WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
st. george, utah wedding tips & inspiration
BR I DE
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
1
BR I DE
EDITOR’S LETTER
St. George 2021
digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH Heidi Zeh
canadian editorial
grace gatto photography
UTAH SALES Hannah Wollenzien
& sales staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
COPYWRITER Lily Harris
digital team
DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson STYLE EDITOR - Tasha Tagliani CONTENT CURATOR - Lauren Phillips
operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC
PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann
DISTRIBUTION Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com
contact INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise SUBMISSIONS - rockymountainbride.com/submissions proudly printed in the rockies
Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.
After staying in St. George, Utah and spending days on end exploring the unique beauty of Zion National Park, it’s no surprise to me that people are flocking to St. George for their Rocky Mountain wedding. The desert climate alone is a refreshing change of pace for couples looking to plan the wedding of their dreams amidst red rock formations instead of the lush mountains most of the Rockies holds. An elopement at Sand Hollow Resort, Joshua Trees bridals and a stunning western-inspired styled shoot await as inspiration for your wedding in St. George, Utah. My hope is that you feel enlightened and inspired from the work created by incredible vendors in the area. Whether you’re in the throes of wedding planning or waiting for the start of your forever, always remember that love conquers all.
Happy Planning! xo
Savannah @savannah_rockymtnbride
S O U T H E R N
U T A H
W E D D I N G
S P E C I A L I S T
SERVING ST. GEORGE, ZION NATIONAL PARK, AND SURROUNDING AREAS
435.531.0393 jocelynsfloraldesign.com jocelynsfloraldesign@gmail.com
12.
Table of Contents LOVE STORIES 18.
taylor + aaron - Zion National Park
24.
dani + kelly - Sand Hallow Resort
30.
kaitlyn + jared - Joshua Tree
18.
I N S P I R AT I O N 12.
desert blues & peonies
34.
wild west in the desert
I N F O R M AT I O N 6.
st. george - Seasonal weather and activities
11.
make it official - Where to get your license
30.
essentials - Local places to stay & getting around
32.
rehearsal dinner and brunch spots
34.
venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot
from top to bottom: gideon photography, maree miraglia photography, ashley meagan photography
34.
FREE RELATIONSHIP
COURSES IN UTAH stepfamilies • singles • couples • parents
Getting remarried? Forming a stepfamily? Take the free Smart Steps for Stepfamilies course
Sign up here:
Virtual and in-person options available View dates and resources at HealthyRelationshipsUtah.org
Funding for this program was provided by DWS and ACF, Grants: 21DWS0030 and 90ZB0005. Additional support was provided by Utah State University Extension. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the presenters/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
maree miraglia photography
6
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
st. george The towering red rock formations and unique scenery bring St. George to life. Enjoy the romantic downtown area and close proximity to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
7
inside scoop what to do, weather to expect & what to pack
BREAKD OWN OF TH E CITY Known as Utah’s warm-weather retreat is St. George, Utah. The breathtaking valley combines red rock mesas and lush waterways to create this Utah town. Sitting at 2,700’ elevation, St. George is home to the vast landscapes and miles of trails in Zion National Park. Enjoy a stroll through the local farmer’s market or boutique stores in the downtown city center for a unique experience during your Rocky Mountain wedding.
FA S T FAC T S • • • •
•
2,700’ in elevation Located in the farthest southwest corner of Utah Average annual precipitation is 8 inches per year Hottest month of the year is July with an average temperature of 102° Coldest month of the year is January with an average temperature of 27°
HOW TO GET TH ERE
St. George Shuttles:
Direct flights to St. George:
daily trips between las vegas, st. george, springville (provo area), and salt lake city 800 933 8320 www.stgshuttle.com
american airlines Dallas/Ft. Worth Phoenix
owls transportation Travel in comfort and style from point A to B 435 319 9929 www.owls4u.com amoré transport Upscale charter service serving Utah, Nevada and Arizona 929 352 6673 www.amoretransport.com
8
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
united airlines Denver Los Angeles
delta Salt Lake City
AV E R A G E T E M P E R A T U R E S
SPRING
SUMMER
77° | 51°
100° | 73°
AU T U M N
WINTER
78° | 53°
55° | 34°
RMB Tip: The Rockies are known for their unpredictable weather. Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket for your visit - even if it’s summer!
