BLOOM SERVICE

PHOTOS BRANSON MAXWELL

Give your ceremony the gift of a larger-than-life backdrop, using advice from one of Utah’s master florists and inspiration from these lavish installations

Photographs by BRANSON MAXWELL / JESSIE AND DALLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

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ALLOCATION

Betsy Borden, owner of Dancing Daisies Floral, encourages brides to put the majority of their floral budgets toward impact pieces that will leave an impression on guests. To maximize budget, she suggests downsizing bridesmaids’ bouquets and utilizing that money to create a larger “wow factor” for the backdrop.

FOUNDATION

It all begins with a strong foundation. Whether renting an arch or constructing your own, Borden stresses that a solid structure is critical for a safe and stunning floral installation. Sturdiness and dimension all play an important role. If your backdrop’s frame is too tall, it may not be able to support the lavish level of florals many couples dream of having. Alternatively, if your structure is built with overly large beams on the front, it risks a topple hazard with the added weight of blooms.

CONSTRUCTION

According to Borden, installations of this scale need to be planned with three different bloom types to maintain visual interest throughout the piece. Focal blooms such as rose, dahlia, and carnation pack a visual punch that is noticed right away. Linear flowers, such as snapdragon or delphinium, instill dimension and volume. Finally, textural blossoms—think hypericum berry, statice, thistle or even scabiosa— bring movement and life to an arrangement, taking it from impressive to over-the-top.

A recent favorite of Bordens is the ever-versatile dahlia: A button dahlia can bring a basic boutonniere to life, while the enormous dinner plate variety makes a sensational focal bloom.

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HYDRATION

Proper hydration of floral installations is critical for long-lasting blooms. Luckily, any quality floral artist has your back. “We use a whole host of tools to keep the flowers looking fresh, from florist foam to water tubes,” Borden says. Heartier foundational blooms will last in floral foam, while more delicate flowers can be suspended in water using specialized tubing. Borden assures that if engineered properly, your picture-perfect backdrop will last every minute of the big day. dancingdaisiesfloral.com

VENDORS

VENUE: Tifie Preserve, tifiepreserve.com STYLING: La Belle Fleur, labellefleurut.apphb.com MODELS: Janelle Laswell, Mars Roots, Jamie Hashimoto HAIR: Makeup and Hair by Michelle, @makeupandhairbymichelle MAKEUP: Denise Christensen, dcmakeup.com GOWNS: Fantasy Bridal, fantasy-bridal.com; Afa Ahloo, @afa.ahloo RENTALS: Forte Rentals, forterentals801.com; Home Sweet Home, homesweethomeeventrentals.com FLORIST INSTRUCTORS: Ace Berry, fulshearfloraldesign.com; Patience Pickner, floristchamberlainsd.com WHOLESALE FLORALS: Utah Premier Flower Collective; JFS Wholesale, jfswholesale. com; The Floral Source, thefloralsource.com; East Texas Smilax, easttexassmilax.com

FARM TO AISLE

These impressive installations were arranged by two talented teams of florists at the 2022 Wasatch Floral Summit, sponsored in part by the Utah Premiere Floral Collective, a group of 17 growers committed to providing sustainable resources to the wedding industry. Each of their blooms are cultivated and foraged right here in the Beehive State. Visit our website for more: utahbrideandgroom.com/utah-floral-collective

The Best of Utah

REAL WEDDINGS

As you prepare for your walk down the aisle, draw inspiration from the happy couples and talented players behind the seasons’ most stunning wedding celebrations. From Park City peaks to Salt Lake City’s finest restaurants, these soirées showcase love stories with style, personality and abounding elegance.

Farah & Geoff

LA CAILLE, SALT LAKE CITY JUNE 4

Planning & Design by BELLE BODAS EVENTS Photography by GREY GIRAFFE COLLECTIVE

THE COUPLE

Putting a spin on the typical tale of coworkers falling in love, Farah and Geoff instead became colleagues post-matrimony. Today, the spouses work together for a political organization, but their story began shortly after Farah moved from Utah to Washington, D.C. in pursuit of a career in politics. Geoff, who was a former employee of Farah’s company, stopped in for a visit and boldly asked Farah to dinner the first evening they met. As they say, the rest is history.

THE PROPOSAL

One summer, Farah invited her parents to visit D.C. Upon arriving at their final sightseeing stop (the office of the Speaker of the House), Farah was pleasantly surprised to find a staff photographer on site, snapping shots for a supposed promotional pamphlet. As the couple stepped onto the marble balcony to enjoy the Speaker’s famous view of the National Mall, the photographer’s true mission was revealed: to capture the powerful moment of Geoff’s proposal (and Farah’s forever “yes”).

THE WEDDING

Farah and Geoff’s marriage brought not only two people together, but two cultures. Farah is of Chilean and Honduran descent, while Geoff’s family is Chinese. To celebrate this blending of traditions, the couple went all in with a cultural celebration of the century held at Salt Lake City’s La Caille.

The couple exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush tropical flora: massive green fronds teamed with vibrant red and white arrangements of roses, anthurium, and gladiola to create a striking path for the

THE DETAILS

WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN: Belle Bodas Events, bellebodasandevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Grey Giraffe Collective, greygiraffe.com VENUE & CATERING: La Caille, lacaille.com FLORAL: Cactus and Tropicals, cactusandtropicals.com/eventfloral GOWN: Pronovias Privee via Kleinfeld Bridal; pronovias.com, kleinfeldbridal.com OVERLAY SKIRT: Martina Liana Bridal, essensedesigns.com/martina-liana CEREMONY SHOES: BHLDN, bhldn.com ROBE: Robed With Love, robedwithlove.com GROOM’S TUX: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com STATIONERY & SIGNAGE: Made by Jen, @ madebyjen_ RENTALS & LINENS: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com HAIR: Create on Location, msha.ke/ createonlocation MAKEUP: Julianne Horseley, MUA, @juliannemakeupartist GROOMSMEN SUITS: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com VIDEOGRAPHER: Shey Allen Films, sheyallenfilms.com CAKE: Annie’s Cakes, @annies.c.a.k.e.s DJ: DJ Drew, getdjdrewmusic.com PHOTOBOOTH: Snap Happy Photobooth, snaphappy-photobooth.com RECEPTION VOICEMAIL PHONE: After the Tone, afterthetone.co LIGHTING: Moonlight Utah, moonlightutah.com

couple’s entrance. Farah walked down the aisle in a strapless Pronovias gown featuring intricate lace details and a tulle illusion skirt. She accessorized with ivory heels embellished with palm leaves, linking her bridal fashion to the décor.

Inside, the wedding’s crimson theme took center stage as an homage to Geoff’s heritage, in which red is a lucky color. Belle Bodas Events strategically added enough color to each table to elevate the greenhouse space, but not so much to detract from the venue’s natural beauty. Larger settings were dressed in champagne-colored linens and towering arrangements of greenery. Round tables balanced the room with simple black linens and contrasting crimson centerpieces. Framed palm leaves served as menu displays, and bright red Chinese gift boxes welcomed each guest to their seat.

Overhead, glowing Chinese lanterns fostered a peaceful ambiance and a sense of dimension, delighting the eye no matter where it wandered.

THE PARTY

When their big celebration finally came, after postponements due to the pandemic, these lovebirds went all out for the party of their dreams. And while Chinese culture strongly influenced the décor, the dance floor is where Farah’s South American roots truly emerged. “We wanted the wedding to have a ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ vibe, while incorporating both of our families’ cultures,” says Farah. “Ultimately, we wanted to entertain and surprise people.”

