Inspiration

Lessons In Love

October 12, 2021

On the subject of a modern, masculine wedding, Mara Mazdzer takes us to school. In the heart of Park City, Washington School House Hotel offers a stylized backdrop, equal parts polished and mountain-apropos. In her design, Mazdzer—founder of Fuse Weddings and Events—offers an inspiring crash course in melding form and function.

CREATE CONTEMPO

When it comes to pairing modernity with a masculine wedding, contemporizing your space is key. Refreshingly out-of-the-box elements such as live, cloud-like cotton, twigs and branches offer foliage options far from traditional florals. For the tablescape, Mazdzer combines au courant flatware with lacquered cement-style china, adding refinement to the minimalistic place settings. The paper goods and monogram offer more modern, personalized touches through the simplicity and style of their graphic designs.

SET THE TONE

According to Mazdzer, the key to personalizing a color palette is not overcomplicating it. Your palette helps determine the overall feel of your event, and it should reflect you and the space you’re in. The trick is to not take that too literally. “You should define your color scheme, but you should also feel comfortable straying from it,” Mazdzer explains. “Consider the way that hues can be translated and the impact you want them to have on your venue. For example, one or two shades of each color in your palette should be used to either warm or cool the design.”

ACCOMMODATE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

“When a venue is designed as beautifully as Washington School House Hotel, the last thing we want to do is work against the styling of the space,” says Mazdzer. Her trick to ensuring harmony between your event and your location? Familiarity. “When working with a curated locale, the key is to incorporate what is provided and then work backwards,” says Mazdzer. “Then, once you’ve established your foundation, you can begin to layer on personalized elements. Consider factors like what you want your guests to experience and characteristics that define you and your partner.” For example, this venue’s furnishings provide gray, blue and gold embellishments that serve as a luxe backdrop for design elements including the tablescape and bar.

KEEP IT CLOSE

Pulling off the perfect party in a boutique hotel is all about constructing intimacy. According to Mazdzer, that intimacy relies on two key factors: a pared down guest list and romantic lighting. “When it comes to designing your wedding, what will ultimately create your perfect venue is the lighting,” Mazdzer explains. “From making your space picture-perfect to keeping the party going, the celebration’s illumination determines so much of the overall feel of the event.” For this occasion, the tall toffee-toned taper candles paired with the natural light from the hotel’s towering windows aggrandize a limited ceremony space.