gideon photography rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
9
lexie mikayle photography
W H AT T O D O F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N S T . G E O R G E , V I S I T W W W . V I S I T U TA H . C O M
St. George is home to Zion National Park, with vast landscapes and miles of trails, there are plenty of activities for any member of your family. Hike one of the most dangerous trails in the world at Angels Landing, where you hold onto a metal chain for most of the hike, or wade through ankle deep water in the canyon of the Narrows. Stay in Zion’s premiere glamping resort, Under Canvas Zion, for a haven of solitude in luxurious tents surrounded by views of soaring sandstone cliffs and majestic red rock. The views in St. George are unique compared to the typical Rocky Mountain views.
10
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
Make it official Washington County Clerk’s Office - 197 East Tabernacle, St. George, UT, 84770 HEADS UP! • • • •
The license costs $35 Must use your marriage license within 30 days of purchase You and your spouse-to-be must both be present when purchasing the license Need to have government-issued photo identification and proof of age
For further information call or visit: (435) 634-5712 https://washco.utah.gov ashley meagan photography rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
11
inspiration
DESERT BLUES
& peonies
Laura, of Forevermore Events, dreamt up this riverfront styled elopement with the help of a dream team of local St. George vendors. The rushing river and quiet calmness of the surrounding scenery serves as the perfect backdrop for an elopement. Classically elegant peonies in the bouquet and centerpiece combined with the subtle hints of blue on the tablescape add pops of color to the desert landscape in this desert styled elopement.
12
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
inspiration
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
13
14
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
inspiration
SOFT HUES Sweet treats from Sweet Cakes by Karen are the centerpiece of the dinner setting for this styled elopement. The soft desert hues are enhanced with a bright bouquet crafted by Bloomers and eucalyptus adds dreamy detail on the drink cart and place settings. Each element was curated so beautifully by Forevermore Events while Gideon Photography captured newlyweds, Addie and Isaac, as they traipsed through the river and dazzled in simple but elegant bridal looks.
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
15
16
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
inspiration
creative team Photographer: Gideon Photography | www.gideonphoto.com Planner: Forevermore Events | www.forevermoreevents.com Florals: Bloomers | www.bybloomers.com Rentals: St. George Party Rentals | www.stgeorgepartyrentals.com Cake: Sweet Cakes by Karen | @sweetcakesbykaren Bride’s Hair: Caily Piazza | @hair_cailypiazza Bride’s Makeup: Beauty by Luvi | www.beautybyluvi.com Groom’s Hair: Evan Stowers | @evanstowers Model: Addie + Isaac
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
17
LO C A L W E D D I N G I N S P I R AT I O N
real wedding
Taylor + Aaron t e m p l e o f s i n awava , z i o n n at i o n a l pa r k
A month before the proposal, Taylor and Aaron went on a couple’s trip out west. They ventured through Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. It was on that trip that Aaron decided he needed to propose! He wrote Taylor a letter everyday from the moment they returned from their trip until the day he proposed - 28 letters in all! One Saturday afternoon, they hiked a metro park where Aaron had scouted out the perfect proposal spot the day before. He pretended to get their lunch from his backpack, but instead pulled out a ring and was on one knee. After Taylor said yes, he gave her the booklet of the 28 letters he wrote about spending the rest of their lives together. They spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the water and reading the letters together. The highlight of the ceremony was sharing their vows. Taylor and Aaron chose to write their own vows instead of utilizing the traditional vows. It was the most powerful and heartfelt moment shared between the two. Another highlight of the ceremony for Taylor was her bouquet. Her older sister gifted her a crystal pendant with a photo of her older brother in the center as her “something blue.” He passed away when Taylor was 16 years old, and her sister made sure to include him as part of Taylor’s special day.
20
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
real wedding
WHY THE ROCKIES? “When we ventured out west last year, we fell in love with Utah - especially Zion National Park. We honestly felt that our love for each other grew deeper on that trip. As soon as we got engaged, we knew we wanted to take our families back to Zion with us to experience the beauty and magic that we experienced before.”