Those surprises came in all shapes and colors, from an unexpected father-daughter Cueca dance accompanied by a live Mariachi band to a live artist painting the intimate ceremony and trumpeters sending guests off at the end of the evening, each with a slice of black-frosted wedding cake in hand. “Utah is so beautiful and unique, that we wanted to give our out-of-town guests an experience they’d truly never had at a wedding before.”

Brigitte & Daniel

SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT, SUNDANCE SEPT. 5

Planning & Design by FUSE WEDDINGS & EVENTS Photography by PEPPER NIX

THE COUPLE

Brigitte and Daniel started their journey as coworkers at an aviation software company based in Houston. Brigitte, who works in human resources, saw Daniel, a software developer, as a friend for two years before the couple embarked on their first date. The two were together for five years before tying the knot during their September celebration at Sundance Mountain Resort.

THE PROPOSAL

En route to a dream vacation in San Sebastian, Spain, Daniel treated Brigitte to a stop in London, her favorite city. As a flower lover, Brigitte had Kensington Gardens at the top of her itinerary. While walking the grounds, she heard their song, which is by Kacey Musgraves, and thought it was a happy coincidence created by street performers. It wasn’t until she saw a sign popping the big question that she realized what was truly happening. “It was so sweet to see all of the effort Daniel made to create a complete surprise for me across the pond,” Brigitte says. She responded with the easiest of “yeses” and the couple spent the remainder of their vacation as an “engagement-moon” in Spain.

THE CEREMONY

Brigitte walked down an aisle laden with brilliant white florals, wearing a dreamily romantic Galia Lahav gown with full length off the shoulder sleeves, a flawlessly fit corset bodice and a voluminous floral lace skirt. The ceremony entrances were set to “Landslide,” Daniel’s late mother’s favorite song. Brigitte was wed to Daniel by a mutual friend, Jonathan English, who

was the couple’s host for the London proposal surprise. Daniel surprised Brigitte once again and had the theme to The Princess Bride played to accompany his vows, referencing one of their first dates.

THE WEDDING

“Part of our wedding vibe was a love letter to Utah,” says Brigitte, who was born in Mountain Green. “I am so proud of where I’m from, and I wanted all of our friends from around the globe to experience all of the things I love about my home.” And experience, they did: Utah-local products and people were infused into every part of this celebration. The guests’ welcome bags featured Great Salt Lake taffy, and the welcome party was hosted by High West’s Whiskey Ambassadors while guests basked in the peaceful mountain ambiance of Sundance Resort.

Then came the party of Bridgerton-ball proportions. Cascading white-and-blush roses and wisteria draped the venue from floor-to-ceiling, pairing with sleek black signage to create the perfect London-esque backdrop for an evening of romance. “I’m a neutrals girl at heart. I didn’t want to select a palette that didn’t feel like me just because I was getting married,” Brigette explains. For added sentimentality, the event details featured blue herons, another nod to Daniel’s mother’s favorite things.

Brigitte entered her reception in a second simple and modern gown designed by Alyssa Kristin. The couple and their guests enjoyed a plated dinner including braised short ribs, pan seared chicken, vegetable strudel and fruit galette. Drinks included cocktails with a signature flair: each showcased a favorite liquor selected from two of the pair’s favorite bars. Dessert took the form of a showstopping, five-tier cake in multiple flavors— strawberry lemonade, samoa and carrot cake.

THE PARTY

DJ Joune brought the celebration to life, ushering in the newlyweds with “Kiss to Build a Dream On.” Brigitte made her grand exit as Mrs. in a third head-turning ensemble, a short and party-ready number by Nadine Merabi, with enough sparkle to last through the couple’s three-week Italian honeymoon.

THE DETAILS

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN: Fuse Weddings & Events, fuseweddingsandevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Pepper Nix, peppernix.com VIDEOGRAPHER: Jared Wortley Films, jaredwortleyfilms.com VENUE & CATERING: Sundance Mountain Resort, sundanceresort.com FLORIST: Artisan Bloom, artisanbloom.com BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Custom Galia Lahav from Alta Moda Bridal, galialahav.com, altamodabridal.com GROOM’S ATTIRE: The Black Tux and Hugo Boss, theblacktux.com, hugoboss.com RINGS: Zadok Jewelers Houston, zadok.com BRIDESMAID GOWNS: BHLDN and Saks Fifth Avenue, bhldn. com, saksfifthavenue.com GROOMSMEN SUITS: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com STATIONERY SUITE: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, annelizabeth.com SIGNAGE: Twelve30Creative, twelve30.com RENTALS: Diamond Event and Tent, diamondevent.com; Vault Event Rentals, vaulteventrentals.com LIGHTING: Moonlight Lighting, moonlightutah.com LINENS: Nuage Design, nuagedesigns.com NEON SIGN: Love at 1st Sign, loveatfirstsign.org HAIR & MAKEUP: Sly Beauty, slybeautycosmetics.com CAKE: Flour and Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com CEREMONY MUSIC: Michael Lucarelli, michaellucarelli.com DJ/Band: DJ Joune, djjoune.com

Maggie & Andrew

SALT LAKE COUNTRY CLUB, SALT LAKE CITY AUGUST 14

Photographs by MIKKI PLATT

THE COUPLE

Salt Lake City native Maggie and Palo Alto native Andrew met in fall 2019 in sunny California while Maggie was completing her studies at Stanford University. Now graduated—both from university and from girlfriend to Mrs.—Maggie works in finance for a work management software company. Andrew’s career continues at a Bay Area venture capital firm.

THE PROPOSAL

Knowing that Maggie has a love affair with flowers, Andrew took her for a weekend walk along the breathtaking paths of Filoli, the bay area’s historic gardens. Midway through their stroll, the couple came upon a full meadow of sunny daffodils. Before Maggie could catch her breath from the stunning view, Andrew got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. Gifted with a beautiful ring, Maggie said “yes” to a beautiful life together.

THE WEDDING

Salt Lake Country Club holds a special meaning for the bride’s family as it was the venue for both Maggie’s parent’s wedding and her own, on the same date exactly 25 years apart. “I owe so much to my parents, and it was so special to be able to share this day and this place with them,” Maggie says. After a morning ceremony in the Bountiful, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the couple and their guests reunited at the Country Club for a whimsical reception full of color.

Beneath elegantly monogrammed banners and garlands of playful dangling wildflowers, tables robed in sky blue linens welcomed guests to the reception dinner. Florals of all colors and arrangements filled chic rose-gold vessels. A sunny yellow cake sat center stage, adorned with a deluge of vibrant petals, capturing Maggie’s vision of perfect summertime hues.

THE DETAILS

PLANNING, FLORAL AND DESIGN: La Fête Floral and Design, lafetefloral.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Mikki Platt, mikkiplatt.com VIDEOGRAPHER: Dane Christensen, @danskerdane VENUE AND CATERING: Salt Lake Country Club, saltlakecountryclub.com BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Alta Moda Bridal, altamodabridal.com BRIDESMAIDS GOWNS: Needle and Thread, us.needleandthread.com STATIONERY SUITE: The Write Image, thewriteimage.com FLAGS: S Martine Design, @smartinedesign LIGHTING: Moon Light Utah, moonlightutah.com RENTALS: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com DANCE FLOOR: In the Event, intheevent.com HAIR & MAKEUP: Lesley Lind Makeup, lesleylind.com CAKE: Flour and Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com RECEPTION BAND: West Coast Music, westcoastmusic.com

“We wanted something fun, celebratory and floral-focused,” Maggie says. “At the same time, we wanted a classy and timeless look. I loved the whimsy and elegance that came from this design.”

