her style is light, classic and timeless, she wants your photos to capture your love for each other. Some moments will happen on their own and other moments she will lead you into. The final outcome? Beautiful memories!
Being a couple, Kristen + Brandon work extremely well with other couples. They strive to show how extraordinary your relationship truly is, in a cinematic, timeless way. Though their business started just in 2019 they have been a huge success and done well over 100 weddings, including traveling out of state and country!
Mindy with Simply Mindy K has been an experienced hairstylist + makeup artist for 10 years now. She graduated from cosmetology school in 2011 and has been working in the industry ever since. She is married to her best friend and is a mother to two sweet babies. Her list of accomplishments and awards are lengthy!
Susie created Wish Blossom Flowers to bring beauty and joy to others. From the time she was a little girl, she was obsessed with flowers. Her mother would take her out and teach her all their names, and she soaked it up like a sponge. She would forage wildflowers and make magical gifts for others. Years later, she has over 21 years of experience and a personally trained staff that shares a passion for flowers and color design.
Your local discount wedding magazine! Or you might say, your “sophisticated coupon book”. ;) We pride ourselves on connecting with the highest quality vendors that Utah Valley has to offer, and getting great deals for our brides with them. We strive to be Utah Valley’s most trusted guide for your wedding day professionals.
THE WEDDING OF
PHOTOGRAPHER: BROOKLYN HAYNIE PHOTOGRAPHY
photographer / BROOKLYN HAYNIE PHOTOGRAPHY venue / TWENTY & CREEK
wedding planner / PEACH PAISLEY EVENTS catering / CULINARY CRAFTS
cake / COURTNEY BROWN flowers / KRISTIN’S FLOWERS dj / LAUGHING GRAVY
videographer / JERMEY ANDERSON rental / ALL OUT EVENTS
I meet with couples every week that are newly engaged and starting the wedding planning process. One of the initial questions all couples ask at some point after their proposal is, “What’s next?” Whether you’ve had your dream wedding Pinterest board created for years or you feel like you’re starting from square one, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a wedding planner to help guide you through the planning process.
My ultimate goal in my own wedding business is to help relieve stress for my couples by streamlining their planning and helping them answer that question of “what’s next”- and here’s how myself and my team do that!
Because it’s my full-time job, I live and breathe weddings on a daily basis. From working events and shoots to networking with vendors to staying in touch with all of the latest trends and designs, we strive to be the experts in all things weddings so you don’t have to spend the time doing all of the research yourself. (Ask your friends who have gotten married recently- research can be fun, but it takes a LOT of time).
When you determine your wedding budget, we can guide you to vendors that fit your price point and vision. We can help you manage your finances, understand and negotiate your contracts, and know what questions to ask as you book your wedding vendors.
Our industry knowledge is there for you to tap into- so you can ask about anything from trends to traditions, family drama to wedding party celebrations, and so much more.
One of the most stressful things to think about while planning your wedding is the Wedding Day Timeline. How is everything going to come together? Who needs to be where and when? What time should vendors arrive? What time do we need to start getting ready? What does a wedding day actually include?
As we meet to build out your timeline, we want to hear from you on what you’d like the day to look and feel like. This is YOUR day, and we want your timeline and celebrations to reflect you and your partner’s wishes. We’ve worked with countless couples with different visions, ideas, and traditions they want to include (or not include… I’m talking about you, garter toss). We take what we discuss, work out all of the kinks, add necessary buffer time, and check in with you along the way to make sure it fits your wants + our specifications.
We also recognize that there are a lot of different parties involved in the wedding day- so we make an effort to reach out to all of your vendors to make sure that as a vendor team, we’re all on the same page. Wedding vendors LOVE when a solid planner or coordinator is involved, because it means they can focus on their art (florals, music, photo, etc) while we manage the logistics of the day.
In the end, wedding day coordination is one of the best parts of a planner’s package, and here’s why.
First, a little insight into me- I planned my ENTIRE wedding by myself. I booked all the vendors, planned the design, chose the flowers, sent all the emails, licked all those invite envelopes… everything. On the day of my wedding, no one else knew what was supposed to be happening because it was all in my head. My bridesmaids couldn’t figure out which flowers went to who, my mom couldn’t get the music playlist to work so she missed half of my dance with my dad, the catering company forgot the rolls, and we were late coming from our ceremony to reception. While my wedding day is still one of my favorite days of my life, I felt like I spent a lot of time managing things rather than being present.
This is why I do what I do. I want to bring all of the pieces together, get them out of your brain and onto paper, and bring this dream of yours to life. We do this by managing the vendors, making sure that they arrive on time and have everything they need to be successful. We coordinate decor and ensure that everything looks the way it’s been designed. We solve problems! Our goal is to put out fires (mostly figurative ones, but sometimes literal…) before you even know they are happening. We coordinate everything so that you, your family, your wedding party, and all of your guests can enjoy a stress-free wedding celebration.