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
21
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES “Make it a magical day - it’s the most wonderful day of your life!”
-VENDORSVenue Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park | www.nps.gov/zion Photographer Maree Miraglia Photography | www.mareemiraglia.com Bridal Boutique La Jeune Mariee Bridal | www.lajeunemariee.com Dress Designer Hayley Paige | www.jlmcouture.com/hayley-paige Jewelry Kendra Scott | www.kendrascott.com Bride’s Ring Bohland Jewelers | www.bohlandjewelers.com Bridesmaids Attire Lulus | www.lulus.com Makeup Beauty by Luvi | www.beautybyluvi.com Bridesmaid Dress Birdy Grey | www.birdygrey.com Florist Bloomers | www.bybloomers.com Catering Zion National Park Lodge | www.zionlodge.com Groom’s Suit Express | www.express.com Officiant Jacob Workman Lodging Zion Ponderosa Resort | www.zionponderosa.com Honeymoon Sandals La Toc Regency | www.sandals.com/regency-la-toc
real wedding
Dani + Kelly sand hollow resort
Dani and Kelly matched on Tinder, but didn’t message for a long time. Dani finally messaged Kelly and asked her to meet for a drink. Kelly was living in Iowa at the time but was moving to Denver soon, so Kelly agreed but told her it would have to wait. In the meantime, they continued talking everyday. Once Kelly had moved to Denver, their relationship grew into something neither of them had expected and their love was undeniable. The Proposal Dani proposed to Kelly in her native state, Iowa, during a private Sunday afternoon at Jasper Winery in Des Moines, Iowa. Kelly had no idea the proposal was going to take place and was certainly not dressed for such a special moment. Kelly’s brother and sisterin-law, along with her 10 month old niece, Lucy, were also there. When Kelly wasn’t looking, Dani scooped up Lucy and handed her the ring box. Dani turned around and that was when Kelly realized the proposal was happening! Dani and Kelly share the same love for a good glass of red wine, so this was the perfect setting for the start of their forever.
24
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
TRADITIONS Dani and Kelly’s family friends have a tradition of ending every wedding with the last song of the night being “Piano Man” by Elton John as they all sway in one circle, singing. It felt like time had stopped.
26
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
27
WEDDING HIGHLIGHT “The first dance! Their song, “The Best” by Tina Turner, played while they were surrounded by their closest friends with the most beautiful backdrop.”
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES “The wedding is a special day, but not the most important day of your life. You will have better days beyond the wedding, as you should. Enjoy the planning and the day, but don’t lose it over small things.”
-VENDORSVenue and Catering Sand Hollow Resort | www.sandhollowresort.com Planner Eventfully Jacqueline | www.eventfullyjacqueline.com Photographer Ashley Meagan Photography | www.ashleymeaganphotography.com Videographer Madison Rhoton Videography | www.madisonrhotonvideo.com Music/Entertainment Festival Sounds | www.festivalsounds.com Bridal Boutique Amanda’s Bridal | www.amandasbridal.com Gown Designer Maggie Sotterro | www.maggiesotterro.com Shoes Vince Camuto | www.vincecamuto.com Bridesmaids’ Jewelry Kate Spade | www.katespade.com Hair Courtney Taylor | @cjtaylorhair Makeup Beauty by Luvi | www.beautybyluvi.com Dessert Cupcakes by Julie Invites Keli Parker Design | @kenliparkerdesignco Arch Taylor Made Events | @taylor.made.events
Kaitlyn + Jared joshua tree
Kaitlyn and Jared first met at a grocery store, and were engaged two years later after their initial meeting. Jared planned a secret proposal at Snow Canyon State Park with the help of Kaitlyn’s sister. Her sister was moving away, so the sisters decided to plan a photoshoot together. Kaitlyn asked if Jared could tag along, and her sister said yes! Little did Kaitlyn know, Jared had asked her family’s permission to marry her a week earlier. Once the day came, they met up with the photographer who snapped some photos with Kaitlyn and her sister before asking if Kaitlyn and Jared wanted a few. The photographer asked if there were any other poses they wanted to do and Jared responded with, “actually yes,” before getting down on one knee! The pair planned a modern desert wedding at the Ledges of St. George. They ventured to Joshua Tree in southwest Utah for their bridals with Lexie Mikayle Photography. Kaitlyn stunned in an intricately detailed lace gown from Fantasy Bridal while Jared sported a classic blue suit from Christensen’s Clothing.