Maggie and Andrew arrived at their reception in a greenery-laden golf cart, dressed to the nines in a classic black tuxedo and a sparkling, floral-patterned gown with a flowing train and delicately detailed cap sleeves.

THE PARTY

Music was a must for these lovebirds–Maggie grew up studying classical music and Andrew loves to bust a move. Because of her love for music, Maggie opted for a live band from the West Coast to provide the soundtrack to their wedding party, rather than a DJ playlist. The band delivered an energy-packed evening filled with tender moments, including dancing with their parents to Nat King Cole and raucous surprises like a fully choreographed groomsmen number set to a Bruno Mars hit. Atop a brightly lit dance floor and backed by striking mountain views, the newlyweds shared their first dance to “If I Ain’t Got You,” by Alicia Keys.

“We discovered the lighted dance floor while planning, and thought it was the perfect way to enhance the dance party,” Maggie says. Throughout the night, the stage shifted colors based on the mood of the song, luring guests to join the fold with every tune.

The wedding celebration for Maggie and Andrew became a de facto reunion for friends and family from across the country. “It was amazing to have an in-person celebration with everyone we love, and to finally be able to introduce people from throughout our lives to each other.”

THE HONEYMOON

After dancing the night away, Maggie and Andrew exited their reception to classic sparkler fanfare and then embarked on a honeymoon getaway to Lanai, Hawaii.

Kate & Dan

4U RANCH, PEOA AUG. 28

Planning & Design by MICHELLE LEO EVENTS Photography by HEATHER NAN

THE COUPLE

New York-based Kate and Dan met for the first time in Croatia, when Kate spotted her future husband across a bar, wearing a T-shirt coincidentally emblazoned with the name of her father’s Pennsylvania high school. The pair instantly connected thanks to their hometown roots, but parted ways when they headed for the airport. The couple later reconnected on Utah’s ski slopes, and six years after their meet-cute, became engaged on yet another ski trip to Zermatt, Switzerland.

THE WEDDING

In homage to the snowy mountains where they fell in love, Kate selected Peoa’s 4U Ranch as the ideal backdrop for an unique melding of garden party, rustic ranch and elegant organic styles. “We wanted our wedding to have an intimate feel, and we wanted to be able to easily stroll through our wedding day events surrounded by the people and mountains we love,” she says.

Kate walked down the aisle adorned in a lushly laced, form-fitting Monique Lhuillier gown with a high neck and long sleeves, showcasing a sophisticated, romantic style. Flanked by pasteldraped bridesmaids, she said “I do” under a graceful, asymmetric floral arch surrounded by the ranch’s dramatic rock formations. The wedding-day floral

arrangements were designed to match a custom watercolor paper suite created by Studio Luzance. Kate fell in love with the delicate feminine details, and the lavender, blush and baby blue crest quickly became the brand of the big day.

“This paper suite was too sweet,” says planner Michelle Cousins. “It really captured that organic vibe and pulled the full event together.”

To accommodate guests between events, Kate arranged a variety of outdoor lounge areas, where attendees could enjoy Utah’s majestic views while sipping on custom margaritas and strawberry lemon mules.

For the reception, guests strolled to 4U Ranch’s reclaimed wood barn, where a neutral interior allowed the event’s feminine and organic design elements and colors to flourish in everything from floral centerpieces and hanging installations to dainty cake accents.

“We wanted the reception to look like you walked through a field of mountain florals, scooped them up and placed them on the table,” Cousins says. “Tinge Floral brought a great mix of bloom textures, colors and species to capture that organic mood.”

THE MENU

Culinary Crafts delivered loads of local flavor to the party with a lineup of Utah-

THE DETAILS

WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather Nan Photography, heathernanphoto.com VIDEOGRAPHY: NP Films, npfilms.com FLORAL: Tinge Floral, tingefloral.com VENUE: 4U Ranch, 4uranch.org OFFICIANT: Kamrin Carver CEREMONY AV: Wasatch Audio Visual, wasatchav.com GOWN: Monique Lhuillierl, moniquelhuillier. com PAPER SUITE: Studio Luzance, studioluzance.com RENTALS: Diamond Event and Tent, diamondevent.com LOUNGE/BISTRO/BAR RENTALS: Vault Event Rentals, vaulteventrentals.com CHARGER RENTALS: Wild Event Studio, wildeventstudio.com RESTROOM RENTALS: Simply Privys, simplyprivys.com REHEARSAL AND WELCOME BARS: Decoration Inc., decorationinc.com MAKEUP ARTIST: Kristen Packard Makeup, kristenpackard.com HAIR: Kali Chris Hair, kalichris.com CATERING: Culinary Crafts, culinarycrafts.com BAR SERVICE: Top Shelf, topshelfutah.com CAKE: The Dessert Studio, thedessertstudioutah.com TRANSPORTATION: Snow Country Limousine, snowcountrylimo.com REHEARSAL DINNER: Goldener Hirsch, aubergeresorts.com/goldenerhirsch WELCOME PARTY MUSIC: The Birdwatchers, thebirdwatchersband.com CEREMONY MUSIC: Tribeca Ensemble, tribecaensemble.com BAND: New Soul Brigade, newsoulbrigade.com AFTER-PARTY DJ: Life of the Party Entertainment, life-of-the-party.com

bred favorites: risotto balls and pork buns for cocktail hour and grilled Rocky Mountain Ruby red trout and grass-fed Utah beef flank steak as main courses, accompanied by sides of seasonal butternut parmesan risotto and grilled carrots. A nearly too-cute-to-cut cake by The Dessert Studio delighted with layers of almond, lemon and raspberry-flavored dessert.

THE PARTY

Kate changed her look for the first dance, removing her gown’s sleeves to reveal a strapless sweetheart neckline. She and Dan danced to “At Last,” played live by New Soul Brigade. The band also provided music for dances with the couple’s parents and throughout the reception. The afterparty began as the gathering moved venues, traveling to Goldener Hirsch’s newly renovated rooftop deck, which also hosted the wedding’s rehearsal dinner, welcome party and brunch. Kate arrived in a dance-floor-ready sequined minidress from Markarian, and the wedding party continued the celebration with a night of jamming with Life of the Party DJs.

THE HONEYMOON

The travel-loving newlyweds chose to wait out international travel restrictions, so rather than escaping to their destination right after the wedding, they planned a belated New Zealand honeymoon for December 2022.

Courtney & Damien

MONTAGE DEER VALLEY, PARK CITY SEPT. 25

Planning & Design by MICHELLE LEO EVENTS Photography by JORDAN BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE COUPLE

Courtney, a musical theatre major, met her sweetheart Damien, an electrical engineering student, while out on the town at Penn State University. Fast forward to the 2020s, and the two are all grown up: Damien works as a Solutions Architect at Google, and Courtney is living the dream as an actor in New York City.