Your wedding is about you and your partner. It’s a day full of memories and laughter and your favorite people.
It’s a day that should be stress-free, streamlined, and intentional.
And along the way, from engagement to this big day that you’ve dreamed about, there are people who are here to support you so you can enjoy the process. We’re cheering you on!
Vendors:
Planner: @eversonevents | Venue: @wadleyfarms
Photo: @dearkodak | Florals: @janiesflowers
Rentals: @utahvintagerentals
Makeup: @daniellemakeup_ | Hair: @altitudeblowdrybar
Rings: @forgejewelryworks | Dress: @altamodabridal
Photo credit: Dear Kodak PhotographyTHE WEDDING OF
photographer / AMBER BRYANT PHOTO food & drinks / BROWN BROTHERS CATERING cake / PROVO BAKERY invitations / ZAZZLE decor / RUSTIC URBAN GOODS hair / SYDNEY WILSON makeup / RAQUEL TELLES flower / M. FLORAL rings / WILSON DIAMONDS dress / MOMENTS MADE BRIDAL suit / CREMIEUX
THE WEDDING OF
photographer / TANA METCALF PHOTO venue / HIGHLAND GARDENS
bridal gown / PRICHÉTT BRIDAL suit / MEN’S WAREHOUSE ring / WILSON’S DIAMONDS
bridesmaid dress / BALTIC BORN florals / WRIGHT FLOWER COMPANY
videographer / ERIKA ST. JOHN food / MARVELLOUS CATERING
My favorite part about being a wedding florist is getting to know my brides and grooms and then helping them create the perfect ambiance for their wedding day.
When I meet with the couple one on one for their complimentary consultation, I engage them in a comprehensive interview process while the wedding flower planning is taking place. I study their Pinterest boards in detail beforehand analyzing the colors, the specific flowers, and the style that the couple is attracted to. I ask what they’re passionate about and what brings them joy. I want to discover what they envision for their wedding day. Your wedding day is about you and your fiance’ and It’s about having a perfect day that exceeds all your hopes, dreams, and expectations. The goal is to create perfect memories that will sustain you as a couple during difficult times and ensure a wedding day free of drama and unnecessary stress. As a wedding florist, I am an integral part of your wedding as the flowers set the mood for the most precious day of your life. Your wedding florist should be chosen carefully because you deserve the best and you should never have to compromise quality and artistry. Here are ten things to consider that I value as a florist and provide for my clients to help create their perfect wedding day.
What you should look for and expect from your wedding florist:
STRESS FREE - A 100% stress free experience from beginning to end. Brides and their families have enough stress on their wedding day and the last thing they need to worry about are the flowers or the florist! Look for a florist who you click with and with whom you could have a strong and functional working relationship. Your day is too important, so engage with a florist that is energetic, and easy going.
EFFECTIVE LISTENER - the very best florists are gifted in the art of capturing the vision of the couple. Occasionally, the couple isn’t quite sure what they want, so a good florist will help the couple identify what they like through a series of questions. A good florist will NEVER push their own style or agenda on the soon to be newlyweds, but will discover, design, and create what the couple ultimately wants.
PASSIONATE - A florist that is absolutely head over heels in love with their craft! Are they passionate or is it just a job? Believe me, it will show in their work.
1 2 3 4
VERSATILE - A florist who can do it all. Can they create arches, flower crowns, or large installments and can they fulfill special requests? Do they have work in their portfolio to demonstrate that they can do what you envision? Good florists
will understand the engineering of a stable floral arch, how flowers are going to behave in any given situation and which flowers can be used in specific applications because of their stem anatomy.
KNOWLEDGEABLE - A florist who KNOWS flowers - the different species, the seasons of the flowers, and a thorough understanding of basic design concepts. It’s one thing to love flowers, but understanding how to arrange them using depth, texture, movement, and color is a completely different ball game. Look inside the florist’s home or shop. Is it designed/decorated well, or is it kitschy, cluttered, or without cohesiveness? If it is kitschy and cluttered…beware. You may get just that in your final product!
PREPARED - Does the florist have all the necessary equipment to produce a perfect final product? Do they REALLY take great care of the flowers during the manufacturing process? I’ve heard of “florists” that don’t even have a floral fridge to preserve the flowers during the manufacturing process. This is profoundly unhealthy for the flowers and unfair to you as the consumer because it will result in a substandard product. Flowers are living creatures that need to be carefully and delicately cared for using climatized storage.