30
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
WHY THE ROCKIES? “We’re proud to call this beautiful place home!”
-VENDORSPhotographer Lexie Mikayle Photography | lexiemikaylephotography.mypixieset.com Bridal Boutique Fantasy Bridal | www.fantasy-bridal.com Bride’s Ring Kay Jewelers | www.kay.com Groom’s Suit Christensen’s Clothing | www.christensensclothing.com Hair Christina Wilson Makeup Brandt Beauty | @brandtbeauty
inspiration
WILD WEST IN THE DESERT Ashley Meagan Photography planned the styled Western desert elopement of our dreams. Her inspiration came from seeing western themed styled shoots in other parts of the Rockies and wanting to create something similar in the St. George desert. On the hunt for a “mini-Moab,” Ashley and her boyfriend went off-roading to find the perfect red rock background, without the six hour drive to Moab. The warmth and neutral colors brought out by the background, bohemian flowers by KB Floral Design and subtly Western details of the tablescape and ceremony location tie together the wild Western feel. Addie of Sandstone + Sage Picnic Co. provided the event styling and decor for the shoot, while simultaneously modeling with her boyfriend, Austin. Addie stunned in a bohemian dress from Raw Golden rentals while Austin kept it simple with a bolo tie, white button-up shirt and black pants. The pair embraced the Western look of the shoot and bought their own cowboy hats!
inspiration
PHOTOGRAPHER’S TAKE “I felt like, being here in Southern Utah, we never got that western vibe and it was something I loved so much and wanted to market to attract more.” - Ashley Meagan Photography
inspiration
creative team Photographer & Planner: Ashley Meagan Photography | www.ashleymeaganphotography.com Bridal Boutique: Raw Golden Rentals | www.rawgoldenrentals.com Makeup: Beauty by Luvi | www.beautybyluvi.com Florals: KB Floral Designs | www.kbfloralweddingdes.wixsite.com/website Event Styling & Decor: Sandstone + Sage Picnic Co. | @sandstone.sage.picnic.co Model: Addie + Austin
essentials local places to stay & getting around
A C C O M M O D AT I O N S
TA I L O R S
INN ON THE CLIFF www.innonthecliff.com
A L I C E ’ S TA I L O R I N G S H O P 435 634 0574
T H E I N N AT E N T R A D A www.innatentrada.com
ROSA BRIDAL www.rosabridal.com
THE ADVENIRE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION www.theadvenirehotel.com
DRY CLEANERS
R E D M O U N TA I N R E S O R T www.redmountainresort.com C A B L E M O U N TA I N L O D G E www.cablemountainlodge.com
RAINDANCE CLEANERS www.stgeorgedrycleaners.com
CEDAR BREAKS LODGE www.cedarbreakslodge.com
NAIL SALONS
CLIFFROSE LODGE www.cliffroselodge.com
T I N A N A I L S & S PA www.tinasnailsspa.com
DESERT PEARL INN www.desertpearl.com
STUDIO 359 www.studio359.com
FLANIGAN’S INN www.flanigans.com HOLMSTEAD RANCH RESORT www.holmsteadranch.com I R O N G AT E I N N www.theirongateinn.com U N D E R C A N VA S Z I O N www.undercanvas.com Z I O N M O U N TA I N R A N C H www.zmr.com ZION PONDEROSA RANCH RESORT www.zionponderosa.com ZION RED ROCK www.zionredrock.com
40
RED ROCK DRY CLEANERS www.spotsbegone.us
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
M AYA’ S L U X U R Y N A I L S A L O N www.mayasluxurynailsalon.com NAILS BAR www.secretnailsbar.com EMERGENCY SERVICES I N C A S E O F E M E R G E N C Y, D I A L 9 1 1
S T. G E O R G E R E G I O N A L H O S P I T A L 1380 E Medical Center Dr. St. George, UT 435 251 1000