THE PROPOSAL

Damien proposed to Courtney while on a visit to Paris, where she was performing in a musical. The couple went for a walk in Jardin des Plantes near Damien’s grandmother’s home. They followed a labyrinth-like path to Gloriette de Buffon, a historic iron-and-bronze gazebo overlooking the park. He set up his smartphone to snap a selfie, but to Courtney’s surprise, rather than posing with a smile Damien dropped to one knee. After she accepted his proposal, Damien revealed a packed picnic of champagne and macarons to celebrate.

THE WEDDING

Park City’s ski country topped the couple’s list of dreamy wedding venues, and for their early fall ceremony the majestic setting of Montage Deer Valley sealed the deal. “The stunning views and inviting fireplaces ticked all of our boxes for a cozy and chic celebration,” Courtney explains. “We wanted an intimate mountain wedding that captured the natural beauty around us.”

To mimic the spectacle of Utah’s fall landscape, Michelle Leo Events helped create a traditional color palette of warm autumnal tones with touches of eye-catching blue. Azure accents can be spotted throughout the day, including thistle and delphinium blooms mingled with aspen leaves in the bridal bouquet, brilliantly capturing the mountainside’s changing colors. There was no basic ivory in sight: candlesticks, table settings and even desserts all showcased the couple’s signature palette.

Courtney arrived on-scene in a trademark fullskirted Hayley Paige silhouette. She floated down the aisle wearing a pair of custom LaDucas, a classic theater performance shoe, with a touch of something blue.

Following an intimate ceremony on Montage’s patio concluding with a flower-toss exit, guests were welcomed to the rustic Vista Lounge by a unique escort display. Each guest was handed a glass of champagne with a custom acrylic seat number garnishing the rim. When everyone found their seats, celebratory toasts began without skipping a beat.

The simple, cozy and elegant decor created an inviting rustic scene with rich wood accents, vividly colored candles, glittering table settings and, of course, a heart-warming fire.

THE PARTY

Like most memorable celebrations, the reception kicked off with dinner. Pan-seared Utah trout, Montage’s grilled beef tenderloin, and ratatouillestuffed peppers topped the menu, followed by a host of pastries for dessert. Most notable were paleblue macarons in the wedding’s signature hue, as a nod to Damien’s proposal picnic. After dinner the wedding party welcomed an all-out dance fest, including performances from the couple and their families to hits such as “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk and “September.” Later, the party migrated down a level to Montage’s game room for bowling, signature cocktails and one of Courtney and Damien’s favorite NYC traditions—late night pizza.

THE DETAILS

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Jordan Bree Photography, jordanbreephotography.com VIDEOGRAPHY: Nathan Pickett, NP Films, npfilms.com FLORAL: Artisan Bloom, artisanbloom.com VENUE, CATERING AND BAR SERVICE: Montage Deer Valley, montagehotels.com/deervalley GOWN: Hayley Paige, jlmcouture.com/hayley-paige SHOES: Custom LaDuca, laducashoes.com BRIDAL HAIR PIECE: Dareth Colburn, darethcolburn.com GROOM’S ATTIRE: Custom by Bindle and Keep, Brooklyn, bundleandkeep.com WATCH: Daniel Wellington, danielwellington.com BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Jenny Yoo, jennyyoo.com GROOMSMENS’ SUITS: J. Crew, jcrew.com INVITATION SUITE: Ayla Pena, The AYLA View, aylapena.com SIGNAGE/STATIONERY: Etsy and Zazzle, etsy.com, zazzle.com RENTALS: Diamond Event & Tent, All Out Event Rental, diamondevent.com, eventrentalutah.com HAIR AND MAKEUP: Lesley Lind, lesleylind.com TRANSPORTATION: Exclusive Excursions, parkcityactivities.info BAND: The Salamanders, salamandermusic.com CEREMONY MUSIC: Tribeca Ensemble, tribecaensemble.com OFFICIANT: Anita Gordon, utahweddingminister.com PHOTO BOOTH: Clementine Photo Booth, clementinephotobooth.rentals

Katy & William

ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY, PARK CITY JUNE 18

Planning and Design by BLUEBIRD EVENT DESTINATION MANAGEMENT Photography by SPARKLE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE COUPLE

Katy, a marriage and family therapist, met her husband William, who works in fulfillment for an e-commerce brand, on the rooftop bar of the Georgia Theater in Athens, Georgia. After eight years of long-distance dating off and on, Katy and William rekindled their sparks mid-pandemic and moved to Dallas to begin a more permanent life together. One Friday night, William enlisted a special helper (their goldendoodle, Dash) to present Katy with an engagement ring. After a romantic evening at her favorite restaurant, the couple returned home to find Dash posed perfectly with a ring on his collar. Spoiler alert: Katy said yes!

THE WEDDING

When it came to choosing the wedding venue, The St. Regis Deer Valley was a nobrainer. It is a destination Katy’s family has been frequenting for decades. Bluebird Event Destination Management and Artisan Bloom teamed to complement the mountain peaks with Katy’s dream décor: a garden party fit for royalty. “Flowers, flowers, flowers—that’s what I wanted” Katy says. “Our vendors really

understood how much I love color and a bright environment.”

Katy walked down an aisle framed in rosy blooms wearing a fitted Monique L’Huillier gown with flourishing floral lace and off-theshoulder straps. On her way to join William, she had her father on one arm and a blushing bouquet in the hand of the other. At the pinkbacked altar, a wedding party 32-strong stood in support, with groomsmen in sharp blue suits and the maids each clad in a unique petal-hued dress. The couple was married by Katy’s best friend Jordan, who led a ceremony filled with sweet memories and laughter.

Guests followed a New Orleans-style processional to a tent on the hotel’s terrace for dinner and dancing. From the top down, the event’s design was a celebration of femininity, florals and classic beauty. At the peak of the transparent tent, dazzling crystal chandeliers glittered from all angles. The main focal point was a 12-foot floral wreath encircled in sprays of pink peony, ranunculus and rose. Garlands of greenery wound each fence pole, drawing the eye to the towering centerpieces atop sleek gold stands.

THE PARTY

The couple selected a classic wedding menu, with beef filet and Chilean Sea bass as main courses, and grilled cheese at the afterparty. Dessert included a cookie bar and two impressive cakes: a six-tier snickerdoodle cake dressed in large blossoms and a groom’s cake in the shape of The Master’s logo.

The Party Crashers crooned covers of classics as the couple and their guests danced together at the reception. “We didn’t love the idea of all eyes on us for a first dance, so we invited everyone to join in.” Shortly after the reception, a DJ began an hours-long University of Georgia-themed afterparty in the Deer Crest Club, where black and red balloons and Bulldog memorabilia celebrated the new couple. All through the night, Katy and William danced, cheered and partied with their guests.

THE HONEYMOON

Katy and William celebrated their marriage with an adventure in Maui, which included equal parts lounging by the ocean and touring the island’s landscapes and volcanoes by both bicycle and helicopter.