CREATIVE - A florist who thinks outside the box and captures your vision while also making it a magical experience and creating stunning showstopping masterpieces. Look for a florist who can help you choose the flowers that YOU CAN AFFORD and that will best fulfill your dream for your big day.
CONNECTIONS - A florist who has international buying capacity. If your florist is only buying from a local wholesaler, you are missing out on optimal pricing and a vast selection of flowers. It would be impossible for a local wholesaler to carry every single species of flower. Having a florist with the buying power to buy from anywhere in the world will open entirely new options. I’ve done weddings with flowers from Ethiopia, Vietnam, Holland, Columbia, Ecuador, and many other countries. In fact, I’ve never done a wedding with flowers that were just from the U.S. The U.S. simply doesn’t have the year-round climate to grow many types of flowers, so having the ability to buy from worldwide resources can make an enormous difference. Also, be aware that flowers are like any other commodity and the prices ebb and flow based on weather, political climate, world events, the economy, and many other factors.
REALISTIC - Beware of florists who claim they can give you exactly what you want for what sounds like a surprisingly low price. You’ll get what you pay for and oftentimes will be disappointed in the final product. I have heard this from many
brides who chose to go the cheap route instead of choosing a florist that understands the current market price on wholesale flowers including what flowers are seasonal and which are not. Florists that promise too much will not be able to deliver the best product AND make money, so the quality will suffer.
TEAM PLAYER - A florist who is willing to freely collaborate with the other vendors. My contract always includes permission to use the wedding photos where my work is shown. When I use the photos on my professional social media accounts, I will tag the photographer, cake decorator, and the venue. All professionals in the wedding industry know that this is essential to business growth and a common business practice. Look for a florist who has a “we’re all in this together” attitude towards your other vendors and a mutual respect for their work and their products. No prima donnas allowed!
I’m frequently asked how much to budget for wedding flowers. It all boils down to the specific species of flowers you’re requesting and the types and number of arrangements that you need. I’ve done simple wedding with just a few bouquets to grand weddings with arches, chandeliers, and many other stunning arrangements. Prioritize what is most important to you about your wedding day and then plan and budget accordingly.
I love and cherish my job as a wedding florist. I love capturing the mood and personality of the new couple. Each wedding is unique and fresh. Enhancing the experience with the beauty of the flowers is my passion. Fresh flowers bring their own joy to your party.
They set the tone of your wedding, brighten your photographs, and bring color and perfume to the venue. They will ask nothing of you but give you all that they are, and they are an irreplaceable part of any wedding. I would be honored to be your florist and would enjoy getting to know while creating the stunning beauty that you deserve!
photographer / RACHEL LEIGH PHOTO venue / MAPELWOOD EVENTS
dress / GOWNS BY PAMELA suit / DILLARDS rings / WILSON DIAMONDS
hair & makeup / BRINLEE HASKELL invitations / MCC WEDDING INVITATIONS
flowers / CHELSEY STOWELL cake / STACY DANIELS
food / TWISTED SUGAR, LEHI BAKERY, AND RED BARN
THE WEDDING OF
PHOTOGRAPHER: SAMANTHA STONE PHOTOGRAPHY
photographer / SAMANTHA STONE PHOTOGRAPHY cake / BRINN JENSEN
videographer / NAKAI NOEL FILMS flowers / FLOWERS ON MAIN
ring / JENSEN JEWELERS rentals / ALL STAR RENTALS suit / MACEYS dress / SOMETHING BORROWED BRIDAL bridesmaid dresses / CALLED TO SURF
I frequently hear couples say that they hardly got to taste their cake. Oftentimes more cake will be smashed on your face than in your mouth during the traditional cake cutting. I believe your cake should taste even better than it looks! This is why I suggest asking your caterer to save you some cake. Have them wrap and chill the cake slices until you get back from your honeymoon. Even better, have them slip the cake into your getaway car for you to enjoy as dessert later that night.
Grazing tables offer a feeling of abundance, luxury and incredible quality wowing your guests from the moment it catches their eye. The food set up allows your guests a chance to mingle and snack making it great for cocktail hour appetizers or part of your wedding reception. Grazing tables are perfect for your wedding because they have a little something for everyone. Cured & Cut makes every grazing table or charcuterie board a work of art. Guests love the diversity of choices offered and enjoy the unique experience on your special day. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this new era of a redefined food experience.
You know you found your dress when you don’t want to take it off. You feel absolutely beautiful, and there’s nothing you would change. Every dress is now being compared to THE one. Some Brides cry, some jump for joy, some leave with cheeks that hurt from smiling so much. Your reaction doesn’t dictate if it’s the dress or not, but the feeling, and your confidence in the dress does.
MARIA HANNIFIN MAKEUP LLC
WHY DOES HAIR AND MAKEUP SEEM SO EXPENSIVE?