BRIDAL BOUTIQUES BELL TOWER BRIDAL www.belltowerbridal.com B O U L E VA R D B R I D A L & P R O M www.boulevardbridal.com ROSA BRIDAL www.rosabridal.com/home MY AMAZING WEDDING DRESS www.myamazingweddingdress.com
HAIR & MAKEUP BRANDT BEAUTY @brandtbeauty WILD CACTUS WEDDINGS www.wildcactusweddings.com C J TAY L O R H A I R C O . www.cjtaylorhair.com BEAUTY BY LUVI www.beautybyluvi.com
ashley meagan photography rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
41
dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch
42
CAPPELET TI’S www.cappelettisrestaurantstgeorge.com
CHEF ALFREDO’S www.chefalfredos.com
C L I F F S I D E R E S TA U R A N T www.cliffsiderestaurant.com
FA R M S T E A D B A K ER Y www.farmsteadbakery.com
MAGLEBY’S www.maglebys.com/st-george
SWITCHBACK GRILLE www.switchbackgrille.comcom
THE CRÊPERY www.the-crepery.com
T H E PA I N T E D P O N Y www.painted-pony.com
WOOD • ASH • RYE www.theadvenirehotel.com/wood-ash-rye-restaurant
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide
Stronger Marriage Webinars A free and fun webinar series with relationship experts on topics including:
Connect
Dating & marriage Remarriage Communication Finances Sexual intimacy
FREE FOR UTAH RESIDENTS
ePREP
An online premarital education course that has helped over a million couples around the world strengthen their relationships. Complete the course for a Utah marriage license discount.
RELATE Assessment
The #1 resource for couples to evaluate & gain a better understanding of their relationship.
Utah Marriage Commission StrongerMarriage.org
ST. G EO R G E
BARN
RES TAURAN T
CH UR C H
COUN TRY CLUB
RAN CH
PARK
ES TATE
GARD EN
GLAMP I NG
URBAN
LOD GE
H OTE L
RES ORT
IN N
S KI AR E A
Cedar Breaks Lodge The Iron Gate Inn
U T-1
U.S. Inter s te
15
4
UT-18
Zion National Park
Holmstead Ranch
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Zion Mountain Ranch
Under Canvas Zion Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens
The Springs
The Ledges of St. George
The Inn at Entrada
UT-9
UT-5 9
Flanigan's Villas Cable Mountain Lodge Desert Pearl Inn Archwood Switchback Grille Hall Zion Red Rock
st. george V E N U E S
cable mountain lodge
the inn at entrada
147 zion park blvd. springdale, ut 435 772 3366 www.cablemountainlodge.com
2588 w sinagua trail st. george, ut 435 634 7100 www.innatentrada.com
cedar breaks lodge
the iron gate inn
223 hunter ridge rd. brian head, ut 435 677 3000
100 n 200 w st. cedar city, ut 435 867 0603 www.theirongateinn.com
& gardens 281 zion park blvd springdale, ut 435 772 3234 www.cliffroselodge.com
cliffrose lodge
the ledges of st. george
1585 ledges pkwy st. george, ut 435 634 4640 www.ledges.com
desert pearl inn
707 zion park blvd springdale, ut 435 772 8888 www.desertpearl.com flanigan’s inn 450 zion park blvd springdale, ut 435 772 3244 www.flanigans.com
under canvas zion
3955 kolob terrace rd virgin, ut 888 496 1148 www.undercanvas.com zion mountain ranch
9065 west highway 9 mt. carmel, ut 866 648 2555 www.zmr.com
holmstead ranch resort
1000 e holmstead ranch rd central, ut 435 216 7930 www.holmsteadranch.com
zion national park
435 772 3256 www.nps.gov/zion zion ponderosa ranch resort
switchback grille
1149 zion park blvd springdale, ut 435 772 3700 www.switchbackgrille.com
twin knolls rd. orderville, ut 800 293 5444 www.zionponderosa.com
rocky mountain bride st. george wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com
45
rockymountainbride.com/travel
honeymoon collective
photo by: moments by madeleine
plan your escape!