THE DETAILS

WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN: Bluebird Event Destination Management, bluebirdparkcity.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Sparkle Photography, sparklephoto.com VIDEOGRAPHER: Jared Wortley, jaredwortleyfilms.com FLORAL: Artisan Bloom, artisanbloom.com VENUE AND CATERING: St. Regis Deer Valley, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/slcxr-the-st-regisdeer-valley/overview REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE: Kimball Terrace, kimballterrace.com REHEARSAL DINNER CATERING: Culinary Crafts, culinarycrafts.com BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Monique L’Huillier via Warren Barron Dallas, warrenbarron.com GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Simon’s Formal Wear, GA, simonsformalwear.com BRIDESMAIDS GOWNS: Bella Bridesmaids, bellabridesmaids.com STATIONERY SUITE: Paper Affair Dallas, paperaffairdallas.com SIGNAGE: Zazzle, zazzle.com RENTALS: Vault Event Rentals, vaulteventrentals. com; Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com; All Out Event Rental, eventrentalutah.com; WILD, wildeventstudio.com DANCE FLOOR: Queen of Wraps, queenofwraps.com MAKEUP: Lesley Lind, lesleylind.com CAKE: Ballerina Baker, ballerinabaker.net RECEPTION BAND: Party Crashers, partycrashersband.com DJ: DJ Dolph, djdolph.com TRANSPORTATION: Driver Provider, driverprovider.com PHOTO BOOTH: Clementine Photo Booths, clementinephotobooth.rentals CEREMONY MUSIC: Maywood String Quartet, maywoodstringquartet.com DINNER MUSIC: Eric Anthony, ericanthonymusic.com

Annie & Brad

SNOWPINE LODGE, ALTA APRIL 17

Planning & Design by HOOPES EVENTS Photography by KATIE EDWARDS PHOTO

THE COUPLE

Annie dove into the world of online dating after moving to Utah from Michigan, and after a few chats, she agreed to attend a party with a date. She never expected to find her soulmate that night, but after arriving, Annie’s original date introduced her to Brad, and their fate was sealed. “Let’s just say Brad was more my style,” Annie says. Today, after six years of dating and a stunning winter wedding, the couple works together at a quickly expanding wellness business headquartered in Austin, Texas.

THE PROPOSAL

Brad originally planned to propose while skiing Alta’s backcountry, but shifted gears after an unfortunate spill the night before resulted in a broken arm. Instead, he took Annie for a walk along the resort’s Summer Road, where he told her all of the things he loved about her and used his functioning arm to pull a ring and a hidden miniature bottle of bubbly from his sling. They spent the evening celebrating Annie’s acceptance together at The Cliff Lodge.

THE WEDDING

The couple returned to Alta for their big day. Taking full advantage of the venue’s alpine glory and ski-in, ski-out capabilities, Annie and Brad worked with Hoopes Events to design a celebration with the good vibrations of

a rustic ski trip, and the modern elegance of a mountain chalet.

It all began with a snowy ceremony where colorfully woven rugs marked the aisle and altar with striking contrast to the mountain’s all-white backdrop. Featuring jewel tones that Annie selected for the bridal party, the scene was a statement of bold color. Annie said “I Do” in a long sleeved, backless Daalarna gown with pearl and floral lace details, a cathedral length veil with Indian-inspired beading and white St. Laurent boots, perfect for tramping through the snow. Something borrowed—a diamond snowflake necklace of her mother’s—was accented by blue apatite earrings.

Brad wore a velvet black tux and a wooden bow tie custom engraved with mountain ranges to match those of the groomsmen. “We were married by my best friend from college, who is also an ordained minister. She brought so much holiness to our ceremony,” Annie recalls.

THE PARTY

The party moved inside for a cozy and elegant dinner, accented by more vivid rugs and sprays of colorful florals. “I wanted ‘rainbow’ flowers,” Annie says. “I love all colors and wanted them to be as vibrant as possible in contrast to the snowy background.” Guests signed in on a vintage “Ski Alta” poster then made their way to their colorful settings, each labeled with a different adventure destination. After dinner, the couple delivered a customized ice-cream sandwich feast, teaming Normal Club and Ruby Snap Cookies for their first-ever collaboration. From the bar, Telluride Distillery’s “Chairlift Warmer” schnapps became the drink of choice, along with obligatory Alta Bombs and a special Chianti Classico from Annie’s family origins for celebratory toasts.

The Morning Yells transitioned the crowd from cocktail hour to reception soirée with ease, starting with a salsa-heavy first dance to “Hooked on a Feeling,” performed by Annie and Brad. The celebration was full of unexpected surprises, from father-daughter dances and songs performed by family members, to Phish jam sessions. “Let’s just say the dance floor got weird in the best way,” Annie says.

THE HONEYMOON

Annie and Brad spent their first few days as husband and wife in a dramatically different locale—on the island of Maui.

THE DETAILS

WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN: Angela Menlove, Hoopes Events, hoopesevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Katie Edwards, katieedwardsphoto.com VIDEOGRAPHY: Vince Weddings, vinceweddings.com FLORAL: Wild Flora Co., wildflora.co VENUE AND CATERING: Snowpine Lodge, snowpine.com REHEARSAL DINNER: Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge, goldminersdaughterlodge.com GOWN: Daalarna, daalarna.hu NECKLACE: Vintage Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com EARRINGS: Raven + Lily, ravenandlily.com RECEPTION OUTFIT: Sahroo, sahroo.com GROOM’S SUIT: Suit Supply Tux, suitsupply.com STATIONERY SUITE: Paper Place Austin, paperplaceaustin.com RUGS: Boheme Project, thebohemeproject.com RENTALS: Evergreen & Ivy, evergreenandivy.com HAIR & MAKEUP: Stillwell Spa at Snowpine Lodge, snowpine.com DESSERTS: Normal Club, normal.club; Ruby Snap Cookies, rubysnap.com DJ/BAND: The Morning Yells, themorningyells.com

from the experts

INSPIRATIONS

From a modern urban fête to a blissful, romance-packed ceremony, three teams of Utah’s top wedding pros get creative with vibrant colors, bold fashion statements and out-of-the-box details that showcase the many faces of stylish celebrations.

City Girl Chic

A harmonious marriage of sleek, minimal design and playful romance delivers a celebration fit for the most stylish of urbanites

Planning and Design by BLUEBIRD EVENT DESTINATION MANAGEMENT Photography by PEPPER NIX

TTHIS ONE’S FOR THE sophisticated city girl. Meredith Parsons of Bluebird Event Destination Management blends a daring color palette and a dramatic vision to create a minimalist, “citychic” wedding day aesthetic that also captures the beauty and romance apropos of a nuptial celebration.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The invitation suite—a guest’s introduction to the wedding—is an indispensable tool for establishing your wedding style. In this suite, glossy text on matte black stationery teams seamlessly with layers of edgy geometric shapes, all encased in colorfully accented envelopes, teasing a taste of the urban dynamic to come.

IN FINE FORM

A solid foundation is critical for any well-designed event, and this team took the concept to heart. “Our inspiration came from our bride’s background as an architect, and the visual impact of the construction process,” Parsons explains. “Every piece of the decor had a frame, grounding the design in a very geometric way.”

Those frames can be spotted throughout the event. A sturdy white shelving unit serves as the base for a strikingly asymmetric backdrop. Boxy chandeliers repeat the motif, housing lively florals that bring visual interest to the apex of the reception tent.

BALANCING ACT

Teaming sophisticated design with a bold color palette is a true balancing act. Elegant juxtaposition reigns supreme here, with luxuriously textured fuschia florals layering a touch of romance atop the modern minimalist bones of the event. Paired with traditional roses and peonies, carefully curated species including

pink and black anemone, cymbidium orchids and calla lilies were chosen for their graphic forms, staying true to the event’s geometric theme.

By using the florals to deliver most of the color, Parsons was able to present them in fresh and profound ways, adding vibrancy and playfulness to an otherwise neutral scheme. Case in point: inverted blooms individually suspended above the aisle.