You are investing in your HMUA for their years of experience, continuing education, their professionalism, quality of work, time, and also their professional products! It is so important to hire someone who understands the industry. You want a HMUA who will be prompt, who understands the ins and outs of a wedding day timeline. You want an HMUA who will keep your day flowing smoothly, step in as necessary, and make adjustments if clients aren’t where they should be in the schedule.
Hair and Makeup should last all day, you should not be able to see any smudges in the makeup, you shouldn’t see any bobby pins throughout the hairstyle, and most importantly your HMUA should have knowledge of what looks will best suit your face shape, features, hair type, etc.
HOW CAN WE NOT WORRY ABOUT OUR WEDDING PHOTOS GETTING LOST SOMEHOW?
When deciding who you want to freeze the moments of your wedding day, this is probably one of the most important things you can ask. Make sure your photographer has dual SD card slots in their camera so each photo gets copied twice, and ask about their photo backup process—how soon after the wedding or session they back up the images, and on what external hard drives. If they give you an answer you’re comfortable with, you can feel confident that your wedding photos will stay safe!
WHEN SELECTING A VENUE, WHICH AMENITIES ARE A “MUST-HAVE?”
Every wedding venue rental includes various levels of amenity packages. When making your selection, make sure your venue includes linens, tables, chairs, setup/takedown, and post-event cleanup in the rental fee. Although these items seem like easy addons and a potential area for cost savings, the logistics associated with managing these things will complicate the wedding day. By selecting a venue that provides these amenities, you can rest easy and focus on what matters during your special day!
FOR MORE EXPERT ADVICE for planning your wedding, visit uvweddingsmag.com
When it comes to planning your wedding, there are countless ways to make the experience truly special and memorable. One of the most unique and meaningful ways to do this is by incorporating permanent jewelry into your special day. Whether it’s something blue that is worn during the ceremony, or given as an experience to loved ones, adding this element to your wedding can make the experience that much more meaningful.
One way to include permanent jewelry in your wedding is by giving it as a gift to your loved ones. For example, you and your bridesmaids can all come and get matching permanent jewelry for the big day, and keep getting to keep it forever as a reminder of your friendship and the special memories you’ve shared together. This is a great way to show your appreciation for their support and to make the experience even more special for them.
Another way to include permanent jewelry in your wedding is by getting your Weld Wear during the ceremony. You could choose a special piece of jewelry beforehand and have it welded on during the ceremony. This welding signifies that you and your fiance are now making this forever commitment, welded, to each other forever. Then you have a timeless piece of jewelry that reminds you of one of, if not the most, important day of your life. This is a great way to make the experience even more meaningful for yourself and your partner.
You can also include permanent jewelry in your wedding by incorporating it into the pre-wedding events. For example, you and your mom could choose a piece that brings you closer together. Getting welded to remember that not only will you be welded with your partner, but you and your mom will always have the most special bond. It’s a great way to make a lasting connection and to create special memories leading up to the big day.
Incorporating permanent jewelry into your wedding experience is a great way to make the experience even more special and meaningful. It’s a great way to show your appreciation to loved ones, and to make the experience even more memorable for yourself and your partner. Whether you choose to give it as a gift for your wedding team, wear it during the ceremony, or incorporate it into pre-wedding events, permanent jewelry is the perfect addition to any wedding experience.
PHOTOGRAPHER: KAITLYNN FAITH PHOTOGRAPHY
Venue: StudioElevn | We’re you part of this wedding? We’d love to credit you! Giving the credit that is deserved is important to us. Please reach out and let us know!
PHOTOGRAPHER: AMBER BRYANT PHOTO
PHOTOGRAPHER: LOREN B PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHER: KRISTY SHUMWAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Dress - @altamodabridal | Photos - @chelseyblackphotography | Suit - @dctuxedos
Hair/MUA - @sarahfredrickmua | Floral - @brontesfloral | Event - @diamondeventandtent
Event Planner - @lovekateevents | Cake - @thedessertstudioutah | Venue - @thewillowSummers
The Painted Daisy thepainteddaisy@hotmail.com painteddaisyflorist.com
The Rolling Taps
hello@therollingtaps.com therollingtaps.com
Cakes by Liz cakesbylizhall@gmail.com @cakes_by_lizhall
Thomas Piano Playing thomasranck17@gmail.com @thomaranckweddings
1903 Venue www.the1903venue.com @the1903venue
Floral Design by Deborah floraldesignbydeborah@gmail.com floraldesignbydeborah.com
Baking Memories
bakingmemoriesutah@gmail.com www.bakingmemoriesutah.com
High Star Ranch highstarranch.com 435-783-3526