In keeping with the overall theme of balance, a clean-lined escort card display boasts a patterned map of Manhattan, embellished with pretty-in-pink details that direct guests in style.

THE DETAILS:

PLANNING & DESIGN: Bluebird Event Destination Management, Park City, bluebirdparkcity.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Pepper Nix, peppernix.com VENUE: St. Regis Deer Valley, st-regis.marriott.com FLORAL: Decoration, Inc., decorationinc.com CAKE: Flour & Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com RENTALS: Vault Event Rentals & All Out Event Rental, vaulteventrentals.com, eventrentalutah.com HAIR & MAKE UP: Lesley Lind, lesleylind.com

A Rosy Romance

A talented team of wedding pros celebrates romance and old-world charm at a picturesque pear-orchard villa

Planning and Design by FUSE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS Photographs by BLAKE HOGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

WWITH ITS APRICOT STUCCO facade and vineyard-like setting, Pleasant Grove’s The Villa is a charming wedding venue that delivers sophisticated wine country allure inside a century-old pear orchard.

A SENSE OF PLACE

To complement such an elegant setting, Mara Mazdzer of Fuse Weddings and Events introduces a scene bursting with tender romance and powerful modern vignettes. Rather than choosing a traditional chiavari or rustic cross back chair, Mazdzer outfitted both the aisle and dining tables with sandy-hued wishbone chairs from Decoration, Inc. for a more contemporary flair. On the table, subtly shimmering linens create an ideal foundation for dreamy late-summer florals, a bounteous spread of succulent fruits and blissfully designed paper details.

PROVINCIAL PALETTES

Fuse Weddings and Events and The Flower Bar Co. selected a variety of delicate rosy and feminine hues—from summery peach to bubble gum pink—to mirror The Villa’s color-soaked facade. “This palette lent itself to a very organic mix of blooms, making every arrangement feel as though it could have been foraged right onsite,” Mazdzer says. Taking cues from the locale and the season, each arrangement captured the shift from summer to fall with a masterful mix

of blooms and lush greenery. “I like to choose florals that are in season locally, because it creates a unique memory for the couple,” says Shawn Chamberlain of The Flower Bar Co. “Each year, those florals will serve as a reminder of their special day.”

Transitional hues were not only embraced in floral elements; similarly subtle color gradients also made an appearance within paper goods. No two pieces featured matching shades, and there was no ho-hum ivory in sight.

OUT OF THE BOX

“Occasionally, wedding vision boards will include things that look amazing but aren’t necessarily functional,” Mazdzer says. In an effort to serve both pretty and practical, this team crafted an elevated escort display featuring personalized envelopes in shades blending from chic nude to warm raspberry pink, exquisitely displayed on mirrored panels. “This is an idea that could work on any scale and would deliver the same luxe and formal experience whether arranged like this or simply laid out on welcoming tables,” Mazdzer explains.

LEADING LADY

While many elements of this design are soft and romantic, the ethereal ball gown packs a sexy punch, boasting shimmering floral appliques and flirtatious corseted cutouts that ensure all eyes stay on the bride. “Bringing in an edge with this gown helped everything pop, and it delivered sharpness to an otherwise very sweet design.”

THE DETAILS:

PLANNING & DESIGN: Mara Mazdzer, Fuse Weddings and Events, fuseweddingsandevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Blake Hogge, blakehogge.com VENUE: The Villa, weddingsatthevilla.com FLORAL: The Flower Bar Co., flowerbarco.co HAIR AND MAKEUP: Beauty by Reese, beautybyreese.com STATIONERY: Ann Elizabeth Print Studio, annelizabeth.com CAKE: Flour and Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com CHINA, FLATWARE, AND GLASSWARE: Wild Event Studio, wildeventstudio.com CHAIR RENTAL: Decoration, Inc., decorationinc.com LINENS: BBJ La Tavola, bbjlatavola.com GOWN: Alta Moda Bridal, altamodabridal.com TUXEDO: DC Tuxedo, dctux.com/tuxedos MODELS: Megan Escobar and Devin Thomas

A Magical Mood

Hoopes Events holds the keys to infusing luxury and polish into the most fantastical event designs

Planning & Design by HOOPES EVENTS Photography by BREANNA WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

LLUXURY IS AN ELEMENT that elevates any and all parts of your wedding, no matter your unique vision. Whether you go for timeless elegance, glittering glamour or a striking scene in a box all its own, Tonya Hoopes shows ways to invite lux style to any wedding celebration.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Kick tradition to the curb with design decisions that are completely one-of-a-kind. In this dinner scene, classic elements flourish with a moody and modern twist, taking Evermore Park’s rustic dining hall from Bavarian to bridal beauty. Deep shades of burgundy, ebony and violet complement a storybook venue, setting the scene for fantasy bridal drama that takes center stage. Glittering jewels stand out among dark leafy accents and an all-black fashion ensemble, delivering fresh character to a traditional red-and-black palette.

“Go bold and go bright,” says planner Tonya Hoopes of Hoopes Events. “Use color to your advantage to create a rich, luxuryevent look. Find ways to be creative, and add elements to your arrangements that make them uniquely you.” Take these florals as an example: rich pops of color stand out against nontraditional black-leaved foundations. Dark purple tulips, classic red roses and blushing calla lily brighten the palette for luscious centerpieces placed on every table.

SLEEK AND SOPHISTICATED

Try elegance on for size with fantasy-worthy bridals at dusk. A luxe lace gown teams with timelessly romantic candlelight and richly textured linens for a high-gloss sweethearts setting. For this sublime scene, details reign supreme: delicate lace sleeves and dainty jewels bring sophisticated polish to a fairytale bridal ensemble, all grounded by flowing florals and expertly curated table settings. Lux chargers foster the day’s palette with gilded edges and richly colored napkin settings that serve as a chic backdrop for a sleek, simple menu card.

GO FOR GLAM

Bring on the after-party with the perfect dose of sparkle. Eye-catching earrings, a glistening gown in a suave and flirty silhouette, and contemporary dessert displays are the recipe for success when it comes to a full-glam reception. “The cake is a great avenue to really play with tradition,” Hoopes says. Here, the team pairs a classic gold-accented round cake with a second ultramodern square tiered cake, complete with geometric details that bring deconstructed dimension to the dessert spread.

VENDORS

PLANNING AND DESIGN: Hoopes Events, hoopesevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Breanna White Photography, breannawhite.com FLORALS: Fleur and Stems, fleurandstems.com VENUE: Evermore Park, evermore.com GOWNS: Mary’s Bridal, marysbridalutah.com CUSTOM BLACK GOWN: Sherbon Clothing, etsy.com JEWELRY: J. Brooks, jbrooksjewelers.com CAKES: Cakes by Alessandra, cakeut.com RENTALS: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com

To celebrate every moment of the wedding day, photographer Heather Nan curates and captures a collection of truly timeless bridal trousseaus styled by Marae Events

Photographs by HEATHER NAN

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

A soft and sweet off-the-shoulder tulle gown from The Bridal Studio primps for a day of romance. The sheer corset bodice accented by Swarovski crystals mirrors a whiff of sensuality and elegance delivered by a spritz of Chloé’s Naturelle eau de parfum.

(ABOVE) Isabell by Tom Sebastien gown from The Bridal Studio Utah; O.C. Tanner Collection ring featuring a 1.62 carat oval diamond, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. (OPPOSITE) Pizelle by Sarah Seven from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal; Roberto Coin diamond hoop earrings; Coutgo kitten heel stilettos with rhinestone bow accent; Tuxedo via The Black Tux.

TTHE SUN HAS SET on the days of single-dress celebrations. Today, evergreen wedding ensembles are all the rage. From your first look to the getaway car and every magical moment in between, processions throughout the wedding day offer countless opportunities to curate signature fashion statements showcasing gorgeous gowns and dazzling accessories.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Structure rules the runway, and this silk faille sheath from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal flaunts a contemporary ruffle treatment ready for a highfashion love affair.

MOMENT IN THE SUN

An exquisitely angular satin sheath from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal provides the ideal canvas for chic accessories, including this lavender-hued bouquet popping with lace-like ranunculus and playful allium accents.

CENTER STAGE

Nothing says show-stopper like a multi-layered, lace-laden ball gown. With a full sleeve and button-backed bodice, this Alençon lace number by Rita Vinieris packs in the drama.

(ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Biltmore ball gown by Rita Vinieris from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal; Jennifer Behr Marjeta faux pearl-embellished satin headband, Jade Trau Poppy diamond stud earrings; Missoma Gold Huggies earrings, O.C. Tanner Collection Athena 3-row band stacked with Precision Set eternity band with oval diamonds, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. (OPPOSITE) Chiara by Sarah Seven from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal.

TRIED AND TRUE

Exquisitely textured tweed fabric dripping with vintage flair goes hand-in-hand with an ultramodern plunging neckline in the Miriam Gown from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal.

HOW SWEET IT IS

Stunningly simple curve-hugging crepe and polished pearl accents are two perfect ingredients for a posh reception ensemble. Add an impressively intricate hairdo and dainty jewels to the mix, and the recipe is complete.

(ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Suna pearl drop earrings with diamonds; Aria by Sarah Seven crepe halter gown with pearl accents from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal; Jennifer Behr Tori Voilette mesh-trimmed satin fascinator headpiece, Jennifer Behr Arianna crystal earrings, Rahaminov Sara ring featuring a 1.50 carat emerald cut diamond. (OPPOSITE) Miriam by Sarah Seven from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal; Coutgo square open-toe stiletto in white.

AISLE STYLE

Seal the deal in Spanish tulle, a lusciously flowing fabric perfect for the most romantic moment of the day: the vows. This strapless sweetheart features delightful daisy appliques for added personality.

CHEERS!

The journey from ceremony to reception deserves an eye-catching outfit change. Some gowns include built-in upgrades, like the Chiara with its oversized bow accent. Alternatively, slip into something more comfortable, such as this flirtatious, organza-draped mini dress that is equal parts fun-loving and fashion-forward.

(ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Chiara by Sarah Seven with bow belt from Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, Isabel Marant ‘A Wild Shore’ earrings; Rahaminov Sara ring featuring a 1.50 carat emerald cut diamond; White Glory mini-dress by Tal Kedem from The Bridal Studio, Cult Gaia Sonya earrings in gold, Rhinestone pumps in silver, available at The Bridal Studio. (OPPOSITE) Eden A-line strapless gown with floral sparkle applique from The Bridal Studio; Jennifer Behr Rissa earrings in crystal.

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Get paparazzi-prepped in Twenty & Creek’s swanky lower levels by donning a gown that’s sophisticated and high-glam. This strapless Chosen by Kyha gown features a miles-long crepe skirt and a bejeweled corset bodice to deliver both styles in high doses.

(ABOVE) Stevie gown from Chosen by Kyha from The Bridal Studio; Kwiat Lyric diamond earrings; Glitter pointed toe heel in silver, available at The Bridal Studio; Groom’s Precision Set diamond band, O.C. Tanner Jewelers (OPPOSITE) The Vampire’s Wife sequinned mini in silver; Jennifer Behr Mirabelle hair pin; O.C. Tanner Collection Athena 3-row band stacked with Precision Set eternity band with oval diamonds, O.C. Tanner Jewelers; Coutgo kitten heel stilettos with rhinestone bow accent.

THE LAST HURRAH

Your getaway gown deserves enough sparkle for greeting guests and indulging in intimate moments alike. For your last look, try this fluttersleeved, silver sequin mini dress on for size.

VENDORS: PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather Nan Photography, heathernanphoto.com STYLING: Marae Events, maraeevents.com VENUE: Twenty & Creek, twentyandcreek.com FLORAL: Gather Floral, gatherfloraldesign.com GOWNS: Frankie Jane Couture Bridal, frankiejane.com; The Bridal Studio, thebridalstudioutah.com AFTER PARTY DRESS: The Vampire’s Wife, thevampireswife.com RINGS: O.C. Tanner Jewelers, octannerjewelers.com TUX: The Black Tux, theblacktux.com MODELS: Ashtyn & Jordan via NIYA Models, niyamgmt.com HAIR: Kali Chris Hair and Makeup, kalichris.com MAKEUP: Kristen Packard Artistry, kristenpackard.com CAKE: Flour and Flourish, flourandflourishcake.com

PHOTOS ASHLEY MEAGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Utah’s landscapes offer idyllic settings for cowboy-chic celebrations of any style

By MEGAN HULSE BARTHOLOMEW Photographs by MEGAN ROBINSON PHOTO / HILLARY TAYLOR HARMON / ASHLEY MEAGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Nicole and Tyler were married at Blue Sky Ranch in an elegant October ceremony full of rustic flair.

FFROM HOLLYWOOD to high fashion, it seems everyone’s going cowboy. Weddings are no exception. Couples far and wide flock to Utah to celebrate their nuptials among the promontory peaks and crimson cliffs of the state's legendary Western landscapes.

BLACK TIE RUSTIC

Couples looking to bring high-end polish to their cowboy celebrations need look no further than Wanship’s luxury venue, The Lodge at Blue Sky. Just 30 minutes from Park City, Blue Sky delivers a new kind of ambiance for those wanting to embrace the true cowboy atmosphere found in the venue’s storied past as a working ranch.

Many rustic-leaning brides opt for wildflowers to grace their well-dressed tablescapes, and creating a luxurious look using such simple blooms is a Utah wedding planner’s specialty. “It takes careful planning to make an event look both elegant and effortless,” says industry expert Michelle Cousins.

For Nicole and Tyler’s barn nuptials, the Michelle Leo team exquisitely blended cowgirl country with high-fashion femininity using hardwood tables and chargers as a backdrop for organic vessels of dainty wildflowers and delicate chiffon linens. A rich palette of blues and warm neutrals quintessentially captures Utah’s transition from summer to fall, capping off this event’s theme.

According to Cousins, an expertly finished tablescape is key to visually conveying luxury in any celebration. “A completely set and designed table helps elevate any event, especially those that are more rustic,” she says. “A setting immerses guests in the ambiance with something beautiful and elevates their experience. It’s all in the details.”

Including comfort-food favorites on the menu throughout the celebrations makes the mood abundantly clear: microbrews,

BBQ and cobbler all say, “Cowboy shindig, this way!” Food paired with fashion is a surefire way to involve guests in an event theme. This couple landed upon a rare “black tie rustic” dress code, inviting their loved ones to don their boots along with their suits to match Nicole’s custom-designed peplum gown and fringed footwear.

For added drama, Nicole made her grand ceremony entrance in iconic cowgirl style: pulled behind a team of spectacular black horses.

Ultimately, Cousins contends that events can be themed in every detail without erring on the side of kitsch. By mingling cowhide with chiffon and champagne, industrial metal details with on-trend wicker chandeliers, and other glamorous accents with Blue Sky’s bucolic atmosphere, this team fashioned a luxuriously formal event without a trace of inhibiting stuffiness.

BLUE SKY LODGE WEDDING VENDORS

Planning and Design: Michelle Leo Events, michelleleoevents.com Photography: Megan Robinson Photo, meganrobinsonphoto.com Videographer: Branson Maxwell Video, bransonmaxwell.com Floral: Amber Reverie, amberreverie.com Venue and Catering: The Lodge at Blue Sky, aubergeresorts.com/bluesky Rentals: Diamond Event and Tent, diamondevent.com Chairs: Vault Event Rentals, vaulteventrentals.com Chargers: Alpine Event Co., alpineevent.co Cake: Lustr Creative, msha.ke/lustrcreative Lighting: Moonlight Lighting Utah, moonlightutah.com DJ: Ricky Barrera, @therickybarrera HMUA: Marisa Rose, marisarosemph.com Paper Goods: Twelve30 Creative, twelve30.com

This bride's dream retro reception came to life in a colorful photobooth, capturing fun with guests throughout the evening.

RANCH REFRESH

Brides who long for western flavor but are not quite ready to give up a bit of playful glitz needn’t worry. For guidance, look no further than this fusion fête created by Leslie Price, owner of Leslie Dawn Events. At this après-vows affair, a historic vintage homestead and a Southwest-inspired palette meet the flashing-lights drama of the Nashville cowgirl. The result? A powerful design punch pairing modern simplicity with an upbeat palette.

To perfect the ranch refresh, Price has a few tricks up her sleeve.

“I would first find a color palette that really represents your personality and let it take you to unexpected places,” says Price. “This allows you to deliver a fresh take on many classic elements.” The happy-go-party-girl bride should never be dulled by a basic color scheme, and vibrant bride Hayley took the reins of a buoyant palette and ran with it all the way to the stables. Summery peach, glowing grapefruit pink, electric green and rich violet come together in a dazzlingly youthful mix, starting with a color-blocked invitation suite designed by the bride. The palette continues day-of, modernizing Utah’s classic Kimball House into an of-the-hour hoedown. Traditional western trinkets including cattle skulls, wagon wheels and lasso rope get a 2020’s-funk treatment throughout the design, peaking in the form of a neon-hued photo booth.

Introducing the playful edge and contemporary punch that this bride craved, a greenery wall sporting flutes of lavender lemonade became the guests’ first experience of the party’s unique style.

“That was our theme throughout this entire wedding: blending something old and something new to create a never-before-seen style that was totally on-brand for this couple,” Price explains.

After an exotic destination wedding in Mexico, Hayley and Ryan hosted a celebratory reception at Utah's This is the Place Heritage Park.

Capturing this unique pairing of demure and drama, The Petal Coop delivered in blooms. Angular wildflower centerpieces teamed airy freshness with stylized structure, giving each bouquet a runway-ready finish. For added whimsy, each table setup included elegant— and edible— elements. Oranges, blackberries, peaches and figs contribute to the scene's striking colors.

“For a playful and modern bride, I love adding unexpected table elements,” says Price. “Here, the linens were a soft pink velvet, and the fruits brought a pop of color even bolder than what florals could deliver.”

The ode to the Southwest continues from the palette to the bride’s sleek and structured jumpsuit, with a dramatic homage to the past in tow. Floor-length fringe adds movement, glamour and on-the-town flirtiness while still keeping things beautiful and bridal.

THIS IS THE PLACE WEDDING VENDORS:

Planning & Design: Leslie Dawn Events, lesliedawnevents.com Photos: Hillary Taylor Harmon, @hillarytaylorharmon Venue: This is the Place, thisistheplace.org Floral: The Petal Coop, thepetalcoop.com Rentals: Diamond Event & Tent, diamondevent.com Lighting: Moonlight Lighting Utah, moonlightutah.com Catering: Cubby’s, cubbys.co/catering Cake: Salt Cake City, saltcakecity.com Bar Service: Cheers and Swizzles, cheersandswizzles.com Photo Booth Furniture: Utah Vintage Rentals, utahvintage.rentals Makeup: Aubrey Robertson, @aubreymakeup_ Hair: Simply Mindy, simplymindy.net Groom’s Suit: Smith Bespoke, smithbespoke.com Bride’s Attire: Rminé Bridal, rminebespoke.com Stationery: Superlative Design, superlativedesign.co.uk

RED ROCK ROMANCE

In today’s events climate, adventure lovers are embracing the destination micro wedding more than ever. Lazalu, a quaint venue nestled among the majestic formations of Zion National Park, offers unmatched vistas for outdoor enthusiasts like Samantha and Brett.

In this intimate celebration designed by Laura Stagg of Forevermore Events, every element is an ode to the venue’s striking red-rock views.

“To achieve a truly western look, we encourage our couples to mirror the landscape in their design, accentuating the atmosphere and immersing their celebration in the beauty that Southern Utah provides,” Stagg says. “Including the organic elements of the desert in the palette and florals adds a bit of that Wild West flair to the magic of the wedding day.”

A palette of warm desert hues carries the redrock theme from the ceremony to the reception

Samantha and Brett hosted their closest friends and family for an intimate micro-wedding in Zion National Park.

tables. Bridesmaids garbed in rust-colored satin impeccably mirror the bronzed cliffs on the horizon while copper and amber tones deliver a Zion-inspired palette to the couple’s rustic table settings.

A true desert tribute comes to life with indigenous cacti spotted throughout the floral design, appearing as succulent blossoms on catering tables, in individual pots amid simple cotton place settings and even as unexpected accents in the bride’s bouquet. Each arrangement delivers a decidedly freshly-foraged-from-Utah look, marrying seamlessly with a traditional boho scheme of dried fronds and neutral blooms.

The remainder of the décor is understated, showcasing soft macrame accents and ontrend acrylic signage that deliver a level of refinement without overpowering the park’s stunning scenery. Even the triangular ceremony backdrop features ample negative space, allowing expansive views to shine through as Samantha and Brett tied the knot.

Carefully curated moments deliver intimacy to this desert affair. They include raised-glass toasts made while clad in cowboy-chic furs, homemade jerky samplings bow hunted and prepared by the bride herself, and a cozy sweetheart's table at which Samantha finished her bridal ensemble with a well-matched ivory cowboy hat and fur jacket.

LAZALU WEDDING VENDORS:

Planning and Design: Forevermore Events, forevermoreevents.com Photographer: Ashley Meagan Photography, ashleymeaganphotography.com Rentals: St. George Party Rentals, stgeorgepartyrentals.com Signage: Black Julep Studio, etsy.com/shop/BlackJulepStudio Venue: Lazalu, lazalu.com Hair: The Honey Salon, @thehoneysalonbride Makeup: Chantry Wagstaff, @honeysalonbride Floral: By Bloomers, bybloomers.com DJ: Festival Sounds, festivalsounds.com Caterer: Magleby’s, maglebys.com Baker: CBJ and Company, @cbjandcompany Hat: Tilly’s, @tillys Gown: Beloved Couture Bridal, belovedcouturebridal.squarespace.com Suit: Men’s Wearhouse, menswearhouse.com Tie: Azazie, azazie.com